5 comments about Risk Management.

1. I think it the best book about Risk management I read so far. I was impressed even by the way they treat market risk although it does not seem their main interest. The chapter on VaR is much better than a whole book on it. Great!!! Everyone should have a copy...



2. I bought this book because some readers highly recommended it. I'm a financial derivatives strategist and risk management consultant. When a reviewed the book I disappointed in five main particular points: 1) The chapter on VaR is unsatisfactory and insufficient. The authors discuss this subject in a general approach. From my view point I have a preference for Jorion's Value At Risk. 2) There is no discussion about GARCH models, which decrease the importance of this book. I recognise "Risk Management" is a great book. It's a vast encyclopaedia of risk. 3) There's a great discussion of all types of risk, but without any practical solved case. This particular point demerit the seriousness and greatness of the book. 4) The level of mathematics in the book is a little advanced and without any support en practical cases, these poor numerical exercises and calculus tools are useless. 5) Montecarlo simulation approach is bad. There is a great discussion on this subject in Hull's Options, Futures and other derivatives, where the theme is practical, objective and concise. Finally and taking into account these five particular disadvantages, I'll give my rating to this book: 3 stars.



3. This is an encyclopedia, and reading such things is not what most people, even when deeply interested in the subject are likely to do. It does provide a fair reference for specific topics, but this is not a subject one can really pick and choose.

   VAR is the ususal starting point, and its famous authors (one of whom I hired for his skill in these matters) cover most of the bases in an interesting way.




4. This book is the most comprehensive treatment I've seen of financial risk management, particularly from a banking perspective. It covers both the regulatory and practitioner perspectives of modern risk management -- it's a veritable encyclopedia.

   It's drawn from the wealth of experience of the authors, who are well known in both the academic world and on Wall St.

   I guess what I like most about the book is the inside look it provides at the various aspects of financial risks -- no other book does it better, and I found the discussion enthralling.

   While mainly geared toward banks, the book also includes a fascinating chapter on risk management in regular corporations. I think the book would serve equally well as a textbook for a risk management course or a handbook for the risk management practitioner.




5. I work in the area of Risk Management for over 8 years and I find this book still covers a lot of what someone in the area needs to know. I think it is rather a reference book, better written than the Bessis book on RM in banking and covering more things on Credit Risk, but still ... it is not a book one can read from start to end. It is good to keep on the shelf and read a chapter on a specific topic when necessary.

5 comments about Get Your Assets in Gear! Smart Money Strategies.

1. Get Your Assets in Gear was the answer to questions I've always had about finances. One of my goals in life is to always have enough money to cover my living expenses and still have more for pleasure. This book tells you exactly how to save enough to be financially fit and happy along the road to financial independence. I am so excited that I am 23 years old and have this book, because I am now 100% positive that I will have the life, financial and otherwise, life that I want. I have always found finances difficult to comprehend between 401k, stocks, mutual funds, loans, etc. Get Your Assets in Gear makes it crystal clear what each of them are, and what the perks are of each. This book gets a huge thumbs up for making each point clear, specific, and attainable, and the icing on the cake is that it was an easy, fun read!



2. I know, I know, CPAs are supposed to understand everything about finance and investing. Well, this CPA can audit multi-billion dollar companies and play hard ball with the pros, but when it comes to smart, sound, strategic personal investing and asset allocation, I'm afraid I'm in the bush league.
   
   I liked the book because it discussed all of the key areas that I need to consider (debt, interest, lease vs. own, mortgages, philanthropy, stocks, bonds, funds, 401Ks, IRAs, credit ratings, taxes, insurance, attitude, and marital money matters), but it covered them in an easy-to-understand, clear, positive and entertaining way that left me hopeful rather than overwhelmed.
   
   I finished the book armed with knowledge, a clear path forward, and most of all, a positive, confident feeling that I can now put my arms around what used to be a black hole, squeeze tight, and know that my assets are now in gear.



3. This book has changed my life. I always found finance and money -dull and boring because I didn't understand how it worked. I figured, I don't make a lot of money, so I'll never be rich. Jan has managed to step by step explain how money works, how to make it work for you, how to save and where to cut spending. It is fun to read and I have become excited about getting my "assets in gear." I was relieved to read that it isn't how much money you make that really matters, but the percentage you decide to save that really makes a difference. I am really excited about my financial future for the first time since my divorce eight years ago. I finally believe that financial security is attainable. Thank you, Jan!



4. As a professional attorney with more than 10 years of experience in commercial transactions, estate planning, and probate law, I highly recommend this informative, useful book. The author communicates in a coherent, lucid fashion and her expertise is beyond question. Unlike many self-help books in the area of finance, "Get Your Assets in Gear" provides sound, practical advice with a minimum of technical jargon and hackneyed adages. It makes an excellent gift for a recent college graduate. Money invested purchasing this book is money well spent. A careful reader will reap the benefits of Ms. Geiger's suggestions many times over.



5. I bought Jan Geiger's book for myself. After reading it, I couldn't wait to give it to my 23 year old daughter. We both thought we had relatively good money habits; I own my own business and my daughter has had jobs since she was 11. After reading this book, I think the biggest change in both of us is realizing that the little things do count, especially over time. We are both much more careful with our money and make conscious, rather than mindless decisions about where our money goes. Jan made this process so easy that her suggestions were effortless to adopt. It is so satisfying to have a plan and feel in control. I now know I will reach my financial goals.
   
   Before my daughter read Jan's book, she knew she wanted to gain financial independence, but really didn't know where to start. She realized some people in this country were millionaires, but had never thought, not once, that she could be one of them. In the first week, she adopted Jan's envelope system of budgeting and was shocked to find out how much money she had been spending. Like most of us, she really didn't know she was spending too much. By limiting purchases to the budgeted amount in each envelope, she was able to add to her savings account rather than make withdrawals. She now has a plan for the next 30 years that includes buying her vehicles (eventually in cash), buying a home, staying out of debt (except a mortgage), saving at least 10% of her income and ... becoming a millionaire. I can't tell you how excited and relieved she is because she now has a plan.
   
   I think this book has the power to change the world, for young and old alike. Almost everyone wants to be good with their money, but few of us have had good teachers or mentors to guide the way. Jan Geiger's book, Get Your Assets In Gear, is easy to read, clear, fun and uplifting. For anyone wanting to change their financial life for the better, this is a must read.

4 comments about ETF Strategies and Tactics.

1. IMHO the best book out on the subject to date. ETFs are an extremely underutilized investment instrument, and this book fills a void and provides a clear and concise survey of the many exchange traded funds available today. Not only is it highly informative, but is written in a witty and entertaining style as well. If you are a serious investor, you probably should have a few ETFs in your portfolio, and here is the title to get you started. Well worth the cover price.



2. 
   Clear, concise overview of the different ways to use ETFs and what pitfalls to look out for. Highly recommended.



3. Title of this book is misleading. Infact, in one section option methods (buying calls and puts) are enlisted as option strategies! That will really get option traders excited.



4. As parents working to invest for our children's college education, and our retirement, we found this book enlightening. It isn't a get rich quick book, but about putting your investment priorities in order and making sure your money will be there in the future, when you need it. Why invest in mutual funds that have high expenses and needless taxes? ETFs put more of your money to work for you, as opposed to other financial products. This book is also very clearly written -- and was easy for us to understand -- and we are not financiers.

5 comments about The Unofficial Guide to Real Estate Investing.

1. I purchased a duplex 18 months ago and a triplex 6 months ago. I wish I had this book then. There are several things I would have done differently and many of my questions would have been answered. It's a great book for a starter. I give it only four stars because it gives little description on closing costs of properties but besides that it is excellent for people purchasing 1 to 4 unit properties. Tip: This book is at the library for free.



2. This is a beginner book on real estate investing, it covers all the essentials, but in a very boring school textbook style. It is so generic and so ultimately forgettable, there is not one piece of information that isn't covered in any other REI book with better insights and more detail.



3. If you want a no nosense book about Real Estate Investing this is the book for you. No fluff, just basic things you need to know in order to be successful. I recommend this book highly.



4. Like most Unofficial Guide, this is no nonsense, yet authoritative and useful. I would recommend this book for first time investors in real estate or even for people who may have done some investment in the past but want to become serious in real estate investment.
   
   Book is dividied into 7 major sections - Understanding Real Estate as an investment, Secrets of real estate investing, Mastering the Market, Setting your investment goals, Putting your money on the line, property management essentials, Facing your fears.
   
   I think most initial investors (prime target audience for this book) will find section 1, 2 and 6 useful and something they should read as part of their preparation for starting a real estate investment career. Other sections are well written and will probably be used more as reference as opposed to an end to end reading during the first skimming through the book.



5. as to whether you will find this book helpful or not.
   
   When I first entered the real estate market, I was a novice investor. I found this book to be very helpful and insightful and gave me a good solid vocabulary enabling me to converse intelligently with the Real Estate agents I was working with. I am now a full time Real Estate Agent specialing in commercial real estate and I continue to recommend this book to my customers with little background in Real Estate investing and purchasing.
   
   If you are a seasoned investor with many purchases in your background and portfolio, then this book may not be for you. While you may or may not be aware of the many calculations and insights this book offers, I believe it is still a worth while addition to an investors library.
   
   If you are new to Real Estate investing I highly recommend this book. It contains many helpful calculations and insights to give you a good solid background of what you need to know to invest in real estate.
   
   The calculations are real world examples used in practice by both Residential and Commercial Real Estate Agents. It offers topics on Creative Financing, Property management as well as an overview of the various types of Investment properties.

No comments about OSHA Standards for General Industry as of January 2007.

5 comments about Ford and the American Dream: Founded On Right Decisions.

1. Clifton Lambreth has written an insiders view of Ford Motor Company and the mis-steps that have landed them where they are today. He explains a complex business model of a mega corporation using fictionalized characters. (I have to believe one of them is actually a character of himself.) It's an easy read that I would recommend for anyone interested in Ford, the auto industry or American business.



2. Ford and the American Dream written by Clifton Lambreth and Patrick Doyle is a must read. They eloquently bring back the spirit of Henry Ford to assist them with the challenges the American Auto Industry faces today. They provide a back to the basics blueprint to help get the Ford Motor Company back to the greatness it once enjoyed. The principles they outline in the book are universally applicable to every company around the world. Go to [...] and check it out today.



3. Anyone who appreciates the Ford product should read this book. We have created many problems throughout the years. This book tells the story of the problems Ford has created since Henry passed away. Hopefully we can rebound from the mistakes and "Move Forward".



4. Ford and the American Dream: Founded On Right Decisions
   
   This fictionalized account of what went wrong at Ford Motor company provides not only what went wrong, but more importantly lists the steps needed to get Ford back on track.
   
   The fact that many of Clifton's suggestions have been implemented at Ford, and Ford has gone from losing $12 billion in several years to generating $100 million in profit is testimony to the books wisdom and insight.
   
   This book is the real stuff for anyone looking for business guidance and ideas.



5. Ford and the American Dream - Founded on Right Decisions by Clifton lambreth should be a required read by every MBA student in America. This book provides the best inside look at what can go wrong when companies don't do the right thing.
   Mr. Lambreth provides outstanding solutions to all businesses in America and worlwide. This is easily the Best Book of 2008!
   If you are in business or considering going into business - Read this book first. I predict this will easily be a New York Times Best Seller this year!

4 comments about The Nature of Trends: Strategies and Concepts for Successful Investing and Trading (Wiley Trading).

1. Trend identification is such a difficult art. Some think a simple moving average is enough, others use complex formulas, some just eye ball the charts. Barros instead uses his own system, based on disregarding irrelevant price info (such as a false new low), and instead looking for signs of an aging trend that is start to have new force pushed behind it. His objective isn't to pick the exact bottom, instead its to wait and see how a trend develops according to his wave system, then make a high probability entry point at a solid junction where he can manage his risk v reward. This type of thinking for trend changes and identification is far superior to the standard MA crossover type systems that exist, because it takes into account pressure that both the sellers and buyer are applying to the price movements.
   
   His ideas and formulas do take some time to process on any trend, so don't think its a book written for those who want a simplistic solution. The great part about this book is you can truly build a workable system with its ideas alone. A lot of other books leave out key information, letting the reader seek out the missing pieces. Barros does no such thing, he gives you everything you need (so long as you can understand it) to build a solid long/intermediate term trading system.
   
   One disappointment for me was the lack of info on day trading or very short term trades. I'm sure this was not by accident, Barros seems to know a lot about the day time frame and I'm sure he'll release another book with the day time frame perspective. It would have been nice to have a chapter on day time frame trends, but oh well.
   
   If you're a technical trader and can't seem to find those good entry points, this is a good book for you. If your entries are fine, but you'd like a good exit strategy for long term positions, this is a good book for you. If you have just read some beginning TA books, and wish to move to the next level, this is an excellent book for you. If you want someone to explain market theories in relation to market fundamentals, probably look elsewhere. This book is more about a method you take on faith as working.



2. I am very familiar with Ray's work having recently graduated from his mentor program. His book is a concise, well written, 'no fluff' book aimed at serious trading students.
   
   Ray uses Barros Swings to positively identify the trend (up, down, sideways) of a timeframe - this tool can be applied to yearly, quarterly, monthly weekly and intraday charts.
   
   Next he adds patterns that identify when the trend has changed - some lagging, some leading. He also includes material on low risk entries, trade management and psychology.
   
   This book comes from a trader with 30 years experience and I highly recommend it to all intermediate to advanced traders who are serious about attaining success in the markets and already have a good TA knowledge.



3. This book has a good underlying concept, but it is difficult to get through. The author is responsive to emails which does help. However, there are many contradicting content errors in this book that make getting through it very time consuming and arduous.
   
   For a book of this length, it takes a long time to get through. The method is also time consuming. I believe a second edition should be on the way, so I would pass until it is printed.



4. I am not a student of Mr.Barros. I did purchase another course on trading, yet after finishing it I was very confused how to use or how to even classify the concepts taught during that course.
   
   It was only after I've purchused Nature of Trends that my eyes have opened. I started to clearly see the market structure, the patterns, and the signals on my own charts.
   
   For me this book is worth more than tons of others. I've read thousands of pages while studying how to trade, spent countless hours trying to figure stuff out on my charts night after night... actually in 90% of the cases it was a waste of time.
   
   It is hard to believe that so much helpful trading information can be contained within just one book. Most trading courses (and boy, they are expensive) don't even come close to Nature of Trends!
   
   This book will teach you about the market. Why did the price behave in such way? Where to expect another turn? How to identify trend (nope, it's not as simple as up-move or down-move, it can be swing up or swing down, but not a trend) and what are the structures that build the trend. Where should we look for entry? What are the signs of weakeness? How to use multiple time frames to identify support/resistance/patterns? Where should we put our stop-loss? How should we manage our trade and our money, and many, many more helpful ideas.
   Nature of Trends deals with patterns/setups as they emerge in market context. The market context is everything. One pattern may be meaningless in one situation, while becoming an entry signal if it occurs at another place in the market.
   
   From my own experience I can say that very, very few people have such deep and unique understanding of the market and even fewer can actually teach.
   Mr.Barros is not only willing to teach it through his book, but he writes
   in a language that is simple to understand and easy to follow.
   
   A wonderful, wonderful book! I wish I've read it much earlier (surely, it would save my eyes and my time).
   Now, for me the markets/price appear like they have live on their own, like a living creature, which behavior can be understood (at least to some extend).
   
   Thank you for this book, Mr.Barros and Amazon.com
   
   P.Wollos

3 comments about Getting Started in Real Estate Investment Trusts (Getting Started In.....).

1. With the stock market seeming always ready to freeze or fall, author Richard Imperiale believes that investors who want cash return and diversification should consider Real-Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). You may remember some nasty history in decades past associated with shadowy real-estate tax shelters, but the U.S. Congress cleaned that mess up and created this rather stable investing medium instead. REITs' magnetism comes from their required payout from income, their ease of entry and exit, and their overall return, which usually matches stock market results. This makes REITs a nice way to accumulate wealth and line your 401k retirement pillow. Of course, since REITs are publicly traded, they face the stock market's uncertainties. After the "getting started" chapters, the author gets into the nitty-gritty of REIT securities analysis. As a boon for the very serious investor, Imperiale analyzes numerous real-estate sectors. He asserts that a substantial REIT infusion of 5% to 20% should make most portfolios "juicier," but he does not emphasize REITs' market negatives or today's erratic real-estate market. So with an added dose of caveat emptor, we recommend this book to people looking for access (without heartburn) into the numerous opportunities in the multitrillion dollar real-estate market, including a quick getaway if needed.



2. This book is absolutely great to get down to the basics of what REITs are. It's a very easy read and there are lots of very relevant graphs. The topic is not really difficult and this book really gives you what you need.



3. Richard Imperiale's "Getting Started in Real Estate Investment Trusts" is a primer on REITs. While the content covers the range of REITs and he makes a case for including REITs in an investment portfolio, it is slightly basic. The subject of non-US REITs and tax issues a US investor should consider when investing overseas is not addressed. Too bad, a chapter or two covering foreign REITs would have improved this book substantially.

5 comments about Greed Is Good: The Capitalist Pig Guide to Investing.

1. Jonathan Hoenig is a regular analyst on one of my favorite shows, "Cashin' In" on Fox News. Frankly, I like his style. From his no-nonsense attitude toward investment advice to telling a Wall Street elder that he doesn' "know preferred stock from livestock" right there on the television screen, Hoenig is truly the financial voice of the Me generation.

   Long held to be the stodgy realm of pinstriped boomers, the world of investing is an important one for we Xers to get into, if for no other reason than Hoenig's central theme in this book: we have the time. We have a lot of time left in which to make our fortunes and take our place among the leaders of this world, and while this book isn't necessarily the roadmap (nor does it proclaim to be), it is most certainly the antithesis of all the rest of the investing books out there which are little more than cobranded, self-serving brochure-ware. Hoenig tackles investing from the 20-something point of view, puts it in the proper perspective, and gives us the tools we need, but tells us to do our own work. I applaud that approach. Plus, this book is one hell of a good read, even if you couldn't care less about making money (you know who you are too..).

   My only hope is that I can get Hoenig to do an interview or column for my new GenX-themed website, because after reading this book and watching him on Fox, his opinion is one I truly value.




2. I'd be compelled to give this book 3 stars, but due to the comprehensive information on options on futures, I choice to give it four stars. This is a great book, but it's simple, conversational style can get annoying and there can be too much substance at times to follow (sidebars, quotes, etc.). This is a good book by an up-and-coming hedge fund manager (Jonathan Hoenig). While I don't know if it would be good for kids to read, it definitely is a great book for adults who are intermediately knowledgeable about the financial markets, as it explains terms and operations in a simple, easy to understand mannerism.



3. Somebody recommended this book to me. I read it. The idea is good however the author is far from understanding the principles of math (one would argue about understanding economics which is half social half science). There are many wrong calculations. I tried to contact Mr. Hoenig as I am from Chicago, too. Left several messages, sent e-mails with disagreement - no response.
   I don't recommend the book. It's a waste of time.



4. If you were born in the 80's and want to get into investing, then this book is for you. Mr. Hoenig brings life and funny irreverence to the very dry subject of investing that the "twenty-something" in all of us can appreciate. This book covers everything from basic saving to options and futures. The prose of this book is in everyday language and is easy to understand; any technical terms that are given are explained and/or defined in the running text or the margins. There are also definitions and cultural anecdotes, as well as a few Yiddish words (with definitions), throughout the chapters for your added enjoyment. Hoenig's underlying theme, though, is discipline. Know that Jonathan Hoenig is one of today's youngest master investors who runs his own hedge fund (Capitalistpig LLC). To actually witness his mind at work, tune in to Fox News on Saturday at 11:30 am. He is always a featured analyst on the show "Cashin' In."



5. I regret that it took me until my mid-30s to get interested in money and finance; I regret more that it took me until my early 40s to feel like I actually had money to invest. If I'd been smarter--or if, perhaps, I'd had this book--when I was younger, maybe I wouldn't be playing catch-up now. With this book (and/or with others like it), I hope to give my son the financial education I never got. This one, of course, will have to wait until he's in his teens.
   
   Hoenig gives a good overview of the stock market and its related "instruments." Puts and calls still give me trouble, but he clarified limit orders for me. The book is both informative and entertaining, and Hoenig definitely conveys his passion for the subject. Of course the pop culture references are dated, but who doesn't love some '80s nostalgia?
   
   My major gripe: typos. Hoenig appears to have a problem distinguishing between "then" and "than." I took to reading the book with a pen in hand; I think I corrected at least one typo per page. Was the proofreader on vacation that week? That aside, I will keep this in my collection for my son. Maybe by the time he's old enough to appreciate it, he'll find the 20th century pop culture references quaint.

No comments about Midas Managers.