Previous ed. published as: Macmillan teach yourself investing in 24 hours. Indianapolis, IN : Pearson Education Macmillan USA, c2000

Chapter headings: Why you should invest -- Understanding the basics of investing -- The instruments of investing -- Understanding the numbers -- Finding (and making sense of) investing information -- Should you use a broker? -- Classifications of stocks -- Stock size matters -- Understanding and using bonds -- How mutual funds are classified -- Types of mutual funds -- Mutual fund objectives and strategies -- Exchange-traded funds -- Fine-tuning your investment strategies -- Evaluating risk and return -- Picking the right stock -- Picking the right bond -- Picking the right mutual fund -- Picking an exchange-traded fund -- Allocating your assets -- Conservative/low-cost investing -- Active investing -- Planning for retirement -- Putting it all together

Updated with new information and strategies based on today's markets, this guide offers tips and tools to become a knowledgeable investor in 24 easy steps and provides information on using investor-friendly tools including online trading

"Smart investing couldn't be easier!: get to know the basic tools of investing and how they work; learn to identify and use key investment numbers; review your full-service, discount, or online broker options; research and choose stocks to buy; understand how to use bonds in your portfolio; educate yourself to make wise mutual fund choices; review the pros and cons of exchange-traded funds; fine-tune your investment strategies; learn to allocate your assets"--P. [4] of cover

Includes index