Make Money Work for You--Instead of You Working for It - by William Thomason (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Money Lessons from a Money Manager speaks directly to the individual who wants to manage their own investment portfolio just like a professional portfolio manager would. Written by portfolio manager William Thomason, this comprehensive guide provides professional investment advice on how to identify, research and ultimately purchase profitable investments. The book covers such subjects as fundamental analysis, understanding financial statements and financial ratios, when to buy and sell, portfolio construction and various investment strategies that readers can use to manage their own money just like a professional portfolio manager. Easy to read and informative, this book is a valuable resource for readers looking to take their first steps in the world of professional portfolio management for themselves.

From the Back Cover

Have you ever wondered how professional Wall Street money managers make investment decisions? How do they know when to buy, sell, or hold their investments? How do they determine if an investment is profitable or not?

Every day, sensible investors like you make costly mistakes with their money. Some throw caution (and their hard-earned money) to the wind when they move on a stock tip or investment advice that is nothing more than rumor or speculation. Others, for fear of making a mistake, keep their money invested in mediocre stocks and mutual funds or worse yet, do nothing at all, simply because they don't know what to do or whose advice to trust.

William E. Thomason is a professional money manager. He manages traditional investments (like stocks and bonds) as well as alternative investments (like hedge funds and private equity). But, more importantly, he's an individual investor just like you--and through this easy-to-use guide, he wants to show you how to evaluate investments for yourself and construct a solid investment portfolio on your own.

In order to make profitable investment decisions, you need accurate information and the knowledge and self-confidence to act on that information. Make Money Work for You--Instead of You Working for It offers you all this and much more. Filled with real-world case studies, in-depth insights, worksheets, and valuable advice, this book covers important investment issues, including how to:

• Read financial statements and use financial ratios--even if you've never taken an accounting course in your life
• Perform fundamental analysis--to value companies and stock for what they are really worth
• Buy/sell (and even hold) using strategies the professionals use
• Use your "circle of competence" to accumulate "real" wealth
• Construct your own investment portfolio--which includes picking your investments, allocating and diversifying your assets, and assessing your risk level

So as not to interrupt the flow of the book, a detailed glossary has also been included. It covers important investment terms that you will come across on your road to becoming your own portfolio manager. Make Money Work for You--Instead of You Working for It proves you don't have to be a professional money manager to be a successful investor. With this book as your guide, you'll learn how to create your own investment portfolio and accumulate your own wealth--so you can achieve your own personal financial goals.

About the Author

WILLIAM E. THOMASON is a professional money manager who manages both traditional and alternative investments for his firm as its Chief Investment Officer. He currently serves on the board of three private companies, is a member of NASP (National Association of Securities Professionals), and is the founder of the Wall Street Wizards Urban Financial Literacy Program and The Wall Street West Financial Literacy Fund, a non-profit organization bringing financial literacy and career opportunities to urban youth. He also serves as a consultant to a $75 million Community Development Venture Capital Fund--investing in privately held inner-city businesses--and is a founding member of Urban Economy, a nonprofit membership network dedicated to fostering innovation in urban communities. Thomason has appeared in numerous financial publications such as Black Enterprise, Smart Money, Barron's and the Wall Street Journal. He has also received numerous awards in acknowledgment of his professional and civic achievements. Thomason is a popular speaker and resides in the San Francisco Bay Area.