As a student still struggling to learn the importance and benefits of investing, reading this book helped me to understand how investments can really help you in the future. The author provides many different ways of investing online and helps give ideas as to which method of investment is best suited for you.
In this book, the author provides examples and case studies of real people who have taken part in one of the many possible ways of investing, and the outcome of their investments. I feel that these case studies were very helpful to me, and could be very helpful to any other reader as well.
I found this book to be very resourceful, informative, and useful in discussing and comparing the different ways of investing to help you decide which is best suited for you. I recommend it to anyone looking for a detailed description, and detailed examples of each of these investments.

"The Complete Guide to Online Investing" by Michelle Hooper is just what it claims to be. From beginners to seasoned professionals, the information Hooper has collected and put into one volume is impressive. Though some professionals may know, or think they know, everything in the book, it is still worth a look. Some may learn something new. Others will find their memory on key concepts and ideas refreshed.

The first chapter, "What is Investing?" lists nearly every type of investment that most people can make. From stocks and bonds to real estate investment trusts, it is all covered here. Though the first section has little to do with the online part of investing, it does give a great overview and background for new investors. Hooper expands on this information, or suggest ways to put it to practical use, in subsequent chapters.

The next couple of chapters explain what types of investments a person can make and the places where they can invest. It provides a great overview of investment strategies and reviews key terms that many beginning investors may not be familiar with, but the investing community already assumes everyone knows.

The heart of the book really begins in chapter 4, which gives a great overview of various financial and trading Web sites. Helpful navigational tools are provided with most of the Web sites reviewed, as well as a brief discussion on what information or tools it may provide. In addition, it discusses some Web sites offering very helpful and fun applications, such as investment calculators, for those who want to dream.

Those who are interested in reviews of online brokers, both full service and discount, and reviews of other online services will not be disappointed. In addition to listing the advantages and steps needed to get started on these Web sites, Hooper also explains how to make sure a broker is reputable. There is also a helpful section on scams. Those wanting to check out a variety of firms will also find dozens listed, along with their Web site addresses.

Replete with a significant number of personal stories, case studies and tips, Hooper writes in a very personable and conversational tone. Discussing Johnson & Johnson, at one point she notes, "Those guys make everything, and it is important that people have deodorants." That folksy style is refreshing in the financial book market, which often discusses things most would need a doctorate degree to understand.

There are some portions of the book structured awkwardly. For example, the first chapter is 90 pages long. That may seem rather intimidating to readers who are used to breaking up their reading by chapters. However, there are numerous subsections and subheads, which help break the information up into digestible chunks.

The stories she relates are relevant to the subject matter she is discussing, demonstrating how there are practical applications for the ideas she is discussing. The success stories mentioned also offer encouragement to potential investors. "The Complete Guide to Online Investing" offers everything a beginning investor could want.

This book gives you an understandable overview of investing. It is written in simple English and defines all the terminology used in the book.

No one book can really define the entire spectrum of investing but this book touches on enough items to help you decide what to research next.

I was impressed with the completeness and attention to detail. Both the beginning investor and the seasoned pro could use this book. As a reference book I will be referring to this one many times as I work my way into the world of online investing.

This "how-to" book of the ins and outs of online investing should appear prominently on the bookshelf of anyone who is serious about making money in the stock market. It contains a wealth of information that runs the gamut from the history of laws governing trading to an account of investing strategies, including after-hours trading, managing your investment portfolio, recognizing a bad broker, as well as information regarding tax deductions for investment newsletters and even computers used for investing! But it would be advisable to check with your tax accountant before attempting to take these deductions on your tax returns. Hooper's exhaustible research for this book is obvious in the many charts, case studies, and websites included for further reference.

The book is written in a very straightforward and accessible style, even when dealing with more dense topics such as futures and commodities trading. Hooper explains that "A long call is simply purchasing a call option in which the investor hopes that the price of the futures market will rise." In addition, Hooper uses humor to make certain points. When discussing trading of currencies, Hooper warns "Do not get up and take a break or you could lose a large sum of money", and in describing the "Fill or Kill" request, Hooper notes that this "does not mean that the broker will be killed if an order is not filled." Books on topics such as this are often exceedingly technical and difficult to read but Hooper has really lived up to the title of this book The Complete Guide to Online Investing: Everything You Need to Know Explained Simply.

Do you have the knowledge to do online investing? In this outstanding book you will find all the answers you need and answers to things you didn't even know about. Author Michelle Hooper brings it down to terms that everyone can understand whether you are a beginner or a more seasoned investor. And Hopper is no novice to investing she has the classes and knowledge to backup her information.

You will learn about what is investing, the history behind investing, how to invest, the different types of stock markets, researching, computer software, how to watch your money, the safety of online investing, brokers and financial advisers, finding your investment style, how to read charts and graphs, and figuring taxes. There are plenty of websites and examples listed to help with such things as help if you need a broker and what companies to trust, short-term and long-term investing, how to setup your portfolio, what are IPOs and DPOs, the difference between after hour trading and day trading as well as what is an investment club and how to start one.

The information is precise and complete the tips are fantastic. Perfect for beginners and seasoned pros but also a useful tool for high school and college students to learn the ins and outs of online investing. You can never start too young to build your future and this is one book that should be in everyone's home even if you don't have stocks or bonds you may have a 401k or other types of retirement plans that you should be aware of what's going on - after all it's your money!

With the overwhelming array of financial information and resources available, it was an inspiring relief to find a book that so effectively provides so much information on finances and investing, in such an easily digestible format.

I've always wanted to learn more about investing, but felt it was something better left to those "in the know." It seemed too complicated for someone like me whose financial experience is limited to struggling with balancing my checkbook. But the examples, case studies, comparison charts, checklists, description of important key terms, links to additional resources and even some history have given me the confidence to pursue investing in a more sound financial future for me and my family. The sections on researching brokers and brokerages, navigation software, the safety of online investing, and finding your investment style were particularly enlightening.

I now find myself watching the financial shows and segments on TV and actually understanding what they are talking about. And if I come across an unknown term or concept, I can usually find it in this book. It is and will continue to be a great reference and resource tool.