4 comments about Resilience at Work: How to Succeed No Matter What Life Throws at You.

1. What a great book! In today's difficult times, being a resilient person is probably one of the most important things we should develop and this book shows you how. I especially like that it is written in a clear cut manner with case study examples. This book will help anyone who has trouble bouncing back from life's adversities and teaches strategies to successfully handle stress. A most helpful and interesting read!



2. RESILIENCE AT WORK shows how to learn the core elements of hardiness that Salvadore Maddi identified in his classic research project at Illinois Bell Telephone twenty years ago. Maddi and Khoshaba explain that "the key to resilience is hardiness," and then show readers how to develop the three core hardiness attitudes:
   * commitment
   * control
   * challenge
   
   To these. they add two vital skills: transformational coping and social support.
   
   RESILIENCE AT WORK reflects decades of practical experience teaching hardiness skills in corporate settings. Many real-life examples illustrate the points. A concluding chapter provides companies with guidelines for improving worker resiliency.



3. What a delightful read! I have been through the Hardiness Training as a student of the authors and am now trained to provide the program to others. This book is a wonderful guide on how to apply the techniques in the workplace; quite timely considering we're all in a world of constant change. The use of real-life examples of resilient and non-resilient individuals was very clever. A brilliantly written book and a truly wonderful legacy for Dr. Maddi and Dr. Khoshaba to give to the world!



4. The negative effects of stress have challenged people for a long, long time. For years, psychologists have endeavored to offer advice and assistance to those coping with personal and professional issues. For obvious reasons, many counselors, consultants, and trainers have focused on managing stress at work. Employers want smooth operations without the potential serious consequences of stress-induced problems. Careers have been destroyed by inabilities to deal with the ongoing changes in business.
   
   I opened this book with an expectation that I might find some new secrets...perhaps a whole new approach to how workers-individually and collectively-could function much differently. What I found was another book on stress. Others may see some new ideas, but I've read a lot in this field so my expectations are probably higher than the average reader.
   
   The text is organized to explain resilience-essentially having the inner strength to cope because you're doing a good job at managing change. The authors describe this as developing hardiness, the foundation of their Hardiness Institute. The book reports on a 12-year longitudinal study of employees at Illinois Bell Telephone. The stress of all the change over the years caused the departure or failure of two-thirds of the workers. The survivors practiced effective stress management techniques. The keys they promote include approaching change as a challenge, developing sound problem-solving strategies, resolving conflicts, and building commitment.
   
   Readers will find an abundance of case studies that make points for the authors, teaching techniques and offering examples to stimulate thought.

2 comments about How Much Money Does an Economy Need?: Solving the Central Economic Puzzle of Money,Prices, and Jobs.

1. More is better when it comes to money, right? "How Much Money Does an Economy Need? Solving the Central Economic Puzzle of Money, Prices, and Jobs" takes an interesting approach, saying that some of the negatives that the economy experiences such as high unemployment, layoffs, and bust cycles are a necessary evil for overall success. A strange sort of wisdom but wisdom nonetheless, "How Much Money Does an Economy Need? Solving the Central Economic Puzzle of Money, Prices, and Jobs" is recommended for its alternative point of view.



2. I agree with the five-star rating given by the Midwest Book Review, but disagree with the assessment that Lewis' book implies high unemployment and busts are necessary to an economy's overall success. Lewis offers several explanations and perspectives (including his own) regarding the nature of depressions and unemployment, including that they are caused by the Federal Reserve printing too much money.

5 comments about A Nation of Counterfeiters: Capitalists, Con Men, and the Making of the United States.

1. For the first hundred years of our nation's existence there was no federally printed or controlled money. Regional banks printed money, in a variety of styles, some of it very cheaply printed. Not only regional banks printed money. It was so easily done as to be an encouragement for counterfeiting.
   
   This book tells of those counterfeiters, and how some of the counterfeit money actually became to be regarded as more valuable than money printed by banks. In the end, the author makes the point that all paper money is essentially a confidence game. What makes it valuable is not what backs it, as the U.S. dollar no longer has precious metals backing it. It is the confidence of the marketplace and of people in the money that makes it valuable.
   
   A great book. Recommended!



2. Full to the brim with endless examples of early 19th century Americana, this book falls into a relatively rare group of works about the nation's fiscal policies and the nature of frontier banking even an average reader can approach. In these days of failing major banks it's rather charming to note how trust and deception regarding the issuance of money and the establishing of secure credit were always constants, ongoing fundamentals to any country's economic well being!
   
   The author does not write as well as might be wished, and tend to dwell much to long on the same examples. The book also needs tightening up, and most importantly - break up the huge central chapter.
   
   That said, this is a good book and one anyone interested in the beginnings of our banking might well peruse with profit of a different kind than the many and various fly by night operators who added to the color of early Americana at the dawn of our Republic.



3. The parallels aren't exact, but common themes run from the period between the Revolution and the Civil War to the present: trust and distrust in finance, questions about government's proper role (including issues like regulation), the nature of the free market, the house-of-cards element of our economy. In highlighting how those themes and others played out during the United States' first seventy years, Stephen Mihm also opens a window into our current financial situation. I won't call this book indispensable, but it is enjoyable (despite some patches of dry, academic writing) and insightful, into both the past and the present.



4. Do you know that why President Lincoln established the Secret Service? It wasn't to protect him but to protect the country's currency. It is still the main purpose of the Secret Service today, although they are now also responsible to protect the president.
   
   Understanding where our money came from and how it evolved to what it is today is a most fascinating account. At one time, almost every bank issued its own currency within the different states. Trying to track that money, use it, and account for it was a nightmare.
   
   Something had to be done about it and you learn all about that in A Nation of Counterfeiters. The next time you pull a $5.00 bill from your purse or wallet, you'll have a much deeper appreciation of what it really means.



5. We take currency for granted. It's pieces of paper and chunks of metal and we engage in a collective act of faith when we all join in believing it's worth $5.00 or 5 cents or whatever it says on it. We take on faith that those pieces of paper and chunks of metal are backed by our government.
   
   But in the United States it was not always that way. In the 18th and 19th century, banks around the nation issued their own currency to represent the stock of precious metal they actually had on hand. People had to make their own decision whether to engage in the act of faith that a particular piece of paper meant a particular bank's word was good. On top of that, with thousands of competing currency designs circulating, counterfeiters flourished. The effect of all of this on the market, the economy and growth of the US and our very form of government makes for a more fascinating story than I expected, approaching a book of economic history.
   
   By focusing on the people who were gaming the system, the counterfeiters, author Stephen Mihm gives an interesting twist to what could be a very dry topic. Lively personalities appear, who, while largely forgotten now, had tremendous influence on the growth of the US economy in the first half of the 19th century.
   
   Mihm has accomplished an impressive feat here, writing both a well-researched dissertation on a less-studied topic, and then turning it into a book that is readable for an interested layperson. I enjoyed this book.

1 comments about Essentials of Credit, Collections, and Accounts Receivable.

1. I've worked in Credit/Collections for around 15 years. I picked up Mary's book because I was out of the field for many years to stay home with my kids, and now I'm ready to get back into it but wasn't sure if I remember everything. Mary could have been descibing my life as a credit person and all that they go through. I have not forgotten a thing, and could have added to the book myself. In fact I'll be writing my own book about the field enhanced with rapport building skills based on NLP teaching techniqes that will help you get the money in quicker.
   So If you're looking to pursue a career in credit, I can attest that this book covers all the important stuff from dealing with unearned discounts and decductions, to the reality of dealing with less supportive departments in your company. I'm glad I read it.

1 comments about Money, Banking and Financial Markets.

1. The book I received was exactly what I was expecting! Would definitely do business with again.

5 comments about How You Can Profit from Credit Cards: Using Credit to Improve Your Financial Life and Bottom Line.

1. Being an avid reader and contributor of the forums for a couple years at cardratings.com I had to purchase the book and was pleased with the great material found within. It took the best of what I've learned and explains it all in a well organized manner. I point family and friends to it now, cause it explains it all much better than I can. With the help of the forums I overcome a $12000 credit debt in 2 years and over the time built a score close to 800. I enjoy having my cards earn me money instead of having debt and having the upper hand now that I know how the credit world works.
   
   Thanks for your help, Curtis.



2. I was particularly impressed with the mountainous amount of information written in such a friendly, easy-to-read format. Curtis has done a wonderful job explaining the ins and outs of credit cards and how you can actually make a profit using them.
   
   I've known Curtis for several years and can personally attest to his desire to help people understand the credit industry: credit cards, credit reports, credit scores, and more. I thought I knew a lot about credit cards, yet I was amazed beginning in Chapter One at Curtis' unique perspective and exemplary advice.
   
   Everyone should learn the information in this book. Parents would do well to give copies to their children. It's that important!



3. Credit card debt is something many Americans fear -- and justifiably so. "How You Can Profit From Credit Cards: Using Credit to Improve Your Financial Life and Bottom Line" is a practical, effective, informative, and 'user friendly' guide to using the creator of debt to become the obliteration of debt and a boon for personal and professional financial success. A guide to credit management and the responsible use of credit cards to increase credit rating and even to make money, "How You Can Profit From Credit Cards" should be considered essential reading for anyone first starting with one or more credit cards and wanting to avoid the pitfalls of excessive and unnecessary debt.



4. This book presents a common man approach to the potental positive side of the use of credit cards. Curtis Arnold has researched and presented this unique approach not to entise one to use credit cards but rather to insure that the user receives their full benefits. Certainly, there are concerns with the improper use of credit cards, but the misuse, or lack of understanding of the consequences of using multiiple credit cards with out a strong payment approach can be quite damaging. One can compare, the usual attitlude as the denial of misuse as one of sure credit failure of one's credit rating. Our credit ratings today can determine our job opportunities as well as general every day standard of living. As a former school counselor, I highly recommend that all schools have this book in their school curriculum.



5. Curtis has written a very relevant, timely message to an audience that needed this many moons ago. I have struggled with my finances in my college days like most students, and have found myself asking, "Where would I be today if I had this book in college?" Curtis has written this book as a tool for any and every consumer, but specifically the student credit chapters need to be plugged in to every university in America. It's information would prevent the next generation from experiencing what we are going through today. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to see the next generation succeed financially!

5 comments about Cashing In on a Second Home in Mexico: How to Buy, Rent and Profit from Property South of the Border.

1. I "bought" a home in Puerto Pensaco two years ago. I am still trying to get my Fideicomiso. While everything looks like it will turn out ok, I sure wish i had read this book first. If nothing else I would have understood the process better and would have know what questions to ask and what documents to look for.
   
   A very informative book and I highly recommend it to anyone thinking about buying in Mexico. It will increase you comfort level trmendously.



2. I found this book very informative. It covered all aspects of buying property in Mexcio and information on specific areas of the country. Even though he promotes Stewart Title Insurance I see how this is an important area to consider when purchasing in Mexico. I learned a lot and will keep this book for future reference.



3. Book in great condition. Easy reading, and many good pointers on moving to Mexico. Great information on email address for help on subject of renting or owning property. Think it will be very usefull.



4. This book, although it does occaionally contain tidbits of information specific to the Mexican real estate process, contains alot of information general in nature such as chapter seven: "Calculating your discretionary income"; or chapter nine: "Strategies to find (and keep) good renters".
   
   Much of the book is written more like a travel or tour guide such as chapter one: "Top 10 locations that will appreciate over time"; or chapter five: "Sharing the stories of people and places" including "a trip across the border to the dentist".
   
   Pertinent and useful infomation is presented in chapter seventeen: "Understanding taxes: what to expect from Uncle Sam".



5. I am in the process of buying a house in Mexico. I am buying in Baja and the info in the book really helped me. So far, so good. Fortunately, I'm buying from a reputable developer and my purchase so far has been exactly the way the book detailed that it should go. I think this is a great book to show you what the sale should look like so that you can tell when it is legit or not. Great info source.

3 comments about The Standard & Poor's Guide to Measuring and Managing Credit Risk.

1. In Measuring and Managing Credit Risk, the authors provided a robust, complete and comprehensive treatment of several aspects of modern credit risk measurement and management. Written by two high talented practitioners, this book will become certainly a reference both for academics and practitioners thanks to its careful treatment of several not so known empirical issues which practitioners have to face everyday. At the same time, do not consider the book as a new recipes book for managing credit risk. Both authors already proved their deep knowledges of financial theory and establish once again, through this book, how advanced knowledges of theory combined with significant practical experience make leading researches. As a PhD candidate in Finance, actually writing on credit risk, I definitively adopted this book and higly recommend it for anyone dealing with credit risk issues either through a practical experience or through a theoritical work.



2. If you are Banker/Banking Consultant then this book is the closest you will get to understanding Credit Risk from a Basel II perspective. Its clear & lucid style helped me understand the gamut of techniques used in Credit Risk Measurement. Unfortunately the Book does not get into the details of bulinding models so if your looking for a model building cookbook, look elsewhere.



3. Yes, this is a must have. Written by S&P auther, it is the definitive guide, no question should be asked. cause they are credit king.
   
   Many details on how to measure risk, quantitative methods in detail. Ideas and industry practice all in great detail. I could imagine some quants will use it as a cook book for their project.
   
   overall, well written for easy read. both good for a glance at credit risk and for in depth learning of industry standard.

5 comments about Intermediate Financial Management (with Thomson One).

1. Not worth the paper it was printed on and completely overpriced. If you are an MBA candidate you should save $145 to spend on other study guides.



2. I bought the recent 9th edition of this book, and on the contrary to the previous reviews, i have found the book very helpful (probably the authors made some big changes in this edition). It gave relevant and very good examples with mini real-life cases at the end of every chapter. One of the big advantages in this book is that it gives you answer keys at the end of the book so you can check your answers to end-of-chapter problems. Keep in mind that this is an advanced course textbook so it will assume you have previous "solid" knowledge of concepts like time value of money etc.



3. Good textbook, wish it provided cd with all powerpoint,spreadsheets and end of chapter solutiions.



4. This book is a P.O.S. The explanations are poor and confusing, results of calculations are used with no reference to the formulas (which are discussed many chapters later), I frequently find myself referring to other works for clarity, even on subjects I know well. Profs use this piece of trash because they are too lazy to make the migration to any of the many other better corporate finance books that are now available. Brigham checked out of the authorship business many years ago. This is now simply mechanical production from the Thomson machine.



5. This book is very confusing. No use of examles and no free book website support. You can't find a solution manual if you need one. The professors in our school don't like it also...however they required us to buy it but they give us handouts and homework from other text material.....
   Avoid it if you can chose your own book :(

5 comments about Biography of the Dollar: How the Mighty Buck Conquered the World and Why It's Under Siege.

1. This book is very entertaining and informative, even if (or perhaps, because) it doesn't go into the finer details. Many of us took for granted the power of the 'buck' around the world, but now that it's in decline, we're starting to notice ! The book gives some insight into how the dollar achieved it's unique status as the currency of international trade, how the relative value of the dollar affects other countries, and vice-versa.
   The book is also thought-provoking, and I'm now thinking about different ways to protect and grow my retirement savings. A worthwhile read.



2. One interesting bit of information I had found during my searches in the Internet about money was how Iraq in the year 2000 had changed the denomination with which it traded oil: from the U.S. dollar to the euro. At that point in history, I wondered if Iraq's leadership had sealed its fate long before 9/11 attacks happened. Alan Greenspan, in his recent autobiography, concedes the cause of the Iraq war is really oil, most of which is traded using the dollar. Craig Karmin, in his book, "Biography Of The Dollar" confirms Iraq's fateful decision, but makes little mention of the Iraq war and its causes. He does, however, strongly suggest how the most important events in the world can be traced back to the movers and the movement of currency, the dollar in particular.
   
   Currency Exchange is a lot like fishing in a three-trillion-dollar pond...in a single day, writes Karmin. He takes us through one day in the life of Jeff Weiser, whose life is money; not as a means but an end: trading it day and night. Karmin then takes us through the 128 years old hallow halls of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, where money is made. This is one place where garbage is not rolled down to the roadside to be picked up by Waste Management. That garbage is BEP's weakest point: Money that wasn't deemed "perfect" and therefore has to be discarded. Somebody has to destroy that imperfect money, yet "how can you tell if something is destroyed?" asks an official of the BEP. Numerous people who worked for the BEP had abused their position. Some had used money that had neither the serial number nor the Federal Reserve seal on it. Others were more insidious. Karmin writes about several such stories in detail in fast read. He also discusses the way countries use counterfeit as a strategic ploy to attack other countries. For this reason, by virtue of the sophistication and technology that is in the dollar, one holds a Fort Knox in his palm.



3. I was put off after reaching page 3 of the introduction. It states the U.S pays $1,000,000 per day for each (350,000,000) person in the country in interest payments on the foreign debt. That is $127,750 trillion per year. Didn't seem right.
   
   After wasting an hour trying to reconcile this I checked further in the index for other references and I see this number quoted again on page 244. Except this time the underlying math is detailed (which agrees with my research) and shows the debt interest to be $310,000,000 per day. This is about a $1.00 per person per day. Even there the $1 million per day is repeated.
   
   Not good start for this book on finance. What will page 4 bring?



4. I read this during the financial crisis, and it helped me understand why the US economy is in trouble. Very easy to understand complex topics, and was fun to read. Pleasantly surprised that it was such an enjoyable book. Would recommend it to people who want to understand the role the US and the dollar play in the world's economy, but who don't want a boring textbook!



5. Popular audience discussion of the history of the dollar, a journalistic rather than academic account of the dollar in history and today. A well-written read. The chapter on dollarization in places like Ecuador is informative, and the chapters that deal with the situation up through early 2007 - the long term decline of the dollar, rise of the euro, and reasons why foreign government holdings of US dollar Treasury debt makes such a difference are very clear explanations for the layperson. Very fine financial journalism.