Investment-management

This book makes a valuable contribution to the growing body of evidence that human resources practices have a positive influence on business results. It gives solid numbers showing the relationship between 21 human capital practices and market value. It also provides evidence that these practices are a leading indicator of value creation. That's great stuff!

Then things fall apart quickly. The reason is because the authors over-reach by offering their suggestions for implementing the HR practices they identify as creating market value. That scope is simply much too large for a book of this size, resulting in shallow solutions. As an example, the authors show that "linking rewards to performance" is associated with a nine percent higher market value. They then share all of nine pages on how to implement pay-for-performance systems. That's hardly adequate, given there are a multitude of full-length books on that subject alone.

Some vexing findings are given short shrift, like the counterintuitive results that training and 360 degree feedback actually reduce market value. The authors waffle on the findings by suggesting the negative impact can be explained simply because these programs typically are ineffective. That kind of logic doesn't work since executing the other HR practices poorly would also have a negative impact on value creation.

In sum, this book does an excellent job demonstrating the relationship between human capital practices and market value. However, if you need help implementing those practices, you should look elsewhere.

The people at Watson Wyatt never stop amazing me. Recently, I purchased a copy of the Gallup Organization's "Follow This Path." Having read it, I was convinced that there was nothing left to say. Wrong. Pfau and Kay have written an amazing book that documents the correlation between Strategic HR practices and Shareholder Value growth. Well done. One reviewer complains that the book isn't comprehensive enough. I'm not sure this is a fair critisism. After all, the book details 21 HR practices and their impact on TSR (Total Shareholder Return). Certainly, one book cannot possibly provide a comprehensive treatment of all 21 HR practices. However, since when has any professional relied upon a single business book in any subject as their sole resource? This is a fantastic book. I strongly recommend that any senior executive (including CEO, COO, and board memebers) pick up a copy. I also recommend "Follow this Path," Gubman's "The Talent Solution," Risher's "Aligning Pay and Results," and Lawler's "Treat People Right." Overall grade: AAA+++

Having been in human resources for 20 years, I can finally report, with confidence, HR's direct link to the bottom line. Too many executives still think it is "touchy-feely" and this fact-based information proves otherwise.

"The Human Capital Edge" shows the measurable value of implementing solid HR practices! Great stuff!!

While well written and informative, thorough and thoughtful, this is not for anyone that has a better then novice understanding of investing in the market. It will not give you new cutting edge information, but then, it doesn't promise that. It is the tried and true method of slow and steady savings based an annual 10% return. If you are new to investing it will give you a good base to build off of. One thing that was helpful was Ed's formula; zero six, which tells you what the dollar figure you would need to retire today.

Possibility thinking and solid financial advice set the tone and foundation of Ed Dzwonkowski's inspirational "How You Can Become a Millionaire: Your Lifetime Guide for Building Wealth and Achieving Financial Independence," a sort of Money 101 approach to a dream realized, according to Dzwonkowski, by one of ever 100 American residents.

Dzwonkowski, a Certified Financial Planner, has organized the book wisely; skeptics and garden variety readers in need of gentle convincing are dealt with in Part 1 ("Getting Acquainted with the Idea of Becoming a Millionaire") and, having set the hook at that section's close, Dzwonkowski moves into everything-adds-up, factual discourses on the mathematics of becoming a millionaire.

All of the usual topics are here - investment risks and rewards, the particulars of stock market and mutual fund forays, portfolios, estate planning and strategies - but Dzwonkowski's real success is in the presentation. As he says, "becoming a millionaire does not happen overnight," and this credo, combined with the real life tools and techniques he provides are the seasonings that make the monetary lectures herein nourishing.

And then there's that indefatigable optimism of his: "What are you waiting for? An engraved invitation? Then consider this your engraved invitation: We, the current members of The Millionaires Club, hereby extend to you an open invitation to join the Club ... The only qualification for membership ... is that you accumulate a million dollars of wealth ... This invitation is good for the rest of your life (it only expires when you do)."

Highly recommended for non-millionaires everywhere.

Do you want to be a millionaire? Certified Financial Planner Ed Dzwonkowski gives you the three reasons why you're not; You don't know what it takes, You know what it takes but you're not willing to do it, and, You don't believe you can become a millionaire.

How You Can Become a Millionaire, recently written and published by Mr. Dzwonkowski, is an easy-to-understand, step-by-step guide for building a lifetime of wealth. Indeed, its like having an advisor 24 hours each day that helps show the way, and builds confidence in your ability.

How You Can Become a Millionaire is divided into four parts. The first sets the stage by offering you the reasons others are not millionaires...and outlines the steps for you to succeed. These steps are discussed in detail in the remaining three chapters.

Part Two continues your education on how to develop an Easy Payment plan to accomplish your goal. After all, if there are Easy Payment plans to buy a washing machine, why not one for financial success? Part Three offers a thorough understanding
of the investment world so you can swim with the big fish, and not be eaten by the sharks.

Part Four enables you, with all you've learned in One, Two and Three, to invest properly for maximum financial gain, where to put your savings, use mutual funds, investment strategies, develop the best portfolio for you ...even how to protect your wealth.

Ed Dzwonkowski offers (pardon the pun) a wealth of information on how to become financially independent. How You Can Become a Millionaire proposes the means "...to travel a different road than the one most people travel." In this reviewer's opinion, here is a book for every wage-earner, one that can change your life!

I can't count the books I bought and did not finish reading. I just finished this one. Doug is a common guy, just like most of the rest of us. He quit studying and got in the game, and he "hit a stand-up-double" on his first at bat! No home runs, No strike outs, No sugar coating, No tales of how he made millions in real estate, or learned how, but did not do it after CPA school. Doug tells the things he did right that you may want to copy. He tells the mistakes he made and how you can avoid them. Doug writes from a perspective that the guy with 10 rental houses already forgot. If you don't have a rental house yet, but you want one, there is no better place to start. If you already have five rental houses and want fifteen, buy a different book. This author gives practical advice and writes in a manner anybody can understand. Sideline critics are a dime a dozen - and they will scare you into staying on the sideline with them. Buy Dougs book and get in the game.

You can find more and better information simply searching the Internet.

I bought this "overpriced" three ring binder. What was I thinking? Some of the "important" material is outdated. You'd think Mr. Harmon would have updated it as many laws have changed since he wrote it. Order the "Investment Advisor Registration Package" from the SEC for free. That's where much of the material comes from. The rest is just content that has to do with starting a business. By the way this "binder" has nothing to do with starting a mutual fund company but an investment advisory company.

A totally engrossing book! A definite 'must -have' for any would-be renter.

Hunter Melville
http://CyberRentals.com

If you haven't ever owned and rented out a vacation or second home, you probably have the same concerns that I have: How will I find renters? Will people destroy the property? Will people sue me? How will I get the toilet unclogged at 4 a.m. from a distance? How will I avoid having a terrible negative cash flow? How much time will this really take? Am I turning myself into a minimum wage slave?

Relax! Ms. Christine Hrib Karpinski answers all those and many other questions you didn't know enough to ask. She also provides details of how she does everything efficiently and relatively painlessly.

Further, she gives you good advice on how to decide what property to buy, how much to charge, who to rent to, where to advertise, how to write the copy and even how to create great photographs for a Web site. In fact, both the marketing and the administrative details she provides are outstanding. My only suggestion is that you have an attorney in the state where your property is check out the forms she suggests (or obtain the standard forms used by landlords in that state).

The only area where the book doesn't cover a related subject in detail is in the tax advantages. If she does another edition of this book, I suggest that she have a c.p.a. write up a section on that point. As a result, the book makes it seem like you will make less than you actually will.

Her focus is on long-term ownership and rental, but she also points out how you can make substantial short-term gains. The section on the current mortgage options is excellent.

Even if you decide not to buy a vacation home and rent it, I suggest that you read the book for advice that will be valuable to you as a potential tenant of such properties. You can more than save the price of the book in that context.

I recommend that you do the work she describes for setting rental prices and marketing a property BEFORE you purchase a home.

Good luck!

If you currently own or are thinking of investing in a Vacation rental this book is a must have. My husband & I are in the middle of building our dream home. Christine's book answered all the questions I had & then some about renting our vacation home. This book is very easy reading. In fact I found it very difficult to put down. It is a book I think I'll refer to over & over again. Get clicking & buy this book! You won't be sorry!!!!

Starts with the obvious, buying a home for yourself. Progresses to buying single family homes for rental properties to hold. Does a good job with the numbers which is good as he prescribes some no-money-down techniques. Most authors dont bother you with the numbers, usually just tell you to "Get that property!" with no money down and dont bother to teach you if the property will make you any cash flow or not. He tells you how to find partners, and one good idea of how to assume loans with due on sale clauses. Progresses through note buying and ends with a chapter on buying multi-family property.

Solid beginners book with a good job on making the numbers work.

This is a good book with lots of good information. The book is great for persons without any knowledge of commercial real estate and is a good reference book for persons with experience in commercial real estate.

It is worth noting, however, that the much of the author's experience with investment real estate seemed to be during the 1970's decade. During that period of time there was hyper inflation in the real estate market. Often values and prices paid for real estate did not make much sense.

Some of the examples in the book refer to properties indicated to be worth several million dollars - and not exactly what you would call a small investment property.

However, the financial scenarios in this book are based on reasonably sound financial and economic theory. And the reasoning for the mathematical financial calculations seem to be fairly sound.

The book is a good buy for the price.<...

When I decided I wanted to learn more about commercial real estate investment, I bought a pile of books that claimed to be relevant and started working my way through them. This one was the ONLY one that I feel was really worth the read. It starts out by ascertaining whether the reader is truly ready to buy commercial real estate, taking a very prudent view of personal finances. It lays out everything worthwhile that any of the books on this subject lay out, and does so in a very readable manner. At the same time, it does not talk down to the reader or try to "dumb down" any of the material. I would suggest starting with only this book, and then buying other books (or talking to experts) in a more focussed manner, based upon what you find here. Incidentally, I haven't bought any commercial real estate yet, but I still intend to and I am trying to follow the advice of this book in preparing to do so.

This book was very simple to read, but jam packed with information. I not only enhanced my knowledge of real estate investing, but also got a refresher in economics. Masters discusses many tools and tips on the best way to get started and shares his experiences both good and bad. While he answered many questions that I had, he opened the doors to other questions I never thought of. I thought I was ready, but now I realize I still have some work to do.