3 comments about Venture Capital Investing: The Complete Handbook for Investing in Private Businesses for Outstanding Profits (Financial Times Prentice Hall Books).

1. This book is a thorough, practical guide to the nitty-gritty of venture capital investing. This comprehensive, well-organized instruction manual summarizes the homework you should do before you make a venture capital investment, the paperwork needed to carry out the investment and the ongoing work you will have to undertake to have a prayer of seeing your investment pay off. If it is a little plodding, you can understand why. It covers a lot of ground. The authors compare venture capital investing to a partnership at one point, to a marriage at another. They don't attempt to sell you on venture investing. In fact, by telling you how difficult and labor intensive it is, they may even drive you away. We believe this book definitely belongs in the library of anyone who has ever taken a serious interest in venture investing. It will also help entrepreneurs who need venture capital financing by showing them how to evaluate their companies according to the criteria that serious investors are apt to use.



2. Much updated from previous editions, David Gladstone's useful text provides a very cursory survey of deal and investment techniques, albeit for slightly later than "sexy" stage deals. However, as this book is designed for the novice, and as Lipper's text has fallen out of print, this sadly remains the only general text on VC investing for the inexperienced, and is useful in context of the level which it is designed to educate. While the many checklists may be somewhat annoying to seasoned VCs, they are probably indispensable to the novice investor, since they provide a summary framework when working through deal and business terms. And while the book is designed more for later stage (through certainly not LATE stage, as some have alluded to) deals, the book is, again, designed to educate the novice venture investor, who really shouldn't be doing high tech start-ups anyway. Irrespective of that, anyone who presumes to write a text on investing in high tech start ups would likely find his text applicable only for the next few months after printing. Ours is an industry that evolves very quickly, and changes rapidly in accordance to the latest trends. No one can teach you how to pick the winners in the trend that hasn't happened yet. Getting the basics from a text like Gladstone's, however, can give you the fundamentals on which to build that "knack".



3. I've noticed same comment made (almost word by word) to the previous book of Gladstone (Venture Capital Handbook) meaning that they're not reviews at all but sheer PR or advertisement to sell books. I didn't buy both of them.

5 comments about Rich Dad's Who Took My Money?: Why Slow Investors Lose and Fast Money Wins! (Rich Dad's).

1. I cant believe Kiyosaki is getting rich writing this garbage.
   
   In the book,he laughs at the general advice of "have a diversified portfolio,invest for the long term,buy and hold".He says plenty of times how wrong that advice is.He also repeats over and over how millions of people lost billions of dollars during the Bear Market of 2000-2002.
   What Kiyosaki forgets to say is that the people who LOST money,were the ones who SOLD their equity investments during or just after the technology bubble.He also forgets to say that,in fact,the people who followed the:have a diversified portfolio,buy and hold,and didnt SELL,not only those people didnt lose a single penny,but now,in 2007,those people have earned lots of money.
   
   If you want to know how REAL rich people invest,you should read "The Millionaire Next Door" and "The Millionaire Mind",by Thomas Stanley.A serious study about how real millionaires invest.Millionaires that followed the buy and hold strategy.
   Also,if you want to know how stocks work for the long term,read"Stocks For The Long Run",by Jeremy Siegel: a great work,showing empirical data with historical study on how the stocks work for the long term.
   
   
   Avoid Kiyosaky,he is a charlatan who gets richer and richer selling his books.



2. Same thing gets repeated over and over without a real insight of any thing. Waste of time.



3. I loved this book! It was recomended by a close friend that is like my rich dad, I've read his others, but this one is great as far as people needing to know where their money is going. I also recommend all of his other books as well. It is a must buy for people willing to financially free themselves!



4. Leverage. Imagine "turbocharging" your finances.
   
   You can do this in the commodity markets, the currency markets, stock options and real estate. And as long as the market goes up (or down, if you are selling the market short) you win. BIG. This is fast money, managed responsibly.
   
   Investing in something and ignoring it is a good way for your money to walk away. Putting your money in the bank or depending on a money manager to mind the store for you is the equivalent of having Colonel Sanders watch your chickens. This, is slow money.
   
   It's your money, and it's best you learn how to manage it. Great. So, how DO you manage your money?? Hmmmmmmm we still don't know.
   
   I understand Robert's argument on this: He avoids specifics because there are 10000 ways to manage your money. Unfortunately, I think most of them are the WRONG way! So who's going to show you the right way? It depends. The hard part is, which way is the right way for you? (now there I go, being vague!)
   
   Are you aggressive or passive, by nature. Are you creative, or diciplined?? What is your definition of risk, and how much risk are you willing to take on? The answers to these questions, combined with some strong financial training will give you the answer to these questions, but you won't find the quick answer here.
   
   You will, however find some great insights; clues on where to look for good investments, and concepts on being a great investor. Clues, that's all. You still have to do the research and legwork. Nobody here is going to tell you what to do with your money.
   
   If you don't know what is a good investment, hire a financial consultant...one who doesn't sell investments on the side. Let them research your investment opportunities for you.
   
   Unfortunately, this book could have been written in less than 100 pages. My copy had 242 pages.



5. This book is a total waste of time, there is no information of any value inside. It is just the author talking about the military, meeting rich dad for a fancy lunch and then nodding when rich dad imparts some amazing information 'that only the rich know'. The author says how silly the average person is for doing the normal investment choices despite the fact he doesn't offer any real alternatives. The fancy tag lines Who took my money" and "fast money wins" have nothing to do with the contents, save your money.

2 comments about The Business Plan Is Dead.

1. 
   This is definitely a MUST READ for anyone starting a business, as well as those looking to raise capital. Being privileged to have worked in several different industries as a financial consultant, I thought I knew all there was to know or at least enough. BOY WAS I WRONG! My business partner and I just completed a business plan which in turn took six weeks of work. After reading the Business Plan Is Dead, I realized what was done in six weeks could have been done in three and been much more effective. This book has given me a different perspective and approach on writing a business plan. THIS IS A GREAT BOOK !!!!!!!!!!!



2. Great framework for creating your business plan! Well written, easy to use, easy to reference and totally practical. Everyone needs to buy this book if you are going to or are currently writing a business plan.

2 comments about Preventing Internal Theft : A Bar Owners Guide.

1. I wish I had found this book years ago. It explains all the differnet concerns regarding theft at a bar. It is easy to go through and pull out the information that most meets the needs of the business. Way to go Plotkin!



2. This book is very informative for most beginners, however, it's redundancy can drag the reader down at times. The length of the book could have been chopped down to 1/3 of it's size. The book has variations of roughly 20 different schemes devised from bartenders, waitresses, food servers, and Management. It will steer the reader/owner to the basics of protecting their business and patrons. Worth reading, could be more encompassing for length and price.

5 comments about Offshore Money Book, The : How to Move Assets Offshore for Privacy, Protection, and Tax Advantage.

1. This is a good book for teaching newbies the basics of how to go offshore, open bank accounts, and (perhaps most importantly) avoid offshore scams.
   
   The book needs to be read in light of recent revisions to the Patriot Act and new currency transfer reporting requirements. Don't even think of going offshore if your goal is to try to hide money from Uncle Sam, since if your particular plan fails it will probably end up being felony tax evasion.



2. If you are looking for a "feel good" book that only gives you the sugar frosting about offshore without warning you about the many pitfalls, then this book isn't for you.
   
   On the one hand, if your interest is learning about the realities of offshore banking and tax reporting for U.S. citizens, etc., the you will find this a good starter guide. It's also chock full of interesting stories based on Mr. Cornez's personal experiences in the offshore havens.



3. Famous authors of several other books like this one, for example Jerome Schneider, have already been * convicted * of tax fraud and have handed over their entire client lists to the US Government.
   
   There is no legal way of avoiding US Taxes through offshore banks, offshore trusts, or numbered accounts. These things are only good for:
   
   1.) Asset protection
   2.) Diversifying investments/access to greater variety of investments
   
   and that's it. Be wary of advice in books like this one if you are using them to avoid taxes.
   
   If you don't like paying high taxes, give up your residency, hand in your passport and get citizenship in a country with lower taxes.



4. This book lets you understand the fundamentals of offshore investing to protect yourself from lawsuits and avoid unnecessary tax liability. It focuses on the legal way to avoid exposure. This book is worth the money, but nothing outstanding.



5. This book covers most of your questions and describes the basics for banking and corporations established outside the US. It tries to give you the pros and cons of each type of company and a list of places to look into. While it may not be the only book you'll ever need, it does a nice job of detailing what you'll need and how to go about the process of offshore management of finances and protecting your assets. It would have gotten 5 stars if it had been more recent. Still, its' quite worthwhile compared to what else is out there.

5 comments about Yes, You Can Become a Successful Income Investor! Reaching for Yield in Today's Market.

1. This is a very different investment book. While the books one typically sees suggest ways to get rich-- that is, to accumulate capital-- as quickly as possible, this short, readable book suggests that those near or in retirement should be thinking about how to deploy their resources in a way that maximizes their income. That is, staying comfortable is more important than getting rich.
   
   Stein and DeMuth explain that most investment fads are not only unsuitable for older investors, but, worse, they just don't work. They make a point that many people who lost their money in the market meltdown a few years ago should have thought about: If an investment is too complicated to understand, then it should be avoided. In the end, there's no magic bullet; diversification and adherence to investment basics will pay off. The body of the book is devoted to explaining how to do that.
   
   The book discusses various types of bonds, dividend-paying stocks, real estate investment trusts, and annuities. The one thing that is mentioned in every chapter is the basic principle that risk and reward are in balance; the only way to get a high reward is to take more risk. Striking the correct balance is, of course, an individual decision, and the most important part of the book is the discussion about how to combine various types of investments in in a way that balances risk and reward. There are numerous sample portfolios and many specific bond and stock funds suggested-- and also numerous cautions that investors need to do their own research before they buy anything. The authors provide a link to their website, which provides current information and links.
   
   A bonus is that unlike many investment books, this one is very readable. The authors don't dumb anything down, but they take pains to explain things without using jargon. Readers familiar with Stein's TV and movie style of delivery will recognize it here, too.
   
   This is a very valuable book that will provide the reader with a lot to think about-- and a good way to do that thinking.



2. This is an excellent book to teach you how to invest for the highest yield. I should add that Jeremy Siegel's books are also good for this type of investing. Say bye to the Apples, Microsofts, retailers, Googles, and other growth stocks, and hello to high yield, income producing securities. The key is to buy and hold forever, reinvesting your dividends along the way. As the years unfold you will find your portfolio grow larger and larger. Who cares if the market is up or down? Let it go down, and your reinvested dividends will buy you more shares.
   This book is highly recommended.



3. A good book but not as complete as Yes, You can still Retire Comfortably.
   Does not fully elaborate on the risks of bonds in dealing with Financials (sub-prime) and Bond defaults. Perhaps an update of this book is in order.



4. Fine book on income investing. Good for all. Highly recommend this to all who are interested in increasing their income and preserving capital. Hats off to the authors.



5. Excellent book ... short, easy to read with good illustrations. Would have liked an explanation as to how to select dividend stocks rather than using the recommended list since the recommended list will change over time.

5 comments about The Real Estate Recipe: Make Millions by Buying Small Apartment Properties in Your Spare Time (Nuts & Bolts Series) (Nuts & Bolts series).

1. This will be my first and only online review of any of my 200+ books in my library. But it needed to be said... The Biggest disappointment I have ever purchased...
   
   1 Star
   Two Thumbs Down
   A Complete waste of money!
   
   212 total pages (With Huge fonts and Filler pages after every Chapter Title Page)
   
   4 Pages of Filler for "note"-taking in the back
   
   17 Pages of "Constant Payment Tables/Remaining Loan Balance" Charts
   
   The Book Averages 4 pages (Sides not full) per chapter of info
   
   Page 151 is the Start of the Appendix



2. I found the book to be a very concise (Nuts & Bolts) and logical approach to buying small apartment properties from someone who obviously knows the process. He gives you all the tools needed to anaylise, purchase, manage and project profits. The forms in the book are easily accessed at the publisher's website www.dnapress.com for downloading. I'm closing on a 7 unit property in less than 2 weeks. Thanks Brian!



3. Of the three books I've read on investing in multi-family real estate, this is by far the best. The author does a good job of walking the reader through from start to finish the purchase of a representative property. In the appendix the author provides several very easy to understand and useful financial analysis templates which can easily be recreated in Excel or any other spreadsheet program.



4. This is one of four books on purchasing and managing real estate that we purchased. Although pricey due to availability in hardback only, for those such as us that are first time buyers of commercial real estate, the data, clarity of thought and information will likely prove very valuable. It is a quick read that provides the basic tenets of buying multi-family units. The financial elements are fairly simplistic; hence we purchased an additional book that delves into the intricacies of purchasing and financing multi-family units.



5. I have read and own numerous books on real estate investment and found this one to be one of the most concise and detailed books on apartment house investing on the market. I really don't understand what a previous reviewer meant by that it was a total loss. I found it to be detailed and informative. It literally takes you by the hand leads into investing on a property. I will be following the author's advice and begin investing in small apartment properties. If you are seeking true financial independence, you would be wise to purchase this book and not the crap promoted on late night t.v.

4 comments about David Scott's Guide to Investing In Mutual Funds (David Scott's Guide).

1. The author has written another superb book on investment. This book on mutual funds is fun to read, easy to understand and cuts through the fog of misunderstanding associated with mutual fund investing. It includes a detailed explanation of all the various mutual funds which includes equity, bond and money market funds. It also covers alternatives to mutual funds such as closed-end investment companies. The book provides a wealth of knowledge and is a welcome addition to my library on investing.



2. This is a concise guide for beginning investors. It is easy to understand and reasonably complete. The material is too elementary for someone experienced in mutual fund investing but just about right for someone who is about to get their feet wet.



3. This is another good investment primer in Scott's series. An easy read that is especially worthwhile for someone wondering what mutual funds are all about. After reading this book you may also wonder why you may be paying so much to buy and own shares of a mutual fund.



4. I have found Scott's book to be a real help in understanding how to select mutual funds. Now I know what fees to check and the type fund that best fits my needs. I have recommended this to my friends who were in the same sorry shape I was.

5 comments about Fortune & Freedom: The Entrepreneur's Guide to Success.

1. This is an excellent book for any level of business need, either startup or a successful business person seeking new ideas. Jim writes in a very straightforward, understandingable presentation. His personal business success and acumen are easily outlined without a lot of the unnecessary verbage found in most business books. Everyone in business at all levels should at least browse through these pages of good advice.



2. True Freedom is never having to answer to anyone - even one's own boss. "Fortune & Freedom: The Entrepreneur's Guide to Success" is a complete and comprehensive handbook for aspiring entrepreneurs who seek this true freedom, one where there is no boss man breathing down their neck. With tips on getting oneself in the right mindset to own and run a business, and cultivating the negotiation skills to make it successful, "Fortune & Freedom" covers all aspects of starting one's own business - including when signs indicate that one should cut and run. "Fortune & Freedom: The Entrepreneur's Guide to Success" should be considered by any who wish to be self-employed, and for community library business collections.



3. I really liked this book and have referred back to it several times! Jim Hirshfield's "Key Points" at the end of each chapter make it easy to get advice at a quick glance. When I saw that he splits his time between Washington State & Hawaii - I thought this is a guy who knows all about Fortune & Freedom! I highly recommend this book.



4. This book is both fascinating and helpful. I found myself being drawn in for more information. I particularly liked the end of chapter WHAT TO DO comments and found them to be practical and obtainable. The book is a must read for anyone starting a business or wanting to have a successful financial plan. It also makes you consider your long-term plan and guides you to take charge. I will use it from now on as a reference tool as well.



5. Business books come and go, providing tales of common sense or relying on interviews with successful executives genuflecting to the wisdom of even more powerful executives. They usually are heavy on basic advice (do not steal, make clear plans, stay organized) and light on interesting material.
   Jim Hirshfield's first book, Fortune & Freedom: The Entrepreneur's Guide to Success, is a stunner because it wraps a human story (complete with lessons and tales of trials and tribulations) around tips and solid advice. Unlike most business books that preach self discipline, Hirshfield, who built, added to, and managed an extremely successful cable television enterprise, disseminates advice that business schools, parents, and grandparents are ill-equipped to provide.
   For example, Hirshfield recommends business leaders work with their "silent partner," the government. He recommends volunteering for a campaign and watching politics up close before or at the outset of your entrepreneurial career. This sage advice is ignored by numerous business attorneys and small business owners who spend their waking hours treating government officials like they are anathema to success.
   Rather than only view government as a money taking villain, Hirshfield plants examples of how watching the political process in action helps business owners understand how they can be partners with government officials. And this is no Mafia tale advising people to get closer to their enemies than friends, Hirshfield wishes to uncover what motivates government officials so business people can function well in their orbit.
   Fortune and Freedom also describes the critical nature of obtaining and cultivating a skill rather than training for an occupation with no roadmap in sight. Reading the book makes popular plans like holding a good job and paying bills sound underwhelming.
   "The desire for instant gratification can be a real barrier to freedom," writes the author on page 18, chapter 2. But his cautionary tale is not as obvious as it sounds. Hirshfield even pulls the curtain from generic middle class advice 101. He eschews simply trumpeting the usual ideal (which he does not criticize): a good college education leads to proper training for a sterling career, which will be realized with hard work and discipline. Instead Hirshfield focuses on opportunities that provide on the job training and definable skills.
   After reading how selling vacuum cleaners or cable television packages door-to-door, serving as a volunteer accountant for a non-profit, or managing a shift at a fast food restaurant provide the necessary skills and confidence that an entrepreneur requires, something resonates.
   The old tale about the purchasing manager or clerk that works his or her way into management sounds no longer like a fable; because individuals with skills that are important to organizations understand the operations of a firm better than the rest of us. Core skills like money management and selling are marketable anywhere; more so than glamorous occupations that are less transferable.
   When a young person graduates from a technical school or college peer pressure and family influence dictate that selling cars on commission or managing a construction crew or a late night grocery shift is unimpressive. Yet after reading Hirshfield one concludes that such work might be better training than working as a marketing assistant at Safeco or Microsoft and learning a fairly narrow skill set. The author makes this observation effectively by telling a tale of two young people he meets in Denver on page 33.
   One of the people "had graduated from a top Eastern college and was in her first month of working for the information systems department of a large hospital." After asking what skills she thought might be useful moving forward and receiving no answer Hirshfield determined she lacked a career plan.
   Conversely, "the young fellow next to her had graduated from a Western state university with a degree in information systems and was selling insurance." He was in Denver for a three-day seminar. Hirshfield was impressed. "I told him how impressed I was with his early career path. Not only did he have a background in a functional specialty for the twenty-first century - information systems - but he was now adding the functional skill of direct selling to his repertoire. He was off to a great start at age twenty-five.
   As the book continues those of us who have focused on always finding the best job available realize we are more vulnerable to market conditions than individuals like the young man selling insurance. Rather than developing a plan for financial freedom by acquiring additional skills or establishing entrepreneurial roadmaps, most of us manage our personal assets and balances, worry about healthcare coverage, and hope everything works out for the best.
   Instead of an entrepreneur's silent partner, government, people lacking plans are left with a very noisy partner, the company they work for, managed by people unlikely to view them as anything more than a critical, non-critical or unnecessary asset.
   Fortune and Freedom identifies the necessity of understanding how to raise and manage money, and most importantly how to communicate with people that raise and dispense capital for a living. Leadership within business is addressed in a fascinating chapter with some humorous anecdotes, and Parts III and IV of the book are valuable for experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders because they identify when to and when not to build or buy. The final two sections also cover team building and problem solving within organizations. The author's actions while establishing and maintaining the culture of his organization will surprise you.
   After finishing this concise 145-page manuscript you will likely want to read it again. Hirshfield said he wanted to produce a book that someone could read during a flight and he has accomplished his goal.
   Years ago, a successful entrepreneur told me that I should move to Olympia or Washington D.C. immediately to gain an understanding of government. I had mentioned an interest in politics and this advice struck me as borderline humorous. Why would I suddenly move before accomplishing something? It sounded like a recipe for failure to me.
   After reading Fortune and Freedom, I am reminded the advice dispensed years ago for free was excellent.
   Experienced entrepreneurs are well versed at identifying what skills and opportunities will provide the necessary groundwork for career development and financial freedom. Unfortunately, their advice is usually overwhelmed by nonsensical myths related to the self made man and the perpetual rejoinder that good grades will somehow lead to better opportunities, which will somehow lead to financial success.
   Do yourself a favor. Ignore the conventional wisdom and read this book.

5 comments about Straight Through Processing for Financial Services: The Complete Guide (Complete Technology Guides for Financial Services) (Complete Technology Guides for Financial Services).

1. A great book--well written and practical--highly relevant for at least two audiences:
   
   1) Financial professionals involved in process redesign, especially Straight Through Processing (STP)
   
   2) Anyone for whom technology-enabled process automation is a goal. Even if you are not streamlining trade settlement processes, Ms. Khanna's book has valuable lessons and frameworks which apply throughout the financial services industry, and beyond.
   
   Why do I believe this book is valuable beyond STP specifically? The book is structured to combined specific details with essential principles.
   
   For example, my favorite chapter, Chapter 6: Data Management, introduces core data management concepts including data governance, "golden copy" reference data, service-oriented data synchronization, and even best practices in data normalization.
   
   Readable, relevant, and highly recommended.



2. Ayesha Khanna's guide to STP for financial services is a useful book for those people to whom the subject is relatively new.
   I was looking for more in depth knowledge and more detailed guidelines of best practices. Even though I found some interesting tips on some technology choices if one was to buy a sub-system off the shelf, I can't say I was completely satisfied with the book's contents.



3. This is one of those rare books which combines theoretical information with real world perspective. I am impressed by the way Ms. Khanna sheds light on different technical paradigms and delves into complex business processes prevalent in the Industry. The book would be a useful guide for newcomers to the financial industry and a handy refresher for seasoned professionals



4. I have been looking for a book which will give me a quick overview of how trading work and I found this great book. I am a programmer and a newcomer to trading and trying to understand the trading workflow overview. It serves this purpose. Only thing is that it is a bit expensive compared to other books.



5. A good book to start with. Ayesha does a good job in giving a general overview of the whole financial services industry.