Book Description
An all-new personal finance guide from the authors/creators of The Wall Street Journal Guide to Understanding Money and Investing
First in a new series based on information from Standard & Poor’s—the leading financial information organization—Standard & Poor’s Guide to Money & Investing demystifies the world of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, futures, and options, empowering you to make informed investment decisions, measure your performance, and evaluate the risks and rewards. Completely up-to-date to reflect significant changes in investing due to new technologies and the Internet, this concise, easy-to-read guide explains how to understand the markets, evaluate companies, and spot trends to invest for success. Also covered are forces driving the economy and the roles of institutions from the Federal Reserve to multinational banks to the stock exchanges.
Customer Reviews:
a fantastic primer for any investor.......2007-09-17
I have been reading a bit about investing for a decade but still felt I lacked a clear and comprehensive understanding of the previously overwhelming world of money and investing. NO MORE! I have found nothing that compares to the clear, concise and highly readable format of this book. The color coded and cearly defined sections helped me digest the well-organized and very readable material. However, the author's far exceed the abilty of most to clearly and concisely explain the most difficult and complicated of topics. This little book is a gem.
I feel like I've had a brief course in economics and investing and am now able to knowledgably and confidently discuss investing with the most savvy of finanical experts, agents, and those know it alls one often encounters. I will most certainly be looking at other Lighbulb Press materials.
Pretty good general intro to investing.......2007-05-02
This book describes the basic ways to invest your money. It covers markets and currency, stocks, bonds, indexes, mutual funds, ETFs, options, futures, and other alternative investments (briefly).
The format is very easy to read - there are lots of diagrams and pictures, which actually provides a good break from the large amount of dense information provided. One thing I liked (but that some may find annoying) is the frequency of repeating definitions. Between various sections, concepts are often defined multiple times. I found this useful, since it reminded me what a certain concept was without having to go back and find it earlier in the book.
In general, the information is pretty accurate and up-to-date. However, I noticed 1 error on the idea of fluctuation in currency value (International Investing in the Money & Markets section, p. 21), which gets the concept of a "strong dollar" during an international equity trade backwards, but then follows with an example diagram that gets it right. I was frankly surprised to see such a glaring mistake. I e-mailed the publishers, but received no response.
Another thing that I didn't like is the fact that, for some numbers in some of the diagrams, there is no mention at how the numbers were calculated/derived. I personally like to see/try all the formulas, so that was slightly annoying. But for the most part, I was able to figure out the formulas myself.
In conclusion, the book does an excellent job introducing various investment opportunities. It covers general information on each investment vehicle and describes the risks associated. It does not, however, teach you any special strategies (other than the obvious "diversify your portfolio" and "use strategies to minimize risk" ones) on investing - this is not the purpose of the book.
While I was initially put off by the brochure-like format and the clip-art-like pictures, I was pleasantly surprised by the content and the ease with which the information was presented. I certainly recommend this as an entry book for someone who does not understand the different ways to invest in various markets.
Pros:
+ nice introduction to markets and exchanges, and how they are regulated
+ covers all of the important investment vehicles used today
+ lots of useful information - good reference
+ lots of diagrams and pictures to break up the text
Cons:
- a few mistakes
- relatively dense - don't expect to blow through it if you want to retain the information
Book Description
Streamlined, straightforward, and simple to read guides from Standard & Poor's and Lightbulb Press.
The easiest way to get a grip on personal finance, investing, and retirement
From the world's leading financial analysts and investor education specialists comes an invaluable foundation of knowledge for every kind of investment you want to make. These guides, a collaboration between Standard & Poor's and Lightbulb Press, use clear language and informative graphics to demystify financial topics. The books make it easy for you to navigate the financial markets and understand the basics of investing and personal finance.
This guide provides the essential information you need to manage money and make key financial decisions. From saving for college to planning for retirement, the guide provides a concise look at saving, investing, credit, home ownership, insurance, and more.
Customer Reviews:
Great book to learn the basics of personal finance.......2007-05-17
i read this books and its great. plain and simple. if you want to learn the basics on how to invest your money, buy this book
Book Description
Streamlined, straightforward, and simple to read guides from Standard & Poor's and Lightbulb Press.
The easiest way to get a grip on personal finance, investing, and retirement
From the world's leading financial analysts and investor education specialists comes an invaluable foundation of knowledge for every kind of investment you want to make. These guides, a collaboration between Standard & Poor's and Lightbulb Press, use clear language and informative graphics to demystify financial topics. The books make it easy for you to navigate the financial markets and understand the basics of investing and personal finance.
This easy to understand guide covers what you need to know about planning for a financially secure retirement. It provides up-to-date information on contribution and withdrawal limits, and current legislation on IRA rollovers to estate planning.
Book Description
Personal finance guidelines from Standard & Poor's, the world's most trusted source for financial data and direction
The Standard & Poor's Guide to Personal Finance shows you how to manage the entire spectrum of day-to-day money matters, providing the hands-on strategies and techniques you need without being buried in irrelevant data. This hands-on guide tackles important, everyday issues from tax and debt management to long-term care, estate planning, personal investing, and more.
If you are looking to get your financial house in order without a lot of hassle, you will find virtually everything you need right here, from the authoritative professionals at Standard & Poor's.
Refreshingly free from intimidating jargon and insider shoptalk, this no-nonsense reference features:
- Bullet points, checklists, and more for increased usability
- Easy-to-follow directions for implementing real-world investing and saving tools
- Insights and ideas that you can use right away or file away for later use
Book Description
VALUABLE ADVICE FOR INVESTORS OF ALL TYPES FROM STANDARD & POOR'S, TODAY'S MOST TRUSTED RESOURCE FOR RELIABLE INVESTMENT INFORMATION
Standard & Poor's Press brings the impressive knowledge and resources of Standard & Poor's to some of today's most challenging financial issues. Covering subjects from saving for college to technical analysis to risk management, books in the series will give both independent and institutional investors the knowledge they need to dramatically improve their overall financial decisions.
Sensible, straightforward Standard & Poor's secrets for achieving worry-free investing success
Successful investing doesn't have to be a pressure-packed chore. The Standard & Poor's Guide to Profitable Long-Term Investing provides investors with commonsense rules and guidelines to take the pain out of investing and replace it with certainty and confidence. It unveils a simple approach, one that demystifies and simplifies the path to profitable investing without relying on buzzwords and confusing mathematics.
From knowing the best times to buy and sell to saving for education or retirement, this easy-to-follow book uses Standard & Poor's data, tables, charts, and graphs to illustrate and explain exactly how anyone can construct a sensible, low-maintenance portfolio.
Covering topics that books of its type often overlook, it discusses:
- Why stockbrokers and financial advisers can be hazardous to an investor's financial health
- Seven simple steps to follow to help ensure profitable investing
- How and when to buy a stock and--even more important--when to take profits
Customer Reviews:
Tigue Hits All The Right Notes.......2007-05-22
I picked up this book after reading another book by Mr. Tigue on dividend investing. Like the first book I read by Tigue, this book is simple, straightforward, and very well written. However, I have to admit that at some points it was slow going, but then much of the information is not new to me, so I believe that may explain it.
Tigue borrows a marketing ploy from the infamous Stephen Covey, and uses it to pass on some general, but very powerful ideas on long term investing. The first chapter talks about the various investment vehicles available to save and invest, either tax-deferred or tax-free. This chapter is probably the most important one of the book (apart from the chapter on keeping costs down), because it discusses the critical concept behind any successful long-term investing strategy: paying oneself first. Anyone that works for a living should get into the habit of setting aside a fixed percentage of their net (after-tax) income, and put it to work building capital.
The second chapter talks about diversification, and is probably a very good idea for the small investor. However, I felt this chapter was a bit under-done, because most small investors are of limited means, and to achieve adequate diversification, one would need a sizable bankroll (about fifty grand, minimum I would say). So, I believe most folks would be better off by automatically investing a fixed percentage of their net, after-tax income in a good, no-load, low cost stock mutual fund. Most index mutual funds allow you to participate with automatic contributions of a hundred bucks, and thus would be a good way to achieve diversification- if, of course, diversification is important to you.
The third chapter talks about holding stocks for the long term, and points out that over long periods of time, stocks have low volatility. 'Tis the short term that causes ulcers.
The fourth chapter talks about doing those things you know and understand, avoiding the sophisticated and exotic, and most important, evaluating the business and not the stock. I felt Tigue could have said more on this, but this is a book for the beginner, so I will not mark him down for it.
The fifth and sixth chapters talk about when to buy in, and having done a fair of investing over the years, I feel that these chapters are potentially misleading. Serious investors buy businesses, and not stocks.
The seventh chapter talks about keeping costs down, and is probably the most important chapter for the seasoned small investor, but second in importance to the novice. Costs do matter because all the players know what you know, and most of you achieve the same results as most everyone else. By netting as much as the return as possible, you can very easily propel yourself far above average. However, I think for the novice the concept of paying oneself first, CONSISTENTLY, is the most important lesson to take away from the book.
Chapter eight talks about knowing when to sell, and is good background for the novice and the seasoned small investor.
Chapter nine talks about making investment decisions, and I have to commend Mr. Tigue for his inclusion of various sources information- websites, periodicals and books, in most chapters so that readers can glean further information. The chapter contains good information overall, and would be most helpful in developing a healthy skepticism among beginning investors.
Chapter ten talks about the various types of bonds one can buy. I found it quite peculiar, and very disturbing, that Mr. Tigue spent no time talking about inflation in this chapter.
Chapter eleven basically talks about the joys of compounding- if you have time on your side. I think he basically got it right, so I won't argue with him there.
So, in sum, this book is geared toward the beginner or novice investor. Seasoned investors would do very well to pay close attention to the chapters on cost containment and investment selection, but can otherwise comfortably skip the rest. If I were to run a short course on long-term investment for the beginner, this is the book that I would use as a teaching tool.
The Standard & Poor's Guide to Long-term Investing........2007-02-07
If you want to understand long term investing, this book is the key to grasping the fundamentals.
Great Book for beginninger!.......2005-10-03
Very useful if you are a beginninger in investing and know nothing about it. Explain in very simple term but at the same time, give quite a detail. I enjoy it. Of course, this book is not mean to make you rich in 24 hrs but does provide some tips on how we should manage our personal investment.
Merely states the obvious........2004-04-27
This book is the most basic "investing book" I have ever read. Essentially, Tigue's guide states you should start investing now invest every month and but good divedends paying stock. Well that's great advice. Why didn't I think about that? (note sarcasm) The problem is that he doesn't really give you a lot of information on how to pick these stocks. The reader who apparently isn't smart enough to know he shouldn't waste money on lottery tickets (one of Tingues suggestions to save money) is somehow suppose to find great stocks that increasingly increase their dividends. He gives some suggestions, but most of these seem to be advancing Standard and Poor's research and other agendas.
Tingue does, however, have one good chapter. In it he explains the necessity of keeping down your costs. Once again this is obvious but he gives a pretty lucent description of fees associated with mutual funds and Direct Stock purchase plans. In the end, you should probably takes Tingues on advice and utilize the library rather than spend money on another investment book you don't need
Great Investment Book.......2004-01-08
This book explains, in simple terms, how to be a successful investor based on proven techniques. It covers almost all aspects of investments (stocks, bonds, funds, and more)
A great book. I changed my investment strategy because of this book. I am also going to keep in mind a lot of the tips that were covered in the book. Good job, Tigue.
Book Description
Some 16 million Americans already invest in 401(k) plans, and new regulations are expected to attract millions more. This huge audience will embrace the 401k's use for tax, financial, and retirement planning, evaluate investment choices, monitor performance, handle rollovers and payouts, and much more. Featuring reader-friendly worksheets and sample portfolios, this authoritative guide is a sure bet for all 401(k) participants seeking to maximize their financial future.
Customer Reviews:
Good Book - Old Information.......2003-09-09
The author and the organization did a great job of covering the topic, however. The however is that it should be disclosed that much has changed in the qualified plan area, tax law changes and such, that effects this books revelance. I would encourage a update - or encourage readers to buy another book. Avoid this title until it is updated. This is not a place to be behind the curve.
A must for fresh graduates and starters in 401K too!.......2000-10-11
I remember during my first job after graduating, our HR rep was telling me about my company's 401K plan and how good it is compared to others given the plan options and company match and boy did I turn a deaf ear to her! Like many new graduates I was just happy to get the paycheck and had no clue about retirement plans and IRAs. The older wiser employees used to talk about 401K during lunch etc and I wouldn't know what the hell they are talking about. I did figure out that it is something 'good' and everyone is ought to enroll.
I finally went to the bookstore and picked this book (at random). It turned out to be a life saver. It clearly explains what actually 401 plans are and how they work. It did not assume any previous knowledge on the subject. The book talks about the legal aspects of the plan as well and ofcourse how the employees can take advantage of this. You will clearly understand pre-tax deductions, company match, taxes relevant to 401K, what plan administrator is, what kind of different plan options are out there etc.
Most importantly it gives you an idea as to how you can set financial goals for your retirement and based on that and your age now how much you should contribute to your plan. There are many other facts about 401K covered such as taking a loan out of your 401 if you want to buy a house for instance. Ofcourse there are some 'penalties' associated with it and the book does a great job explaining those.
After reading this book I realized how important it is to enroll ASAP in 401K plan coz why the hell you'd want to miss out on $ for $ company match. Its literally free money for god sake!
A nice overview of how to handle your 401k plan.......1998-12-26
This book does a great job of handling the task of explaining 401k investment options, asset allocations, and 401k distributions. The sample asset allocations for different styles of investors are great examples. Unfortunately the book does not cover Roth IRAs as the book was published before Roths came out. Otherwise a great book.
Book Description
VALUABLE ADVICE FOR INVESTORS OF ALL TYPES FROM STANDARD & POOR'S, TODAY'S MOST TRUSTED RESOURCE FOR RELIABLE INVESTMENT INFORMATION
Standard & Poor's brings the impressive knowledge and resources of Standard & Poor's to some of today's most challenging financial issues. Covering subjects from saving for college to technical analysis to risk management, books in the series will give both independent and institutional investors the knowledge they need to dramatically improve their overall financial decisions.
Knowledge and insights new investors need to build wealth without risking what they already have
Even veteran investors often can be confused by today's markets. So, where does that leave beginners? The Standard & Poor's Guide for the New Investor provides novice investors with solid, insightful Standard & Poor's data and research to help them make sense of investing in post-bubble markets and is the perfect introductory resource for those looking to smooth the transition from low-return savings accounts to high-return, long-term investing.
Covering everything from basic stock investing rules and strategies to technical analysis and other advanced tools and techniques, this straightforward book provides investors with the knowledge they need to both manage their money today and invest it for the future. Discussing vehicles from stocks and bonds to mutual funds and even derivatives, it uses a simple, conversational style to explain:
- Tips for living within one's means
- Stock investing strategies from basic to more advanced
- All about 401(k)s, IRAs, and other retirement plans
Customer Reviews:
Mattive Rocks.......2004-01-13
This is a great introduction to investing! Easy to understand and chock-full of information. I would recommend this to anyone who feels they have more to learn about the in's and out's of investing.
Need a Little More.......2003-12-14
Mattive covers the basics of investing for the beginner, but the coverage is too minimal. Even the beginner requires more information than is provided in this new book.
One good point is that he attempts to teach the new investor about options, a topic that is too often omitted in such books. For additional help with conservative uses for options, I recommend The Short Book on Options.
Book Description
VALUABLE ADVICE FOR INVESTORS OF ALL TYPES FROM STANDARD & POOR'S, TODAY'S MOST TRUSTED RESOURCE FOR RELIABLE INVESTMENT INFORMATION
Standard & Poor's Press brings the impressive knowledge and resources of Standard & Poor's to some of today's most challenging financial issues. Covering subjects from saving for college to technical analysis to risk management, books in the series will give both independent and institutional investors the knowledge they need to dramatically improve their overall financial decisions.
Proven strategies parents can use to save for their children's education without going bankrupt
Just about all families, regardless of their financial status, are daunted by the prospect of paying for their children's college years.
The Standard & Poor's Guide to Saving and Investing for College helps parents determine how much they need to save, understand the least costly payment methods, know where to look for student loans and scholarships, and more. Bringing the full resources of Standard & Poor's to the table, this all-in-one, authoritative guide covers:
- Tax tips for taking full advantage of college saving and costs
- How students can best position themselves for available grant packages
- Pros and cons of popular funding programs, including the popular 529 plan
Customer Reviews:
Invesment strategies for college galore.......2007-01-25
Successfully finding a book regarding how to save for college depends heavily on the background of the reader. I am mathematically adept (majored in economics) and not a novice regarding buying and selling securities (but I don't go short or do derivatives directly). I needed a book that contains strategies that incorporate the current version of the tax code and investment basics. After some false starts (see some of my other reviews for these), I found this book to be a delight. Finally, somewhat unusual for me, I am keeping this book for future reference even after reading it.
Good book for 529 infomation, but go with 529 for Dummies.......2006-11-14
After my baby was born, I knew I wanted to save for her college. I read this book and another 529 book. This book was ok. I got more information from the 529 for Dummies book. It walked me through the college savings process, explained how to get college financing, and listed all the 529 companies to go with for each state. It decussed tax issues as well. This is not an easy read for someone that does not have a clue about 529's (Me).
Very informative guide for understanding all the nuances........2004-10-19
I own and run a small investment firm and this book is what we give our clients to read. We also train our brokers and advisors with this book (among others). Of course, plans and details change constantly, but we feel this is a more than adequate book that's pretty straight and to the point on information for the average person.
I get the feeling they were trying to be "politically correct" in mentioning a lot of plans and ideas on how to save without trying to piss of mutual funds and other managers though. So many states have weird plans that allow little choice to the consumer besides 3 choices. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I wish they didn't pull punches and really reviewed and said what they really thought sometimes :-)
One of *the* books on paying for a college degree!.......2004-06-02
David Braverman, a senior director at Standard & Poor's, looks at how financial aid can be part of your savings plan, how to use 529 and Coverdell plans effectively, and the new tax benefits available. For people who are serious about preparing for one of the major expenditures of their entire lives, this is one of the books you need to read early on. Definitely worth a read.
Tom Nixon
Cheap College Degrees website
http://www.cheapdegrees.com
A wonderful resource!.......2004-04-06
David Braverman's book is a great help in understanding how to finance a college education. It gives families the financial knowledge they need to plan and choose wisely for the future. This book cuts through all the confusion and is clear and easy to read. It's a wonderful guide and resource for all families investing in college.
Average customer rating:
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Standard & Poor's Stock & Bond Guide, 2003 Edition
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill Companies
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Bonds
| Investing
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Investing
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Introduction
| Investing
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Stocks
| Investing
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Management
| Management & Leadership
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Personal Finance
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0071410651 |
Book Description
"Belongs on every individual investor's shelf."--Smart Money
Standard & Poor's is recognized as the world's leading provider of securities information. Standard & Poor's Stock and Bond Guide, 2003 Edition, is a complete directory and performance guide to more than 14,000stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Investors get all the vital data they need to make the most informed stock picks--including hard-to-find, detailed coverage of convertible and preferred stocks.
Book Description
From the world's most respected financial information service, a powerhouse of critical financial information
McGraw-Hill proudly introduces the Standard & Poor's Stock Sector Guides, a new series of guides offering investors comprehensive coverage of all major stocks in today's hottest industry sectors, including:
- Finance
- Technology
- Health Care, Pharmaceutical, and Biotechnology
- Energy
- Communication and Telecom
These new guides offer investors instant access to the high-quality information and analysis previously available only to S&P subscribers. Each guide includes exclusive stock reports for the 150 top-rated companies in each industry in a sector. Each report features:
- S&P's ratings and recommendations
- A summary of business activities
- A report on sales history and recent developments
- Three-year price charts
- Key income and balance sheet statistics
- And more
Guides also include analyses of each sector as a whole and exclusive advice on how to evaluate stocks for the various industries in each sector.
Books:
- StrengthsFinder 2.0: A New and Upgraded Edition of the Online Test from Gallup's Now, Discover Your Strengths
- The Elements of Color
- The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid: Eradicating Poverty Through Profits (Wharton School Publishing Paperbacks)
- The Fundamentals of Risk Measurement
- The Japanese House: Architecture and Interiors
- The Little Book of Common Sense Investing: The Only Way to Guarantee Your Fair Share of Stock Market Returns (Little Book Big Profits)
- The Little Book of Common Sense Investing: The Only Way to Guarantee Your Fair Share of Stock Market Returns (Little Book Big Profits)
- The Neatest Little Guide to Stock Market Investing (Revised Edition) (Neatest Little Guide to Stock Market Investing)
- The Toyota Way
- The Toyota Way
Books Index
Books Home
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The Wall Street Journal Complete Money and Investing Guidebook (The Wall Street Journal Guidebooks)
Standard & Poor's Guide to Understanding Personal Finance (Standard & Poor's Guide to)
The Wall Street Journal Guide to Planning Your Financial Future, 3rd Edition (Wall Street Journal Guide to Planning Your Financial Future)
The Wall Street Journal. Complete Personal Finance Guidebook (The Wall Street Journal Guidebooks)
Standard & Poor's Dictionary of Financial Terms (Standard & Poor's)
