THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPLETE GUIDE TO PERSONAL INVESTING

by Gary L. Klott ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 1, 1986

An admirable set of briefings on scores of investment possibilities ranging from annuities, baseball cards, and common stocks to zero-coupon bonds. Klott, a New York Times financial writer, divides his coverage into 14 manageable categories. Among the key classifications are short-term interest-bearing instruments (e.g., asset management accounts, commercial paper, money market funds, Treasury bills); stock-market investments (including exchange-listed options); collectibles; precious metals and gems; futures contracts; real estate; self-administered retirement programs; and non-salary compensation plans operated by corporate employers. Each entry features a rundown on the opportunity's risk/reward characteristics, plus up-to-date information on costs, tax considerations, how to take positions, and related matters. Klott also offers broad guidelines on the suitability of different vehicles and smart money tips on selection. To illustrate, he deems junk bonds (Wall Street's term for corporate debt of less than investment grade) appropriate only for high rollers who can afford sizable losses in pursuit of above-market returns. In addition to conventional commitments, Klott reviews such speculative plays as Broadway-bound shows, which seldom produce more than a few thrills for their stage-struck backers. There's even a section on scripophily--a recent collectible craze that focuses on the certificates of defunct corporations and/or overthrown governments. In brief, an encyclopedic reference that's both reliable and accessible.

Pub Date: Feb. 1, 1986

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Times Books

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 1986

Categories: NONFICTION