For those who like investment advice off the shelf

A fast-growing number of books and publications provide an excellent starting point for anyone looking to learn about money.

If you are keen to go it alone, or want to learn more before approaching an adviser, a good place to start is the shelves of your local bookshop or library.

There are dozens of titles on investment, from basic to specialised, but one or a few of the following should get you off to a good start.

*Free stuff

Your Retirement Action Planner, from the Office of the Retirement Commissioner on 0800-45-65-85. Includes a series of worksheets that let you answer questions such as how much you'll need in retirement, and how much you'll have to save to get there.

Also some more general advice on money management. Financial Passages, by Paul Fyfe and Lenise Webster, from funds management company Armstrong Jones on 0800-PASSAGES (0800-7277-2437). Looks at the six stages, or "passages" of life, and the financial issues you are likely to face at each stage.
The Real Story, by Mary Holm, from the Reserve Bank on 04-471-3660.

This may be part of the Reserve Bank's effort to convince us that inflation really is dead and buried, but it's more than propaganda. Contains some useful information on basic concepts and the various investment alternatives.

* Books for beginners

Your Future Nest Egg and Keep Your Money Working, both by Grant Hannis and David Hindley (Consumers' Institute, $19.95 each). The first book concentrates on preparing for retirement, but would be useful for anyone interested in long-term saving. Particularly clear and easy to understand.

The second title looks at money management for those who are close to retirement or already there. From bookshops or direct from the Institute (Private Bag 6996, 39 Webb St, Wellington, 04-384-7963).

8 Secrets of Investment Success, by Martin Hawes (Penguin, $29.95). A more detailed, but still user-friendly, look at some of the basic rules of investment. Stresses the need to follow a disciplined approach.
Money Grows on Trees, by Martin Hawes (Nahanni Business, $24.95).

A do-it-yourself financial planner, arranged in workbook form that you can go through, answer the questions and come up with your own plan.

The Investment Jungle, by Duncan Balmer (HarperCollins $24.95). A little weightier than the other titles in our list, but not too daunting. Looks at the fundamentals of investment then goes into the competing vehicles. More cynical - or perhaps realistic - than others of its kind, warning against the vested interests and hidden costs you may encounter in seeking investment advice.

Making Money Made Simple / Making More Money / Living Well in Retirement, all by Noel Whittaker and Roger Moses (Hodder Moa Beckett, $34.95 each).

The first book stresses the need to manage your earnings, keep spending under control and watch the basics, such as budgeting, borrowing and insurance.
Making More Money is the sequel, with more detail on the different types of investments, while Living Well in Retirement is about retirement and getting ready for it, although it would also be of use to younger readers.

* Going into detail

Shorten the Odds, by Nigel McCarter (Dunmore Press, $24.95). The subtitle of this book is How to Select Good New Zealand Shares - which is a pretty fair description of the contents. One for the sharemarket enthusiast. Emphasises the "value" strategy, which involves hunting for shares that appear to be under-valued.

Safe Haven, by George Kerr and Aaron Hing (Penguin, $29.95). More on the "value" approach to sharemarket investment, and how to choose the best shares. The Bemused Investor's Guide to Company Accounts in New Zealand, by Bill Jamieson (Shoal Bay Press, $19.95) and The Accounting Jungle, by Bill Jamieson (Rothery Press, $29.95). Two for budding Ron Brierleys who like nothing more than ferreting through the details of company accounts. Not for those who are scared of numbers.

Building Wealth Through Investment Property, by Jan Somers and Dolf de Roos (De Roos Associates, $29.95) and Property Investment in New Zealand, by Martin Hawes (Shoal Bay Press, $24.95). Two titles on that perennially popular investment, property. Both look at things like identifying the right properties to buy and the best ways to finance your investments.

* Other sources

Let's hear it for Consumer magazine, which frequently runs articles on investment and money management (including a five-part series on investment which starts in this month's issue with a look at the fixed-interest choices). If you don't subscribe, check your local library or the society's web site (www.consumer.org.nz).