Book Description
The success stories speak for themselves in this book from money maestro Dave Ramsey. Instead of promising the normal dose of quick fixes, Ramsey offers a bold, no-nonsense approach to money matters, providing not only the how-to but also a grounded and uplifting hope for getting out of debt and achieving total financial health.
Ramsey debunks the many myths of money (exposing the dangers of cash advance, rent-to-own, debt consolidation) and attacks the illusions and downright deceptions of the American dream, which encourages nothing but overspending and massive amounts of debt. "Don't even consider keeping up with the Joneses," Ramsey declares in his typically candid style. "They're broke!"
The Total Money Makeover isn't theory. It works every single time. It works because it is simple. It works because it gets to the heart of the money problems: you.
Customer Reviews:
Good ideas, problematic presentation.......2007-10-21
I picked up a copy of the Total Money Makeover book from my local used bookstore after reading a number of good reviews. After giving it a read through I've found that the majority of the book is geared towards convincing the reader of a number of financial "truths" and very little is actually geared toward practical use.
I was very disappointed by the lack of diversity in the "real life stories" -- they all seemed to be caucasian, self-employed middle class conservative Christian individuals in which the wife was either a stay at home mom or a homemaker. I understand that this is a faith-based special interest book and this is the target audience, but I think the author's lack of diversity in the book undermines the intent of the book and may turn off readers of different ethnicities, family structures and employment status.
There is some good financial advice in the book: develop a cash budget, don't use credit cards and learn to save by living below your means. I like the notion of the "snowball" debt repayment plan, and I think it makes sense if readers need motivation to establish good debt repayment habits.
All in all, I would recommend either buying the book used (on trade credit from your local used bookstore preferably) or borrowing a copy from your local library before deciding to purchase a copy.
Amazing.......2007-10-19
This book is full of common sense. Get out of debt, live on less than what you make so you can save for the future, etc. The difference is that this book lays out a plan in small, achievable steps that give you quick successes that motivate you towards your goal. It also includes testimonies of people who have started out in debt and have gone through the program and it has worked for them. Results matter, theories don't.
Because it's so obvious once you've read it, it makes you wonder why you haven't been doing this already - the reason is motivation and being overwhelmed and not knowing where to start. So this book removes both of those obstacles. Excellent program and excellent results.
Great Pre-Marital Advice.......2007-10-15
I have always been interested in my personal finances, but have had very little guidance. My mother bought this book for me a couple months ago, along with a couple other Ramsey books, right before I got married. I am 23 and my husband is 24 and I think I read this book at the perfect juncture in my life. Dave Ramsey inspired us to start our marriage off on the right financial foot by practicing the baby steps.
We paid off $10,000 in student loan and car debt and are now debt free. We have $8,000 saved up so far in our emergency fund. The next step is to set up retirement Roth IRAs, which we plan to do this week.
I would recommend this book to ANYONE, but especially to young people just starting out. This book is an excellent gift for recent college graduates, and I plan to give it to all my friends who are getting married soon.
The only reason I give the book 4 and not 5 stars is for the beginning section of the book which was so repetitive that I almost stopped reading. However, once Dave starts talking about the money myths and the 7 step program, the book became incredibly engrossing.
Excellent book, changed my life for the better.
Excellent book.......2007-10-14
I was able to read this book quickly and get a lot of information from it. I recommend it.
Not rocket science, but then again, most things worth doing aren't.......2007-10-04
If you are looking for a step-by-step guide to crawl out from under your financial rock, get control, and win with money, this is your book. Dave is a fantastic communicator, and part of that is his willingness to tell it like it is. If it's stupid, he calls it stupid; but always with the heart to see people change their lives for the better. Dave has said over and over that success with finances is only 20% knowledge, but 80% behavior. This book covers the basics of the head knowledge, but hopefully Dave's insights and the numerous personal narratives from real people who have implemented the plan and are winning with money will inspire you to change your behavior. If you need more convincing, just find his radio show or Web site and listen to how he helps people change their lives for the better.
Book Description
In this fresh, interactive guide, respected financial expert Dave Ramsey offers a proven, comprehensive plan for getting in shape financially.
Customer Reviews:
Good Information .......2007-10-05
Good information in the workbook but really the same information as in the Total Money Makeover book, I recommend one or the other but not both books -- and I think Dave would agree!
Love, love, love this book!!!.......2007-08-23
Dave Ramsey teaches how to SIMPLY manage your money, develop a working budget and to become DEBT FREE!! It's a weird concept, especially for Americans, but since reading this book and taking Dave's Financial Peace University, my husband & I have our $1K emergency fund, pay cash for EVERYTHING, and so far have paid off over $5K in debt in just a few months. We will be completely debt free (except the house) within 2 years and plan to pay off the house w/in 7 years (21 years shorter than the mortgage note). That was something we could have NEVER wrapped our brains around in the past. Now, instead of working to pay Visa and Mastercard, we will be working to pay for our FUTURE!!
It's a great read and every person in the USA needs to read this book. I have no doubt, it would do amazing things for our ecomony!!
Not worth the purchase if you buy the book.......2007-08-08
I bought the Total Money Makeover Workbook along w/ the hardcover book, thinking it would be more 'hands-on'. It wasn't worth the extra cost. A lot of the exercises seemed written for children - fill in the blanks w/ words you read in the passages... really silly. Plus, all the necessary worksheets are in the hardcover book already, so the workbook didn't seem to give me anything new. Don't waste your money on the workbook.
Money Makeover Workbook is Helpful.......2007-08-02
If you're trying to dig yourself out of a debt nightmare or just want to get your finances in order, Dave Ramsey's books and advice are the way to go. Take the time to read his books - you won't be sorry.
very good insight.......2007-08-01
I just purchased the book along with the workbook. And I've also purchased the book on cd. Both explain things very well. My daughter and I are still in the working process.
Book Description
Recently, reorganizations, restructurings, and bankruptcies have replaced IPOs as the common financial vehicle of the times. However, these distressed companies can still provide an avenue for profitable investing. This eagerly anticipated new reference helps guide you through this treacherous landscape in order to master the multi-move chess-like strategies required to achieve financially advantageous results for your portfolio. It is the most up-to-date and comprehensive book on the market to deal with the myriad of issues surrounding a distressed company.
Providing theoretical and practical insight, Distressed Debt Analysis: Strategies for Speculative Investors presents a conceptual, but not overly technical, outline of the financial and bankruptcy law context in which restructurings take place. The book covers the broader financial environment of the reorganization and the basic process of investment analysis and investment strategies. The author uses numerous real-world examples and case studies to emphasize important concepts and critical issues.
The developments that have created these extraordinary investment opportunities have also created tremendous demand for professionals with experience and knowledge in the restructuring process. Distressed Debt Analysis: Strategies for Speculative Investors addresses the complete knowledge needs of investors and professionals in the burgeoning world of financially distressed companies. It is perfect for bankruptcy departments of law firms, restructuring advisory groups, turnaround consulting firms, and reorganization and distressed securities departments of investment banks.
Customer Reviews:
Invaluable.......2007-05-07
Extremely helpful in preparing our new hires - it is required reading. This book will be a desk reference for years to come.
Great & Comprehensive Practical Review.......2007-01-05
Unlike many academic books, this is a practical analysis of distressed debt, the bankruptcy process, and all the related financial, accounting and valuation issues that arise in this context. It is well written and well organized.
Some other books on the topic go into significantly more detail in esoteric issues; however this book is a must for a grounded detailed understanding of the topic. I have recommended this book to a number of colleagues in the industry and all were equally appreciative.
must buy.......2006-03-14
It's a must buy for people in high-yield/distressed analysis. I was suggested this book at my first day at work.
A Complete Introduction .......2005-11-02
The premise of this book is really quite simple.
Identify securities (bonds, stocks or whatever) from companies that are in trouble. Buy these securities when other investors are ignoring or even selling them. Then when the company gets turned around, you can make a fortune. What you don't want to do is buy these securities only to see the companies go out of business so that your securities are now completely worthless.
As you might guess from the title, this book is about how to analyze distressed companies that offer this potential investment path. It covers virtually every aspect of finding such companies, determining if the proposed investment is feasible, explains the differences in the company going through one of the various bankruptcy procedures, the legal and financial due diligence issues, and more. The final result is a set of basic investment strategies and analytical techniques, complete with case studies and referrences to numerous real-world examples to emphasize important concepts and critical issues.
Along with the book is a companion web site that offers additional information, checklists, sample letters, and more.
This book is a complete introduction to this new and emerging field.
Valuable insights, useful commentary, and professionally written........2005-10-22
Like many of us, perhaps you've owned some bonds that have fallen into junk status or worse, distress/bankruptcy. In most cases, did you throw up your arms either selling at a loss or confused by smallprint mail solicitations? Stephen Moyer is an absolute pro and de-mystifies what some may think of as a blackbox only understood by investment specialists, asset pirates, and/or bankruptcy lawyers.
Conversely, if you are a professional and seeking to augment your understanding, Moyer provides insightful commentary on areas like negotiation leverage points, key area to control, legal bounds of control, pre & post-bankruptcy valuation approaches, and comparisons to real deals done recently in the marketplace. Most of his examples are from 1998-2003, and he tries to use contemporary issues to highlight arguments. Unfortunately, you will not find the most recent Bankruptcy Code reforms which commenced Oct 17, 2005. For instance, he states on page 77 that management can "...extend the [bankruptcy] exclusivity period virtually indefinitely...", which today is essentially limited to 18 months. Although a shortcoming to the book, any professional investor would have access to materials to become up-to-date on the recent reforms.
Moyer's CV reads long: Stanford Law, Chicago MBA, CFA, CPA, and Drexel Lambert heritage. Obviously, he knows what he is talking about. His writing interests do seem to be lawyer-ly; for instance, he spends an inordinate amount of time explaining issues around confidentiality agreements and duties. But, I appreciated his clear and concise style and sentences. No arrogance in his style nor is he trying to sell his current firm.
Excellent book. Strongly recommend despite the price.
Book Description
The bestselling Blood Debt and all the Vicki and Henry short stories-plus A brand-new one!
Customer Reviews:
If you like Vampires . . ........2007-07-23
You gotta get the Blood Books by Tanya Huff. I got all three volumes and couldn't put them down. Not only is Henry one of best written vamps I've seen in a long time but Vicky "Victory" Nelson is one h*** of a heroine. With Mike Celluci to set off the main characters these are page turners of the highest order. Mystery/detective/romance/supernatural/just plain smart writing, there is something here for everyone. Only wish there were more in the series, (I know, I know, but a girl can dream). Get your hands on these, you won't be sorry.
Awesome.......2007-07-04
These are wonderful books. I cannot put them down! I liked buying them this way so that after I finish one story, I can just turn the page to read the next one. For any fans of vampire and/or detective books, these are the ones for you.
GOOD.......2007-05-22
BLOOD BOOKS VOLUME III READ MUCH THE SAME AS THE OTHER BOOKS I & II.
FAST PACED, INTERESTING CHARACTERS, GOOD PLOT. GOOD FUN TIME READING.
Fun book.......2007-05-15
The Blood books series is way cool Henry Fitzroy, Vicki and Mike the love triangle is funny and throw in Tony and its very fun.
The Blood books vol III.......2007-05-13
With each of Tanya Huff's books her style and story become more intense. I love the interaction of the main characters and the mystery involved in each story. It is fresh to see a strong female character and a not so bloody vampire.
I highly recommend her books for a good read.
Book Description
Foreclosures are hitting record highs; Americans are declaring bankruptcy at rates ten times that during the great Depression; more college students drop out because of debts than due to poor grades; reports of debtor suicides proliferate in the media. In other words, it's a great time to be in the banking business.
Maxed Out takes us on a road trip that is sometimes hysterical and often horrifying: from Las Vegas to the Bible Belt, from the backwoods to inner cities, where the world's largest financial giants troll for their next victims. Welcome to a country populated by debt pirates, corporate predators, human credit card billboards, debt evangelists, megamillion-dollar spec homes, and, of course, trillions of dollars of easy credit.
Combining startling facts with even more startling examinations of individuals, institutions, the government, and modern religion, James Scurlock separates the myths (there is "good debt" and "bad debt") from the harsh reality (corporations partner with colleges to target today's youth; credit reports are riddled with errors that will never be fixed; and death, for many of those in trouble, is the only way out).
At a time when the financial industry posts ever-higher profits even as its clients drown in the flood of easy credit, Scurlock exposes very real, potentially disastrous systems and policies that are consuming millions of Americans. Maxed Out takes readers on a wickedly smart and entertaining tour of what one interviewee calls "the last taboo."
Customer Reviews:
Where does personal responsibility fit in?.......2007-10-12
At first I liked this book very much. Scurlock has a wicked sense of humor and has done his research. However, I got bogged down about 2/3rds of the way through, because he went over the top about the predatory credit card companies, banks and whatnot and seemed to give all of his interviewees an "out" for their bad behavior!
I lost faith completely in one of the last chapters (warning: spoiler) when the person who made a living from recycling was wondering why her daughter kept sticking her with cell phone and car payments bills, and her son, who graduated from MIT, still lived at home and charged things to her instead of getting out and paying his own way.
Scurlock soothed the mom by saying this is American and this is the American way and credit is everywhere and it is not your nor your kids' fault. Huh? What about tough love? How about cutting off the financial spigot instead of continuing to be a patsy?
There's another chapter about a triple murderer who blamed easy credit for his whole family being under and how he was a victim too (besides being a murderer). Lack of money was just a symptom IMO - this was all about rage and the poor impulse control, to use psychiatric terms.
I'm glad I got this book for free from the library so I wasn't "taken advantage of" by a credit card company.
Nothing new here........2007-10-06
Yes, the financial industry is ripping people off, sometimes getting away with behavior that is even criminal (the book has a story of a mentally challenged mother and son who are losing their house to CitiFinancial). Yes, people are living irresponsibly and are goaded into it by modern society. The book, however, while presenting a list of complaints and anecdotal stories, meanders and never makes a coherent case beyond the two listed above and says really nothing about what can be done. Scurlock forecasts doom for us, but has no idea how to forestall it.
The advice of one reviewer to "just not pay" is not valid. Your credit score is now used in a number of ways that have nothing to do with needing credit -- including judging fitness for employment and determining cost of insurance, including auto insurance. Modern society today, unfortunately, can penalize you for NOT using credit (and therefore having an unacceptable available credit to debt ratio), as well as punish you for using credit irresponsibly.
A fascinating read flawed by an incomplete analysis of root causes and possible solutions.......2007-09-15
I learned about "Maxed Out" as a regular listener of Dave Ramsey (the famous talk radio anti-debt crusader hailing from Nashville, TN). Scurlock asked Ramsey to participate in both his movie and book. I have a tremendous interest in financial psychology so I was very curious if Scurlock could pinpoint the root causes of the current debt crisis while accurately assessing the efforts of consumer advocates like Dave Ramsey.
The author touches on a number of topics related to the world of predatory lending. He includes an entertaining history of BankAmericard (now Visa), MasterCharge (now MasterCard), CitiBank/CitiFinancial, and several other companies. He presents numerous heartbreaking stories of individuals who, by their own admissions, failed to plan for disaster and made poor financial choices that resulted in devastating outcomes (including jail terms and suicides). He provides an inside look at the sleazy world of collection agencies. He also shares the opinions of academics and provides occasional quotes from our esteemed politicians in Washington (who naturally reveal themselves as power-hungry, financially clueless morons). Scurlock also makes a few suggestions to address the crisis.
Scurlock has a reporter's instinct. He is very observant and articulates his findings in a lively way. In my opinion, he demonstrates more maturity, more humility, and less emotion when discussing this topic when compared to many other authors (Tamara Draut, Anya Kamenetz, and Barbara Ehrenreich come to mind). Occasionally, he injects his quirky humor, adding to the entertainment value.
Scurlock rails against the "obscene profits" made by banks when pushing "debt products." He makes it sound like that's all banks do. Banks have always pushed debt products for profit. This isn't exactly a revelation. But Scurlock failed to mention that banks also provide essential services such as check cashing/clearing and ready access to our cash via numerous ATMs, for example. These taken-for-granted services are very important benefits to customers (and expensive to administer). Banks help facilitate our day-to-day financial lives. I'm sure my own bank is interested in extracting more profit from me, but my personal banker has never tackled me, put a gun to my head, and demanded I sign loan papers at some usurious interest rate. Banks sell "debt products" for the very simple reason that we demand them!
The issue of personal responsibility is mentioned by the author numerous times but it is not fully explored. In his many anecdotal accounts, dysfunctional behavior resulted in outcomes that were preventable. Even when job losses and health issues were blamed for causing bankruptcies, I noticed that victims spent large sums of money on unnecessary material goods for years, but failed to set aside even a small emergency fund. Their woes were not due to a lack of intelligence, income, or even a debilitating health problem but rather a stubborn denial of reality coupled with poor planning.
For whatever reason, some people choose to live on the edge, using credit cards as a substitute for a cash emergency fund. There's no cushion to mitigate a negative life event--no margin for error. Every spare dollar is consumed, and then some. An emergency fund is certainly not a panacea, but it is a proven way to reduce risk. The subject of risk is something Scurlock only skirts around but does not address directly. The reason Dave Ramsey's message rings true with many listeners is that debt is seen for what it is: risk. If you have debt, you have risk (yes, even if it's mortgage debt). If you don't have debt, your risk is dramatically reduced. Less risk results in more choices and more freedom. It's not a difficult concept to understand.
Scurlock gets bogged down with the negative aspects of financial ruin, but he unfortunately does not provide a complete picture of consumer behavior. For example, a large percentage of Americans religiously pay off their credit cards monthly, routinely rip up new credit card offers, and actively avoid unnecessary fees. Why do these Americans act so differently compared to those that "take the bait" on the road to financial ruin? I know many ordinary people who live below their means, have an emergency fund, buy adequate insurance, drive older cars, have significant home equity, and invest in their retirement plans. They do actually exist, and at almost every economic level. They're all around us, and their numbers are growing every day. To my amazement, the author never investigates the traits of such people (though authors Thomas Stanley and William Danko do in their book "The Millionaire Next Door"). The reason this is important is that these are the habits proven to lead to financial success. Even while admitting that bad behavior can sink some people, Scurlock never investigates how the transformation of financial habits can resolve the current crisis and prevent a reoccurrence.
The phrase "something isn't quite right" appears repeatedly in the book, as if to imply the current debt crisis came out of nowhere. It didn't. In the past decade, I've noticed a distinct shift in financial behavior from defensive to reckless. I have seen lower income families live like the middle class through easy credit. I have seen acquaintances willingly secure huge mortgage loans for homes that they knew they couldn't possibly service. I have watched in horror as intelligent friends went bankrupt after repeatedly making poor life and financial choices, destroying their personal relationships and the psyches of their children. I have seen unprepared borrowers victimized by overzealous mortgage bankers who they viewed as their "best buddies." I have seen a mother bail out her unemployed 19-year old son, who obtained a credit card to buy "cool stuff" and then defaulted. After all, she didn't want him to suffer a hit to his "precious" FICO score. After the debt was settled, he started running up charges again. Yes, indeed, something isn't quite right.
So who is to blame for all this carnage? Well, everyone as it turns out. First of all, financial education is nearly non-existent in our public schools, so our children are clueless about money management (but at least they can learn a vital life skill like the French language!). Secondly, many parents refuse to educate themselves about finance, so they are incapable of passing along important lessons to their children. Parents are also notorious for enabling the poor behavior of their children and often turning their children into helpless adults. Then we have the financial services industry, which provides easy credit to every borrower possible (and sometimes their pets), lending standards be damned. Finally, federal and state governments punish the middle class with hidden fees and stealth taxes (e.g. the Alternative Minimum Tax), which further erode a household's ability to save and invest.
Borrowers, of course, shoulder most of the blame because they drive the demand for credit. Despite the enormous amount of financial information available to them from multiple sources--many free--borrowers live in a perpetual state of denial, refusing to educate themselves. They don't take defensive measures to protect themselves (i.e., living below their means, establishing emergency savings, securing healthcare, auto, home, and life insurance, etc.). They refuse to create and follow even a simple budget. They refuse to control their spending. They create the circumstances of their own financial ruin. Scurlock certainly describes these behaviors along with the self-flagellation on the part of the "victims," but leaves it at that. He acknowledges that bad behavior often results in disaster, but then proposes solutions that do not address the behavior itself.
This brings me around to Dave Ramsey again. He is a hero to a large number of people who are determined to resolve their problems and achieve total debt-freedom (including the mortgage). He teaches self-control, personal responsibility, risk management, and an easy-to-implement plan to reach financial independence. He teaches his audience not to ask "how can I borrow my way out of this?" but instead "how can I solve my problems without credit?" He makes an exception for mortgage loans, but even then he teaches his listeners to secure a reasonable loan with conventional terms. He prefers his listeners confront their problems, shed feelings of victimization, and turn the tables on the financial services industry. It's a message that plays very well. I felt Scurlock did not adequately acknowledge the importance of this vital movement in the book.
Although it's clear some fraudulent subprime lending occurred in the past few years, nearly all cases were fully disclosed, legal transactions. Even though Scurlock would like government to step in and clean up the industry, he apparently forgot that government helped create this mess in the first place by actively encouraging banks to loosen standards to lend money to borrowers considered very risky by historical standards. The results were predictable. Some borrowers knowingly took the proverbial rope handed to them and promptly hanged themselves. So, basically, the government created the problem and now many are asking the government to fix it.
What happened to people learning to control their own lives and financial futures without government intervention? We can demand punitive regulation of the financial services industry all day long, but this will not solve the problem (incidentally, banking is among the most regulated of all industries which Scurlock mentions, to his credit). The true root cause of the crisis is bad behavior on the part of consumers. The government cannot legislate good behavior. That is our responsibility. It's time Americans openly admit that we are more the victims of our own lofty sense of entitlement and ignorance rather than the tactics of the financial services industry. It is worth noting that first-generation millionaires never count on the government to dictate their destinies (as documented in "The Millionaire Next Door"). The author missed a golden opportunity to balance his research with this well-established information.
Despite the deficiencies I noted above, this is a book worth reading. Scurlock's style and investigative abilities are unique and much can be learned from reading his analysis. I feel that some reviewers are unfair to Scurlock, accusing him of being overly political. I don't feel this is the case at all. While I resist government intervention to solve problems that we can easily resolve ourselves, the root causes and results of our financial decisions are complex and must be fully explored and understood. "Maxed Out" provides an excellent starting point for such a discussion.
Informative.......2007-09-08
Having seen the dvd, this is one of the few times that I actually liked a dvd more than the book. Both were informative (the book actually goes into more depth of the subject of finance companies, payday loans, predatory lending, pawnshops, and credit cards), but I found it dryer and not as interesting. It's hard to feel as involved without a face being attached to the subject. Scurlock does write with wit on a subject that might otherwise be boring. There is some very important information regarding this subject that anyone applying for credit needs to know.
Interesting but..........2007-07-09
Like Michael Moore and Morgan Spurlock, James Scurlock is a consumer advocate with a populist bent and a tendency for hyperbole. I had no doubt reading this book (and watching the more restrained DVD) that Scurlock knows his stuff -- his research is considerable and he has a background in business. The gap between the rich and poor has been well documented elsewhere, so some of his foundational arguments aren't exactly seminal. It does, however, always merit a mention that business has been deregulated in alarming ways, none of them helpful to anyone but profiteers. Anyone wishing to examine the moral health of a country would need to consider unethical business practices as a corrosive effect. It is difficult to see the value of free markets and the "invisible hand" when examing in the "selling money for profit" industry.
Unfortunately, in illustrating his concerns with real people, Scurlock pulls out every trick in the bleeding heart bag. I lost count of the number of people he writes about who had family members commit suicide due to the stress and shame of financial ruin (and by extension, by the unethical practices of the debt industry.) I have a very hard time believing that money stresses are the sole motivator in suicide -- if that were the case, the global population problem would be over during one lean period. The book works when Scurlock focuses on facts; when he resorts to personal stories it starts to seem manipulative. He glosses over the biggest counterargument -- that even the "poor" in these stories are living far better than people did in the 1920s, an era Scurlock fears we are reproducing.
As much as I despise simplistic "personal responsibility" arguments, I'm afraid Scurlock resorts to similar reductionism. A lot of the debt illustrated in this book is frivolous and rooted in materialism. It is sad that people's lives are ruined over debt... but who in their right mind buys a Lexus or Escalade when they're making a median income? That isn't a business problem, it's a common sense problem.
We are facing many financial problems in this country -- one need only look at the military and Katrina relief effort to see two glaring examples. "Maxed Out" is interesting when it focuses on the bigger picture, but the personal financial stories don't gel well with the dire feeling of those larger issues.
Book Description
First published in 1981, Valuing a Business is today the world's most widely followed valuation reference. As more professional associations than ever offer valuation education and credentials, this Fourth Eidtion - with 10 new chapters that significantly expand the book's scope - promises to appeal to an even broader market. This easy-to-use reference features increased emphasis on vlauation court cases and decisions; new information on arbitration and mediation; updated data on stock option valuation; and much more.
Download Description
This easy-to-use reference features increased emphasis on valuation court cases and decisions; new information on arbitration and mediation; updated data on stock option valuation; and much more.
Customer Reviews:
A bit hard to understand.......2004-12-02
I had an older edition of this book, which wasn't very helpful, so I bought the new one hoping it was an improvement, but came away rather disappointed because, for an instructional manual, this one is hard to follow. Apparently, the authors have been in the valuation business for a long time, but it's not always easy to translate experience effectively into words. For most, this is a how-to project with potentially big consequences, so the instructions should be more clear than this. I liked "Unlocking the Value of Your Business" as an alternative. Once I read that book, I understood better what these guys were talking about.
This is a Terrific Resource for Practitioners Not Investors.......2004-09-16
I am a lawyer who has tried valuation cases and this book is a terrific resource for valuation experts and attorneys. I used it to defend and to attack witnesses. It is respected. It is used at the Federal Judicial Center as training for judges on these issues. It is not at all appropriate for people who are trying to value companies for investment purposes.
Super.......2003-01-08
This book, guide, reference, ... or what ever you name it. is essential for all business, financial and investment guides.
An Excellent Private Equity Valuation Primer.......2002-04-08
I have found Mr. Pratt's book to be an outstanding and practical general reference guide to valuing privately-held businesses. Due to the book's breadth of material and balanced focus on both the science and art of valuation, I have found "Valuing A Business" to be an excellent professional reference for anyone entering the field of business valuation. I highly recommend it.
In addition to the common "science side" valuation techniques, issues, and approaches that are found in many valuation textbooks, Pratt provides unique, valuable insight into the "art side" of valuation. The book also includes real life project execution considerations for litigation support, expert witness testimony, and taxation. "Valuing A Business" offers solid information to assist a practitioner in building a quality framework for conducting a comprehensive private company valuation.
Good technique, directed at the professional practitioner.......2001-10-18
I take issue with the reviewer who suggested that Tom Copeland/McKinsey's book "Valuation" is better than this one or is more directed at valuaing big businesses. ... On the other hand, it should be said that valuation techniques do not differ between big companies and small companies (especially if big/small companies are publically traded). Valuation techniques vary depending on (a) what sort of asset is being valued (public equity, vs. private equity, vs. business assets as a whole, etc) and (b) why valuation is being done (for M&A, litigation between business partners, divorce, ESOPs, for equity investment/divestment). If an investor is valuing a $50 Billion public company and a $50 million public company, the technique used for both is (probably) the same.
If anything, this book does an excellent job in reminding us of the diversity of valuation techniques in use, and the diversity of reasons for doing valuations. Given the frequency with which privately held companies are bought, one would think that knowing how to value companies whose stock is not publically traded is useful for general businesspeople, not just accountants and attorneys. But if you absolutely insist that you just want to know how to value publically traded companies and don't give a hoot for calculating "private equity discounts" or "minority shareholder discounts", then I would recommend Aswath Damodaran's books "Damodaran on Valuation", "The Dark Side of Valuation" or "Investment Valuation". Damodaran, professor of Finance at NYU, actually uses the same techniques taught here, but applied to public equity investing and with different names (for example, what is called the "Market approach" here is just what Damodaran calls "relative valuation" in a different context).
Product Description
Purchase This Product from Samurai-Ink Your Trusted Seller. Credit Repair and Bankruptcy Are Just About Illegal! Only 1 out of every 5 Bankruptcies is a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, Debt Forgiveness. 4 out of every 5 are forced into Chapter 13! Commonly referred to as Debtors Prison! You Will Have To Repay Your Entire Debt! Don't let this happen to YOU! How can you prevent it? You need the Credit Secrets Bible - All new for 2007, The Credit Secrets Bible (CSB). Plagued by Bankruptcy? Debt? Credit Problems? Could you use a $5,000 Card with no Credit Check? Low (Fico) Credit Score keeping you out of that car or home? You have come to the place that has all the answers and teaches you how to unlock the secrets of the credit system. What if you already filed Bankruptcy? No Sweat! The CSB is packed full of the information you'll need to rebuild your credit and your Fico score at warp speed! Bankruptcy? Bills? Job Loss? Divorce? Tired of fighting the CREDIT BATTLE? You can stop fighting the Credit Reporting Agencies and make them WORK for YOU! This information CAN and WILL change YOUR CREDIT LIFE! Everything you ever wanted to know about Credit Repair and Bankruptcy but were afraid to ask. The CSB exposes the secrets behind the credit system. The same secrets the government, the banks, and the credit card companies don't want you to know. Credit repair clinics and attorneys can charge hundreds even thousands of dollars for the techniques discussed in the CSB. The same techniques you can use yourself to avoid bankruptcy and repair your credit. This educational guide is one of the most comprehensive publications ever compiled in helping you get, keep and repair your credit. Even if you have already filed bankruptcy, this publication can guide you in re-establishing your credit rating. Includes The Audio Companion CD - Listen to this education publication while you drive to work or in the comfort of your home. Samurai-Ink gives you the $500 worth of Credit Letters for Free!
Customer Reviews:
A MUST HAVE FOR EVERYONE.......2007-05-13
I LOVE IT! I recieved this book about a month ago and it was the best and smartest purchase I've ever made. My husband and I were looking to move to another house, but because of some financial hardship two years ago his credit score had dropped. We called one of the "credit repair compainies" and found it would cost over $700 just for a couple of months service. I felt that price was too high. So I decided since this is something we could do ourselves why not give it a try. I started reading and highlighting the book 10 minutes after I got it. This book has something for everyone, it doesn't matter if you are trying to build credit, going thru a Bankruptcy or being pressured by collections. GET THIS BOOK. Our score has already jumped 40 points in the first month, and keeps rising. I believe in a year we will have a score of 800. It is really helpful and I can not say enough wounderful things about how much money this book will save us in the future.
If you are on a time crunch to raise your credit score I advise (from personal experience) to pull your credit report from all three bureaus before you get the book.
The best $67.00 I have ever spent.......2006-07-17
Greetings To All. I would rate this book a perfect 10 if I could. I want to take this time to let everyone know that the information in this book is allowing me to truly understand the various credit laws, FICO & Vantage scores, ways to fight incorrect information on your credit report and so much more. My credit score is now in the mid-600's. It increased about 80 points. I was able to obtain a Chase Mastercard and a VISA as well. I am learning how to use these credit cards to build my buying power. This book shows you all the do's and things to avoid. I have no doubt that the Credit Secrets Bible is going to help me get a credit score of 800 after I have made bad decisions regarding my credit. At first, I was skeptical, but my sister ensured me it was worth it. I am so glad I did! Still not convinced, email me @
anitragipson@yahoo.com. I am not lying because it really works. It really works!
GET THIS BOOK TODAY!!!
Excellent Credit Repair Resource.......2006-01-12
This book is worth every penny I paid. 100% as advertised. I was able to remove several items off of my credit report and increased my FICO score by 48 points in one month! This ended up getting me a loan on my new car at 3.9% instead of 7.5% I'll end up saving over $3000 over the 60 months for the loan. One wish - can you make a hardcover edition of this book? I used mine so much it's falling apart! I have more highlighted paragraphs in this book than I do in my regular church bible. Go figure. Again, thanks for such a great resource!
Product Description
This book is an exploration of the key concepts of real eestate finance and investment strategy. It is not a mere formulaic analysis of numbers designed to give you "the answer" to any and all real estate investment decisions. Instead, this book is designed to help you understand that ther is no singular or judgment and experience, with an eye to the numbers. The goal is to help you evaluate the risks and opportunities of real estate assets and investments, and will hopefully help you embark upon the long and unending road of stregthening your judgment.
Customer Reviews:
Linneman Real Estate Finance Textbook--Thumbs Up!.......2007-05-28
As a University of Chicago economics PhD and Professor of Real Estate Finance at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, one of the few business schools that teaches the real estate business in a thoroughgoing way, Peter Linneman is the top real estate finance academic in the country. I recently heard him speak at a conference on real estate mergers in NYC, and he was one of the best professional speakers of any kind that I have ever heard in 20 years of real estate law practice. His splendid textbook, Real Estate Finance & Investments, reads almost exactly like he speaks. It's like a superb, clear, and witty set of lectures, all encapsulated in a textbook. Linneman is not only a topflight academic, but has substantial direct involvement in the real estate business. This very much shows in the book, which takes the most abstract scholarly knowledge and makes it easy to understand through examples of crystalline clarity. It is a godsend to those who work in the real estate sector that someone as smart as Linneman would take the time to write this awesome textbook, which not only must be the best textbook on real estate finance, but is one of the best textbooks of any kind I have ever read.
There are only opportunitities, and no risks in buying and reading this super textbook.
Book Description
A step-by-step action plan to quick and lasting recovery after personal bankruptcy. Indexed.
Customer Reviews:
The Book Is Actually An Ad For His $497 Course.......2007-09-12
This book is FULL of commercials but void of any specific information you can apply to your life. His advice on everything from getting credit cards, auto loans, installment loans, mortgages, what ever, is to research everything out there and interview every loan officer, credit mangager etc out there, and find the best deal.
This book, his internet site, and his "free" seminar are all in effect teases to get you to buy his "Increase Your Credit Scores - Improve Your Lifestyle" course which costs $497. Presumably, some actually utilizable information is in that.
Bankruptcy.......2007-03-22
There is a moderate amount of useful information about life after bankruptcy. Probably half of the information can be found on the internet. However, the author should not have used the bankruptcy information as a cover for preaching his religious beliefs. I felt mislead.
Bankruptcy.......2007-01-12
This is a good book for someone who filed bankruptcy this book has given me a lot of insight on thing
Waste of money.......2006-12-23
You can find all this information on line. There is nothing new here for a post bankruptcy person. Also, he has a RELIGIOUS BENT so be careful.
light at the end.......2006-11-08
I am seeing light at the end of the bankruptcy tunnel
Product Description
From the Author: I know what it s like to have excessive credit card debt. In fact, I know the stresses of having $100,000 in debt. That s the main reason I wrote Zero Debt -- to give people in debt a message of hope: You can conquer your debt! And in many cases, you can do it much faster than you think. If you re drowning in debt, I urge you to pick up a copy of Zero Debt to learn how to quickly eliminate that debt and get on the road to financial freedom. Don t delay: start dumping your debt today! Book Description: Would you like to be free from financial worries, rest at night knowing your bills are paid, and have peace of mind when it comes to money matters? Then you need Zero Debt. In Zero Debt, you ll discover: * How to get annoying creditors off your back * Insider secrets to reduce interest rates or eliminate credit card late fees * Your legal rights and what bill collectors can and can not do under the law * The best strategies to clean up your credit report or fix errors in your credit file * How to make lifestyle changes that will save you money for decades to come! If you want to be debt-free and achieve financial freedom, you need an action plan to guide you. This book is your step-by-step plan. It s simple. It s easy to understand. And it works.
Customer Reviews:
Not A Magic Pill.......2007-10-03
I did like the book. I read it the first day I received it. It had some information in it that was unknown to me. Most of the information listed in the book is common sense. Like contacting your creditors directly, trying to lower your interest rates and setting a budget. This book would be great as a debt eliminator for dummies. For anyone looking for more of an in depth read and examples you will be disappointed. There were some extra resources listed and mock forms to use with creditors. This book is by no means a magic pill. Don't expect that from any book. You still have to work for it. You have to give up something to pay your debt.
I did order another book from this author. I hope it provides more information than this one.
This is a great read for begginers. The book has alot of general knowledge information. Would like to have read more on what exactly to do to bring your credit score up and the right mixture of credit accounts to have.
Good Common Sense Approach!.......2007-09-03
Lynette Khalfani really says it the way it is. She takes a no nonsense approach to zero debt. A great book for those needing a kick in the pants to get their finances in order and a great reminder for those who are progressing to financial freedom.
This is a easy read with great examples and suggestions to help one achieve thier financial goals. Highly recommended.
Back From Debt.......2007-07-31
This book will start you back on the road to recovery! Get back what bad credit took from you using some of these simple easy to understand methods in this book. If you follow plan, your credit score will eventually start going toward the positive.
Practical Advice for Money Management.......2007-05-16
When you owe a lot of money, the last thing you want to do is read a book. However, the smart insights and 30-day plan contained in Zero Debt have the potential to curb negative spending habits for life.
I appreciate the way Khalfani breaks down the process of debt reduction into smaller chunks that anyone can manage. Even if you follow half of her advice, you'll make a positive impact on spending and saving habits.
Aside from the book's adult target, it also has merit for college students, as colleges rarely bring a speaker such as me on campus to provide them with lessons on debt management before problems start.
Khafani surprised me by suggesting that readers pay for their credit report, especially because it can be obtained free of charge once a year. She did, however, mention the free option on a later page.
Use the advice in this book one day at a time. By month's end you'll realize and put into action good habits to minimize debt.
Okay read on financial fitness.......2007-05-16
While this book was a quick, easy read, got me fired up about my finances and gave me good real life examples, I really was hoping for more details and more information that I wasn't already aware of. I was hoping to read something new. Still I give it 4 stars, because the information was clearly stated, very true and easy to understand. Plus I loved the free forms the author offered on her website.
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The Financial Peace Planner: A step-by step guide to restoring your family's financial health
