5 comments about Naked Guide to Bonds: What You Need to Know--Stripped Down to the Bare Essentials.

1. I was not expecting to gain this much insight on the topic of bonds and investing but am delighted to have picked this book up and savoured it to the last page in the course of one plane ride!
   Adept, succinct without compromising depth, this young new author has really delivered on his promise to give us the "bare essentials" that anyone should know!



2. I read the Motley Fool Investment Guide and really liked it, so when I saw this at the bookstore with Tom Gardner's endorsement on it, I thought I'd give it a shot. Just like the Fools, this book is written for regular people and is pretty humorous (for an investment book!). The chapters are well organized so that you learn about bonds "step-by-step". It includes discussions about every type of bond and advice on how to put them into your
   portfolio. It's definitely not written like a textbook -- even the complicated concepts come across clearly. In short, this is a great book. I found it easy to understand and, most importantly, full of extremely useful information.



3. In this very good beginner's guide to the bond market, author Michael V. Brandes addresses all of the fundamental questions clearly and concisely. Bond math can be daunting, but while the author includes a few equations for illustrative purposes, he clearly addresses his book to the general run of individual investors. The book, which has moments of surprising good humor, says right off the bat that bond investing can be dull in comparison to stock investing, not because the stakes are lower, but because the elements of personality and surprise are considerably more muted in the debt market than in the equity markets. We highly recommend this book, even though it is pedantic at times - a risk you take when you venture into the complex realm of bond investing.



4. As a former techie who found his way to the wonderful world of supporting a fixed income desk, I found this book to be an excellent overview of the bond market. The author explains complex concepts such as duration and yield in terms that anyone can understand. This is by far the best introductory book to the bond market I have read (and I have read many)!



5. I highly recommend this book. It gives thorough and strait-forward information on every aspect of fixed-income investment vehicles. This is a great way to learn about this market if one is new to it.

5 comments about The Wall Street Journal Guide to Understanding Money and Investing, Third Edition.

1. Most of the book is a great intro to money, stocks, bonds and mutual funds. But the last section, on Futures & Options, seems really rushed and lacks the clarity of the earlier sections (especially the material on options). For example, the authors do not define "calling" or "putting" options; and there is a blatant error on page 150 wherein a description of an option table is laughably out of sync with the table it is trying to describe.
   
   Overall, the book is very good -- just beware of the shortcomings of its last section.



2. I think this book did a great job in helping me understand the universe of money and investing beyong the scope of stock. I have been trading for 1 year and wanted to buy a small book that gave me a general education on the subject. Although much more can be written on each topic covered it is good for beginning to understand the whole picture.



3. A nice introduction to wall street if you were raised on Mars. For people who want to do investing for a living this is a waste of time



4. If you're a beginner, interested in investing, this is a very decent primer to start with. Buy it with Eric Tyson's Investing for Dummies, and you'll be fully set!



5. Although this isn't the largest book in the world, I really enjoyed reading it. I thought that I was pretty savvy as far as the way things worked, but this book definitely enlightened me. I also appreciated the pictures that made things clearer.

No comments about High-Powered Investing All-In-One For Dummies (For Dummies (Business & Personal Finance)).

5 comments about Bonds: The Unbeaten Path to Secure Investment Growth.

1. Overall, this is seems to be an excellent simple first primer on bonds. I have no formal background in investing or finance. With all due respect, I disagree with 'Texas Critic's' analysis of the complexity of bond trading and bond portfolios. Additionally, I think despite getting to the "meat of the matter", much of the value or meaning of book and investment style may have been lost on 'Texas Critic'. I believe portfolio appreciation is not the goal of bond portfolios. It seems that the authors have gone to great length to point that out. Certainly you may see portfolio appreciation, but at the end of the day downside risk mitigation with sustained income seems to be the underlying theme.
   
   The material is dry, succinct and throughly approachable. Moreover, I have found bond traders (through various financial institutions and independent traders) who will buy/sell analyze bonds for you with relatively small portfolio maintenance charges (much less than seen in the leveraged bond funds or most mutual funds). I can not debate the viability of a 100% bond portfolio or any other investments. The ideas presented at worst will force you to think about alternative(s) to current mainstream "dogma" on asset diversification. Particularly useful may be the shift from asset appreciation strategies to liability coverage strategies. I highly recommend this book (and the one by annette thau) if you're interested in learning more about credit markets/bonds. I would emphasize that this is likely a book for beginners who want basics about bonds. I sincerely hope this review is useful.



2. I purchased this book after reading an introductory article on bonds in the recent American Association of Individual Investors (AAII) article.
   
   I was impressed with the basics of bonds presented in that article and felt this book might be worthy of reading.
   
   My goal was to obtain a beginners view of the bond market and I'd say this book fulfilled that goal quite nicely.
   
   I found the book easy to read and the information to be readily understandable. That's always a concern with a new subject.
   
   I only gave the book four stars because I have no others from which to evaluate it. I guess I'm always hoping for the five star book!
   
   In summary, this book provided the basic understanding of bonds I was looking for and presened it in a usable fashion. For that I give it an A+.



3. There are no new ideas in this book. It is being hyped to death on the Bloomberg website, billed as some alternative investment strategy. But although it does a decent job of superfically covering the various types of basic bond investments, its only surprising feature is that the authors ignore the effects of inflation. They do not even discuss real rates of return (adjusted for inflation), and many of their recommendations will not even keep up with inflation. That is not only a major oversight; it is a disservice to readers who look to this book for good advice. It's OK advice about various bond investments, but it is woefully inadequate advice for overall investment strategy. I like bonds (within a broader portfolio), but I feel I simply wasted my time in reading this book.



4. In Hildy and Stan Richelson's opening chapter they break old financial premises and myths we had come to accept without question in "Bonds, The Unbeaten Path to Secure Investment Growth". They refute the dogma that we had to diversify and that the best returns are in the stock market, and they do it clearly and brilliantly.
   
   Bonds were as remote to me as Sanskrit. Yet after reading their book, the veils were lifted. I caught their vision. They simplified the bond market. The book is inspiring and motivating. I learned bond calculations and was directed to many informative and revealing websites, all of which were essential to round out my bond comprehension. There is consciousness and a generosity of spirit in their writing.
   
   Through their clear thinking they challenged me to relook at previous beliefs, and surprisingly turned around my whole way of seeing. It's quite masterful. There is no smoke and mirrors here, but real fact turned into a new vision.
   
   They offer well thought out, safe and secure, investment solutions. In this extreme buyer beware climate I feel they are on my side, the side of the individual investor.
   
   Thank you Hildy and Stan for your wisdom.
   
   J. J. Tanner, Arizona



5. 
   
   This is the best book on investing anywhere. For the past two years I have searched long and hard for a book that would give practical advice to a conservative investor--that is, one who does not want to lose money but rather wants to earn a predictable return on investments. Having read dozens of books on investing, including many of the most highly touted, I have concluded that Bonds: The Unbeaten Path to Secure Investment Growth is the best thing out there. Most of my savings and investments are in an employer plan, and thus are in funds of one sort or another, leaving little opportunity to invest directly in the type of bonds that the Richelsons discuss here. However, what has been invaluable to me is (1) their philosophy of investing and, having digested that, (2) their recommendations for the type of funds in which to invest, recommendations that can be found on page 315. That one page of recommendations, when supplemented by the Richelson's carefully laid out philosopy, is worth many times the price of the book. Since studying and applying the Richelsons' approach, I have had a year of strong returns and a year of sleeping well. To the critics of the book, I would respectfully recommend that you re-read it and then answer the question, over the past year have I had positive returns on my investments and have I slept well? If the answer is "no" to either of those questions, read this book again.

5 comments about The Bond Book: Everything Investors Need to Know About Treasuries, Municipals, GNMAs, Corporates, Zeros, Bond Funds, Money Market Funds, and More.

1. This is an accessible introduction to bonds by a financial professional whose first book - as unlikely as it may seem - was a study of Max Jacob, the French poet. The literary background of the author, Annette Thau, may account for her book's clear, easy-to-read style. Most authors who write about bonds tend to get lost in the complex mathematics and specialized jargon of the bond markets. Not Annette Thau. Whether you are an individual investor trying to balance your portfolio with bonds, or a student of finance looking for a more lucid explanation of the subject than you can find in your textbooks, we highly recommend this book to you.



2. Thau over complicates her points. The book is too difficult to understand. I am an attorney who has been investing in stocks and bonds for over 10 years. This book is not appropriate for any level investor.



3. Am nearly finished reading the 2nd printing of this excellent tutorial. Although I have been an avid buyer & seller of fixed income products for many years, the author did a superb job of furthering my mid-level expertise especially in the area of municipal bonds. Her plain language explanations were most welcome as opposed to the plethora of financial techno-babble tomes that share the bookshelf. 5 Stars without reservation.



4. I ordered this book for my business library. I enjoyed the book, but if you want more specifics on the methods of detailed bond calculations, I would recommend a good financial investments text book.



5. A great introduction to bonds and there place in a portfolio. The perfect place for the individual to start if they are considering purchasing individual bonds for their portfolio.
   
   However, anyone looking for more in-depth information and strategies will likely be disappointed. Relatively little information about Zeros, TIPS and other products that are likely to be of interest. Start here, and then increase your knowledge with a title specific to your interests (i.e. municipal bonds, etc.).

No comments about Bond Investing For Dummies (For Dummies (Business & Personal Finance)).

5 comments about A Trader's Money Management System: How to Ensure Profit and Avoid the Risk of Ruin (Wiley Trading).

1. This book is all about risk: trade risk, market risk, margin risk, liquidity risk, overnight risk, and volatility risk. It covers the 2% risk formula, risk of ruin tables, stop loss exits, scaling in and scaling out, trade posting cards & ledgers. You need this.



2. Have you ever traded even for 1 day? then,you must know that your technical system is maybe the least important part of your trading plan....Money management is the most important part,it's the true "Holy grail" of trading and Bennett McDowell has done a great job focusing on it!
   
   An experienced trader knows very well that he must control his inevitable losses if he wants to survive in the markets.He must control his position size in every trade,to avoid the possibility to take a big loss.A big loss that will not only diminish his capital,but,more important,it will "destroy" his psychology,it will "destroy" his self confidence,which is the most valuable asset a trader can have....
   
   Mr. McDowell has written a great book on money management and traders' psychology.Being himself a successful trader,he knows very well how important these things are.As he states in many of his presentations,"you must stay alive to fight for another day"....great advice,believe me fellow traders....
   
   I believe that this is the first book a trader must read.He must understand the concept of money management and it's importance.And this book is the best way to do it....



3. I am so thankful that I began my life as a trader with reading 'A Trader's Money Management System'. I am currently in the research mode and have yet to buy my first system, set up my first brokerage account or make my first trade. It has given me confidence that so far I am doing things right and in order (capital, money management, system then psychology). I now have a realistic understanding that a low win to loss ratio is ok as long as I have a good money management. It will be the money management that will keep me in the game and hopefully allow my winners to overtake my losers. Thanks Bennett.



4. Read this book before you lose your life savings or a portion thereof. I would venture to guess that most "non professionals" play in markets without a plan or system. It may be true that more people lose money in the market than make money in the market, especially in 2008. Well, if you fall into this category you need to read and use this book before you make another trade. Money management discipline is more important than stock picking!
   
   This book is an easy read. It will, in a clear and concise manner, guide you to create your trading system for money management ("preservation"). Learn your strengths and identify your weaknesses. Understand your risk psychology and how to develop a "Traders Mindset" that fits you. Entry rules, stop-loss exits, risk-of-ruin tables, tracking systems and risk management rules, it is all here. It's well laid out and worth the investment in your financial future. I am glad that I bought and am using this book. Highly recommended!



5. That's the million dollar question at the heart of sound money management, how much should you risk on each trade? McDowell answers the question superbly in his book and gives the reader tools to answer this question for yourself. The debate on this topic has raged on prior to the release of McDowell's book and will surely continue on long after as well.
   
   Some traders will urge you to never risk more than 2%. And, the traders in this camp feel that Ralph Vince's obsession with Optimal f formulas pose far too much risk for any trader. While other traders (see a John Bollinger review posted on one of Vince's books) will warn you against risking too little. The dilemma with risking too little is that you will minimize your rate of return and weaken your edge.
   
   Perhaps, as McDowell's new book outlines, the answer to this question lies somewhere in between. He compares, and spells out, two ways to determine how much to risk: 1) referring to the risk of ruin tables; and 2) using the Optimal f formula. Either way, you absolutely need to know what both your current pay off ratio and win ratio are, so that your choices are based on data not impulse.
   
   This book gives you the formulas and information to make an informed decision on how much to risk. How you use the information (via testing your own system) is up to you.

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.

3 comments about Trading Options For Dummies (For Dummies (Business & Personal Finance)).

1. What this book lacks in detail, it makes in subject completeness.
   
   There are dozens and dozens of great websites out there describing options and trading strategies in far better depth and completeness than this book. So, if you're looking for complex spreads or techniques, this book will not satisfy you.
   
   However, online searches are so saturated in trading strategies that it's actually difficult to become aware of real world transactional details (like, "who are the market makers? how does assignment work?"). this book nicely wraps up those "loose ends" that are hardly ever mentioned on your favorite search engine.



2. I wanted something that took me from 0 to 60 in a couple of hours, to explain options in plain english. This book goes from 20 to 120 then back to 40 and up to 80 then back to 10, very poorly constructed and organized.
   
   (My review for Dummies: This book is difficult to follow, jumps around a lot, and rarely satisfies the curiousity at hand)



3. I wanted a book which would explain buying and selling options in a thorough way for someone who knew very little about options. This is not the book.
   
   The author seems to have the intent to throw in as many complex terms without every explaining the simple things. Never once in this book is a walk through through on how to buy a call, how to sell the option, or on how to exercise the underlying contract. The same goes for simple puts.

5 comments about The Intelligent Investor: The Definitive Book on Value Investing. A Book of Practical Counsel (Revised Edition).

1. I have been reading the intelligent investor for a couple of days now and just finished chapter 4. The book can seem a bit long but it is not. The arguments are easy to understand and comprehend. Graham argues that investment, as great as it could be, also contains significant risks and for long periods of times have not outperformed bonds when considering inflation. He thinks every intelligent person should have no more that 75% in equities in best of times and should have up to 75% in bonds in bad times. It is definitely a book worth reading not only because he reaches sensible conclusions and warns you not to blindly follow pundits but simply because it gives you overview on market performance by analyzing the historical data that should be mandatory knowledge for everyone serious about investing.



2. Having being for some time a small investor with mixed results I was trying to learn more about the dynamics of the stock market. Benjamim Graham makes an excellent case for value investing which distinguishes true investors from speculators. It is as actual today (if not more then) as it was first written several decades ago. If you only read one book about stocks, be sure you pick this one. Highly recommended!



3. Whether you are an investor or speculator, this book provides more detailed information than any book I have read. To get the most from this book, one must be willing to devote time to absorb what the author is writing about. As it is a rather large book, it is easy to put aside; however if one is serious about the "market" the vital information is available in this book. I firmly believe if one will read and understand this information, your financial program will benefit. Sam Harris



4. Simple like that: if you are a layman investor and don't want to lose a dime, stop your investment actions right now and start reading this book immediately.
   
   I've started composing my stock portfolio a couple of months, before reading this book. At that time, I didn't know any of the Graham's wise lessons and took many decisions, some Graham-complying ones and some not. After six months, all bets on companies in a strong financial position, with a dividend payment history of more than 20 years, offering shares with a discount as consequence of the market fluctuation, and so on, proved to be right, even during crisis time.
   
   A must read book for anyone aspiring to be a fraction of what a true investor is.



5. The Intelligent Investor has helped me focus on the long term, to really internalize what sort of returns I should expect from my stock and bond investments and to temper my enthusiasm when the market gets exciting. Graham writes clearly, uses examples that are easily understood, and makes his points in an understated style. Though a bit dated -- Ben Graham met his greater reward more than thirty years ago and Jason Zweig focuses his commentary on the internet bubble and its aftermath -- the lessons set forth remain critical to value investing today. Just buy and read (and re-read) this book!