Amid the countless how-to-invest guides that hit the market every year comes a straightforward primer that translates the jargon, breaks down the concepts, and provides advice neophytes can actually use. Finance blogger Horowitz presents basic information about investments and investment vehicles, various types of risk, economic trends, and kinds of investment analysis; he helps the reader first identify investment goals, then pursue the types of investments or further research necessary to create and maintain an appropriate portfolio. The final chapter addresses choosing a financial adviser, what questions to ask, and information on how you may be charged. Quick tips and Web site recommendations are sprinkled liberally throughout, with a glossary at the end. Beginning investors will find this no-nonsense manual a helpful resource to navigating the markets. (Jan.)