Product Description
This invaluable new guide from financial expert David Scott analyzes the role that mutual funds play in achieving a balanced portfolio. In addition to explaining how shares in mutual funds are bought and sold, this clearly written book will show investors
• how to assess a fund"s investment objective in light of their own goals
• how to choose from among stock, bond, and money market funds
• how to evaluate the three different kinds of income associated with mutual funds — dividends, capital gains, and market appreciation
• how to save on fees when buying and redeeming mutual fund shares ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Excellent for Beginners
I have found Scott's book to be a real help in understanding how to select mutual funds.Now I know what fees to check and the type fund that best fits my needs.I have recommended this to my friends who were in the same sorry shape I was.

A Good Primer
This is another good investment primer in Scott's series.An easy read that is especially worthwhile for someone wondering what mutual funds are all about.After reading this book you may also wonder why you may be paying so much to buy and own shares of a mutual fund.

Basic Info
This is a concise guide for beginning investors.It is easy to understand and reasonably complete.The material is too elementary for someone experienced in mutual fund investing but just about right for someone who is about to get their feet wet.

David Scott's Guide to Investing in Mutual Funds
The author has written another superb book on investment.This book on mutual funds is fun to read, easy to understand and cuts through the fog of misunderstanding associated with mutual fund investing.It includes a detailed explanation of all the various mutual funds which includes equity, bond and money market funds. It also covers alternatives to mutual funds such as closed-end investment companies. The book provides a wealth of knowledge and is a welcome addition to my library on investing. ... Read more

Product Description
Written in an accessible and entertaining style, a financial guide teaches investors how to do their own research and investing rather than relying on the advice of others and provides a solid foundation on which investors can build to learn firsthand how the mutual fund market works. Amazon.com Review
The world of mutual funds can be bewildering, but findingone's way in it has become a little easier in the past few years, withthe arrival of books such as Mutual Funds for Dummies. Yet even this Dummies guide, weighing in at 406 pages, canbe a little intimidating. Someone should write a smaller book,readable in an hour or so, with just the basic information on howmutual funds work and how to identify and evaluate the appropriateones.

Which is exactly what Jason Kelly has done. The NeatestLittle Guide to Mutual Fund Investing is admirably brief at 131pages. It could be used as a textbook example of how to render acomplex subject in the simplest and clearest way possible. Yet nothingessential has been left out, and even experienced fund investors couldbenefit from this quick read. How many investors fully grasp, forexample, the various measurements of a fund's riskiness? Kellyexplains what to make of a fund's alpha, beta, and standard deviation,and he does it in a way that anyone can understand and use. --BarryMitzman ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

the neatest little guide to mutual funds
the book was in excellent condition and very well written. it was an easy to understand book with basic terminology that anyone could understand. i would recommend this book to anyone that is interested in investing in mutual funds. i was very satisfied with the service i got from amazon.com and also from the seller of the book. very prompt delivery and i would recommend buying from this seller.

Simple and yet comprehensive
I have been reading quite a few introductory books in Mutual Fund Investing, and I found this book gave the most comprehensive coverage with minimum reading. Besides, it also gave a lot of good tips and useful references (books, magazines and web sites). If you want to get a good overview on mutual fund investment, then this book is certainly a good start.

Gotta read this one!
this book has to be the simplest and easiest to read investing book ever written.Because of its brevity and straightforward manner, it can be read by any neophyte investor in a short period of time. GOOD LUCK!

This book deserves not 5 but 6 stars
Reading this book is the easiest and most time-saving way to learn about mutual funds.If you want a quick introduction to mutual funds which is funny and to the point this book is definitely for you.

It is informative, concise, and motivating.
I had read many investment books prior to Mr. Kelly's and only gained a modicum of diverse knowledge regarding the structure and function of mutual funds. Because of his suggestions, I literally fired my broker--I know as much as the broker does regarding betas, alphas, deviations, etc.Indeed, a scary feeling.For those whose broker is making the profits, I highly recommend this book ... Read more

Product Description
The Morningstar Investment Coach: Finding the Right Funds allows readers to take their first steps in the world of mutual funds with confidence. Filled with informative topics such as how to purchase a fund and how to find a fund's total return, as well as important fund documents, this guide has been designed to give readers a solid mutual fund investing foundation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Check under the hood of a mutual fund before purchasing it
The founder of Morningstar used to work as an analyst for a money management firm. He left the company to start Morningstar to provide research information about mutual funds. Because of this history, the company has a tremendous amount of knowledge on the subject of mutual funds.

This book covers basic information about mutual funds such as net asset values, fund costs, taxes, investment strategies, and the fund's management. When people buy used cars, they usually have their mechanic check under the hood. This book teaches investors how to do just that but with mutual funds.

According to the book, investors should ask themselves these five questions before purchasing a mutual fund:

1. How has it performed?
2. How risky has it been?
3. What does it own?
4. Who runs it?
5. What does it cost?

At the end of each chapter, there is a quiz and worksheet. Since the book is written by Morningstar, it references the company throughout the book. Morningstar offers subscription services to individual investors who can get access to its mutual fund research. At the end of the book, the author provides other recommended readings.

- Mariusz Skonieczny, author of Why Are We So Clueless about the Stock Market? Learn how to invest your money, how to pick stocks, and how to make money in the stock market
... Read more

Product Description
For those ready to move on to a higher level of mutual fund investing, The Morningstar Investment Coach: Maximizing Returns and Staying on Track is the ideal resource. Filled with in-depth insight and expert advice-including how to bear-proof your portfolio, calculate your personal rate of return, and rebalance your portfolio-this guide will add advanced techniques to the sophisticated investor's mutual fund investing toolbox. ... Read more

Product Description
The Morningstar Investment Coach: Building a Diversified Portfolio allows readers to take the next step in their mutual fund journey. With discussions of topics such as gauging risk and return together, how to choose index and international funds, and the importance of knowing your mutual fund manager, this practical guide will help readers sharpen their mutual fund investing skills. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

morningstar.com not this book
I purchased the 3 books in this series hoping to find a way to bring the invaluable content of morningstar.com to my classroom [where our WiFi is spotty] in a book.The books are quite weak -- a light version of the information contained in the Learning Center / Morningstar University.Save your money; visit the morningstar.com website. ... Read more

Product Description
Smart readers will invest in this no-nonsense guide.

Investing in today’s markets can be complicated and risky for the average person. With so many avenues—and supposed "financial advisors"—to choose from, it’s nearly impossible to know what to do. Here is everything the aspiring investor needs to get started, including mutual fund fundamentals—their different types, fees, and taxes—as well as how to construct one’s portfolio and choose the best fund manager.

—From a seasoned financial writer
—Pocket-sized format for quick reference ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
Mutual funds offer investors a diverse portfolio in a single investment, which is critical in an uncertain economy. Although ideal for buyers who don’t want to tackle the stock market alone, mutual funds can still be intimidating, with a bewildering array of options. And now that foreign content regulations for RRSPs have been lifted, Canadians have even more choices.

Mutual Fund Investing For Canadians For Dummies explains it all, from the basics -- what is a mutual fund? -- to the not-so-basic -- are index funds better than managed funds? Is my MER cutting into my ROI? With information on how mutual funds can be a vital and profitable component of everyone’s retirement plans and how they can help readers build their wealth inside their tax-free savings account, this friendly guide offers the principles Canadians need to know in order to be informed and successful mutual fund investors.

“This book is easy and even fun to read. … Mutual Fund Investing For Canadians For Dummies is worth the investment if you are looking to build a fund portfolio that suits your needs and will give you healthy, long-term returns.”
Jeff Dupuis, money.canoe.ca ... Read more

Product Description
Basic information about how to choose a mutual fund.Includes information on risks, fees, and returns.An excellent and inexpensive book for beginning investors. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

How to select the right mutual fund
There are thousands of mutual funds on the market.The question is where to start?How can I select a mutual fund that is right for me?How can I select a mutual fund that is easy to follow, without having to devoting numerous hours in the financial pages of the newspaper to determine daily status.How do I select a mutual funds low in expenses whose performance will at least equal the market as viewed on the evening news.This book has the answers and ensures that you will be able to get the maximum return on your investment without spending hours doing research and daily tracking.Time that can be spent with the family.This is a book that can give you piece of mind as you invest in the market. ... Read more

Product Description
In just one generation's time, mutual funds have become an inescapable factor in America's financial picture. From fewer than 10 million mutual fund accounts in 1977, fund companies now report more than 135 million accounts--with more than 75 times the net assets! In that same time, the number of available funds has also skyrocketed, from just over 425 mutual fund companies to nearly 6,000, with risk/reward possibilities that are as widespread and perplexing as the market itself. So while mutual funds have proven to be a low-maintenance, effective way for Americans to build wealth over the long term, the majority of investors still wonder: Where can I get the most bang for my buck? ... Read more

Product Description
A guide to mutual fund investing on the Internet evaluates Web sites and other Internet resources, identifying which are used by Wall Street pros and demonstrating how to trade mutual funds online while building a successful portfolio.(All Users).Amazon.com Review
The Internet is no magic wand for riches, but as Peter Cranedemonstrates, it's an outstanding resource for the wise investor. Heguides you to the financial news and information that the pros relyon, and provides access to the best minds in the industry, allowingyou to build a smart portfolio in just minutes. Plus, tips onexecuting your own investments more quickly, efficiently, andeconomically. Equally important, Crane shows you the online areas toavoid, and why. If you like your investments conservative andefficient, this book is for you. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

DONT BUY, this book is outdated.
The only positive thing I can say about this book is that it's general investing advice for the novice investor is extremely useful.

I bought this book based on the reviews, but what I didn't take into account when reading them was that the last one was written in 1998 and a LOT has changed with online investing resources since then (the book is written in 96).

I expected to find some guidance on how to glean useful information on funds from the thousands of websites out there, but pretty much most of the book turned out to be a directory of websites. There wasn't much information on HOW to use these resources effectively with some specific financial goals or sector allocations etc. in mind.

I also expected to find some guidance on exactly what to look for when choosing a fund online and rules of thumb when browsing a fund prospectus,but it completely lacks any such pointers, other than a 10 commandments on picking MFs, which although great, are merely listed, not explained/elucidated upon) with examples or case studies.

Lastly, the screenshots of websites listed, and the graphs/charts (there are few to begin with) are appallingly out of date.

To summarize my grievances: The world of online trading has changed drastically since '96 and this book hasnt been updated. This book is mostly a directory of websites. If thats what you want, you'd be better of going to Google and typing in 'Mutual Fund Websites' or something like that.

One star for the sound investment advice, but thats about it.

Here are a couple of must-reads on investingfor the novice investor.

1) The Coffeehouse Investor, Bill Shultheis
2) Common Sense on Mutual Funds, John C. Bogle

Very usefull guide
Very usefull guide to investing on the internet

Extremely useful guide to investing in funds via the www.
Not only does the guide whittle down the methods of investing in mutual funds to the few sites that are actuallly worthwhile, it includes a good overview of mutual fund investing that any layperson could understand.One of the few books written on how to make use of the internet that you will actually find worthwhile, and containing information that is not of historical value only by the time it went to press. A must-have for any new investor, or any seasoned investor that wants the internet has to offer him/her ... Read more

Product Description
With the most up-to-date strategies and information on investing on-line, this is the mutual fund investment bible for today--and for the new millennium.

Imagine investing in funds like Fidelity Select Electronics, Berger Small Company Value, or Babson Value for a fistful of dollars a few years ago. Those who did are riding high above the choppy waters of today's market, while others are wondering if they'll be able to find the mutual funds that will help them reach their financial goals.

Smart Money Moves is a step-by-step mutual fund investing guide, designed to help investors create a $10,000 portfolio that will serve as the basis for a secure future. Investment wizard James Lowell spotlights proven funds--and the hidden gems--showing readers how to choose the right funds and how to explore on-line investing. Covering a wide range of opportunities, from energy technology and communications to the emerging Chinese and Russian stock markets, Smart Money Moves is the first investment anyone searching for financial stability should make. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Mutual Fund Investment Bible
This is a step-by-step mutual fund investing guide, designed to help investors create a $10,000 portfolio. No other book I know provides such a clear-cut path to profiting with mutual funds. James Lowell's writing voiceis engaging, intelligent, and refreshingly free of finance jargon. This isa primer for people who have more on their minds than their mutual fundreturns. One of the very few books of this genre I could actually relateto, as someone with a healthy skepticism towards the American dream ofriches and retirement. Recommend.

Starts well, Quickly goes downhill
This book begins well with a discussion of how to figure out a budget and how to save. It is very strong here.

The author takes you on a whirlwind business jargon session describing the different markets and sub markets. I think it fails here because this material is offered in a densecollection of paragraphs and chapters that serve more to confuse thanilluminate. His descriptions of on-line resources is good but his chapteron how to use excel to track funds is impossible to replicate. I reallyenjoyed the beginning sections of this book but found it reallydisappointing soon thereafter.

I say 2 stars because I liked thediscussion of on-line resources as well as the discussion of budgeting. ... Read more

Product Description
Explaining the fundamentals of investing in mutual funds to the layman, this book clarifies the difference between no-load and load funds, offers advice on assessing a specific fund before investing, and points out the advantages and disadvantages of mutual funds as compared with other investment instruments.Amazon.com Review
Few investments are as widely appealing as mutual funds. Theypermit individuals--including those with limited knowledge offinancial markets, those planning relatively small commitments, andthose seeking long-term fiscal stability--to join larger groupspurchasing a variety of securities managed by experiencedprofessionals. These investments, however, should never be madeblindly, and this new edition of Warren Boroson's Keys To Investingin Mutual Funds explains everything necessary to understand allthe benefits and risks. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

May be dated, but a useful primer
This is an excellent book to get a good overview of what mutual funds are and why they are such a good investment vehicle for many people.Written in a lively, engaging style, it lays out in brief chapters essential concepts in easy-to-understand language.While it is now dated, it is still a great place to start. ... Read more

Product Description
Investing through mutual funds offers many investing advantages for novices and experts alike. But there are also aspects that, if misunderstood, can whittle away at your earnings. In Mutual Fund Investing, the information you need is organized into short, clear explanations to help you make sense of a world that was once simple but has grown increasingly complex. This book explains the most important concepts, breaks them down into manageable parts, and provides the insights and tools to use your money to its fullest potential while managing the risks. Smart tips help you avoid pitfalls and take advantage of the opportunities.Increased interest in do-it-yourself money management is a defining trend of our modern world, and the DK Essential Finance series provides the perfect personal finance library to help take advantage of this phenomenon. These outstanding guides provide a practical and impartial resource to guide you through important financial decisions. Useful questionnaires pinpoint one's financial status while easy-to-use charts and graphs help track cash flow, cut through the complexities of financial lingo, and gain the confidence needed to build real financial security. Readers can learn to invest online, live debt free, plan for retirement, or pay for a child's education. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

What is a Mutual Fund?
Mutual Fund Investing can be used to your advantage. Here you will find quick tips that will provide insights into how you can spot opportunities and protect yourself from risks. Charts and flow diagrams provide quick insights. Buying, selling, net asset value, stocks, bonds, fees, risks and rewards are all considered.

So, what makes various mutual funds different?: How does a mutual fund work?

Whether you are just starting out or want to know more about evaluating a mutual fund, you will find this to be a quick reference. Since there are over 10,000 mutual funds managing over seven trillion dollars in investments for over two hundred million accounts, understanding them will take you a long way on the road to your own success.

Learn more about Money Market Funds, Stock Funds, Bond Funds, Balanced Funds, Tax-Related Funds, Index Funds, Foreign funds and other types and soon you will view the financial news with a more informed outlook.

If you enjoy reading this book, you might want to look up other books in this series. Online Investing, Investing in High Tech, and Investing Basics are other helpful books in the Essential Finance series. ... Read more

Product Description
Individual investing in mutual funds has almost doubled in the past three years. With more than 8,000 mutual funds now available, making fund selections that meet short and long-term goals can be daunting.The Unofficial Guide to Investing in Mutual Funds provides all of the hard facts needed to buy and sell mutual funds with confidence and achieve the maximum investment returns. Investors are given the lowdown on: The most profitable and suitable funds for them in every mutual funds category including Aggressive Growth, Income, Bond, Stocks, and International Mutual fund costs and starting a portfolio with small amounts of cash Diversifying their portfolio to minimize risk Boosting investments by making tax-wise decisions Adapting portfolios to their individual needs and lifestyles --I ncludingmodel portfolios they can use now On-line services and software that provide instant mutual fund information ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A wealth of information on mutual funds.
As a seasoned investor, I have read countless books on this subject matter. However, I found this particular book to be very well written and extremely difficult to put down. Especially, during those times when Ilearned something new. This is a great book on mutual funds and belongs inevery serious long-term investor's library.

She points way to profits in bad times as well as in good .
What most of us need is a guide for all seasons...and this seems to be it!It really isn't true that anyone can make it in a strong up market.Just look at the majority of mutual funds that lag the S & P right now!Andwhat then can we expect when the market turns down?It always has and itlikely always will.

Stacie Zoe Berg makes mutual fund investingunderstandable to those of us who haven't the time to become experts.Sheleads us on the frenzied ascent to market tops...But, she also leads usthrough the frightening market wilderness on the downside.There's alwaysrisk, but for those of us who stay the course sensibly, Stacie Berg'sformula should be just what we've been looking for.

And, Mr. Publisher,Stacie Berg wrote the book...She didn't just edit it.You need to get thatright, also.

A complex subject made understandable
Hats off to Stacie Zoe Berg for making a sometimes confusing and incomprehensible subject not only understandable but enjoyable as well!!

This was an excellent source of information.
I knew very little about investing in mutual funds prior to reading this book, but now feel comfortable giving it a try.What a great book!

Best Mutual Fund Book I Have Read!!
This was a remarkable book. I couldn't put it down and read it from cover to cover. There was so much information contained in the book. I already new some information about mutual funds, but this book taught me a wholelot more that will really be useful in helping me make money with my money. It is a must have book for any financial library. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

very useful and not superseded by her later books
Much of the information on investing in mutual funds, how to read yield curves in the bond market, etc. is not found in her later books on mutual funds; those supplement but do not replace this one. ... Read more

Product Description
Fuzzy Logic is an analytical tool used in the modeling of those phenomena that fall outside the scope of exact sciences. It is used in the analysis of complex and highly nonlinear processes, where mathematical models or standard classic logic cannot define conditions inherent to such processes, e.g. human thinking.Kurt Peray's detailed analysis of the new approaches and techniques for Risk Control and Portfolio Asset Allocation - which uses the principles of Fuzzy Logic - helps you to make decisions as to when to buy, hold or sell. While making independent and educated decisions, you will be able to hedge your portfolio from the volatile forces in the market, and will offset the erosive impact of inflation and taxation.In this electronic age, investors have quick access to important information relevant to the decision process. The guidelines and formulas that serve as foundations to the Fuzzy Logic approach gives you the ability to build customized programs. Investing in Mutual Funds Using Fuzzy Logic is for the individual who wants to invest in financial instruments that will provide a return for growth. With the investment approach he devised, Peray guides the you towards achieving your investment goals. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good sound advice that works, not just theory
I have used his recommended system of "Mutual Fund Investing" for the past two years. This system imposes constraints for portfolio asset allocation based on the investor's risk tolerance before buy/hold or sell decisions are made using his Fuzzy Logic concept. This disciplined method has been extremely valuable to me in these turbulent times when so many conflicting opinions on stock and bond market directions prevailed.

Disapointed in his interpetation of fuzzy logic
Maybe this is a book for someone new to mutual funds or to retirement planning - there is a lot of background for those.But if you've had any exposure to technical analysis or expect to see fuzzy logic used, this book is a disapointment.Its not really fuzzy logic - he sets absolute limit thresholds and, depending on their on/off combinations, does a buy/hold/sell.A real fuzzy logic system would have produced a proportional response to varying data.I was expecting a system that might, for example, adjust proportions between the funds available within a company 401k (ideal for a real fuzzy logic approach)- not a conventional all-in/all-out, buy/hold/sell approach like his.His system could have been presented in a small magazine article, not bloated to book size.

A great new approach for investing
Peray's technique for investing in mutual funds is easy to understand. I'm a conservative investor and do not need 30 and 50% returns. I also dont want to expose my capital to undue risks. Peray's Fuzzy Logic concept hasproduced an all-out sell signalfor USA equity funds in the first week ofJune 1999 (DOW JONES Industrials over 11000) and I adjusted my portfolioaccordingly. I'm waiting for the Fuzzy Logic signal to get back into themarket . ... Read more