5 comments about Confessions of a Street Addict.

1. This book is the best. I laughed reading this book because not only is Cramer so funny but I can tell he is to honest and almost to reveling. There are many trading and investing books out there that sell you techniques and Strategies but this book gives you everything and teaches you the side of investing that the wanna be books don't tell you.Even though this book is a bio of Cramer's start I can promise you will get more than just that. I learned so much out of this book. I am a big fan of Cramer mostly because of his honesty. I hope he comes out with more great books. I wasn't a big fan of his last book that was based more around safe investing. I really like the the real dirt on what Street Pros really do-
   
   Thanks Cramer!



2. James Cramer wrote a great autobiography. I love the show and wanted to learn more about the host. After hearing about this book, I bought it and read it without stopping. Cramer begins with his childhood and describes all the seasons of his life. His time in college, LA and at Goldman Sachs. I enjoyed reading about someone who never quits. There were many times in his life when he could have given up, but he never did. He also shows the importance of having someone in your life who always believes in you no matter what. To me, this novel shows the hard work and grit that are required to become great: whether you are lucky or not.



3. If you like Cramer even a little you will truely enjoy this book. It really helps to understand where he has come from, and how he got to where he is today.....
   I have passed this book along to many and they also loved this easy read. I, too, believe it would make an interesting movie....enjoy.



4. I enjoy watching Cramer's Mad Money tv show, but I had no idea how chaotic his career was before he had the show. I just assumed he made lots of money and everything was hunky dory. It was not, you have to read the story to believe it.



5. This is a great book. I've watched Jim Cramer on television, but never knew the whole story. From his days working as a reporter, to his time at Harvard Law School, on to Goldman Sachs, and eventually his own hedge fund. This is an up close and personal look at one of America's favorite money men. I highly recommend this book.

5 comments about The Wall Street Journal Complete Money and Investing Guidebook (The Wall Street Journal Guidebooks).

1. This book provides novices, such as myself, with a straightforward explanation of various investment vehicles and the basics of the economic cycle.
   
   Reprints of charts, tables, etc. from the WSJ, the SEC, and others are included to give readers of sense of what to look at and how to read the charts/tables/etc.
   
   The book also includes a glossary with basic definitions.
   
   What I really liked about this book is that at the end of each chapter, the author includes additional resources, both electronic and hard copy, that are relevant to that particular chapter. So for example, in the chapter on Money and Economics, the author's suggested reading includes Adam Smith's "The Wealth of Nations". Electronic resources include websites for government agencies (like the SEC, IRS, the Treasury, etc.), organizations that provide a wealth of information to investors, and tools to research and track various types of investments.
   
   This book should not be the only book that interested people read about investing, markets, business, money, etc. (no book or other resource can cover it all) AND it does not pretend to be such a book. However, if you are starting out, this book is a great one to begin with.



2. The information provided in The Wall Street Journal Complete Money and Investing Guidebook gives a comprehensive look at the structure of financial markets. The title of this book can be misleading given that the information presented does not offer a guide on "how" to invest, merely a full scope of the elements of financial markets. This would be tantamount to an auto and driving book with a focus on the engine and instruments of the car as well as the highway and road systems, but not on the operation of the car itself. There is considerable importance in understanding the design of the financial markets and this book easily achieves success in this area; however, in terms of investment advice, this book represents only an initial foundation of knowledge.
   
   For those with an interest in the historical background of financial markets and systems this book will be as enjoyable as it is informative. One also will acquire the full scope of financial terms needed to speak intelligently in the finance world. The presentation of the material is done quite well with an abundance of imagery. I would recommend The Wall Street Journal Complete Money and Investing Guidebook as a starter on the subject of finance and to anyone seeking to understand the fundamentals of the market.



3. Everyone today spends little time going over their financial picture as people feel investing is too complicated in their busy world of working long hours along with responsibilty raising children etc. This book is written for the novice investor as well as the more advanced investor. It is easy to follow and should be kept on your night table so you can read a page or two each night It explains all the types of investments from money funds to stocks and bonds. Even if you have never read the Wall Street Journal the authors made the chapters interesting and easy to follow . All households should have one investing primer and this one is it. Hopefully you can grow your assets with the knowledge and advice you will obtain from this book. Pick it up today!



4. I am 50 pages into the first edition (2005). It's an enjoyable read because I love the subject area, but its lack of depth makes it a little unsatisfying, and it does contain errors.
   
   Was it worth $11? Yes. Is it a good introduction for a novice? Yes, but it's only a first step and you'll need deeper more specialized knowledge to actually invest/trade/work in the markets.
   
   In the introduction, on page 7, the contents are sold as good for slipping into dinner party conversation. The errors in the first 50 pages do not, however, give me confidence about the next 150 pages. Don't use this (first edition) at a dinner party with market professionals unless you want to break the ice by asking about the errors.
   
   I would be happy to buy the second or higher edition to give as a gift to a friend or family member (assuming these and any other errors are cleaned), but I would not give the first edition.
   
   Examples of errors in first 50 pages:
   First example: the discussion of ticker symbols on page 36 may have been correct 20 years ago, but not now. NASDAQ stocks are no longer restricted to four-letter symbols, and five-letter symbols are not necessarily primarily listed overseas (look at CA, or PWX, or CMCSA as counter examples). Second example: the definition of a "growth stock" on page 26 is just plain wrong; I almost coughed my lunch up when I read it. I showed it to two CFAs in my office who each laughed out loud. Third example: in the discussion of the dividend payment timeline on page 35 and 37 the "date of record" has been confused with the "ex-dividend date." Even after correcting that, the discussion is still misleading.
   
   A WEEK LATER: OK, I kept reading. No more blatant errors. Kansas does talk about Growth versus Value (pp 139-140) and that sounds much more sensible than his earlier analysis. I do, however, find his description of options (pp178-181) to be too light. I know it is complicated, but you cannot really compare profitability from owning 100 shares to profitability from owning an option on 100 shares unless you also compare all that to profitability from investing the same amount in each alternative. Contrary to his assertion (page 180), I would feel much happier owning the stock and watching it drop (mabye lose 50%) than owning the call option and watching it expire worthless (lose 100%)---because I would be thinking of having the same investment in each.



5. This book should be required reading for *everyone*. After 12 years of public school and 4+ years of college, I still didn't know exactly what the NYSE was for, what an investment bank was, what was the difference between stocks and commodities, and so forth. Yet these things comprise some of the basic building blocks of our economy, and have made big news recently. This book is a painless, easy-to-read introduction for someone like me who doesnt read the WSJ or have an MBA in finance.

5 comments about Flipping Houses For Dummies (For Dummies (Business & Personal Finance)).

1. This book was very helpful with a house flipping presentation that I had to do.



2. I have not finished the book yet, but so far it is an easy read. I would reccomend it.



3. One reviewer, who is a realtor, wrote that this book was the greatest ever. It's not, but it is a good book worth owning. Particularily explaining the things to look for when inspecting the property, rehabbing, developing your farm area, and selling your flip. I did learn several things.
   
   There are several things that I'd never recommend that the author expouses and eventually a reader after years of flipping experience will learn. One example is using realtors on the acquiring end. Maybe that's why the reviewer labeled the book the greatest ever. That said the advice given overall is probably good for the novice flipper. No book can keep you from losing money, and realize that most first-time flippers either lose money or make so little that the endeavor was not worth their time of investment. If you don't believe me, just watch the TV shows on flipping. Just understand that they are better ways to find and buy properties, and eventually you'll learn them if you invest in real estate long enough. The advice not to go FSBO is very wise, and I'm not a realtor.



4. This book covers absolutely EVERYTHING involved in flipping houses. It doesn't leave one topic out. It even talks about all the negatives. Topics are covered very well, even has a cheat sheet to take with you!



5. I bought this book for my boyfriend, who knows/knew nothing about flipping, but has a strong interest in learning about the business. He raved about the book! Said it was easy to read and that he learned a lot, he is now on to reading a more advanced book on the topic.

5 comments about The Wall Street Journal. Complete Real-Estate Investing Guidebook.

1. This book was great. If you want a easy guide on how to really make money in the market than this is your guide.



2. This book has a lot of very good points and ideas, but it won't be the last book you'll need. This book does offer a very handy list of websites and other suggested readings in the appendix. Overall, a solid book, but you will need to do more research for many real estate concepts.



3. First of all, this book is remarkable for being totally devoid of B.S.
   How often can you say that about a book on any topic? Seems like a good jumping off point for a potential investor like myself. It's very broad and very basic. Mr. Crook employs a refreshing blend of encouragement and realism with an emphasis on discipline and preparedness.
   While his approach rings true, I have a minor issue with his criticism of people with nice cars, boats, mansions, etc. as I believe there could be a season in life to enjoy those things responsibly if one so chooses. Besides this small bit of moral snobbery this was the perfect read for someone in my position.



4. This is a good book with a unique point of view. It covers a very broad range of topics including financing, commercial, and others. The book offers some good advice. I did find it a little dry and drawn out at times. Regardless, a good source of practical information to round out your real estate studies. This book doesn't focus on this point and time in real estate but more of a timeless strategy.



5. The book is an excellent reference and it's a good book to follow for planning your financial life style without being a dreamer.

5 comments about Profit by Investing in Real Estate Tax Liens: Earn Safe, Secured, and Fixed Returns Every Time.

1. This book had some really good information. It is well written by someone who has spent a lot of time buying tax liens. The author does not give any false hopes and is very realistic about what to expect.



2. Arrived quickly and in good shape.
   
   Haven't started to read it yet.



3. I saw a notice for Tax Lien Certificate auction in my local paper. This made me interested in looking for additional information. This book was just what I was looking for. It provided the information I was hoping to get and them some.



4. Now in an updated second edition, Profit by Investing in Real Estate Tax Liens: Earn Safe, Secured, and Fixed Returns Every Time is a straightforward guide to making money through relatively safe investment in tax liens (sometimes called tax deeds, depending on one's state). Profit by Investing in Real Estate Tax Liens covers how to purchase tax liens or deeds on the Internet, the difference between tax liens and deeds, a walkthrough of the bidding process at tax sales, the requirements of tax liens and tax deeds as well as how they differ from state to state, how to protect oneself against the most threatening risks, and much more. Author and Florida attorney Larry Loftis has literally millions of dollars' worth of experience in real estate investing; he presents the ins and outs of these lucrative opportunities a straightforward, easy-to-follow terms for readers of all backgrounds. "...many properties can be bought for very low prices, perhaps for even pennies on the dollar. However, many properties are not worth buying! For example, you might buy a vacant lot that is so small it is unbuildable. Or the lot is configured in such a strange way that it is also unbuildable, except possibly for use as a parking lot. In other cases, the property might be under water or next to or part of a drainage ditch! So in tax deed investing, rule number one is always to personally view the property." A "must-read" of both basic and advanced tips for anyone considering investing in real estate tax liens.



5. I bought Profit by Investing in Real Estate Tax Liens: Earn Safe, Secured, and Fixed Returns Every Time and Complete Guide to Real Estate Tax Liens and Foreclosure Deeds: Learn in 7 Days-Investing Without Losing Series (Investing Without Losing. Investing in Real Estate Liens was a better book with more detail.

5 comments about Financial Shenanigans: How to Detect Accounting Gimmicks & Fraud in Financial Reports, Second Edition.

1. The great thing about this book: not only will you learn about accounting prestidigitation from the world's expert in this subject (Schilit's forensic accounting firm, the CFRA, is used by hedge funds worldwide to find problem companies), you can actually learn pretty much all there is to know about corporate accounting and financial statements. I found his explanations tremendously lucid; easily understood by an intelligent person who can add, subtract, multiply and divide. What is more; he made accounting not only accessible, but also somewhat exciting; not an adjective that generally describes accounting. He makes finding the cheating companies a jolly detective game of "spot the weasel!"
   
   Who should read this? If you are a serious investor; someone who treats investments like something other than gambling, this is an absolute must. I'm not talking about speculators; you can speculate well without this stuff (though you can speculate better with it), but for investors you can't afford to be without it. This will teach you how to read a company statement, and a 10-k. Even those who have a more casual interest in investing or business will likely find this an amusing and rewarding read.



2. This is the best summary of major earnings manipulation techniques that I have seen to date (The appendix: "Comprehensive Checklist of Warning Signs" alone is worth the investment). As a practitioner, it wasn't as in-depth as I hoped it would be, but as others have noted, it is very well written, and has many brief, but interesting examples. The lack of depth is understandable because it allows the author to reach a much broader audience effectively.
   
   This book should be part of your investment library, and reviewed often, as it is so easy to overlook early signs of faltering performance from companies. Highly recommended.



3. I recommend this book wholeheartedly to anyone who invests in individual stocks or who runs a business. This details many different ways to commit accounting fraud. Perhaps the best part of the book is that there are many detailed examples of each kind of fraud. Also, the book is highly readable and not dry at all. I could hardly put it down once I started.



4. This book is very through. It assumes that you have some background in accounting or finance. I do not, I am an average person who has never taken an accounting class or business class in my life but I'm able to follow the author. Schlit writes in an effective manner that keeps you involved and interested in what he's talking about. He also gives you hints and clues to follow when you are reading a financial statement. He tells you what to look for and what that may imply. This is a must have for any investor. If you have ever had any misgivings or questions about a corporation's management and accounting, this book will provide you with the tools to sniff out the shenanigans on your own. Well written, interesting and very insightful.



5. As a college-level lecturer in Forensic Accounting, I seriously considered using this book, but decided not to. While it is clearly the most readable book in the area of forensic accounting, it is lean on examples and does not include citations to the cases and other materials it describes.
   
   A far better, though more difficult, book on the narrow subject of financial fraud is The Financial Numbers Game: Detecting Creative Accounting Practices and a better book on Forensic Accounting generally is Forensic and Investigative Accounting (Third Edition).
   
   In any event, you'll be better off avoiding Fraud Examination (with ACL CD-ROM), which spends most of its time (i.e., your time) moralizing and psychoanalyzing those who commit fraud.

5 comments about A Beginner's Guide to Short-Term Trading: How to Maximize Profits in 3 Days to 3 Weeks.

1. This book taught me a great deal in a short time. It was not only easy to read, but informative and encouraging. She explains concepts in a very straightforward manner plus and was very positive about trading in general. I would recommend this book to anybody just starting out and want to learn more about trading stocks using technical analysis.



2. Learning to trade confidently & profitably was probably the most daunting endeavor I've ever taken up. As a former novice trader, I recall having the feeling that I was paralyzed by uncertainty and self-doubt about my trades. It seemed then that there was drastically more information than a person could take in. Everything I heard or read made me believe that it was so critical and important. Yet I never seemed to understand how I should use what I was learning. I was always a step behind the market, chasing the crowd and loosing money. The more I traded the more frustrated I became. I thought I'd never understand how to trade. I'd lost so much money and enthusiasm that I considered quitting trading and leaving it up to smarter people than myself. I was beaten and embarrassed.
   
   That was all before I read this book. Toni showed me step by step what I needed to know in order to get a firm grasp of trading successfully and profitably. What made this book so special to me is that Toni has an easy style that describes everything in really plain language. She takes nothing for granted when she explains how to read charts and when to buy and sell. She rounds out every chapter with some words of wisdom that guide the novice and expert trader alike toward having the knowledge, attitude and confidence to succeed. It's akin to having a "market mentor" showing you the ropes in a very thoughtful and intuitive way. She's a great teacher and what I've learned from her has been the foundation for all of the knowledge I've acquired since reading this book.
   
   In short, this book helped me see the beauty and simplicity of trading for profit & I'll never give it up (I do it for a living).



3. this book is good for beginner but i think if it has more real life example that will be more easy to understand.Should have specific rather then histroy.helal for sydney australia



4. Excellent book - fast shipping - excellent condition - will buy from you again. Thanks very much



5. Look no further than this book if you are just getting started trading. This book condenses a wealth of knowledge from the super pros into a very understandable read. Better than the Dummies Series books.

5 comments about Fashion For Profit.

1. This book is a life saver! If you have ANY questions about starting your own line...BUY THIS BOOK! It covers everything from A to Z but with precise detail. The appendixes show great examples of different forms and documents that you would need in order to be successful. Most of the other fashion books are too basic and lacking in detail, but this book definitely delivers. It beats all my other fashion books hands down. (This is my first Amazon review- I normally read 'em but never write 'em but this book is worth it!)



2. I got this book today and I am delighted. the book tells you exactly how to set up your own line and how to sell it in details. this book is just exactly what I need. I also have some other books for starting fashion business but I'd say this book is the best and it is more focussed on the business side of fashion.



3. If you are looking for tons of information involved in the world of fashion business, this is a great book. It's kind of long, but for the most part it gets to the point of things and it offers great suggestions and a way of doing things. I found the charts and diagrams and spreadsheets in the book to be most helpful. The help you get a leg up on things so that you don't have to create your own. It's worth the read if your thinking about starting your own fashion business!



4. Francis Harder covers so much information, its hard to pick out what was the most informative. A definite must read if you have started your business already or are getting ready to.



5. This truly is one of the very few books that covers almost anything a start-up business person would need. My one complaint is that there is not really a "one-of-a-kind" chapter focusing on working with individual clients, but if you're looking for an outline on EVERYTHING to cover before diving headfirst into the fashion business, look no further. Two thumbs up.

5 comments about Wall Street Journal Guide to Understanding Money and Investing (Wall Street Journal Guide to Understanding Money & Investing).

1. As many have said in their reviews, this is a great starting point for those new to investing and financial markets. In fact, it's the best I've ever found and I've looked a lot. The simple, plain English explanations are what makes this book stand out. For the nuances and more detailed information regarding the topics in the book, look to a textbook from a college finance class. But for the person who knows very little, start with this.



2. This book is excellent for learning the basic concepts in investing and finance. If you would like to iniciate in this area, i recommend this book as an entry door with the basics.



3. I cant believe that I went through college without taking business or econ classes (except for political economy). This is a way for me to catch up.
   I like this book because it is easy to read and understand. So easy even an elementary school kid could understand....ok maybe junior high.
   Eventually I would hope to read the Intelligent Investor.



4. Just finished reading it. Wow, what a mind trip. Fast shipment too!



5. If a picture is worth, as is said, a thousand words, The Wall Street Journal Guide to Money and Investing is worth many times its purchase price.
   
   The book takes a very basic approach at explaining the components of the investment world. Taken together, the components explained represent a comprehensive view of what is a very complex and broad topic.
   
   One reading doesn't do this book justice, though. Read over and over, however, this book will earn a place on any serious investment student's bookshelf as a resource to return to for a periodic refresher or for clarification.
   
   Bumped to the side by The Wall Street Journal in favor of Dave Kansas' The Wall Street Journal Complete Money and Investment Guidebook, Kenneth & Virginia Morris' book lives on as The Standard and Poors Guide to Money and Investing. Where Dave Kansas' book is complete and chock full of words, the Morris' still succeed at conveying the basics in a way that will forever add value.

5 comments about The Motley Fool Investment Guide for Teens: 8 Steps to Having More Money Than Your Parents Ever Dreamed Of (Motley Fool).

1. I only skimmed this book (after all, I own almost all the other TMF books!), but I think this book is by far one of the best financial books for **any** new investor, regardless of age. While other books may have more content, this is one of the most approachable financial and investing books I've read. (Plus, its worksheets **force** you practice what you read!) Readable by adults, too!



2. This book will basically focus on the way the stock market works and how to invest in it. It also tells you how much you can save in the future. It is the meat of the book when it comes to the stock market, but the book will also teach you the cost of bad habits such as smoking and the upsides of credit cards if used right. The book teaches you how to get your money's worth in the bank, teaching you everything from how they make money to what a cd is. The worst thing about this book that annoyed me so much, I took off a point, was that they try to write the book in a type of slang format. Going from saying the word dawg and writing rock lyrics about the book. This is very annoying, but the tips this book gives are just too valuble to detour you alway.
   
   I recommend it to anyone of any age.



3. This books gives the true value of savings: a life worth dreamings about and investments we make for it to see it happen. This is a sweet and funny little book that makes money look exciting as a tool and token. I see this book as the clues to playing a cool video game. (More, like the hint book.) It's so casual that you think your reading Reader's Digest. You never feel confused! Math teacher's, parents, middle schoolers, high school students, college students, retirees: you'll love this book.



4. This book has reinforced what I have been preaching to my 17 year old for years......1) save and invest your money early, 2)live within your means as you get started in life (used vs new car), 3) attend the local university (keep student loans to minimum) and 4) practice a healthy lifestyle and you will soon learn that by the time you are 30 you will have more financial freedom and less debt than 90% of Americans.
   
   I wish I had been taught the discipline for the first two items as it wasn't until age 40 that I reached financial freedom. Fortunately for him, he is a believer after reading this book. Maybe along the way he will guide others in the right direction.



5. This is an excellent first book to give a teen who is not sure about investing as a good place to put his or her money. It is written with teens in mind and has tons of real-world examples to which teens can relate. It is a good start to get teens exciting about making their money work for them. I got it for my 16-year-old nephew who was skeptical, but is on board with taking control of his own financial future.