Amazon.com
Like many savvy business people of the 21st century, David Bach offered his first pearls of financial wisdom to women, in his bestselling book Smart Women Finish Rich. Recognizing that these women are often accompanied by significant others and that money arguments are the number one cause of divorce in America, Bach has now broadened his scope. Presumably intended to help change this depressing statistic, Smart Couples Finish Rich is a well-written financial planning tool, packed with useful charts and information, inspiring examples, and practical advice.
For people who've been disappointed by the shallowness of some of the "quick tips" self-help books out there, the subtitle of this book is a little misleading. Bach's nine steps are not instant change techniques or chirpy little quips to recite to yourself whenever you go to balance your checkbook. Instead, the first few steps include a series of exercises that will help you determine what you know (and don't know, or understand) about saving and investing, what role money should play in your life (which includes understanding your values), and how to work together toward a common financial goal. From there, Bach teaches his readers how to account for "disappearing" money, how to build retirement, security, and dream baskets of wealth (providing detailed options for all three), and how to avoid the most common financial mistakes most couples make. Though the focus of the book is predominantly on working with your existing income, Bach includes a final chapter entitled "Increase Your Income by 10 Percent in Nine Weeks."
Bach's writing style is engaging and his advice is user-friendly. A successful financial planner, he obviously believes passionately in all the "fringe" benefits of being financially responsible but employs a no-nonsense approach that makes financial smarts available to everyone. So whether you're 25 and just starting out on the earning, saving, and spending road or you plan to retire next year; whether you've recently got hitched for the first time or you've just entered your fourth marriage; and whether financial planning comes first or last on your list of fun things to do, the advice in Smart Couples Finish Rich is worth heeding. It's not about becoming a money-obsessed bore, it's about getting smart... and rich. --S. Ketchum
Book Description
From first-time newlyweds to people on their second or third marriage, couples face an overwhelming task when it comes to money management. Nationally renowned financial advisor and bestselling author David Bach knows that it doesn’t have to be this way. In Smart Couples Finish Rich, he provides couples with easy-to-use tools that cover everything from credit card management, to investment advice, to long-term care. You and your partner will learn how to work together as a team to identify your core values and dreams, creating a financial plan that will allow you to achieve security, provide for your family’s future financial needs, and increase your income. Together, you’ll learn why couples that plan their finances together, stay together!
Download Description
Fighting about money is the number-one reason for divorce in America. David Bach knows that it does not need to be this way. In Smart Couples Finish Rich, David Bach makes his tips available for everyone trying to navigate the complex joint-finance waters.
Customer Reviews:
Pretty Good. Pretty, pretty good........2007-10-20
Since reading this book, I have earned a 10% raise--no small feat as we're in the middle of a corporate merge and have increased my contribution to my 401K from 6% to 10%. I have also opened a money market account where I keep my emergency fund. The book motivated me to take the necessary steps to do so. I have also focused in on my dreams and try to make sure the money I spend is helping me achieve them. I've made small steps so far--and I know that if I stay focused it will happen. Bach emphasizes the importance of small steps--not just in achieving financial goals--but in achieving life goals as well. I plan to re-read this book in a year's time to re-motivate myself and of course congratulate myself on the progress I've made. :)
Helpful for all couples planning a future.......2007-09-04
Much of this information can be found elsewhere. I like his idea of dividing savings into the retirement, security, and dream 'baskets'. Many people do not understand that there are different types of savings and that they are all needed to live a happy and healthy life. He even gives advice on the types of investments for each 'basket'. Most of his advice is invaluable and the book is well worth it.
Self Help Finance.......2007-08-25
If found this book very helpfulas a new married couple. It is an easy read without all the financial jargon and is something you can read and actually put into use. Great resource!
Time Waits For No One..............2007-07-12
I originally purchased this book for my son and his wife, but after a month went by and I discovered that it was still laying near the computer where he left it, I picked it up and read it in one day. The information contained is concise, relevant, on-time and indispensable for any couple at any stage of their relationship, hey, as indicated by a scenario by the author, it might even save their relationship. My son and his wife are young, she budgets and is a spend-thrift but he is Houdini with his money, it just diappears: he can never account for his spending and he has not disciplined himself to save. I take the blame for this lack of discipline because I did not always actively encourage him to save his money. The book even addresses this issue, advising parents how to actively involve their children in financial matters. I wholeheartedly agree with David that financial issues should be taught in school. There should be a curriculum designed to address this deficiency in the American educational system. I just wish that I had had this book when I was married. It would have given me a head start, a tremendous guideline, a map, a light in the tunnel to the financial issues that have confronted me over the years. Young couples, married or not married, sit down and read this, it's practical and it is doable and you will not regret it, believe me...time waits for no one.
get control of your finances.........2007-06-27
This is the book which helped me priortize and organize my financial records and life. The information is organized into 3 baskets(retirement, security & dream) based on their priority. It has helped me immensely to
have discipline and control in my financial life. I followed the steps, plan to maximize my retirement contibution this year, now have a security fund, bought life & disability insurance to secure my family and organized my financial records using inventory planner.
Book Description
The goal of this text is to help readers make better financial decisions. It adopts a life-cycle approach to financial planning. The writing style, designed for readers with diverse educational backgrounds, is informal and relatively non-technical. The emphasis is on practical application and decision-making. Concepts are reinforced with diverse real-life examples, up-to-date information, expert advice, and a problem-solving format. Easy-to-complete worksheets are integrated into the text.The result is a quality text that is current and provides a thorough, conceptually sound treatment of the subject for both students and instructors alike.
Customer Reviews:
3 bus. day shipping expect more!!!.......2006-08-18
I payed for a 3 bus. days shipping and did not get it in that time. That didn't help my first week of school. The book said New, it was not even shrunk wraped. The new books come with a workbook, makes me wonder how new this book is.
Financial Planning.......2000-09-07
This is an excellent book for anyone who wants to learn basic principles about money management including estate planning and retirement.
PLANNING FOR YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE is well organized, easy to read and understand! The authors explain and illustrate good examples of worksheets for each topic; the book also includes additional blank worksheets in the back of the book.
Other topics include: housing, insurance (car, life, and medical), stock market, transportation, retirement, estate planning, etc.
A disk is included with sample template files to enable the user to prepare numerous worksheets using EXCEL. Examples of templates: budget, income statement, balance sheets, future value of money, loan payments, estate planning.
My students (Ages 17 and up--even older adults)love this book because of its importance to their personal lives and their financial future. They never return this book to the bookstore during "buyback"; they tell me that they will keep it as a great resource. I AGREE!
Book Description
No Matter Where You Start, David Bach Can Help You Live and Finish Rich
With his national bestsellers Smart Women Finish Rich and Smart Couples Finish Rich, renowned financial advisor and educator David Bach has taught millions of people of all ages and incomes how to take control of their financial future. His message, that the key to building wealth is “values first, stuff second,” has inspired people all over the world. Now, The Finish Rich Workbook gives couples and singles alike a new opportunity to tailor his advice for their individual circumstances. Combining the down-to-earth, jargon-free approach that has made him so popular with the hands-on practicality of a workbook, this new addition to the Finish Rich series is like having a one-on-one session with David Bach. You will learn how to:
• Use the power of the Latte Factor™, David Bach’s international recognized approach to building wealth on a few dollars a day.
• Apply the Debt Free SolutionTM, a powerful way to reduce debt quickly and repair your credit in the process.
• Organize your financial life in minutes with the FinishRich Inventory Planner™ and File Folder system, including a pull-out summary of where you stand financially.
• Craft a personalized FinishRich QuickStart™ plan–a to-do list for today, this month, and this year, so you can get started right away.
• Find the perfect financial advisor by using the FinishRich Advisor Questionaire™ to find, interview, screen, and score an advisor before you hire them.
Whether you’re working with a few dollars a week or quite a bit more, Bach’s nine-step program will help you put the Finish Rich wisdom right to work for you.
Customer Reviews:
FInish Rich Workbook.......2007-08-23
I love the entire series of Finish Rich books. This is my 3rd book I have bought. I just got married and wanted to include my husband in my plan. He is much older and ready to retire. I of course am not. We can now work together for our future. Its taken a little longer than I have planned but can not wait to put all of our things in order.
Super a 1 Job.......2007-05-21
Great Service and quick - I'll definitely but again
Microsoft oriented and outdate........2007-01-09
This was a good book when released even though it was so Microsoft oriented.
Finish Rich Workbook.......2005-08-02
Just started this workbook so far so good. This is an awesome book and I am just in the beginning stages of the book
If you don't need to be motivated, just told what to do, BUY.......2005-05-23
I did not buy the book, read the book, or know anything about the book until well after I was done with the WORKBOOK. The only thing I was interested in was saving more money and making my money, which is lazy my nature, work harder for me. 11 months later: An IRA, 401k, "rainy day fund", started saving for a house, and just over 10 thousand dollars of credit card debt GONE! If there is a book, I would imagine it wouldn't be as useful as the workbook, since the workbook basically tells you exactly what to do to start "finishing rich".
After reading a few other personal finance books (ie. quadrants, and rich dad stuff), I was disappointed in the fact that those books didn't actually instruct you on what to do, more than give you the ideas and philosophy to do things. I DID NOT need motivation, I needed a step-by-step plan to follow, and this book did just that.
I found the Automatic millionaire workbook a good tool for learning to make things more automatic (automate your bills and such, no more writing checks)but the "Finish Rich Workbook" is really the only, and best, tool you need to get started making a better life for yourself--without having to increase your income or live on noodles and government cheese.
Book Description
Only a few years ago, the question on many Americans' minds wasn't 'how will I retire' but 'when.' Now, with 401(k)s and IRAs at a fraction of their previous value and health-care costs soaring, it's time for a definitive guide book that walks you through the fundamentals of retirement. With his biweekly 'Seniority' column in The New York Times, Fred Brock has earned a reputation for providing frank and pragmatic advice on the changing landscape of retirement. In chapters written exclusively and originally for this book, he offers updated thinking on all the essentials for a smart and secure retirement, including how to - determine new personal finance and investing goals - find untapped asset streams, such as reverse mortgages - deal with the tangle of taxes on pensions, family gifts, and other income - work during retirement - choose a community and housing - maximize your health insurance - assess long-term assisted-living arrangements He offers indispensable tools for analyzing your true costs of retirement, independent of the mutual-fund industry hype and Social Security scares. And a substantial list of national, regional, and online resources as well as worksheets allow you to customize and realize your retirement plan.
Customer Reviews:
Reality Check for 80% of Boomers .......2007-07-15
Before reading this book, my prediction of retirement for the Baby Boomers was based upon a few simple facts:
A. 20% of the Baby Boomers have 80% of the wealth. The 20% that have the wealth don't need to worry about retirement planning. As a side-line note, these 20% also have no need to sell their assets and therefore they will not crash the stock market.
B. The 80% of Baby Boomers that only have 20% of that generation's wealth will not have enough money to retire when and where they want to.
C. The financial planning rule-of-thumb that one needs 70-80% of pre-retirement income for income during retirement is not a bad rule-of-thumb.
Since 80% of the Baby Boomers will not accumulate enough money to retire when they want to (applying the 70-80% rule-of-thumb)......the only choices left to them are:
1. Work longer.
2. Reduce living expenses which can include selling your house and moving into a smaller house, move to a lower cost part of the U.S., or reduce your living standards.
3. Move to a lower cost country
4. Use a reverse mortgage for living expenses
5. Rely on family or charity
When I started to read this book, Brock immediately starts bashing the 70-80% rule-of-thumb as inaccurate and a Wall Street/Mutual Fund Industry conspiracy to get you to over-save for retirement. If you plan to stay in the same house when you retire (which 95% of current retirees choose to do), and you don't want to work until you die, and you don't want to dramatically reduce your living standards, then you will probably need 70-80% of pre-retirement income. If you can't meet the 70-80% rule-of-thumb.....the only choices left are one of the 5 options noted above.
Brock's book mostly focuses on Options #1, #2, and #4 above. Not many of us want to move to a foreign country in retirement. Relying on family or charity is not a popular option either.
If you already live in a smaller house in a lower cost part of the country and you did not save enough to meet the 70-80% rule-of-thumb, the only options open to you are to work longer, reduce your living standards, move to a lower cost country, use a reverse mortgage, or rely on friends or charity.
Brock puts way too little faith in the stock and bond markets compared to a government run Social Security program. One thing the government does do right is the TSA retirement plan for federal workers. Federal workers can choose among low cost index funds for their retirement portfolio. I'm not usually an advocate of government run programs, but in this case I think expanding the TSA program to cover the private sector is an outstanding idea. The low cost index fund approach keeps the high cost Wall Street and mutual fund industry wolves away from the private sector worker sheep.
I also disagree with Brock on how to fix the medical insurance plan in the U.S. My vote is to privatize it completely....including no tax breaks for companies who provide coverage to their workers. In my viewpoint, the auto insurance industry works relatively well in the U.S. (except for poor enforcement of uninsured motorist). Why can't the medical insurance industry work as well as the auto insurance industry? Until the individual deals directly with the insurer (versus multiple layers between the payer and the payee).....there is no real cost competition. The pre-existing condition situation needs to be resolved as well.
After reading hundreds of book, I'm concluding that "fear" does sell books. Painting the conventional rule-of-thumb of 70-80% of pre-retirement income as a big, dark conspiracy between Wall Street and the mutual fund industry is a good fear approach to selling books. In my opinion, there is no such conspiracy.
I guess this book has its place.......as a wake-up call.....or reality check..... to the 80% of Baby Boomers that have not saved enough to retire when and where they want to. The 80% of the Baby Boomers who only have 20% of the wealth are going to need more information about the 5 options I outlined above. Brock's book does contain some useful information on some of these options.
I would suggest companion books to supplement this book including:
The Richest Man in Babylon
Bogle on Mutual Funds: New Perspectives for the Intelligent Investor
The Millionaire Next Door
The Four Pillars of Investing: Lessons for Building a Winning Portfolio
A Random Walk Down Wall Street: The Time-Tested Strategy for Successful Investing, Ninth Edition
Index Mutual Funds: How to Simplify Your Financial Life and Beat the Pro's
The Coffeehouse Investor: How to Build Wealth, Ignore Wall Street, and Get On With Your Life
The Bogleheads' Guide to Investing
Wealth: Grow It, Protect It, Spend It, and Share It
Are You Using the Right Rules to Plan Your Retirement?
Terrible book.......2007-05-04
The only advise I can give you if you follow the author's absurd advise is to make sure you keep a tin can handy so you can panhandle for you meals when you hit your seventies. What he basically does in give stories of people living on $1200 per month and are happy. I have lived on 18K a year and it sucked. Thanks but I will still be placing a chunk of money every two weeks in my 401K.
not helpful.......2007-01-08
I find such retirement advice not very helpful for people whose expenses probably will NOT decrease when they retire. The assumption ALWAYS is that people's expenses will be less after they retire, but I don't see how that will be true for me or many of the people I know.
Many people who live in urban areas do not own homes or cars, for example. And they may not be interested in moving to some small town in the south when they retire.
They will still be paying rent when they retire, and their rent will probably increase each year, and suppose they have to BUY a car after they retire, if they become less able to use public transportation?
So their expenses after retirement will probably go UP instead of down.
I'm not sure where to look for advice for city dwelling renters who don't own houses and cars, and who would rather die than move to the boondocks in their so-called "golden years" - but this book, like so many others, isn't it.
I guess someone needs to write a book called "It Will Take A Lot More Money Than You Have To Retire Without Moving to the Boondocks!"
Retirement 101.......2006-07-27
This is a great beginners book for people looking to begin there plans for retirement. It is very basic advice with the biggest angle it uses is if you own a large house in a metropolitin area then sell that house and by a small one in a place with a lower cost of living. A retiree could sell their large house in the state of New York and move to Okalahoma City and live like a king off the equity that was in it. The main point of this book is that you do not need 70% of your current income in retirement to be comfortable. You should be able to dramatically reduce your expenses when you no longer work, like eating out,clothing and gas. You should also have all your debt paid off like your cars, and even your house by retirement time. To learn about this in great detail buy this book, if this sounds like common sense move on.I think any book by Dave Ramsey is all that is ever needed on personal finance, he covers everything. From budgeting to retirement.
Not worth buying.......2006-03-31
There is a little useful information in this book, but the main advice is to sell your home in an area where property values are very high and relocate to a less expensive area. This is repeated throughout the sections of the book. If you already live in one of the less-expensive areas and do not have a large house to sell,this advice is little help to you. The author advises things like buying a used car and driving it for many years; haven't most people figured this out on their own? There is a lot of filler in the form of stories about people who illustrate the author's view, many of whom are "indulging their passion for bicycling" in retirement.
Book Description
If you’re tired of living paycheck to paycheck and are looking for ways to create new wealth, then come on, girl—it’s time to make your money grow! In this timely follow-up to the bestselling Girl, Get Your Money Straight!, author and financial expert Glinda Bridgforth teams up with investment expert and stockbroker Gail Perry-Mason to deliver power-packed, sister-to-sister advice on how to master the stock market, grow your income, and start investing in your biggest asset—you. Girl, Make Your Money Grow! presents their step-by-step plan to help you clear away debt, create new streams of income, buy prime real estate, map out a personalized plan for retirement, and build an investment portfolio that’s right for you using bonds, mutual funds, and blue-chip stocks to lower your risk without sacrificing profits. Filled with Bridgforth and Perry-Mason’s warmhearted wisdom, and complete with exercises, affirmations, and inspiring stories of African American women who’ve successfully grown their financial gardens, Girl, Make Your Money Grow! is a fresh, fun, and eminently practical guide to achieving the next level of financial security and funding the future of your dreams.
Customer Reviews:
Fuels you up and points you in the right direction!.......2007-08-29
One of the best things this book does is points out that it is a CHOICE to live an abundant life. The book points out those wrong mental footprints of to handling finances can be corrected. Then it shares easy to understand, sensible steps to follow in making one's financial abundant life a reality. I read the book the first time and made notes. Now I am rereading it the second time and doing the exercises. I see the rewards are right around the corner.
You go, Ladies!!!.......2006-10-10
This is the first popular book on finance I've ever read that didn't make me want to go out and cut my throat because I'd been so stupid and now it was too late! Instead, the authors explain how to think in terms of abundance, not deprivation, and explain how it's NEVER too late.
Another great thing about this book is that it integrates saving and investing into your life, not just your lifestyle, and shows how they can actually enhance your value system.
Buy it. It's the WHAT COLOR IS YOUR PARACHUTE of investing.
Need more books like this for us........2006-09-25
I brought this book last year and I still refer back to it. It is a must have for all women who are trying to get it together.Good luck ladies we can do it.
GIRL, YOU'D BETTER FIND A WAY TO HANG ON TO IT TOO!.......2006-07-16
A truly wonderful book. However there is a crucial element that must be addressed in light of what is coming down the pike at us "Girls". If you read Arnold's The Great Bust Ahead (or visit the book's website at thegreatbustahead.com) you will gain insights into what may be the greatest depression in history beginning just a few years from now. This will probably affect women the most, and women (and men) of color more than others. So, whatever us Girls can make by following Glinda's advice needs to be protected (i.e. not lost in the coming depression) by reading Arnold's advice.
Buy Now. For Every Woman trying to Live Abundantly.......2006-06-11
I love this book so much. Glinda breaks down investing step by step. I love her encouragement and belief in the success of the reader to learn more about investing. I'm starting to follow her advice and reap the great rewards. I bought her first book after reading this treasure. Buy Now. Stop living Check to Check.
Book Description
The Wall Street Journal Guide To Planning Your Financial Future
provides clear explanations of the things you need to know and guidelines for the decisions you have to make to enjoy a comfortable retirement. It covers the advantages of salary reduction plans, clarifies the difference between Roth and traditional IRAs, and describes the benefits of effective tax planning. And it provides practical, helpful ideas to get you started.
Customer Reviews:
Great information.......2006-11-10
I was very much impressed by the book. It had all the information you would ever need and to find it in one book was great.
Wall St. Journal Guide/Planning your Financial Future.......2006-02-23
A very well written guide, put in true layman's terms. Easy to understand, with just the right amount of explanation and information. Great book!
STILL STRONG ADVICE.......2005-08-06
I have been a fan of this series from WSJ since 1995 during college. its very simple and easy to read. Yet again in the updated version it made macr/micro economics real easy to grasp.
Not Bad but Not Great Either.......2004-02-01
I had high hopes for this simple book since I am totally a visual learner. The pictures and colors greatly appealed to me, and they are indeed very nice.
That being said, I felt like the organization of the book was lacking; too many concepts were explained out of order or in such a way that a smooth flow didn't occur. Also, knowledge was assumed on the part of the reader in a manner that I found unacceptable. It was like, "Jeese, I'm reading this kind of book to find out WHAT such and such is, not just to read ABOUT it." Kind of like being told lots of details about a 401(k) without ever being told what it really is.
Overall: Helpful as a supplement to another book, such as _Retirement Bible_, by Lynn O'Shaughnessy. Good for reinforcing your learning.
a very good book, on its topic, and very esy to read.......2003-02-24
Its a very easy to read guide on planning your financial, future, I bought this one, and after reading it, I also bought the one on "money and invesing" and the one on "personal finance". I live in Mexico, and altough retirement doesnt works the same way as in US, the books does works in some parts (65%) to planning your financial future in Mexico
Book Description
The forms and information you need for peace of mind...
If you care for a child or other loved one with a disability, you've no doubt thought about what will happen when you're no longer able to give that care. Fortunately, there's a simple solution to this dilemma -- create a "special needs trust."
Special Needs Trusts shows you how to leave any amount of money to your disabled loved one, without jeopardizing government benefits. It provides plain-English information and forms that let you create a special needs trust by modifying your will or living trust document.
Funds in a special needs trust can make a big difference in quality of life by paying for:
annual independent check-ups
personal care attendant or escort
vehicles and transportation
insurance
rehabilitation
essential dietary needs
materials for recreation
trips or vacations
entertainment
athletic training or competitions
and much more
Special Needs Trusts also provides a formal letter to the trustee, which explains this very important role, and a personal letter to the trustee, which provides information about your loved one.
Download Description
"The forms and information you need for peace of mind... If you care for a child or other loved one with a disability, you've no doubt thought about what will happen when you're no longer able to give that care. Fortunately, there's a simple solution to this dilemma -- create a ""special needs trust."" Special Needs Trusts shows you how to leave any amount of money to your disabled loved one, without jeopardizing government benefits. It provides plain-English information and forms that let you create a special needs trust by modifying your will or living trust document. Funds in a special needs trust can make a big difference in quality of life by paying for: annual independent check-ups personal care attendant or escort vehicles and transportation insurance rehabilitation essential dietary needs materials for recreation trips or vacations entertainment athletic training or competitions and much more Special Needs Trusts also provides a formal letter to the trustee, which explains this very important role, and a personal letter to the trustee, which provides information about your loved one.
Book Description
A STEP-BY-STEP PROGRAM THAT SHOWS PARENTS WHAT TO DO AT EACH STAGE OF A CHILD'S LIFE TO PROVIDE WEALTH FOR THE NEXT GENERATION.
If you're like most parents, you know that you should start saving for your children's future but you're just not sure where to begin.
In Make Your Kid a Millionaire, Kevin McKinley presents eleven easy ways parents can give their children a college education, a home, a comfortable retirement, and a chance to reach their goals without looking to you for money. With a commonsense approach, McKinley takes the reader from the birth of a child into adulthood and
- Guides parents through market swings
- Shows parents and grandparents how to cut their tax bills as they grow their family net worth
- Recommends "catch-up" tips to parents who haven't started saving yet
- Shows you where to find money to save
Whether you earn six dollars an hour or six figures a year, Make Your Kid a Millionaire helps your kids acquire everything that more money can provide: Time. Knowledge. Security. Stability. And it will grant you the peace of mind that comes with supplying your children with a financial head start.
Customer Reviews:
The basics made easy.......2007-09-25
I bought the book because the title caught my eye and as a parent of a young child all the information I can gather to assist her in having a head start in life financially is worth investing $13 in a book.
I consider myself an advanced investor and was lucky to have had my parents insist that I begin investing towards retirement as soon as I started working as a teen. Therefore, I have the practical experience in the power of compound interest at work and this book provided additional reinforcement on the theory of starting your investment career as young as possible.
In my opinion every grandparent should give this book as a gift to a new parent because it hammers home the need to start when your children are young. It's written in simple enough English that everyone can follow along.
What I found useful is the advice it provides parents on how to handle money issues for teens and young adults touching upon trusts, etc.
Buy it.....your $13 investment will be rewarded hundreds of times over.
Good primer.......2007-01-29
This book is a good primer for anyone who feels they are a beginner when it comes to personal finance. However, even though I have been around the block a time or two with this particular subject, I still found some things that were new to me (for instance...how to tell let the grandparents know where to send money without coming across as a money-grubber). For the price, I would recommend it to anyone.
This book is written in a conversational style and is extremely easy to read. I would caution that some of the suggestions appear easier than they actually are. For instance, it is theoretically possible to make someone a millionaire by saving tiny amounts of money for 50 years, but I challenge you to find a blue collar employee who is currently saving for their CHILD'S retirement. I also believe that some of the recommendations may not serve in the best interest of your children (i.e. can you trust them to be self-sufficient and motivated when you provide for every single financial need over the entire course of their lives?) Nonetheless, 90% of the ideas are sound and should be read by anyone with beginner's questions.
good organizational choices.......2006-06-28
Very helpful to have the sections broken down into the child's age grades, rather than only by investment vehicle. And the advice on protecting oneself from the child, as well as the child from themselves, is something you don't often see. It may seem cynical, but this is really a necessary discussion to have, even if internally.
My primary criticism is that he fails to adequately address the economic context of his investment portfolios. It would really be helpful to at least mention, for example, that bonds do better in environment type A, but not so well in B, then offer a suggested list of resources for further study. If, as the book seems to assume, these are parents not scared off by investing their own money, they will likely want to do some more research before settling on allocation.
Fun, Informative, and Educational for the Whole Family.......2006-06-01
Mr. McKinley writes in a clear, concise, and interesting manner and gives helpful advice for all parents in how to best plan their children's financial future. I have recommended this book to many of my friends who are parents of newborns, and they love it!
I LOVE this book!.......2005-10-27
I think this ought to be given to all expectant parents! This book helps us "average earners" achieve the peace of mind that comes from knowing we have secured the best possible financial future for our children. I feel so much more confident knowing that my small monetary contributions can in time build my son a wonderful little fortune. BRAVO! I can't say enough good things about this book!
Amazon.com
Lee Phillips and Kristy Phillips, married attorneys who specialize in financial planning, were faced with their very own monetary crisis some 15 years ago when Lee was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Now having beaten back both the disease and the possibility of associated fiscal disaster, the couple has written Protecting Your Financial Future to outline the asset protection and estate planning principles they utilized during their ordeal. Packed with personal anecdotes and other real-life examples, it includes tips that readers can employ immediately as well as practical long-term advice on cutting or eliminating estate taxes, protecting your home from lawsuits, and avoiding probate.
Book Description
This unique guide, endorsed by nationally known radio talk show host Bruce Williams, gives you inside information on estate planning and asset protection strategies. In a down-to-earth style, the book helps readers understand how to: save thousands in taxes and legal fees; protect assets and business from lawsuits; avoid probate and unnecessary court proceedings; maximize IRAs and retirement plans; and minimize grief, confusion and financial burden for loved ones. Includes a foreword by Bruce Williams, ten asset protection tips anyone can use to protect against lawsuits or financial grief, sample legal documents, and a glossary of terms.
Customer Reviews:
Best book on estate planning and asset protection.......1998-10-06
As an attorney, I've read many books on estate planning and asset protection. Protecting Your Financial Future is the best treatment of the subject I've seen. It's got powerful info that even financial and legal professionals will learn from, but it's easily understood by the layperson too.
One of the best aspects of the book is its writing style. It was actually enjoyable to read; intermingling strategies with anecdotes that illustrate principles.
Living trusts and other asset protection tools are often used incorrectly. The authors of Protecting Your Financial Future help readers avoid common pitfalls and build wealth with strategies all my clients should use. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has a trust or thinks they will benefit from a trust. This book will give you the answers you need for the best possible plan.
Book Description
The definitive guide to managing your money in the 21st century.Talking Money is a detailed and informative guide on how to get personal finances in order. Jean Chatzky knows firsthand that once minor money problems are under control, the big picture falls quickly into place. This is the perfect book to guide readers over their financial hurdles, preparing them for long term goals and financial security.
Download Description
Today everyone is talking about money: how to spend it, how to save it, and how to invest it. But how much of this wall-to-wall money talk really makes sense? And how much of it has anything to do with you? Now America's best known and most trusted personal finance expert brings her down-to-earth style to a book for real people with real issues about money. Jean Chatzky wants you to grab a cup of coffee, pull up a chair, and start . . . TALKING MONEY The bad news is that many of us just don't "get" money--or our own financial situations. The good news, says Jean, is that "there is very little about money that can't be explained in terms of sixth-grade math and plain English." In the pages of this refreshing and informative book, she helps you bring clarity and sanity to your financial life. Here Jean uses her personal experience and professional knowledge to explain everything from credit to equity, bond funds to college savings plans. And always, Jean not only gives you the facts, she shows you how to start making choices that are just right for you and your family. Learn to:· Manage your money--and stop letting it manage you· Accurately track your expenses and discover where you can realistically save· Start communicating clearly with your partner about money· Get the best deals on everything from air fares to mortgages· Plan for college and retirement by really understanding the principles of investment, and investing in the right places · Calculate how much insurance you need--and don't need· Transfer money to your children and avoid estate taxes. When it comes to money talk, getting started is the hardest step of all. This book guides you into the world of finance--your finance--with the friendly expertise that sets Jean Chatzky apart from all other financial writers today. The result: By the time you've finished TALKING MONEY, you'll really know what you're talking about--and the extra money in your pocket will speak for itself.
Customer Reviews:
same advice, all over again .......2006-09-21
the same old advice we hear from all the financial gurus out there gets dusted off and trotted out yet again. while chatzky has an engaging style she fails to tell readers anything new.
Just another Personal Finance book ..........2005-06-24
Nowadays, Books on Personal Finance abound. This is just another book in the sea of Personal Finance books.
The book walks you through the different aspects of Personal Finance right from setting your personal finance goals to executing those. However, the coverage of the topics is very shallow. The author rarely provides good pros & cons as regards to different choices that are available. Hence it just leaves the reader wondering as to what is the better choice..
The only use of this book is to obtain the "Table of Content" for your Personal Finance pursuits. You can use this "Table of Content" to pursue further in depth discussion elsewhere.
Rather than this book, I would recommend the following books for folks who are just getting started on the Personal Finance front ...
=> The Wealthy Barber by David Chilton (my personal favorite)
=> Personal Finance for Dummies by Eric Tyson
-Sachin
Great Book Jean!.......2003-10-30
I have enjoyed watching Jean Chatsky on TV and have all of her books, although this one is my favorite.
Jean writes in a way that appears as though she is sitting right there and talking to you like your best friend.
I also enjoy the audio version of this book and will play it while going about my household duties or in the car while picking up the kids.
Talking Money is very possibly the best personal finance book out there. I also recommend Jean Chatsky's newest book, "You Don't Have to Be Rich" and any other book by Chatsky that you can get your hands on.
Chatsky is the best!
Finally - a female financial author who understands finances.......2003-10-19
This is not only the best financial book ever written by a female financial author, it is the b est personal finance book period.
You will learn how to buy a home the right way...without getting stuck with a "fixer-upper" (RE: Junk)
You will find the money to fund your childrens college education.
You will find out to how invest for profit.
You will find unique ways to save money and then powerful ways to invest it.
The attacks on Chatsky and comparisons with JBQ are getting old and tiresome. Chatsky is a certified financial advisor. Quinn is a writer. Besides, Chatsky's books actually leave the book racks (RE: They sell)
Talking Money is a good read. Highly recommended.
Good, solid advice. On the money........2003-10-18
Having read over a hundred personal finance book, I wasn't sure if I could learn anything new and was hesitant about buying "Talking Money."
To the contrary, Chatsky offers unique advice. Most of the books I have found pretty much say the same thing only in a different way. "Talking Money" is different.
For example, I know a lot of people bought money market funds as the stock market started to slide during President Clintons last administration. But few people know the right kind of money market funds or the differences between them. Some people even bought money market accounts from banks thinking they were the same as a money market fund from a mutual fund company. Fortunately, Chatsky explains the difference and shows you what to shop for.
Her investment advice is also right on and timely but not too surprising, because unlike other female financial authors, Chatsky is qualified to write and teach this subject.
Her advice on how to buy cars the right way will save you thousands over a financial lifetime. Still paying maximum retail because you want "that new car smell" or "don't want somebodelses problems?" Read Chatsky and think again!
"Talking Money" is a good overall personal finance book. Not just for new people, but for anyone and certaintly a better choice than say "Making the Most of Your Money" by Quinn which I saw mentioned here and which is mostly fluff with outdated material.
Chatsky's book is current, compact and loaded with great information.
I also recommend Chatsky's newest book, "You Don't have to Be Rich" which offers a different perspective on wealth building "The Rich and Famous Money Book" also by Chatsky and "The Savage Truth on Money" by Terry Savage who is also qualified to write on the subject of money and offers powerful, pragmatic advice that actually works.
"Talking Money" is a good book and a must read for all interested in truly Making the Most out of There Money.
Books:
- The Act of Marriage
- The Attractor Factor: 5 Easy Steps for Creating Wealth (or Anything Else) from the Inside Out
- The Birthday Party: A Memoir of Survival
- The Complete Credit Repair Kit (+CD-ROM) (Complete Credit Repair Kit)
- The Complete Guide to Your Real Estate Closing: Answers to All Your Questions - From Opening Escrow, to Negotiating Fees, to Signing the Closing Papers
- The Credit Secrets Bible
- The Credit Secrets Bible
- The Devil's Teeth: A True Story of Obsession and Survival Among America's Great White Sharks
- The First-Time Homeowner's Handbook: A Complete Guide and Workbook for the First-Time Home Buyer (Book & CD-ROM)
- The Fix Your Credit Workbook: A Step-by-Step Guide to a Lifetime of Great Credit
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
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Start Late, Finish Rich: A No-Fail Plan for Achieving Financial Freedom at Any Age (Finish Rich Book Series)
Smart Women Finish Rich: 9 Steps to Achieving Financial Security and Funding Your Dreams (Revised Edition)
The Automatic Millionaire : A Powerful One-Step Plan to Live and Finish Rich
The Finish Rich Workbook: Creating a Personalized Plan for a Richer Future (Get out of debt, Put your dreams in action and achieve Financial Freedom
The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner: A Powerful Plan to Finish Rich in Real Estate
