The New Commonsense Guide to Mutual Funds

Rating:
Summary: The best beginner book on mutual funds I've found.
Review: I checked out many books on mutual funds and investing from the library. This is the one I kept going back to, because its easy-to-read "dos" and "donts" format got right to the point. That might sound too pat, but the advice given within that simple format is right on and consistant with other reliable sources I've checked. There are also more sections beyond the dos & donts for those who want to go further in depth. The advice is basic and sensible - such as what factors to look for in a fund, how to evaluate performance and costs of funds, and recommended further reading. I plan to buy a copy so I don't have to keep going to the library!

Rating:
Summary: The best beginner book on mutual funds I've found.
Review: I checked out many books on mutual funds and investing from the library. This is the one I kept going back to, because its easy-to-read "dos" and "donts" format got right to the point. That might sound too pat, but the advice given within that simple format is right on and consistant with other reliable sources I've checked. There are also more sections beyond the dos & donts for those who want to go further in depth. The advice is basic and sensible - such as what factors to look for in a fund, how to evaluate performance and costs of funds, and recommended further reading. I plan to buy a copy so I don't have to keep going to the library!

Rating:
Summary: Useful tool
Review: I pay my 5% to a professional and FINALLY have a book that helps me grasp the basic concepts and terminology he uses so blythely. It has made our discussions more profitable and less time consuming while lowering my frustration level. I can return to this book over and over as often as necessary until an idea sticks. I find it very useful to review basics when my quarterly reports arrive. The book has allowed me to be more confident in discussions with my professional advisor. The format of this book is perfect for beginners. I read several mutual fund books from the library before selecting this book as the first to own.

Rating:
Summary: Information for novice investors and seasoned shareholders.
Review: More than 63 million Americans own mutual funds, but most folks don't really know what they're all about, aside from being the "must" investment of the 90's. This guide will change that. Much of the book is devoted to a series of specific dos and don'ts. There's also a range of asset allocation portfolios for every type of investment "personality," and a primer on how to work with a financial advisor.

Rating:
Summary: Covers the basics but is repetitive and confusing.
Review: The dos and don'ts lists are a good idea but Rowland gets quite repetitive and sometimes contradicts herself. She says don't invest in gold funds and then goes on to explain for 2 pages all about the nuances of gold funds. I think this book is not good for beginners but has many handy hints and tips for those with some familiarity with mutual fund investing.

Rating:
Summary: Bad Advice
Review: This book is not for a novice, the best place for a novice is with a professional. She makes very poor and vague advice in her do's and dont's. Specifically in regard to Bond Funds, Asset Allocation, and Share Classes. You get what you pay for. If you are a novice, dont "Play" with your money, seek professional advice. You tip a waiter 15% but wont pay a broker 5% or less ? Think about it.

Rating:
Summary: Great fundamentals and starting point
Review: This is a great starting point for people who want to know more about investing, and particulary those who want to do it themselves. Rowland packs a lot of useful investing do's and don't, with easy to follow explanations. She stresses the key concepts such as asset and risk allocation, dollar-cost-averaging, and "buy low, sell high" (which, although a cliché, is often ignored). She examines all kind of mutual funds, from stocks, to bonds, to gold, to blend. One drawback is the book is about 3 years old, which hurts the information a little. However, this book can provide investing knowledge that applies any time, whether you believe in the "New Economy" or not.

Rating:
Summary: Nothing to compare with
Review: This is the only book on mutual funds that I have read. It had provided me with basics and with the places to look up mutual fund info. While not necessarily breathtaking read it is informative. The small format is also a plus (I do a lot of my reading in subway cars).