""If Time is Money, No Wonder I'm Not Rich"": The Busy Investor's Guide to Successful Money Management

In this concise, specific guide geared to a time-obsessed, workaholic society, TV financial adviser Sprouse outlines principles of financial planning, which will allow the reader to generate a ``low-maintenance, hands-off'' investment strategy. Her time-saving management suggestions involve up-to-date record-keeping and the use of telephone, personal computer and bank bill-paying services (various types of which she rates in terms of cost and efficiency). Favoring well-balanced, risk-proof diversification, Sprouse proposes 10 ``timeless'' investment strategies along with 10 ``safe'' options, U.S. Treasury issues among them. Unsurprisingly, she recommends that investors exercise great care in selecting a broker or other professional adviser, and that they study company and funds reports, ratings, etc. BOMC, QPB and Fortune Book Club alternates; author tour. (Feb.)