No comments about Lifetime Financial Advice: Human Capital, Asset Allocation, and Insurance.

5 comments about All About Commodities: From Inside Out.

1. Warsendorf and McCafferty have written a well organized primer for the beginning commodities trader. As a rank beginner myself, I truly appreciated the glossary of terms. The nomenclature of this subject is considerable; however, the authors introduce the subject on a level that most will be able to understand.

   The title is somewhat misleading as this is not "all" there is to know about commodities, but the authors do not profess to have covered the subject in its entirety. They even give a fairly extensive list of books for further reading. What they have done is to cover the major aspects of commodities trading in a comprehesive, well-written manner. Though even as a beginner, I would have liked to have had a more thorough explanation of the various trading systems (many are covered). Or, perhaps just more examples showing how the systems work in actual practice. This is about my only criticizm.

   Warsendorf and McCafferty's philosophy on developing your own trading system was refreshing to me. Instead of saying that one should follow their system, they say that you should study many trading systems and then develop your own. It reminded me of Bruce Lee's "Tao of Jeet Kune Do." Much of the book is filled with this sort of sound, common sense advice.

   All in all, it was a good read. I feel well grounded in the subject and ready to tackle more detailed books.

   If you're a beginner, this is a good place to start; if you're a veteran, try the tests at the end of the chapters and see how your knowledge of commodities and trading stacks up!




2. I just started a job as a reporter for the New York Cotton Exchange and knew next to nothing about commodities and futures. After reading this book I felt I had a solid foot in the door and now feel ready to dive further into the complicated subject of commodity trading. Excellent choice for a thorough introduction to the subject. In fact, I just purchased McCafferty's All About Options: From the Inside Out. Recommended read.



3. All About Commodities was helpful to me, but it is dated, having no knowledge of internet trading, and it seems rushed considering that 2 other books that summarize ALL types of investments gave better introductions to the basic concepts of commodities trading. These other two books are: "Stocks, Bonds, Options, Futures" by the staff of the New York Institute of Finance and "The Wall Street Journal Guide to Understanding Money and Markets" by Richard Saul Wurman. These other two both introduce the term "mark to the market" (and other terms) very well, but this book only mentions it in passing on page 108. When discussing trading software, they mention, something called "neutral network" software, which obviously should be "neural network". Not at typo because they spelled it that way 3 or 4 times! Although the book has a glossary, neither of these two terms end up in it.

   The book provided a lot of helpful info that is well-written and clear; I was especially appreciative of the excercises at the end of each chapter since there is a bit of math involved with commodities trading and one needs to practice at it. I was NOT appreciative of the chapter dedicated to studying for the NCFE. It was just a filler where they stuffed in a sample exam, answers, and some commentary. Something like that should be put in an appendix, but better yet, made into a separate booklet. I would recommend this book, but even more highly if the authors put out an updated second edition where they improve the introductory chapter, devote a new chapter to internet trading, and make sure the glossary covers ALL the terms.




4. i have purshased this book after i have read "all about hedge funds" which is extremely advanced and useful book, "all about commodities" is very helpful and covering a lot of issues regarding the topic, however, its for beginers only if you have a single idea about commodities, futures & options, then this book is not for you



5. After I read the whole book, I would say it is not a bad book for a beginner. The biggest problem with this book is that it does not explain everything clearly or in details. I must it read this book several times before I can understand the concepts.

4 comments about Surviving the Storm: Investment Strategies That Help You Maximize Profit and Control Risk During the Coming Economic Winter.

1. One of the best investment books in decades. For starters, the book was just published. Lunney wrote about the current mortgage problems months if not years in advance. It must be nice to have a crystal ball. Must read for anyone who wants to invest wisely.



2. Lunny's book is written sensibly and organized such that a novice investor or those who've never thought about their finances carefully can feel comfortable heading in a new direction. His idea of looking at ones entire "wealth" including investments, insurance, mortgage, etc. is practical and straight forward. Lunny explains his points in clear easy to read language. I bought the book for my husband and my son - both have learned a lot from it and are glad they have it!



3. Nice to read someone who takes a global view without predicting the end of postive personal investing.
   Offers insights into choices you can make now and for some years ahead.
   Refreshing to read after listening to the daily hype we're confronted with on TV and newsletters.
   Projects a potential scenario going forward without talking down to the reader.
   If he is right in some areas then well worth the price.
   Insightful,helpful charts,well outlined stratagies



4. I havent finished this book, but what I have read has not wasted my time one bit. New ways of seeing things. Ways to simplify getting to what's important. Skipped to the back and see where I can find exactly information I have been wanting to know. This is a very very good and useful book. Was afraid it would be about the same old boring retirement garbage.... not at all! Thank you James Lunney, with Larry too! What a surprise to find!

No comments about Predicting the Unpredictable: How Neural Networks Enhance Predictability and Performance in Portfolio Management.

No comments about Marketing Management 12th Edition (Economy Edition).

5 comments about System Buster: The Mystery of the Circle Revealed.

1. I am grateful that Mr. Beyer has allowed us "all" into his "world".......the world of "hard core" business. Before reading and applying "System Buster" into my business, I would have to say that chaos was the word for the day......as we began to apply the principles inside the "System Buster", we immediately saw a difference, the biggest of which was the recognition of how we lived from one "crisis" to the next. Everything has to have process.......trackable process. I could write for hours as a grateful business owner.....grateful that Mr. Beyer has shared his "found" insight with those of us who will be forever changed! Thank you Thank you Thank you!



2. This book helped me see the wisdom of systems for our business and ministry. Proverbs 8:12 says "I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions." Philip's book helped me to find and improve upon the systems we use at The Gideons International. He invented a system to improve any system.



3. This is absolute drivel. The book should qualify for the Guinness Book of records for the use of the word 'system'. Redundant to the max. Do not waste your money!



4. Way too much fluff in the beginning. Primarily a marketing tool for his software system, though they system seems pretty cool i think i would recommend Getting Things Done by David Allen(though I have not finished reading GtD yet).



5. I read this book and then required all six of my managers to do the same. This is a practical manual that eschews management buzzwords and trendy academic approaches to managing your business. The author had a mess and he tells you how he cleaned it up. While our business long ago had implemented many of his ideas, this book cleared up one recalcitrant problem we have faced in implementing solutions--that alone was worth the price of admission.

4 comments about The Complete Guide to Creating Your Own Living Trust: A Step-by-step Plan to Protect Your Assets, Limit Your Taxes, and Ensure Your Wishes Are Fulfilled.

1. I was a bit skeptical about the title of this book, The Complete Guide to Creating Your Own Living Trust because when it comes to something as specific as estate planning, wealth preservation and minimizing the "death tax" - I want to enlist expert help. The fact is that even though I have an advanced degree and know a little about estate planning, I don't know what I don't know.
   
   It's kind of like dentistry, while I know enough to brush and floss I don't want to drill my own cavities.
   
   Having said that, I was pleasantly surprised by Steven Fisher's book. It truly is an authoritative work that may very well provide all the necessary guidance for a driven, detail-oriented individual to create their own simple living trust. However, I'm NOT that individual but the book was still useful.
   
   Going into the book I had a vague concept of what a trust was, but Fisher provides an exhaustive look at the dozens of different types of trusts that are currently available under the law. He clearly defines each type while also listing the specific circumstances under which each trust might be best applied.
   
   For instance, he distinguishes between a Dynasty Trust, which is a way to legally skirt the "rule against perpetuities" (you'll have to read the book for that definition); a Charitable Trust that allows a direct bequeath to a worthy cause; a Special Needs trust for individuals who are developmentally disabled or mentally ill; as well as a Pet Trust, which is a legal instrument that ensures a beloved pet is cared for the remainder of its days after the owner passes.
   
   Those only scratch the surface of Fisher's expertise.
   
   Additionally, I thought that chapter five was very interesting because that was where he discusses the different types of assets that should be included within a trust, and those that should not, as well as a meaningful explanation of why that's the case of each asset class.
   
   The only portion of the book that puzzled me, was a few pages at the end of chapter eight about funding a child's education using a state 529 plan and/or a federal Coverdell account. These topics seemed to pop up out of nowhere and weren't adequately tied into the premise of the book - I would have liked to know if those assets are even eligible for inclusion within a trust since both my daughters have those educational accounts.
   
   Regardless, the book as a whole is an excellent resource, and it also has an outstanding appendix that contains an extremely useful glossary and actual samples of various trusts for review. So whether you're up to the challenge of creating your own trust, or you want to "trust" the expertise of a lawyer this is a useful tool deserving a place on your bookshelf.



2. No matter what financial situation you are in today, or the size of your portfolio, this book provides all kinds of essential information to help you protect your interests and assets so they can be passed down to family members or favorite charities.
   
   Examples are sprinkled throughout many chapters to give the reader a better understanding of complex terms and legal situations.
   
   There are interesting historical facts regarding how living trusts evolved as well as the origins of probate court.
   
   The example forms located in the appendix of the book, was a feature I found particularly valuable. Form topics ranged from, a revocable living trust, to a health care power of attorney and advanced health care directive. The latter can be used to ensure your final medical wishes are carried out with minimal controversy.
   
   The subject matter is displayed in very simple to understand terms and the book can be used by anyone who is trying to determine if the living trust is the right tool for them, based on their individual needs.
   
   I liked this book because it not only presented an array of information on such important topics as related tax issues and types of available trusts, but it also explained the pros and cons of going the route of the living trust.
   
   The book also touches on two other unique items including same-sex partners and the division of assets, as well as what steps you should take if you are ever charged with administering a living trust.



3. The Complete Guide to Creating Your Own Living Trust is an excellent resource for anyone considering creating a living trust. It delineates which individuals would benefit from having such an instrument as part of their estate plan. The book thoughtfully explains both the why and the how-to of the living trust as well as alternative options to safeguarding your estate. It describes how to reduce taxes on the estate as well as create a simpler, quicker transfer of wealth to your intended heirs. Sample forms are included for ease of creating the trust yourself, if you so desire. Mr. Fisher even walks the reader through the process of settling a living trust for the future trustee.
   
   This book rates five out of five stars for taking complicated subject matter and making it very easy to understand. I consider it a must-have for anyone with an estate to leave for their heirs.



4. Rating: 4.3/ 5.0
   
   Steven D. Fisher has expertly written about the need to creating your own living trust with great insight. With the amount of in-depth information covered, this book is appropriately called a "Guide to creating your own Living Trust".
   
   Steven D. Fisher has elaborated every factor involved in creating a living trust. He has comprehensively explained aspects such as the types of trusts, the need for a will and what type, how to make it easier for the trustees and heirs, the types of laws relating to living trusts and more. The sample forms he has provided are especially helpful.
   
   I liked the guidance and advice he presented from the trustee's point of view. I especially like the warning about scams involving living trusts, which I didn't even know existed.
   
   I felt I had to read some parts in the book a few times before I fully understood some aspects he was trying to explain but this could be because there are a lot of legalities involved in the process of creating a living trust to start with.
   
   Overall, "The Complete Guide to creating your own Living Trust" enriches the reader's knowledge about living trusts by expansively covering all the aspects and issues related to it.

3 comments about Short Term Trading, Long-Term Profits: The Complete Guide to Short-Term Trading.

1. Thanks Mr. Leizman. Great book. Read so many books. I'll rate this on top of my all time best list. This book is going to be near my desk all the time. My best list include, Fred Kelly's books, Edwin, Humphery, and Douglas.



2. this book is a total waste of your money. THIS BOOK IS A 1000 TIMES WORSE THAN A "INVESTING FOR DUMMIES BOOK"
   
   SAVE YOUR MONEY FOR A REAL BOOK. BECAUSE THIS GARBAGE



3. I believe this is the least insightful book on trading I've ever read. Not only does it offer nothing of real value, it offers very little that's even original. The vast bulk of this book is essentially a summary of what others have taught (lots of Bill O'Neill stuff, etc), and even THAT carries no insight. This book is, in fact, a very, very superficial look at trading, and really only contains information you would find in just about any basic trading book. Such topics as P/E, fundamental analysis, technical analysis, and money management are touched upon, but only enough to give a shallow definition of each, at which point the book moves on.
   
   Whenever I see a book I look for something practical that I can apply. I was unable to find anything here. This book seems thrown together by someone who knows very little about the subject. Even when something is supposedly going to be explained, such as NASDAQ level II quoting, the book simply posts a few charts and neglects to explain anything about what they mean.
   
   Be aware, if you're still interested in this book, that every example (without exception) was taken from the tech bubble period in 2000. The information, what little of it there is, is outdated and essentially useless. The few techniques in the book are rigid and make very little sense in today's market. An example: Leitzman says you shouldn't trade stocks over $100 because they're too volatile. In 2000, when the tech high-fliers were over $100, that was true. Now, it's not.
   
   Simply put, this book seems to be a reckless attempt to cash in on the popularity (a few years ago) of trading books. It oversimplifies trading and attempts to define it by rigid rules which don't hold. It's worth avoiding.

No comments about Corporate Trust Administration and Management: Sixth Edition.

No comments about The Idea Book.