Accounting Books

The funny thing is that I have read over 20 books on financial analysis and investing, and I believe that every penny that I have spent on this book was well worth it. The price of the book scared me at first, but where all of the other books that I read fell short, Financial Warnings did not. I was very impressed with the detail to which the book describes each investment scenario. There is no shortage of financial warnings to look out for. In fact, I was shocked to learn of how many warnings lenders and investors should be aware of. Not only has this book taught me about what to avoid, but also about what to buy. Did you know that the CEO or CFO going through a divorce is a financial warning? Did you know that a company entering a new business is a financial warning? Did you know that beating earnings expectations by one penny every quarter is a financial warning when your competitor fell short of expectations? This is a must read. Reading Financial Warnings has changed my life. It is a must read.

To all the people who are skeptical. This book is excellent. I got an email pointing me to this direction and I am glad I did spend the money. It is money well spend.

It teachs you the non recuring items in the financial statements, capitalized assets, capitalized interest, Lifo liquidation etc.

If you find my review satisfying, let me know if you had another good book to read. I know another book, let's trade some info.

Impeccable, a must read for investors, bankers, corporate finance pros. Highly recommended.

Although this book looks outdated but I am sure it sounds loud and clear especially when we are so hot-headed about the Internet Age and Knowledge Management and in most cases have forgotten about what are the Warning Signs we have to watch for particularly when we are opting to invest in a new stock of the new age.The Author is a respected scholar in the field of Finance and I admire every book of his and has spent the money to have every book he has written but most of all, I feel this book is the best. Read it and you will have things to remember everyday.

The book is an excellent treatise which provides the readers a systematic framework for figuring out whether the books have been manipulated or if the accounting has been aggressive, through finding out non-recurring items in the income statement and balance sheet. I have tried other books but, they just do not compare with this treatise. The book uses a systematic step-by-step approach which introduces the reader to how to read the fine print. This book should be invaluable to finance and accounting professionals, and also to amateur investors, who would be willing to do a little research into the company books.

For those who not lucky enough to attend Dr. Mulford's class, this book should do a great job.

This is a very well-documented guide for any service firm. It's also very well written, very insightful and very well researched. It's real deep, complete and full of advice and wisdom from several great minds. I run a corporate reputation consulting firm in El Salvador and this is the most advice-rich book I've encountered in the last five years. I also recommend "the trusted advisor" by David Maister and specially "Managing the Profesional Service Firm" also by Maister.

After reading this book, you'll need to place it alongside your desktop dictionary, Thesaruas and Ron's first book "The Professional's Guide to Value Pricing. This is how strong of an impact their message has made on me.

After reading the first two editions of Ron's book, I didn't think he would be able to improve much on the message of switching to Value Pricing. Boy, was I wrong! He and Paul Dunn have done an amazing job of getting the reader to think differently. As with the radical theme of trashing the timesheet in "The Professional's Guide to Value Pricing", they do a masterful job of convincing you why the old "Revenue Equation" must be replaced with the forward-thinking "Profit Equation". They go on to introduce other new topics not found amongst professional services firms such as developing your Intellectual, Structural and Social Capital, emphasizing effectiveness over efficiency and of course Value Pricing. As is typical of Ron's writing style, and complemented by Paul, their reasoning for making this paradigm shift is well supported and well reasoned.

I've been using practicing Value Pricing for about 5 1/2 years now and I can tell you that it works. In my own firm, I've slowly begun implementing some of their new concepts but with a new perception. I'm convinced these principles will work for me and they can for you as well.

After reading this book, you'll definitely want to keep it handy as a useful reference guide!

Ron Baker is doing for the professional services firms what Columbus and Pythagoras did for the "Earth is Flat" proponents! "Paradigm-shifting" has become so over-used in our culture, but it is not mere hyperbole when describing this book. The work is quite thorough, implementing excerpts, quotes, and philosophies from dozens of well-respected scholars, economists, and management consultants. The work reminds me a lot of Tom Peters' seminal book, "In Search of Excellence" in the way in which the author sprinkles in so many great examples from other successful organizations and industries. In addition, he has many real-world examples (from firms around the world) of professional services firms that have successfully tranformed their practices. I whole-heartedly recommend this book to any professional who is trying to transform a professional services organization or who is wondering if there might be a more effective and profitable way to run a professional services firm.

I first read this book about 2 years ago. I keep it within arm's reach of my desk and refer to it often, still.

I've read one reviewer who stated that this book was the modern almanac of best business practices. I agree completely.

I run my own small law firm. We have implemented many of this book's practices with great success and profitablilty. Primary among them is fixed fee agreements. Yes, we are a law firm that has trashed its time sheets, due in large part to the inspiration and impetus of this book. And, we will never go back.

An earlier reviewer suggested that this book would be more useful for CPA's and not for lawyers. I disagree. Though I'm certain the message of this book is critical for CPA's, I think that any person in law firm leadership must read this book. I think it is particularly suited to small firms and solos who will have the ability to immediately take action in implementing these ideas and making them a reality in their practice.

However, if you are one of my competitors forget everything I said above and do not touch this book. My firm and my family will thank you.

The Firm of The Future coordinates both the theory and practical application of pricing concepts AND business service models in such a complelling manner that Baker & Dunn give Professional services organizations permission to believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

While the Firm of The Future is geared to the legal and accounting professions the message and vision is applicable to Advertising agencies, Consulting Organizations, Marketing service firms and professional service providers of all shapes and sizes.

Cost plus pricing is short sighted and intellectually flawed.The intense pressure on increasing billable hours and driving down costs is destroying the creativity and core capabilities of Professional Service companies.Baker&Dunn explain the flaws of cost plus and hourly schemes and identify a road map which outlines how to move a professional services organization and it's customers to a healthier, happier, more productive and more mutually profitable business process

A great read---Inspirational and practical


Tom Finneran
Executive Vice President
American Association of Advertising Agencies

He has a perfect way of helping sales people seeing selling as a gentle conversation in the world and what they do that scares people and causes them to hide from us. He demonstrates that selling is not a killer sport... it's not about pushing and shoving people

You don't have to have the title of "salesperson" to get a lot out of this book. Anyone who has business development as a part of their job will find the techniques helpful. I'm a woodworker, but I still have to find and win new clients. This book has given me some great ideas that I'm already putting into practice. It also taught me quite a bit about fishing. It's a fast, fun read, but packed with helpful ideas and tips.

Joe DiMisa marries two age-old activities, sales and fishing, to come up with a guide that appeals to every person who makes their living by selling. Mr. DiMisa uses "life" advice from his successful fishing father-in-law to walk the reader through concepts from prospecting to closing. The Captain's Logs are successfully interjected throughout the guide to tie the two topics, sales and fishing together. By the end of the book, the readers wish they all had a Tarpon Willie to guide their boat and guide their lives. In addition, Mr. DiMisa calls on past experiences as a successful sales consultant in side-bars titled "This ain't no fish tale!" These anecdotes and examples are real-life experiences that allow the reader to match the concepts to reality.

Whether the readers are fishermen are not, each person will be able to take away several ideas to propel them in their sales career. Mr. DiMisa's guide should be required reading for companies that survive on sales and customer experience.

The book gives incredible insight into the importance of really understanding your customers and their needs. All managers and their staff should utilize this book as a fun and breakthrough way to better interact with clients.

As a sales director you sometimes can become removed from your front line sales reps. Reading Joe's book forced me to re-examine the traits of an effective sales rep and an in-effective rep. It helped me understand some things I could do in order to break down barriers for my sales staff so they could more easily "catch" new customers. I've made it required reading for my sales managers so that they can use some of Joe's experiences to better their sales staff. I've already seen great results!

Bobby Rice
Advertising Director

ALL YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT PLANING ESTATE PLANNING. IF YOU GOT THOSE LITTLE ONES AT HOME AND YOU WANT TO LEARN THE JOY OF GIVING. THIS IS THE BOOK. IT HELPS YOU LEAD YOUR FAMILY DOWN THE PATHOF WEATH AND CLOSENESS. THIS THE BOOK.

Through the years I have visited the financial section of book stores, somethimes purchasing a publication that looks interesting, only to find that I would need a degree in finance to understand it. What a pleasure to find "Funding Your Dreams". A book that is written so that one can understand its concepts without all the 5 dollar words that send me to the dictionary every other sentence! Carol writes with knowledge, compassion and understanding of the lay readers needs. Most of all she gives sound, solid advice with suggestions for practical application. I wish I had had this book twenty years ago but it's never to late to start. This book is a must read for everyone, regardless of monetary assets. I also appreciate the balance that Carol presents to the reader. Yes we need to save, yes we need to plan for our children, our aging parents, and our own retirement, but we can also need to give ourselves permission to set aside some funds for our own enjoyment. Carol obviously has a zest for life and her energy comes through in her writing. This book should be on the coffee table of every home, and should be read by every generation that lives with that coffee table! This book would make a wonderful gift for young couples ( or graduates) starting out as well as those of us in the baby boomer generation. Thanks Carol, for writing words that I have needed to read for years!

This is the first book that really made a difference for me financially! My family and I have met several times to discuss and plan our dreams and funds. We have been able to brainstorm and come up with ideas financially for each family member, with two of their dreams already accomplished. Even my nine year old is happy (he got an increase in allowance) and is telling all his friends to have their parents get the book!

I loved how the author "speaks directly to you" rather than just giving financial information. I hightly recommend this unique book that is simply put, direct, and actually affects changes in your financial status! It's a must for single parents like me!

Through the years I have visited the financial section of book stores, somethimes purchasing a publication that looks interesting, only to find that I would need a degree in finance to understand it. What a pleasure to find "Funding Your Dreams". A book that is written so that one can understand its concepts without all the 5 dollar words that send me to the dictionary every other sentence! Carol writes with knowledge, compassion and understanding of the lay readers needs. Most of all she gives sound, solid advice with suggestions for practical application. I wish I had had this book twenty years ago but it's never to late to start. This book is a must read for everyone, regardless of monetary assets. I also appreciate the balance that Carol presents to the reader. Yes we need to save, yes we need to plan for our children, our aging parents, and our own retirement, but we can also need to give ourselves permission to set aside some funds for our own enjoyment. Carol obviously has a zest for life and her energy comes through in her writing. This book should be on the coffee table of every home, and should be read by every generation that lives with that coffee table! This book would make a wonderful gift for young couples ( or graduates) starting out as well as those of us in the baby boomer generation. Thanks Carol, for writing words that I have needed to read for years!

Carole touches on important and weighty subjects, yet presents them to the reader in a friendly, accessible, easy to understand style. From the very beginning we think of her as `Carole' rather than Ms Akright, feeling that we are not facing a stranger, but, instead, listening to someone we know who cares about our problems. Not only does the book convey great generosity of spirit, but it also offers practical information that can benefit any family. The book is devoted to showing that dreams can indeed come true, and helps the reader understand `that money can and should be used as a family resource' that can help with dream fulfillment. Carole covers the dreams and needs of each generation, including basic issues such as retirement, long-term care, children's education, even meeting the bills. But she does not forget the vacations, adventures, life styles, purchases that one might also dream of. As she says, `You have the right to go after what you want in life.' According to Carole, inter-generational dream funding leads to a greater closeness of families, a greater sharing of values, and offers more emotional support, ideas and energy, as well as larger financial resources to call upon. This is a book to read, think about, and then perhaps read again in order to learn how to make dreams come true.

It is said that real estate is the biggest and most profitable business in the world, but I didn't think I could ever afford to buy any more property until I read "How to Buy Real Estate Without a Down Payment in Any Market." I can not believe how much information is packed in this book. The writing is easy to understand, making it possible for anyone to benefit from purchasing property.
A retired real estate agent wrote this book to assist people who want to profit from buying real estate. The author advises that it is in the buyer's best interest to work with a realtor, but she also states that it is possible to successfully complete the process on your own.
The book lays out an easy to follow step-by-step process to aid investors in buying property with no money down and possible leaving the closing table with a sizable check plus your new property. The author also includes a complete glossary and a section of tips, hints, and reminders for real estate transactions that makes it an excellent resource for beginners and experts alike.
I would recommend this book to both people contemplating their first real estate purchase and as a reference book for seasoned professionals who make a living buying and selling real estate.

How to Buy Real Estate Without a Down Payment in Any Market: Insider Secrets from the Experts who Do it Every Day by Susan Smith Alvis is a practical guide to buying homes or other real estate with no money down. The book is perfect for first-time homebuyers as well as seasoned real estate investors seeking to perfect their investment skills. A 75 page glossary is included which provides essential help with the argon used throughout the text. With an easy-to-follow format, and crisp, concise writing, the book receives a 4 out of 5 stars.

If you are interested in buying real estate with no money down, buy this book. Whether you want to make a purchase for your primary residence or want to begin investing in real estate, this book has a lot to offer. The author gives you most of the valuable information contained in the expensive programs sold on infomercials for a lot less money.

This book will help you calculate what you can afford and organize your finances prior to the purchase. There are charts for determining your assets and debts as well as important information for improving your credit score. The author covers all the financial aspects that should be considered when investing in real estate. All financial options for financing the purchase are discussed in detail.

The author has interviewed people who have made a significant amount of money in buying real estate with no money down. The book contains valuable tips and hints from people who have successfully purchased real estate using these methods. The book will take you step by step through the process of buying real estate without cash. You may even walk away from the closing table with cash in your hand.

Thank you Susan. I feel that I should say that to you after reading your book "How to Buy Real Estate Without a Down Payment in Any Market: Insider Secrets from the Experts Who Do It Every Day". This book is a great asset to someone who is going to be purchasing property. I have bought 2 houses and found the entire process to be mind boggling trying to understand everything. Thanks to Susan's book I feel I am now prepared to continue purchasing more property, but I am going to do it feeling a whole lot more at ease.

Unlike the previous reviewer, I gleened a lot of useful info from this book. Susan Smith Alvis nails down the ins and outs of purchasing real estate for first time (or second, or fifth time) home buyers. With detailed instructions on how to get your finances together, what you can afford, and how to look for loans, she makes the complicated world of the real estate transaction seem simple.

The book is sectioned into subjects such as "Looking At Your Finances", "Creative Financing" and "Foreclosures", explaining each step in the process of home ownership. Interspersed with real life examples from realtors, the chapters build on each other, culminating in the sale of the home and its aftermath. Ms. Alvis even gives a list of things to do after purchase, such as changing the locks, keeping a home journal, and advertising rental property.

This is a must read for anyone buying their first home, or anyone who is purchasing property for financial gain (such as rental homes).

I have been investing using Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT) for over 20 years and have read many books on this subject. This book has reemphasized some of those not so obvious concepts that I have learned through the years. For some one with very basic investment knowledge, specially in MPT, this may not be the first book that I would recommend. However, at some point in the investor's life, this book is a must!
In addition to the above comments, it would say that to effectively implement the book's recommendations, Financial Engines (a paid Monte Carlo software) is most likely needed.

These are the unconventional investment ideas that I found this book very unique:

1. Portfolio rebalancing means unintended bet against the market.

2. Presented the portfolio risk not as standard deviation of return, but versus that of market portfolio.

3. Hierarchical approach of investment (asset allocation first then investment selection) is not a good idea. Reason being: 1. Asset allocation likely assuming zero cost index fund as a guide. 2. Assuming each fund can fit into single asset class. 3. Asset allocation is paramount to investment selection regardless of the quality of investment selection. 4. Approach frequently ends up with actively managed and high fee fund.

4. Alternative investment not necessarily a good diversification due to risk and cost.

5. Financial Engines does not put funds into rigid asset class categories but rather use techniques to create a weighted peer group of funds based on how close the investment style (risk relative to market portfolio) is to the fund in question, and then rank funds on various measures (expenses, fund-specific risk, performance, turnover).

Overall, the book is very enlightening to both novice and professional investors without digging into complicated mathematics!

Chris Jones covers all the bases related to investment choices based upon what's best for the personal investor rather than the financial advisor. Great examples, clear concise terminology, a perfect book for anyone interested in well grounded wealth accummulation over glitz!

This book does a number of things well.

1) it offers a great overview of the basics of personal investing (historical and future market performance factors, the roles of risk attitudes and time horizon when determining one's asset allocation, the value of diversification, tax issues, etc.)

2) it shows, mathematically, the perils of individual stock picking, and the negative impact this will likely have on your portfolio

3) most importantly, in my view, is the detailed examination of how and why a passive indexed approach will likely beat an active managed approach, unless the managers get lucky. No wonder John Bogle likes this book!

The book is heavy on concepts and examples, light on tough math. Not a super-light read, but far from a technical manual. Good for most readers, I would think.

In conclusion, if you implement what this author suggests, you can't go wrong.

This book was well written and easy to read.

The author makes the case that we would need about 1500 years of stock market return data to be able to predict stock market returns within +/- 1% with high confidence. Since we only have about 100 years of reliable data, we can predict within +/- 4% of the long term historical average. Over long 25 year time periods, stock market returns can vary by a factor of 6X or 6 times.

The author discusses the current world asset allocation of about 63:37 stocks:bonds. Interestingly enough, this is not far from the age old pension plan asset allocation of 60:40. The ratio of U.S. to foreign stocks is also about 60:40.

This author has a different opinion about periodically rebalancing a portfolio. He says rebalancing is really a market timing bet.........because you are betting against the consensus of market participants when the market asset allocation changes. He recommends rebalancing to changes in the over-all market allocation versus to a fixed stock:bond asset allocation ratio.

While conducting research for Financial Engines, they found that investors preferred having risk expressed in dollars versus percentages or sigma.

The author correctly focuses on using funds with low expenses, and he says most mutual funds have total expenses over 2% per year. He recommends adjusting your asset allocation around low expense funds...........if you are in a 401K with very limited choices. His work suggests that not investing in an asset class only costs you about 0.5% in return. If it costs you more than 1% in additional fees to get into a new asset class, then skip this asset class.

The author suggests having a maximum of 10% invested in REITs. He argues that if you own your home, you probably have no need for REITs as a separate investment.

The author also argues that commodities have a 0% expected return, so skip this asset class.

Over-all, this book is easy to read with very sound advice for investors.


Index Mutual Funds: How to Simplify Your Financial Life and Beat the Pro's
The Richest Man in Babylon
Bogle on Mutual Funds: New Perspectives for the Intelligent Investor
The Millionaire Next Door
The Four Pillars of Investing: Lessons for Building a Winning Portfolio
A Random Walk Down Wall Street: The Time-Tested Strategy for Successful Investing, Ninth Edition
The Coffeehouse Investor: How to Build Wealth, Ignore Wall Street, and Get On With Your Life
The Bogleheads' Guide to Investing

This book is an excellent review of performance measurement. It covers all of the areas and hits each with logical progression. Somewhat suprisingly, it holds up well as a straight through read as well as a reference.

Though I gave it five stars, I would have liked to see more on GIPS presentations. It does offer two chapters on the subject, but there is more that could have been included. That said, it is a great overview on GIPS in general.

This is one of the few books I have ever read twice. One reason is that, as a financial decision evaluation modeling consultant, I have found Investment Performance Measurement to be one of the few books on the topic repeatedly mentioned at financial firms, software providers and performance conferences. It is definitely a great foundation upon which to build an understanding of the field and I appreciated a number of its insights. I was also very impressed by the rarity of critical errors regarding the introduction it provides to technical matters.

I'm taking the Investments course within the Certified Financial Planner program. This book really helped clarify many of the terms and formulas we had to learn. The Mayo text covers the material, but from a more academic slant. I just wish I had bought the Feibel book well before the class started. It may not be technical enough for graduate students in Finance or people who normally read scholarly papers on investment theory. But for everyone else, like individual investors or people going back to school learning investing fundmentals, it's a great reference.

This book provides the novice a moderate reference to world of investment performance reporting, ala performance reporting 101.

As an IT management consult I can comfortably say there is no one authoritative reference on anything. That said, this text while historically and technically accurate does not represent nor provide meaningful examples of contemporary best practices.

Also, absent from the text are key discussions I would have benefited: the opportunities availed to a modern organization for large-scale automated computations - rather than all manual processes; linkages to the consumers of the performance information in various communities from client wealth tiers, brokerage operations, and financial advisers, analysts and money managers; and best practices for some of the new product and security types more prevalent in the 2006 era.

This book is very well thought out and takes it step by step from basic to advanced.

The really good thing about it is that it shows you how it looks in Excel which means it helps with how it would be entered into a computer.

This is a very simple book, as the other reviews have indicated. I liked it so much that I bought it for my collection of business and finance books. It is a keeper book that I highly recommend. Don't depend on Social Security... build your nest egg, at any age. NOW is a good time!!!

I read Jim Jorgensen's book and found it very enlightning! It is written so everyone can understand it and can make money by following his nine points to building wealth. The best part about this book is it takes a conservative and sensible view of investing! Anyone can make money by following Jorgensen's advise, no matter how much money you have to invest!!!

This book was a great tool for me in my financial planning. I found this book to be informative, well written and not restricted to one audience. I am in the early stages of planning my future financial needs and this book was an awesome guide.
This book is a great investment for anyone!

Sara and I have struggled with financial planning particularly as a result of the recent market turmoil. The Jorgensens' book has served as a much needed guide to managing our money. It emphasizes the basics and is understandable. Unlike other investment books which fail to encompass the whole picture, this book is complete and thorough. We would recommend it to anyone interested in taking a proactive role in managing their money.

Jim Jorgensen wrote a book that everyone can understand and best of all, can profit from his sound advise. His advise is conservative and makes so much sense. His steps to getting rich are concise and easy to follow. I am working on enriching my wealth with his advise!

Your Income Tax for 2005, by J.K. Lasser

There are two reasons to read this book.
1) You are preparing a paper return and wish to learn more that what is printed in the IRS "Forms and Instructions".
2) You want to read and learn more than what you get from a tax preparer or computer program.
Since your economic activities have tax consequences you should read or browse the relevant sections of this book as it applies to you. Some ignore the tax consequences until its too late. Since most people don't have tax lawyers, and may not be able to get advice on a telephone, or even from the Internet, you need to reference this book as needed. Do not be afraid of the size of this book as most people will not need all chapters.

Part 1 covers the "Filing Basics" and status. Part 2 covers "Reporting Your Income" for wages, salary, other compensation; fringe benefits, dividend and interest income, property sales, property exchanges, retirement and annuity income, IRAs, rents and royalties, loss restrictions, other income. Part 3 covers "Claiming Deductions" for adjusted gross income, standard or itemized deductions, charitable and interest deductions, medical expenses, personal exemptions. Part 4 tells how to compute your taxes, and tax credits. Part 5 tells about "Personal Tax Savings Plans" and should be read by everyone. Part 6, "Business Tax Planning" is important for the self-employed. Part 7 tells about filing your return and the aftermath.

Chapter 48 discusses the possibility of an IRS tax audit so you may be informed and prepared. Chapter 49 tells how to file a refund claim or an amended return. [The easiest way to fill in a 1040X is to fill in the new 1040 and then copy the information to the 1040X.]
This edition has a wrong page number "959" for the Index, and for Part 9 "717". Don't worry about this page error.

To learn about the history of US tax policy you'll need another book. Sidney Ratner's "American Taxation" is out of print, but you may be able to find another book. Class and sectional differences make politics, and politics make the tax code. Today's income taxes fall more heavily on wage earners compared to the 1862, 1893, and 1916 income tax codes.

Chapters and information very well organized. You can start from the beginning chapter or jump to any other chapter immediately and quite comprehensively. The writing is clear and simple if there is such a thing with irs forms and instructions. Well worth the price you pay for this book.

This year I decided to go cold turkey and prepare my own tax returns, something I haven't done for many years. Instead, I have been using a bookkeeper to put my records in order and a CPA to prepare the actual returns. That's been expensive.

I decided that I should save the money this year and do the returns myself. Naturally, it helped to look back at what my CPA did last year. But a lot of new questions came up. This wonderful guide cleared them all up . . . and I double-checked the answers with the IRS instructions. No problems! It was a piece of cake.

If you only find one deduction you wouldn't otherwise remember to take, this guide will more than pay for itself. Buy it today!

Each year I find myself buying the latest and greatest Income Tax Preparation books, often I'm let down by them for a number of reasons. I had to write this review as this is the very FIRST preparation book that answered every single question that I had. And since I do a diverse array of income tax preparations, finding a totally comprehensive book is like finding a hair in a shagged carpet.

Without going into great detail, the guide is designed in ways that make it very customer friendly. I'm the type of person that likes to make notes or comments on changes in tax law, items I want to refer to again, and I also like room for my tiny "post-it" notes. I deal with people from every possible tax category, from the very wealthy to family and friends that are disabled and have minimal income.

As far as I could tell, all of the most recent tax laws are found (easily) in this extremely comprehensive 2004 Income Tax Preparation Guide. They even reference applicable case law and Court Decisions, hot tips from the IRSinformation,planning alerts, and the latest breaking tax news.

Like previous years, you'll find all of the many forms you'll need. If something is not available in the book, you'll be directed to a location on the internet where you can find the precise information that you're looking for. This is tremendous guidance for the most recent tax law.

I'm someone who reviews the index in almost every book that I purchase. When I saw the extensive index, found in "J.K. Lasser's Your Income Tax 2005: For Preparing Your 2004 Tax Return", I was extremely impressed and later found it to be as helpful as it appeared when I first glanced at it.

I've not covered everything in this review, however I hope that I've given you at least a little more insight into this tax guide and whether or not you should choose this one over another. Thanks for taking the time to read this and good luck to you.

Best Regards and Happy Reading!

Pete Cannice
from Scottsdale, Arizona
email: Horsepete@aol.com

Although I do have a tax specialist look over my paperwork every year, I use this book as backup and have even found a few things over the years (admittedly, very few) that my preparer missed. I feel good just knowing that I'm on top of things.
If you prepare your taxes yourself, here are some of the features you'll LOVE in this edition:
Easy to understand filing tips and instructions. Whether you are a first-time taxpayer or an experienced one, you'll be as prepared as possible if you use this book.

There are updates, planning reminders and strategies to maximize your savings this year - and help you plan for the next tax year.

I especially like the "Alerts" about upcoming laws and possible changes. Nothing like being prepared!

Recent IRS changes and rulings are alos noted, another valuable bit of info.


If you tend to miss things, the CAUTION notices in the book will alert you to possible errors as well as areas you might miss.

There are also spaces for you to write, take notes, etc...as you read, a very nice feature.

I have just read the first three chapters and it looks like I'll finish it soon. Key Financial Instruments is the only readable book on derivatives that I have come across.

This book is both enjoyable and informative. I will find time to read it again.

not only does the author illustrate the book with real world examples but he communicates his thoughts in a lively manner.

incredibly well written - like JK Rowling of Harry Potter and Michael Lewis of Liar's Poker combined

Key financial instruments goes beyond the normal "how to" textbook. It helped me to understand "why" and "when" certain financial instruments should be used and when they should not.