Financial correspondents of the New York Times
come together to offer authoritative investment advice, since "dollars do better when they are accompanied by sense." In the aftermath of the dot-com shakeout, investors have realized that since the future market looks rocky and international economies have weakened, it is now crucial to re-evaluate investment strategies—to determine the nature of different market changes, for example, or to reconsider traditional financial policies. Yet individual investors must still maximize their investments' potential, use the smartest strategies and recognize that they will need to rely on their own investment portfolios rather than traditional pensions.This book walks readers through key investing topics, including stocks, mutual funds, bonds and asset allocation. The writing is lucid and efficient, as one would expect from these staffers, and occasionally conversational. Discussing long-term strategies, Kurt Eichenwald states, "Basically, whether you want to or not, if you are planning to be anything other than poor in your golden years, you will become a money manager sometime in your life. The only question is when." The information, too, is solid and practical. The authors offer the kinds of opinions and advice—don't put much money over the tax-deferral limit into a 401(k), for instance—that is often absent in personal finance books. While this work's respected imprimatur will appeal to readers, some may be disappointed that it is more a primer than a sophisticated investing guide. (Jan. 6)
Forecast:With the
New York Times logo on its jacket and the Times Books marking on its spine, this volume will have no trouble attracting those whose New Year's resolution is to get their finances in order.
