Business Money Books

If you're building a computer based trading system, this title offers some interesting insight. There are several example trading systems that implement commonly used system features, and these systems are analyzed and commented on. But this is far from a blueprint--the methods used are too rough to actually use as defined, and the descriptions are very confusing in many places. Included TradeStation code is a bit easier than most to understand, but that's not saying much. Every time I read this book, I feel like my time would be better spent reviewing Conway & Behle's "Professional Stock Trading: System Design and Automation", which covers much of the same material but with considerably more coherance.

Very good book for serious system developers. Most books on the topic present a system, optimize it so it fits a particular market, show couple of very convincing graphs and voila, here is the contribution to the trading science.

In this book the author presents system development in the context of portfolio trading: a robust system should work in a variety of markets. Stridsman takes you through his process of testing a system, from setting the data, to performance measures. Results of his systems, by the way, are not "fantastic", and that for me adds credibility. Analysis of his systems is done in a statistical manner, so that all aspects of a system are set up using statistical methodology, as opposed to conventional wisdom. A lot of work is also done in an attempt to introduce some degree of predictability in the author's trading approach. Aspects of system design are discussed in sophisticated detail: MAE, MFE, kurtosis, different types of drawdown, trade efficiency etc.

His optimization techiques are interesting. This is the first time I have seen the use of surface graphs to present two-variable optimization.

Not once in this book I have sensed an advertisement for the author's methods. The author simply discusses his approach. There is no hype, exclamation marks. The book is very concentrated and packed with ideas, which can be applied to any other system or markets. I don't think it would be possible to make it any shorter.

Good value for money if you like quantitative approach to trading.

remember: there is no such thing as a free lunch..you have to build systems yourself and test test test and then optimise a bit.(I said a bit :-)

This is good for programmers. It's a bit beyond me but I still got some useful stuff out of it that gave me an edge so that made it worth it. If someone is a programmer, this is your book. He's great and gets you thinking.

If you want a caned system, this is not the book for you. What this book will teach you is how to evaluate a system that you are developing. It is a little hard to read, but the excel formulas are worth it.
It covers the essetials of a good trading system (entry, exit and money management) and explains why not all good trading systems are profitable. (All profitable trading systems must be good first).

This book was fascinating and I couldn't put it down until I finished the last page.
The reviewer who mentioned the author's lack of sourcing is correct and I wish they'd provided more.
I did, however, check out most of the information in this book (I did exhaustive, in-depth research) and found their information to be accurate.

I don't doubt that much of the reporting in this book is accurate. Even so, though the writing in TMATP is decent -- evocative and well-paced -- its reporting leaves much to be desired. TMATP has more than the whiff of conspiracy theory about it, and its authors are, at times, more breathless than dispassionate in their commentary. What is lacking most, in this book, is depth. Denton and Morris draw on numerous sources, to be sure, yet they bring little insight to their task. For a general, and colorful, introduction to Las Vegas and its problematic history, TMATP seems decent enough. For a sophisticated account, one must look eslewhere.

A lot has changed in Las Vegas since this book was first published, but that doesn't change the fact that is remains a stunning read. Learn a little bit about the corruption that created America's playground, the hack "journalist" who started--what is now a media empire in the city--a newspaper to coerce politicians and land developers, and all the shady politics that involve a number of names you will recognize from today's "corporate" Las Vegas.

P.T. Barnum would be oh so proud if he could see what Las Vegas has become to America and the world. And to think once upon a time they used to lure the suckers out to the desert with cheap food and rooms. These days theres not room enough for all the so-called "gamblers" crowding in. I use the term gamblers loosely, because its better than calling all those nice folks losers.

If the movie "Casino" wasn't enough of an eye opener for them, this book should be. It brings together all the elements that created and sustain Nevada's almighty cash cow. From the Mormon's to the Mob, pension funds to junk bonds, it's all on display in this fascinating and well researched historic expose. An illuminated social, economic and crimal perspective, that shines brighter than any neon you'll find on the Vegas strip. The gangsters and the policticians, notice I lump them together along that is with the bankers and corporate tycoons. And if you thought Howard Hughes ended the mob's hold on the casinos, boy are you in for a surprise.

Rat Packers Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and alike, would often reference or joke about their mob bosses all the time, but only they could get away with it. It was no secret, because thats the way business was done back then. And when Hollywood turned its back on Sinatra, he was always welcomed back by the wise guys. The same guys that knew how to treat their customers right. If you didn't really gamble, Vegas was a helluva of a bargain bonanza with it's plentiful buffets, luxury rooms and top live entertainment. The public didn't get to see the cheaters getting beaten to a pulp by casino guards, the state didn't look too closely at what was being skimmed and embezzled. They got their cut and everyone was happy. Of course, if you want to peer behind this sparkling veil, if you really want to find out what really "stays in Vegas", then this is the book for you.

Read this book. Truth does set free. Seems 'conspiratorial' .. but the 'ring' of truth is there throughout .. if one has ears to listen for it.

Very informative and easy to read information. Good job on research and the materials revieled.

I thought it would be very difficult to understand real estate investing. But after I found this book I can understand the steps to get started.

Making Big Money Investing in Real Estate written by Peter Conti is a straight forward guide into the competitive market of real estate. Peter Conti explores innovative solutions that are financially astute and enterprising.

This book is an up- to-date and insightful collection of information that is truthful and discerning for the real estate investor!!!

I have read lot's of books and information throughout the years about real estate investing,most of what i read is just words filling up spaces on pages just so someone can make a buck off of you.my situation:last year i thought i was a real estate investor of something because i bought a brand new house to rent out with 100%financing,the market went down but my mortgage payments as you know stayed the same.i rented the house for $1,750 a month.a year later the house right next to mine rented for $1,400 a month,my renter moved out.my mortgage is $2,050 a month.WHAT A NEG!of cash out of my pocket and now i must lower my rent even more to be competitive?I THOUGHT I WAS STUCK.i found Peters book,read it and did it.now i get $2,075 a month rent with $5,000 in my pocket.all said and done,it was a $70,000 DOLLAR DEAL for me.i love to read how some say these things won't work "IN THE REAL WORLD"i'm on my third deal now.by the way if you need a house sold or leased even if you have no equity i'm sure i can help you so you can GET ON WITH YOUR LIFE.email me kelly at:newideas@skopeocorporation.com

I really, liked this book and I've read dozens and dozens of real estate investing book. Conti and Finkel cover strategies, negotiating techniques, and selling for top dollar. I especially liked the fact that there are ample real-world examples of successful deals that were put together using the strategies and techniques being taught. I would rate this as one of the top-ten books on lease-option investing available.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I should say that I am an attorney, real estate broker, investor, trainer, and author of another unique and highly readable book on the topic that can also be found here on Amazon -- The WealthLoop Series Beginner's Guide to Building Wealth Buying Houses: The Foolproof Roadmap to Real Estate Riches Without the Risks and Hassles of Landlording. Unlike many real estate investing books, it is written to be a genuine "How To" book that "takes you by the hand" and walks you through a step-by-step process for getting started in real estate investing -- investors across the country are giving it rave reviews. The book also includes sample leases, forms, and checklists, so that you can actually go out and implement the investing strategy it teaches as soon as you're done reading. You might want to check out the companion CD too -- The WealthLoop Series Beginner's Guide to Building Wealth Buying Houses (Combo Audio/Data CD): Author's Audio Commentary Plus Downloadable 32-page Marketing Manual, Checklists, Spreadsheets, and Forms.

A related program that's well worth checking out is:

The WealthLoop Series Beginner's Guide to Personal Wealth Creation (Combo Audio/Data CD): Audio Seminar With Downloadable 40-Page Action Manual and Active Link Library.

I believe that Conti & Finkel have written an informative book that's worthy of your time. Buy it if you are serious about making a success of lease-option real estate investing.

I agree whole-heartedly with the writer above who stated that this book is simple but gets right to the point. These are the basics, of course you want to build on it by reading other books, but you will rarely find this much helpful imforation in so few pages. (While curious about his software (Omni-trader) I don't think I would leave Tradstation for anything else.)I've read hundreds of books on trading and sometimes I have to put everything aside and review the basics and this book is quick at hand. If you master his simple techniques and use good money management you will be a successful trader. I'm sure many traders want to feel what we do is far more sophisticated but it doesn't have to be. That's the point. Don't stray far from the basics taught here.

GAD

GAD

... I wasn't happy with the software design or signals, but when the data download software stopped working only months after I bought the product making it useless, they told me they didn't know how to fix it? and I would have to "upgrade" for more money, eventually they kept all the product cost without resolving the problems and ignored all my correspondence. I am a Tradestation Easy Language expert, I have been trading and investing now for over ten years including consulting with online sites, and I know for myself how important it is from the very start to cut losses, but just as importantly to cut costs, because reality check, I never found any "system" in my own exhaustive testing that works consistently well. So if I could do it all over, as Trader Vic Sperandeo points out, capital preservation is bottomline crucial for success, I would buy absolutely nothing except a few good inexpensive books with all of the core technicals and fundamentals thoroughly covered. A somewhat useful free book is Charlie Wright's "Trading as a Business" from Omega Research, customer support has always been acceptable to me, and my brother likes his Supercharts software, a relatively inexpensive way to test ideas and find out there is no "system." This "Seven Chart Patterns.." book was mailed to us free of charge by the way and I think it is worth reading for free, probably by contacting Nirvana Systems, but I will personally never do business with them again. "Piranha" Systems demonstrated to me through their business character and my bad experience just how much they support, value, and respect me the customer.

I worked for the author. I think the most telling point is he does not trade. He sells software and writes books for you to trade but very rarely executes trades himself. That should tell you a LOT.

This 88 pages brochure, that includes 18 pages of advertises, does not worth anything. The author is definitely out of touch with the reality of trading. All the information in this book (and much more) one can find on internet free and in much detail from real traders. Do not waste your money on it! The book has a very impressive Contents sheet but that is all. If you want to return it, it will cost you more than the book it self.

Ed Downs has found the "Holy Grail" to profitable trading! If you are not using chart patterns to make your trading decisions then you are put at a disadvantage to the traders that are using chart patterns. Chart patterns "show" the psychology of the market!

Ed Downs has recently just released a software module that has automated the process of finding the 7 patterns in his book . . . this again has given me an advantage by allowing me to do a quick scan over the world of stocks and future contracts looking for the best opportunities with the least amount of risk. You can see this new 7 pattern software module at Ed's website at http://www.omnitrader.com/omnitrader/Addons/cprm.htm

****************************************************************
Here's a few lines from Ed's website-

NEW Chart Pattern Recognition Module . . . Finds and Displays the 7 Chart Patterns that Consistently Make Money.

After many man-months of development, I am thrilled to release our new Chart Pattern Recognition Module. Powered by this amazing add-on, OmniTrader 2005 quickly identifies the best patterns to trade and ranks their performance on a simple scale from 1 to 5. Now all OmniTrader users can see ALL 7 CHART PATTERNS displayed in their charts and apply the Power of Patterns to their trading!

See the 7 Chart Patterns Come Alive in OmniTrader
The significance of this new Chart Pattern Recognition Module is enormous. No other trading software does a robust and complete job of pattern recognition. Not only have our researchers solved the pattern recognition problem, the new module is tremendously affordable when purchased with the upgrade. Supercharge your trading with OmniTrader and the power of Chart Pattern Recognition!

New Focus List
Perhaps the most powerful single feature of the Chart Pattern Recognition Module is the enhancement to the Focus List. At a glance, you can tell if a given OmniTrader signal is confirmed with a Chart Pattern-You get the best of both worlds-the ability to confirm signals with patterns AND the ability to find the most powerful patterns on their own.

When the ToDo List runs through your list of symbols and finds all chart patterns in the data, it also calculates relative performance of the patterns and converts this information into a strength rating from 1 (low) to 5 (high).

The Pattern Tutor
The educational benefit offered by the Pattern Tutor is enormous - you will quickly understand why (for example) consolidations and saucers are so powerful and predictive in certain market conditions. This will in turn help you confirm your trades more quickly and lead to higher profitability in your trading.

A FABULOUS learning tool. The Pattern Tutor lets you quickly review examples of any pattern in your data. Just click the arrows to see the next example of the pattern that was selected.
****************************************************************

Thanks Ed for creating such a great product.

The subtitle of this book promises the "untold story" of dirty international financial dealings. That's not quite what it delivers, because the book compiles already-published accounts, public reports and Congressional testimony, and adds to them. Given that money laundering involves drug dealers, terrorists and slavers, the book has some titillating asides about sex, violence and filthy money. Author Peter Lilley explains precisely how money laundering works, including an introduction to the practices and techniques that have proven most successful. While praising the author's reportorial depth, we note one dilemma that emerges from such thoroughness: we hope this book doesn't fall into the hands of someone who wishes to take up money laundering but is unsure how to proceed. Business people who want to avoid being victimized should take particular note of the chapter discussing well-known checks-and-balances, controls and best practices.

The fully revised and updated third edition of Dirty Dealing: The Untold Truth About Global Money Laundering, International Crime And Terrorism by global crime expert Peter Lilly is an informed and informative study of international corruption and crime as resulting in over two trillion US dollars being siphoned for illegal purposes every year. Introducing readers to a methodical and documented account based upon expertly researched information and analysis, Dirty Dealing provides a progressive basis for comprehending the global funding of international terrorism, major national and international organized criminal groups, the impact of the internet and "cyber laundering", and international anti-money laundering strategies for all types of corporate and multinational businesses. A seminal work of considerable scholarship and insight, Dirty Dealing is very strongly recommended reading for students of economics, criminology, and global terrorism.

What an interesting book, instructing businesses on how to be profitable AND ethical! I wish more people would operate in such a manner. I do, and always have, and now after almost 20 years in business can recognize when someone else (client, supplier) is less than ethical. I avoid them. I wish I had that insight when I first started! With only my vacation day payout and a few thousand in the bank, I started a computer network installation and service company. I was asked to bid on a job for prospective new client. I put a lot of time and thought into it and put in my bid. They asked for more detail, so I gave them that. They asked for specific part numbers, so I gave them that. They asked for an implementation map, so I added that. After a couple of weeks and dozens of pages of instructions...they had all they needed to do the job themselves - and that's just what they did. They bought all the goods mail-order and pulled the cabling per my freeloaded instructions, same as they re-mapped their servers, changed their operating system license, etc. I learned a lesson that day. If businesspeople can legally (but unethically) steal from you, the usually will. Oh, the name of the company that did this to when I was first starting out? Take a guess...the big hypocrites.

A delightful read for the budding social entrepreneur. Chock full of practical ways in which the hopelessly hopeful idealist can profit by doing good. Or, as the saying goes, one might hope to use the lessons from this book to, "do well by doing good."

Using examples from their personal experiences and from a wide variety of U.S. companies, Ben Cohen and Mal Warwick show how companies have incorporated socially progressive and environmental values into their daily business practices. The authors insist that companies can help their communities and make money at the same time, adding a new dimension to traditional business models, which focus only on profits. Although the authors' enthusiasms sometimes carry them away - for example, they insist that customers who don't share your values will respect you so much for them that they'll stay loyal anyway - the "values-driven business" is an idea whose time has come. We recommend this book to business owners large and small who want the benefits of their work to extend beyond just themselves and their stakeholders.

I found the book a delightful and easy read. Down to earth practical approach to following your dream, making money and honoring people, the earth and the surrounding community. The more people try this, the better our quality of life will be.

I eventually want to start my own apparel business, but I know the industry is rife with ethical abuse. Because of this, I want to run a business that does as little harm and as much good as possible. Until a few weeks ago, I was not sure how to bring that ideal to practical fruition. After receiving "Values-Driven Business" from someone who works for a socially responsible company, many of my questions were answered.

Why am I glad I read the book? Here are some attributes:

1) It is quick to read, enjoyable, and optimistic. No gloom and doom.
2) It is a fantastic overview of socially responsible business. This is NOT a deep, complicated analysis of the topic. It is simple enough for people who aren't sure where to start and need an introduction, yet has interesting, enlightening examples for someone already familiar with socially responsible business.
3) It is well organized. The authors go over five dimensions of values-driven businesses (some of which I had not considered): employees, suppliers, customers, community (local and global), and the environment. At the end of each section is a list of specific actions that one might consider incorporating into a business to create positive change.
4) The text goes beyond black and white binary opposition, and challenges assumptions about socially responsible businesses (e.g., they can't make a profit, they make inferior products, etc.).
5) Practical examples of values-driven companies comprise the backbone of the text. This shows the principles at work, and shows that two businesses can have different ways of incorporating values; there is not one "right" way to be socially responsible. Reading about all the different solutions people have devised to make a difference was my favorite part of the book!

I highly recommend this book as a concise introduction that is chock-full of inspiring examples of values-driven businesses in action. It will empower you to make abstract ideals a reality and it provides an excellent foundation for further inquiry!

The book has some hints however, it is more of a directory which is outdated.

Excellent sourcebook for anyone wanting to set up a business or find more funding for their existing business.

The majority of the entries in this book are for loans, not grants. I think that Mr. Lesko should entitle his books more honestly, such as ingredient labels for foods must be written, with the largest amount first, and in descending order. People would then realize that grants, or other "free money" entries, are last on the list.
I'm sure there are better, more honest books out there that truly do list a multitude of grants for entrepreneurs -- or for anyone else, for that matter.
One thing I will say that I think is great about this book is that there are plenty of educational sources for those who wish to go into business for themselves but have no background or knowledge of it.

I've seen ads for Lesko's books for years. When I opened a coffee house and needed some financing, I figured I'd give this book a shot and really find out what was available to me.

The book is certainly full of information on loans, grants, government assistance, etc.... unfortunately, only a small fraction of that info pertains to any one particular person. All of the info is broken down by what's available by state and city. Some states have a lot of programs available while others have a few.

I live in California and most of the programs listed were either things I had already tried or wasn't eligible for.

Unfortunately for me, this book was a waste of money. Fortunately, it wasn't expensive.

This book, as advertised is just a one stop place for all that's available. Some of the data wasn't quite up to date, but if you don't want to do any research on the Internet about what's available to you, then this book could be useful.

this book is well worth the price. you could pay companies thousands to find you a few grants or you could do it you self and with a little work find twice as many. I strongly recomend this book.

This is an excellent first book on the subject of private mortgage lending.

If you have no idea if what private mortgage lending is about, it has enough detail for you to understand what the business is about and how to get started.

In my opinion, it does not spend enough time explaining the "Gotchas". It has plenty of information to get you started but not enough to keep you out of trouble.

If you are interested in engaging in this business as a lender, by all means buy this book first, but when you have read it two or three times, be aware that you need to know a lot more about troubled borrowers, real estate inspections and appraisals, real estate title problems, bankruptcy, and local forclosure laws and procedures before you start lending your own money.

This is a very helpful book on the topic of hard money loans. It also touches on investing in discount notes. Even an experienced investor will find some helpful nuggets of information in this book. This book not only showed me the way to safely invest & build personal wealth, but it gave me insight as a mortgage broker looking to place my clients with hard money loans. I called and spoke with co-author Matt Tabacchi recently, and he is still in business with 4 branch offices...I may even place some of my money with him to lend in Florida.

Clark's book covers the basics that any investor will need to know, including why to choose private mortgage investing (and what your other options are) and how to go about doing it. It covers all of the different aspects of mortgages such as fees, interest rates, and even has handy tables to help you out. The appendices are the best feature as they have all the forms you will need as well as a comprehensive glossary (very useful!). This book covers everything you need to know to succeed, but were too scared to ask about. It even has case studies and examples explained with real numbers that help tie the whole thing together. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to start earning money with private mortgage investments.

Clark and Tabacchi have created a masterpiece of an educational and supportive tool that should become a desk reference for any investor from amateur through industry mogul. By providing the reader with an organized and easy to understand manual on the otherwise opaque investing industry, Clark & Tabacchi display their expertise in this subject matter by guiding the beginning investor through the processes of choice from traditional savings through stocks and bonds on to the lucrative market of Mortgage Investing.
The explanation of the reasoning behind the private mortgage industry that tells you why you would want to find yourself in this industry gets the juices flowing and interests peaked. Your journey includes a thorough exposure to strategies of Mortgage Investing, this resource is a must have companion.

This book is straightforward and gives you a tremendous amount of information about investing in private mortgages. Unlike a lot of books of the investment genre, it does not try to sell you on services provided by the authors. In fact, I wish the book had a bit more reference material for making contacts to get started with this type of investing.

If your into the culture, then this is definitely a great read. I say that because you'll notice throughout this book that Russell Simmons' has had a hand in the development of almost every artist that emerged into the mainstream in the mid to late 80's. From Kurtis Blow to the Fresh Prince himself he's gotten paid. After reading this book, I'm convinced that Simmons was born to be who is.

This book was fun to read, Russell details some of his adventures very well and intorduces us to the world of hip-hop from his point of view. I recommend it if you're at a beach somewhere having a corona or at starbucks and want to just read. If youre looking for business insights, not that many.

A great book but you should know: the Vibe Mag quote at the top "...Learn how the godfather of hip hop did it...." only applies to a small portion of the book. For a book that fulfills this promise, check out: Hip Hop Inc (Richard Oliver)

Life and Def is a great book that shows that you can do anything if you try. This book is about Russell Simmons who lived in Queens, New York. He had an decent life and his parents were well-educated people but he still got sucked into the street life. He was a drug dealer on 205th street. He sold many different drugs though out his drug career but his main drug that he sold was marijuana. Russell Simmons was one of the first hip-hop promoters ever. He now owns big companies such as Phat Farm. He also has a share of Def Jam records and is a member of the rap group Run DMC. Russell Simmons is a remarkable person because he made something out of himself even though he made bad choices when he was a kid. I gave this book four stars because of his excellent writing as he shares the details of his childhood.

Like you, I always thought Russell Simmons was a bigger than life, take no prisoners kind of personality. Who knew that Russell is as sensitive as Oscar Wilde and as munificient as Greg Louganis? Oh sure, he acts all tough in interviews, but this book peels away the layers and shows that Russell's heart beats just like yours and mine -- maybe more -- definitely better.

For example, did you know that Mr. Simmons was voted "Top Alto" in his high school glee club? Did you also know he was the ghost writer of "Wind Beneath My Wings"? What about the notion that Russell Simmons will never tip less than 14% -- even if the service is bad?

And what really suprised me, is that he curiously names REO Speedwagon as the band he admires the most.

I salute you Mr. Simmons and hope that this is just the first of his many, many super intelligent and unbelievably insightful self-serving books.