5 comments about The Wall Street Self-defense Manual: A Consumer's Guide to Intelligent Investing.

1. The book gives much common sense to investing. It's a great antidote to many of the other books. Key concepts: Don't try to beat the market; looking at the fees on mutual funds; rebalancing your your portfolio, start investing for retirement--the earlier the better, settle with lower earnings expectations.



2. This is a quick read and most of the advice is sound but has appeard before. His style is sharp and to the point, so it is probably a good read for a neophyte investor.



3. Henry Blodget has done the investing public a great service in publishing this cheaply priced paperback. Blodget sucessfully distills the tenets of academic finance and modern portfolio theory into a book that any member of the investing public should easily understand.
   
   After reading this book, one wonders how much the investing public has squandered or needlessly spent. Usually, the more you spend, the better the product or service received. The investing world is much different. An S&P 500 index fund (Vanguard had the first, but there are others out there now), has performed better than an actively managed mutual fund (after the difference in expenses is accounted for). One you factor in the superior tax efficiency of an index fund vs. an actively managed fund, it makes you wonder how all of those mutual fund managers are able to stay employed.
   
   I can sum up this book simply: decide on an asset allocation of bonds vs. stocks, buy passively managed index funds, and hold on to those funds for as long as possible.
   
   Although Blodget leads the reader to other, more sophisticated sources, this book is probably the only book that the avergae person with only a passing interest in investing needs to read.



4. Henry offers 'shoot from the hip' style of writing tips for investing, but it is evident that it a a researhed smart approach. This book begs to be classified as different than many others but it is similar to others that I have read. His really good advice is to not buy 'load' funds and al those that are similar where you pay a fee.



5. Although the author's recommendation to get a diversified portfolio and leave it alone sounds simple, there is LOTS of wisdom buried here. The hardest part (like anything else good for you) is doing it: you have to make yourself ignore all those inner demons who urge you to roll the dice just one more time. One way to get started is by allocating say 40% of your portfolio to this approach, waiting a couple years, then comparing the results of your genius stock picking to Blodgett's diversified portfolio. Your reviewer did, and he just converted the other 60% of his portfolio to Henry's approach. Try it, you'll like it. Then spend some time perfecting your smug smile in the mirror so that when your friends start talking about all their genius stock picks, you can flash the smile and say "Well, I'm pretty satisfied with my portfolio."

4 comments about Keys to Reading an Annual Report (Keys to Reading An Annual Report).

1. Even thought this book is five years old, the information still applies to the year 2000. As a person who now works iin finance, I know that detail is extremely important. This book certainly does its job by being very detail oriented. I graduated froom a very pretigious business school in which finance is actually the best subject taught, and I have to admit I think this little guide puts many pricey finance/accounting and finance professors to shame. It's also probably a good little guide for kids as well, to give them a headstart in the world of finance.



2. This small manual concisely and succinctly presents the major elements of financial statements in easy to read, line-by-line format. It is not only ideal for the average investor without an accounting background, but also for the accountant who needs to explain financial statement concepts and presentations to others. Its examples are easy to relate to and quite illustrative. I regret this wasn't available when I tried to decipher "Accounting 101".



3. 
   
   
   "Keys To Reading An Annual Report" by George Thomas Friedlob and Ralph E. Welton is a wonderful, little book for all investors. Each of the fifty, three-or-four-page sections covers a key concept that investors should understand when reading a public company's annual report and other financial statements.

   "Keys To Reading An Annual Report" is no substitute for a complete text about financial statement analysis, such as "The Analysis And Use of Financial Statements," but "Keys To Reading An Annual Report" is an excellent first read for new investors who are learning to understand financial statements. And, experienced readers of annual reports will probably find this book a useful review.

   Some of the fifty key topics covered include:

   --SEC Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and the 8-K
   --Current Assets
   --Cash and Receivables
   --Cost of Goods Sold and Inventories
   --Property, Plant, and Equipment
   --Depreciation
   --Intangibles and Other Assets
   --Depletion and Amortization
   --Current Liabilities
   --Bonds and Amortization
   --Owner's Equity
   --Classes of Stock
   --Treasury Stock
   --Discontinued Operations
   --Ratio Analysis
   --Taxes and Tax Deferrals

   Many of the topics "Red Flag" things to which investors should pay special attention. For example, the chapter about Depreciation Red Flags: "The basis for long-lived asset valuation is historical cost. Because depreciation does not measure actual decline in value, the net book value of a long-lived asset (historical cost - accumulated depreciation) is not a good measure of the cost of replacing the asset. Neither is net book value a good measure of what the asset would bring if sold." (i.e., depreciation expense is a way of expensing the long-lived asset. And, the balance sheet only lists the so-called "unexpired cost.")

   The red flag also discusses the difficulty in comparing depreciation across different companies because of the different ways depreciation may be computed.

   The section about Treasury Stock tells us: "Stock Issued by a company may later be reacquired by the company. In some cases, the company may retire or cancel this stock. When reacquired stock is not retired or canceled, it is referred to as treasury stock." (there is a nice glossary at the end of the book.).

   Friedlob and Welton point out that treasury stock is not an asset. "A company cannot create an asset by holding stock in itself."

   However, because the reacquired stock may have been reacquired at a different price than it was originally issued, the wealth within the company can change in such a treasury stock transaction. For example, suppose stock is issued for $20 per share, but reacquired for $2 per share (it's an internet company!), then, somehow, the company has taken in $18 per share on the transaction. How is this accounted for in the financial statements?

   Friedlob and Welton explain: "Just as treasury stock is not an asset, a loss or gain cannot result from treasury stock transactions. 'Things' happen that you and I would call a 'loss' (reacquiring treasury stock for $20 per share and later reissuing it for $12) or a 'gain' (reacquiring treasury stock for $30 per share and later reissuing it for $40). But it is illegal for a company to produce a gain or loss transacting in its own stock. When total stockholder's equity is decreased by treasury stock transactions (a loss), the decrease is generally taken directly from retained earnings. No loss is taken... When total stockholder's equity is increased by treasury stock transactions (a gain), the increase is recorded as a separate source of capital called Paid-In Capital from Treasury Stock Transactions."

   So, by reading a little, two-page section about treasury stock in Keys To Reading An Annual Report, you probably now know more than 99% of all investors know about treasury stock!

   "...If you are new to investing, you might also want to pick up a copy of Barron's "Keys To Investing In Common Stocks," which is an excellent first read for investors.

   Peter Hupalo, Author of "Becoming An Investor"




4. This book is very succinct and the explanations for each accounting concepts are very easy to understand and easy to remember. The "Red Flags" after each concept are very useful in pointing out all the possible problems that may arise. While the strengths of this book is his conciseness, it does require you to have some basic accounting background. Otherwise, some of the explanations may seem confusing. Having said that, if i am reading an annual report, I would definitely want to have this book beside me. Happy reading!

5 comments about Vending Success Secrets - How Anyone Can Grow Rich In America's Best Cash Business!.

1. Bill Way has created the perfect book for someone in vending. He does not over-hype the potential profits like most vending promoters do, but he does emphasize the great opportunity one can have with a vending business. He's honest - and not a crook - like lots of people who sell vending machines. Even though he pitches his own vending machines some, 95%+ of the book has EXTREMELY valuable content for anyone looking to get into or expand their vending business. I highly recommend it. 5 stars!



2. This book is awesome! I bought this book to help answer questions before establishing my route. Bill Way is a phenomenal businessman with a "calling" for vending. This book will walk you step by step towards wealth and success. The book "Vending Secrets" helped me to identify my vending niche and establish a sound business plan. This book provides my business with many valuable resources while on the path to success. Not to mention, I spoke with the Author Bill Way via telephone. He not only took the time to help steer me right, but also didn't try to sell me a thing! This book is clear, concise, and to the point. As the preacher references the "Bible," so should a vending operator reference the "Vending Secrets." I can honest to God say, that this book saved my business from a lot of costly mistakes. Anyone, looking to get in the business, MUST BUY THIS BOOK!



3. Bill Way's book was very very helpful. I thought the book was wonderful and had a lot of great advice. Everything in it seems to be true. We have started our own small vending business and have used his book to get started. It was a lifesaver. Bill is realistic and practical, not hyped up. I appreciate that. Thanks, Bill!!



4. This book is horribly written and the author is doing nothing but promoting his company which SELLS vending machines. Give me a break. I want my $25 back. How can you believe anything he says, when all he is trying to do is sell you a machine the whole time? Don't waste your money on this book. It's awful.



5. The book is very very basic. A 5th grader can read the whole thing in about 2 days. My problem is that the author spends an inordinate amount of time writing about his website and products/services he performs. He openly states that this is the only method he uses to "advertise" his business. His website also looks like it was designed by a 5th grader. His ideas about running a vending business from an "honor tray", where you place your product on a tray (completely unguarded) then people will put their cash in a can for you is absolutely ridiculous.
   
   I was hoping for business operation information (which it provided in limited supply) and instead I got a couple hundred page advertisement.
   
   Save your hard earned money, don't line the author's pockets with it!
   
   Stay away!
   ~NS~

2 comments about 100 Minds That Made the Market (The Fisher Investment Series).

1. 100 great biographies of the most influential personalities that affect the markets even today. If you're interested in how our markets developed from it's chaotic beginning this is a great book. I particularly enjoyed the section on crooks and scams. It's amazing some of the things people will do.



2. This is a great book for reading the short bios of the financial history makers. I just picked and chose the people I was interested in reading about.

5 comments about How Charts Can Help You in the Stock Market.

1. I have read some TA articles and books before.. but many of them were explaining what would happen when a particular pattern is formed and for me, it was like memorising those patterns. But this book aims to imbibe the basics onto you.. the author gives you the reasons for the expected results eg.. he explained the resistance concept by asking.. how often did you bought a stock, saw that drop down and eagerly waited for the stock to regain the price at which you bought it, so that you can sell the stock with no loss on your part !! I really thought that this was simple logical teaching..
   The 200 dma behaviour explanations are great !
   Highly recommended
   NB:
   Given the cost of this, its even more appealing to buy this book



2. This book as absolutely a perfect book to introduce new traders to charting. This book was written in 1961 well before stochastics, Willams%,force index and other new computerized indicators. However it is a great introductions to basic charting concerning resistance levels and support levels and how to read them. You will find explanations for head and shoulders formations, double bottoms, double tops, cup with handle and all the traditional patterns we look for. If you are a beginner read this book to get started. I learned a lot of these patterns on my own and made ten thousands of dollars off understanding when to buy at confirmed support and sell at the first strong sign of resistance. I could have made twice as much with this book to begin with. If you need to learn charting, buy it.



3. while I have read many books on investing,I can enjoy one more book, as a person who has invested for 20 years or more,I can say a good read and interesting,yes you can learn from the book,however if you are starting out in investing ...read Stan Weinstein's secrets for profiting in Bull and Bear Markets,as an older investor and read many books from Amazon I like to keep up with new books out, this is a book that will open some doors for you as far as keeping up,but I prefer to keep it simple,investing is simple once you understand the basics,I go long in up markets and short the down markets...duhhh not hard at all,this book did open up to me resistance and support levels ,I did enjoy it ...if you are a seasoned investor ...go for it ...it may help on the buy and sell...and be able to predict a day or two ahead of time ...helped me in my trading...but if you are new to trading ...forget it ....good book...only two stars ...well not good for all investors only seasoned investors will enjoy this book,while it may flustrate the new investor...Happy Investing



4. I was reading this book and it kept going against the grain in how one should really invest. Maybe this book will be good if you want to spend all your time day trading with little to no returns. I was very disappointed in this book's inability to look beyond what a stock really is - a real company. No where did I find any mention of researching the company that is the stock. A chart will not tell you if a company has good, strong financials or if management is good. You could avoid of a lot of losses before investing by putting some time into what a company is.



5. as always AMAZON comes thru finding books of interest for all customer bases. shipping was RAPID as promised
   couldn't ask for more in the way of service, product availability, and delivery!!!!!

5 comments about Dynamic Trading: Dynamic Concepts in Time, Price & Pattern Analysis With Practical Strategies for Traders & Investors.

1. Robert focuses his books on the three critical aspects a trader has to consider: time, price and pattern and for each of them, the book provides PRACTICAL, sound techniques that once mastered can truly give your trading habits a quantum leap.
   The pattern section focuses on practical application of Elliott wave theory, here not meant to describe evey market condition, but just to understand if a market is trending or counter-trending. This is in my opinion a great achievement, having read numerous non-sense books on Elliott.
   The sections on price and time describe techniques on how to forecast in advance price and time clusters where change in trend are highly probable. Synthetically, the reader is equipped with a good arsenal of techniques that will allow him to combine the pattern (trend/counter-trend analysis) with time and price projections in order to forecast high-probability set-ups on the markets.
   The book provides also a good section on how to build trading strategies, plan and rules and this has helped me a lot to finally put some order into my trading. A number of extremely useful entry and stop-loss techniques are also provided.
   Robert Miner IS A TRADER, not sort of guru who talks about markets without having risked a penny on a stock and that adds tremendous value to the practical application of his ideas.
   I strongly suggest not only to read but to study this book.



2. This is by far the best book on practical Elliott Wave and Fib Trading strategies for futures and stocks. A key section is on trade management and trade strategies which make the difference between success and failure in the business of trading.

   I've been trading for 20 years for funds and my personal account and this is one of the most practical if not the best book on trading I have read.




3. Do yourself a favor, buy this book first ... before investing thousands in training or software programs. Not to downgrade the need for a mentor if one is to learn trading for a living ... there is always a learning curve ... but Dyanmic Trading really does outline all you need to take a living from the markets. The best practical exposition of Elliott Wave and Fibonacci/Gann time/price relationships there is.



4. If you really want to learn the elliot wave then this book is the best of the bunch. Miner has done a very good job of bringing the elliot wave into laymans terms.



5. For people who have read the Elliott Wave Principle by Prechter - Frost, the initial few chapters may sound like a repetition of the seminal work. Even here, Miner distills the best and tries to keep it simple by focusing on the practicality of the wave principle.
   
   The real value addition really begins, in my view, from chapter 5 on Dynamic Time Analysis where Miner focuses on one of the most important parameters "time", which most technical analysis books fail to cover. His guidelines on setting up a trading plan and stop loss mechanisms (covered in subsequent chapters) are also useful.
   
   I would surely recommend this book to everyone. Its a good starting point to delve deeper into concepts like market geometry (covered in other advanced books).

No comments about Advanced Project Management Memory Jogger: A Pocket Guide for Experienced Project Professionals (Memory Jogger).

No comments about When Giants Fall: An Economic Roadmap for the End of the American Era.

5 comments about Top Dog Sales Secrets: 50 Top Experts Show You Proven Ways to Skyrocket Your Sales.

1. The SalesDog.com team has pulled together an excellent book filled with articles from top sales experts in the field today. My favorites* include:
   
   - Creating a Successful Cold Script, by Wendy Weiss
   
   - Transforming Customer Complacency into Urgency, by Mike Schultz
   
   - Help - I'm Talking and I Can't Shut Up, by Michelle Nichols
   
   - Success is an Inside Job, by Bill Caskey
   
   - Winning the Negotiation Game, by Colleen Francis
   
   The book is organized by sales challenges such as cold calling, presentations, proving value and handling objections. So if you're having trouble in one area, just turn to the specific section and get great advice from a variety of experts.
   
   [...]
   
   P.S. I'm also a bit partial to my five articles which were selected to be in the book too!



2. So many of these types of sales success books put out the same old stuff that we've all heard before. Top Dog Sales Secrets was refreshingly different packed with ton's of original material, mixed in with some "tried and true" ideas that we sales veterans tend to forget or overlook after many years in the field.
   
   It doesnt matter if you are a sales veteran or a rookie, Top Dog Sales Secrets has something for you. PS: Everything from Dave Kale is solid gold and will put money in your pocket if you read and follow it!!!!



3. This isn't your typical sales book. It is a collection of authors writing on various topics, not a selling system or sales `program' such as Strategic Selling or SPIN Selling. The authors are excellent writers and the information is current. I found the tone to be enthusiastic, humorous and easy to read. It's a good book to read when you only have snippets of time and can't get involved with a long read or concept. Each article has nuggets of wisdom in it and every article is written by a proven sales pro who has been in our shoes, not an academic or manager from some ivory tower.
   
   The down side is the books organization. It isn't divided into sections such as prospecting, qualifying, closing, etc. While the book contains multiple articles on each subject they are intermingled throughout, like a newspaper that continues a story inside to force you to go through the entire paper. This is a great airplane or waiting room read. I find myself rereading many of the articles several times, going back to important ideas and quotes. After you read this book you can get more information by reading the various authors books.



4. Top Dog Sales Secrets. 50 experts show you proven ways to skyrocket your sales. Michael Dalton Johnston ed. 2007. ISBN 9781934346143. I have really taken my time reading this book. It looks at the sales process after you gain the lead, so it is planted squarely into sales efficiency. How ever some of the treatments of qualifying a lead, are very appropriate in our sales effectiveness model. For my money, if you are in sales today this is one book you need at your side. The experts are truly expert. One book with insight from:
   
   Tony Alessandra, Jim Domanski. Dan Kosch, Mark S.A Smith, Bob Bly, Colleen Francis, Tina LoSasso,Art Sobczak ,
   John Boe,Tom Freese, James Maduk, Dave Stein, Dianna Booher, Patricia Fripp, Jim Meisenheimer,Bill Stinnett, Ed Brodow, Ari Galper, Michelle Nichols, Joel Sussman, Bill Brooks, Joe Guertin, Rick Phllips, Julie Thomas,Jon Brooks, Joe Heller, Tom Reilly, Will Turner, Shamus Brown, Craig James, Tom Richard, Al Uszynski, Bill Caskey, Brian Jeffrey,Llinda Richardson, Steve Waterhouse, Tim Connor, Michael D. Johnson, Keith Rosen, Wendy Weiss, Kevin Davis, Dave Kahle, Mike Schultz, Roger Dawson, Ron Karr, Jacques Werth, Jill Konrath, Anita Sirianni .
   
   One example from Jim Domanski:
   
   Prospect: "Hmmmm. Let me think about it."
   
   Rep: "I understand completely. If l were in your shoes I'd want to think about it as well. Now ask one of the following questions:
   
   * "May I ask what concerns you still have?"
   * "May 1 ask what's causing you to hesitate?"
   * "May I ask what questions I've left unanswered?"
   * "May I ask what your final decision will be based on?"
   
   Get this book. Do not wait. Then read it. Sales advice you can take to the bank.



5. This book features Jill Konrath's "Naked Sales Calls Pay Off."
   
   If you search the Web for "Gitomer Naked Sales Call," you will find a major-league rant / tirade that Jeffrey Gitomer wrote in response to this article.
   
   For copyright reasons, I won't post lengthy excerpts here. Let's just say he started out with "I was reading an idea from a purported sales expert, who recommends going into a sales appointment "naked." She writes about sales reps who she says are having extraordinary success by going into meetings without a brochure or any other collateral material."
   
   And if you look at the front cover of Selling to Big Companies, you will see Jeffrey Gitomer's testimonial on the front cover.
   
   I have an aversion to books like this one and Masters of Sales. I'd rather read one book written by one author than a collection of snippets like the "cold calling script" found in this volume.
   
   But the truth of the matter is that I can't get past the Jill Konrath article and the Gitomer connection. If you have 20 bucks you're willing to spend on a sales book, consider The Inner Game of Selling: Mastering the Hidden Forces that Determine Your Success, Zero Resistance Selling, ProActive Selling: Control the Process -- Win the Sale, SPIN Selling, Advanced Selling Strategies: The Proven System Practiced by Top Salespeople...and that's just for starters.

2 comments about How to Survive (and Perhaps Thrive) on a Teacher's Salary.

1. What a great book!! Any current or future teacher will benefit by reading all the great tips and techniques for "making do" on a teacher's salary. He writes as if he's talking to you directly, and gives lots of examples that will benefit you and your family financially. He's definitely helped me set new goals for myself and my family.



2. Don't buy this book for the simple reason that the author doesn't "survive on a teacher's salary", according to his own narrative.
   
   Most of the time period covered in this short book, the author "survives" on two teachers' salaries because his wife also works. In addition to their two-teacher income, they earn money on the side by tutoring and working for relatives. In a few brief periods when one of them was not teaching full-time, they received money for teaching part time, keeping someone's child in their home and collecting disability. There are loans from grandma and a home improvement loan to supplement their income. The fact of the matter is that Danny and his wife are rarely without additional streams of income. At one point, Danny leaves teaching altogether for a more lucrative job selling flooring. At the end of the book, Danny goes back to teaching.
   
   So what does Danny teach us about surviving on a teacher's salary? Never rely on a teacher's salary. Have two...and then tutor on the side. Work for relatives and friends as well. Sell a house. Borrow money from grandma. Collect disability. Work part-time. Publish and sell a book. This is how Danny does it.
   
   To end on a slightly more favorable note, Danny does some smart things with his money which are worth emulating but you don't have to buy his book to learn how to do them. Danny suggests his readers check out books by David Bach. I would add that you look to Dave Ramsey and Larry Burkett.