I want to thank several people who have helped me along the way to the world of stock market trading.

First, I want to thank the professors at Oklahoma State University, where I obtained my degree in civil engineering. They instilled in me the belief that with the right set of rules and formulas, there isn't any problem that can't be solved.

The next person I want to thank is Augie Gale. If only you had whispered in my ear, "Go into the stock market, Mike," it would have not taken me so long to arrive at this wonderful place. I am grateful he ignited the spark.

To my loyal partners in this business, I want to thank you for your sound counsel. I appreciate your dedication to our purpose of helping individual investors reach their financial dreams.

Tom Meyer, where would I be today, if I hadn't met you! You were the first one to see the vision. Thank you for believing in me. Thank you for your optimism and can-do attitude!

Ira, what an iconic sage you are. Always ready to teach and forever keeping me out of trouble. I tell everyone you're the smartest trader in the world. Thank you, man!

I also want to thank my dear friends, Charlie and Kay Liles, for their remarkable efforts to read and critique the first very rough drafts (numerous times). You are wonderful people, fun to be around, and scholarly to boot! Thanks for everything!

Thanks also to Ken, my "unofficial director of quality assurance" and fellow engineer. Your help has been insightful and your encouragement has been unfailing, my friend.

Special thanks to my son, Will, who was instrumental in the design and development of the database and the programming algorithms we use every weekend to analyze over 6,000 stocks in our database. Your work on creating the web site and investor tools allows our clients to build their own world-class portfolios. You and I have enjoyed the rare privilege of working together on our common dreams. Your countless hours of hard work have been sacrificial, and I especially want to thank your loving wife, Christie, for her support for both of us. Thanks to both of you for arranging special occasions for me to be with the grandchildren.

To our daughter, Amy, thank you for searching to find those few spare moments in my life and filling them up with my grandchildren. Thank you for always encouraging, always defending, and working tirelessly whenever asked. Bryan, thank you for your unwavering support.

And to my grandchildren, who crawled on my lap while I was working and asked, "What are stocks, Pop"? Perhaps I will get the honor of teaching you someday. When I couldn't attend a particular family function, or was late to others, you understood. I am grateful for your love and affection.

Thank you to my editor, David Pugh, who saw there was more here than could be contained in a 45-minute PowerPoint presentation. Your enthusiastic push got things started, and I am immensely grateful.

Thank you to all my subscriber/friends who call and e-mail me with encouraging words. I take your thoughts to heart and appreciate them more than you know. Working for you is a joy, and I love every minute of it.

And last, but certainly not least, special thanks to my wife, Sue. Thank you for your faith, encouragement, and for allowing me to reach for my dreams. You're the best, my love.