The Unofficial GuideTM to Investing by O'Shaughnessy, Lynn;

Short description:

With the recent fluctuations in the market, people are becoming more aware of the need to become financially savvy. Yet financial fears still abound: fear of the market crashing, fear of making poor investment choices, fear of not being able to send their kids to college.

Long description:

With the recent fluctuations in the market, people are becoming more aware of the need to become financially savvy. Yet financial fears still abound: fear of the market crashing, fear of making poor investment choices, fear of not being able to send their kids to college. The Unofficial Guide to Investing demystifies the range of investment options available today and provides practical tools that will help readers make financially sound decisions. For the financial bystander who is timid about investing and confused by the buzzwords, this book explains where to begin, how to start researching without feeling awkward, how to find your comfort zone, how to invest online, how to plan for retirement, and how to avoid getting burned. It goes beyond just comparing mutual funds to relieving the anxiety surrounding the issue of investing.

The inside scoop?for when you want more than the official line! Today's investing choices are endless: Right now there are approximately 7,000 mutual funds clamoring for your attention?and that's nothing compared to the number of stocks and bonds out there. With so many options, you want to make sure your money is working for you. You want to choose the best investments for your budget, pick a financial advisor you can trust, and watch your portfolio grow. You want the inside scoop. The Unofficial Guide^? to Investing gives savvy consumers like you a foolproof appraisal of everything you need to know, along with unbiased recommendations that are not influenced by any company, product, or organization. This book, like every Unofficial Guide,^? is intensively inspected by the Unofficial Panel of Experts, a team of top financial pros. They ensure that you are armed with the most up-to-date insider information available and are told exactly what the Official establishment doesn't want you to know. Vital Information that other sources can't or won't reveal about who you can trust with your money. Insider Secrets from top investment experts who know how to succeed in the financial world. Money-Saving Techniques so you can find more money to invest. Time-Saving Tips for cutting through the hype when researching investments, finding top-notch financial planners, and maintaining a hassle-free portfolio. The Latest Trends on the hottest investments, including Internet investing, the index mutual fund craze, the new Roth IRAs, and debt consolidation. Handy Checklists and Charts for organizing your finances, testing your investing IQ, and more. Macmillan Lifestyle Guides

Table of Contents:

The Unofficial Guide Reader's Bill of Rights.

The Unofficial Guide Panel of Experts.

Introduction.

I. A Firm Foundation.

1. The Secrets of Successful Investing.

2. Organizing Your Finances from A to Z.

3. Financial Planners and Brokers?The Best of the Bunch.

II. The Financial Markets.

4. Stock Picking 101.

5. Bond Isn't a Four-Letter Word.

6. Mutual Funds?Don't Invest Without 'Em.

III. Zoom In on Your Choices.

7. Research?The Investing Advantage.

8. Investing on the Net.

9. The Investment Club Phenomenon.

10. Making Your Move?Buying and Selling.

IV. Decision-Making Made Easy.

11. Investing on the Run: Sure-Fire Shortcuts.

12. Strategies for Financial Success.

13. Taxes and Investing?What You Should Know.

V. Protecting What You Have.

14. Insuring Your Investing Future.

15. When You're in Financial Trouble.

16. Money and Your Psyche.

17. Troubleshooting.

A. Glossary.

B. Resource Guide.

C. Recommended Reading List.

D. Important Documents.

E. Important Statistics.

Index.