Read Investing Like a pro before you make any Investment decisions. It is from the idiots guide series; don't let the name detour you. The information is priceless, from Roth IRAs to Hedging funds. "The book is good." After you are done reviewing, then decide if a FC is worth it!

Koch and DeSalvo have complied a comprehensive investment guide for the average person. Even those with financial experience who need information in a concise and user-friendly manner will benefit from owning this book. I am not ashamed to own "Idiot's" guides, simply because I have my own area of specialty, and do not have the time or will to specialize in every area in which I have a passing need or interest. This is where this book comes in, because most people don't have time to get a degree in finance or an investment license just to make their money grow.

This book covers the basics like investment risk tolerance, investment needs, and then covers ways to make more money available to invest. The authors point out that saving money is a form of tax-free investment. Then the authors discuss stocks, mutual funds, home ownership, saving for college, and reducing taxes. Finally they explore more risky investments like options and futures, as well as providing tips for online investing. The book has a few glossy pages, numerous charts and tables, and a glossary.

Overall, I recommend this book wholeheartedly. I knew nothing about investing until recently, and after I got my Series 7 license, I realized that this book had provided me with a strong background with which to begin studying. Honestly, after working with many financial planners, I think this book is probably more useful than many financial planners out there. While it won't make you an expert, it will provide the basic essential information the average beginning investor needs. Read this, and then move on to more advanced books, but all the while, start investing and making money.

I work in finace but really had no inderstanding of investments until i read this book. I found it very easy to follow and able to comprehend. Someone with a little finacial background probably would have been able to grasp it even better. Before you buy a single stock, bond, or mutual fund i highly recomend this book. I must say on the negative side that to truly understand finace you will need further reading, but this is a mandatory first book, and if all that is desired is a basic understanding of finace you could use this as your guide. I reccomend further reading though, for anyone working in finace or who plans on doing alot of investing.

The illustrations in this book are fantastic! The artist's renderings of animals are colorful, refined and better than photographs. The book is divided into five sections, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes. Each page offers illustrations and a discription of the animal, it's habitat, and behaviour. If we see an animal and don't know what it is, the first thing we do is look in this book. A wonderful addition to any home library.