Debut author Calandro explains how to create a profitable portfolio.

Money management has become big business for a reason—it can be a complicated and sometimes frustrating exercise. Financial authorities would agree that playing the stock market successfully is possible with the right trades and techniques, but few have the skills to profitably navigate the wilds of Wall Street. As a result, investment companies make millions convincing the American people that they’re incapable of monitoring their own portfolios. That’s a fallacy that needs to be exposed, according to Calandro. The small-business owner and equities specialist developed his book so others could become as capable as anyone working the stock market floor. The challenge for the reader is in following the varied and complex financial terms and concepts Calandro introduces in an otherwise well-written and interesting book. The author does his best to break down the knowledge he has gained from nearly 20 years as an entrepreneur and investor. Still, for those not in finance, the book is best read in small, digestible chunks. While a degree in economics might be necessary to wade through it, the concepts are fact-based and logical. It may take time for laypeople to fully grasp Calandro’s instructions, but he argues that the effort will pay significant dividends. The only other caveat is his tendency to occasionally rant about certain corporations, including General Motors Corp., which seems biased and out of place.

Best suited to advanced investors, however, even those less experienced will find something helpful and confidence-building.