Updated to help readers cope with the unusual number of uncertainties that characterize today's financial markets, this book is a financial primer that will be of special value to first-time investors, but also enlightening to everybody who currently has a personal investment portfolio. The author provides sound fundamental information in clear language that non-experts can understand. Separate chapters give practical advice on how to select a broker and open a brokerage account, and describe how the stock market operates. Readers learn how to cut through the jargon that fills annual reports and other financial statements. They will find clear explanations of mutual funds, stock options, an investor's legal rights, the tax consequences of investing, market analysis, technical analysis, and much more. Here is information that every potential investor should have before opening an account.