Build an investment portfolio and watch your returnsmultiplyInvesting can be one of the quickest ways to make money, but ifyou think investing is only for the super-rich, think again.Whether you want to invest in shares, property, bonds or otherassets, this friendly guide enables you to make sound and sensibleinvestment choices, whatever your budget.So if you're looking to get a first foot on the ladder or wantto add to a brimming portfolio, this updated edition provides youwith the expert advice you need to make successful investments.* Get started - take your first steps on the money trail withsome investment basics* Build your portfolio - follow expert advice on investmentoptions* Invest wisely - find out how to minimise the risk ofinvestment gambles* Look ahead - examine the markets to decide which investmentwill net you a fortune in the year ahead* Broaden your horizons - start looking further afield andget the lowdown on more exotic investmentsOpen the book and find:* How to square off risks with returns* A step-by-step breakdown on how the stock market works* Techniques for examining investment-linked insurance plans* Advice on choosing an independent financial advisor* Why investing in your pension is so important* A guide to banking on bonds* Guidance on coping with the fall-out of the financial crisis* Ways to analyse stock-market-quoted companies

Introduction 1Part I: Investment Basics 7Chapter 1: First Steps on the Money Trail 9Chapter 2: Checking Your Personal Life Before You Invest 25Chapter 3: Recognising What Makes an Investor Tick 35Chapter 4: Squaring Risks with Returns 45Chapter 5: Being Aware of Small Print - and of Print thatIsn't There 59Part II: Shares and Bonds 71Chapter 6: Comprehending How Stock Markets Work 73Chapter 7: Taking the Catwalk Route to Investment Success 91Chapter 8: Investing in Markets 105Chapter 9: Analysing Stock-Market-Quoted Companies 121Chapter 10: Banking on Bonds 141Chapter 11: Building Your Information Bank 157Chapter 12: Choosing a Stockbroker or Financial Adviser 171Part III: Collective Investments 185Chapter 13: Getting Into Unit Trusts 187Chapter 14: Looking at Fund Management 203Chapter 15: Pooling Funds via Investment Trusts 219Chapter 16: Taking Control of Your Pension 229Chapter 17: Hedging Your Fund Bets 243Chapter 18: Investing at Random and with the Intellectuals253Part IV: Property and Alternatives 263Chapter 19: Investing in Bricks and Mortar 265Chapter 20: Delving into Exotic Investments 281Part V: The Part of Tens 295Chapter 21: Ten Tips for Finding a Good Adviser 297Chapter 22: Ten Helpful Hints for You 305Index 309