Learn how to set investment goals, develop strategies and select the most appropriate investments with this new guide from the Essential Finance series.

Controlling your money: deciding what to do; using basic principles; preparing yourself for wealth. Working with strategies: taking the basic steps; using the three main strategies; growing money in the two simplest ways; finding a match for your money. Choosing investments: using cash equivalents; lending money - bonds; investing in bonds; owning businesses - buying shares; understanding shares; using investment funds; providing for retirement. Exploring financial risk: understanding risk; dealing with shortfalls; understanding inflation; handling market risk; understanding interest rate risk; assessing credit risk. Finding ways to manage risk: working with time; fine-tuning control; diversifying your portfolio; understanding pound cost averaging; rebalancing assets. Understanding performance: assessing what you earn; calculating costs; comparing performance; studying the effects of taxes. Starting out with confidence: recruiting helpers; protecting yourself; reading a statement.