Customer Reviews (5)

Great introduction to US banking, financial system
It is hard to understand the intracacies of how our basic banking system works.This book presents in a very easy to understand language, with picture diagrams how everything works.This book should be read by everyone who does not understand how banking, loans, credit cards, checks, work...along with how the transaction flows through the system. Must read for those who want to understand investing and the US stock market. Great for foreign nationals who will live/work in the US.Great for those living in poverty areas of US states and cities.Learning how our system functions is important for everyone living in the US.

Must read if new to the country
I just moved into the United States and wanted to know how do personal savings, the bank, financial planning, housing, taxes, retirement etc...

This book gives a very consolidated overview will all the nitty-gritty about how personal finance should & is handled in United States. Recommended to anyone new to the US or just off schools entering the REAL WORLD. Also gets you acquainted with the local financial terms.

Pretty good overall guide
This book was great I had to read if for an Economics class and it helped me to understand more about financing and how to raise money for school. It is great to have an understanding with this so i can be ahead, and collect as much money as I can for retirement. This book goes into many categories in financing such as banking, investing, financial planning, credit, and mortgages. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn more about how to have a good financial life.

Not getting bang for ur buck with this book
I bought this book and then returned it. I found it way too brief and simplistic, not offering details and explanations to concepts I was already familiar with. Frankly, for the price you could get much more instruction on personal finance with other books (i especially like Clark Howard's).

Understand Your Finances
(this review is based on an earlier edition)
Most of us have some gaps in our understanding of personal finances. This approachable guide lays it out briefly and understandably. Since my attention span is short for this topic, this is the kind of guide I needed.
For instance, the two-page section on DEALING WITH A LENDER, shows a loan application form with 6 boxed explanations for parts of the form.
You won't learn everything you need to know in two-page bites, but it gets you briefed on everything from mutual funds, making a will, getting insurance, understanding credit card statements, 401(k) plans, your W-2 form, etc.
Once you grasp the basics, you can find a book specifically on wills or whatever you are dealing with at the moment.
Gaining control over your finances can start with this book! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

EVERYONE must have DAVE!
If you haven't gotten this - you need it. Don't wait - order it now. DAve RAmsey will change the rest of your life.I have EVERYTHING he has published: books, CD's, Software, everything!You need it and you need to tell everyone else about it. Amazon has had the best prices - order now.

Dave Ramsey Rocks
This software is very easy to use, and makes sense or cents as the case may be.

Retire in comfort
Want to retire in comfort?In fifteen years?Don't waste another minute, this is the one and only best put to the test and proven money management program!!! ... Read more

Product Description
This book was designed with the reader in mind. Written in easy-to-understand language, it contains a comprehensive blend of information for those ready to accept personal responsibility for their financial future. Whether a teenager, college student, single parent, married with kids, or a seasoned business professional, the book's content was researched and organized to benefit anyone in whatever season of life. Organized to be reader friendly, one will have no trouble finding helpful answers and solutions to benefit his/her area of greatest need. "Biblical Principles for Success in Personal Finance" has been endorsed by publishers, authors and business executives from all around the world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

finances out of whack?
what a great tool to get finances back in order!! this book made life a lot easier for me. It has helped me become more finance-conscious and has put me on the fast-track to saving money and living within my means.

a great read on managing finances
I thought this book was a homerun. First it lets the reader know that success in personal finance is possible. Second it makes it easy for the reader to begin the process. Finally, it gives the reader ownership because the book is so hands-on and reader-driven. This was a great book!

helped a lot
this helped me organize my finances. in many ways, I think the author has done a great job making 'managing finances' something that is possible.

something worth reading
This book has been amazing resource for me. I think it's something that I'll use in my personal life with regards to finance. This book has biblical truths that are expounded upon with clarity and wisdom. I love what the author had to say. ... Read more

Product Description
My Personal Financial Planner is a printed handbook for students to use in planning and organizing their personal finances. This booklet, which is bundled with the main text, contains worksheets, schedules, and planners for financial planning. Some of the worksheets in the planner will allow you to do the same calculations and planning exercises as covered in the book. Others are for your use in developing your own financial plans and activities. These worksheets and calculators are not intended as "busywork" for students. Rather, they represent the nuts and bolts of a student's own personal financial plan. ... Read more

Product Description

Combining her own experiences as a single mom with theinsight of other moms, Cynthia Yates—author of Living Well on One Income—shares the practical and emotional way tolive life well when a woman is raising her children alone.

With empathy and biblical wisdom Cynthia addresses topicsthat are relevant topics including how to:

• cope with the fear, responsibility, and management of a family
• lean on the Lord and the church family for the sake of the kids
• manage the financial burden of being a single parent

With suggestions, guidance, and advice to assist motherswith kids of all ages, this resource will become the key to support andnetworking that all these women need.

Customer Reviews (4)

Very pleased
Thanks so much for such quick service.The book is great and arrived on time.

Need A Godly Grandmother? Learn From This One!

Cynthia Yates is that older woman and mentor you always wish you had: now she's not only available, she's writing directly to you as a single mom, giving you helpful hints about how to take care of yourself, how to make decisions and choices, how to move forward, and how to raise great kids.

As a grandmother of three, Yates writes to younger women without preaching, but does manage to convey her wisdom and experience. If you're a woman of faith who is struggling to balance all the demands and challenges of raising great kids in a one-parent household, you'll find help and hope here.

The subtitle gives you very good clues about the content here: you'll get advice about financial issues, discipline and child care, and also about how to move forward on your own journey as a person and parent. Good advice, from a friendly and effective writer.

Dr. David Frisbie
The Center for Marriage & Family Studies
Author of: Raising Great Kids on Your Own: A Guide and Companion for Every Single Parent

"Living Well" Is Such An Attractive Idea
Most days I don't worry about "living well" --- I'm just hanging in there, taking things one day at a time, trying to stay calm and focused. Right after my divorce I didn't believe "living well" was even an option for me. Some days I still doubt it. But I am moving forward, step by step. This book did not tell me anything new, but it did remind me of some useful truth. I am grateful to the author for taking the time to remind me of these things.

Barbara Sheldon, M.S.W.
I also highly recommend: Raising Great Kids on Your Own: A Guide and Companion for Every Single Parent

One of the top books on this topic
Mothers are an essential influence in their children's lives. "I want to make the strongest case I can for your child's need for you," Yates says. "Motherhood is not a trial run. I exhort you to try to be in place for your children - especially if they are young. Provide stability and security for them and nurture them. Never forget that you are the first and foremost teacher your children will ever have."

Living Well as a Single Mom contains candid advice on self-care, time management, finances, choosing safe childcare, discipline, peer pressure, and emergency preparedness. Additional resources are listed at the end of each chapter for quick reference.

Being a single mom is an exhausting job with more to do in a day than can humanly be done. The fact is, the buck stops with the single mom and she can use all the support she can get. People tend to distance themselves from single moms. Yates comes alongside and encourages women to do what must be done, one day at a time.

A speaker on the well-received Divorce Care video program, Yates is also the author of Ditch the Diet and the Budget, and Living Well in Retirement. An award-winning humor columnist, Yates is the proud grandmother of three "grammy" awards.

With straight talk, Living Well as a Single Mom gives nuts and bolts advice, and is one of the top books on this topic. It's a road map to hope in an impossible situation. Put this book in the hands of any single mom, even if she's been single for years. - PeggySue Wells, Christian Book Previews.com
... Read more

Product Description
Teaching the readers how to manage their personal finances, this book concentrates on the fundamentals and underlying principles of personal finance, rather than focusing on equations and specific tools that are more easily forgotten. Building on 15 fundamental principles of personal finance, the book helps the readers develop an intuitive understanding not only of the process of financial planning, but also the logic that drives it. This book starts with the basics of financial planning and goes on to such topics as managing your money, protecting yourself, managing your investments, and handling life changes. For financial planners and analysts, or those interested in personal finance management. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

speedy service, ideal textbook
The book arrived quickly and the condition was almost pristine--no marks, torn or dog-eared pages, binding intact. Almost new condition and was quickly delivered. Would go to this vender again.

Very informative for those who lack common sense skills
I read the review on this book and thought that buying it but actually be worth the $100 price, but as I went through it I realized this was created for someone who just opened their checking account and has no clue has to manage regular finances such as adding and subtracting.

Great Product!!!
This product was just as advertised and the shipping was quick. I would definitely do business with this seller again. A++++

Personal Finance
This book is well written, well illustrated, and well designed overall.The workbook greatly aids in applying the topics learned through out the chapters.

Good Textbook
I boutht this book as required text book for my personal finance class.The book is very informative, and is written in a way that even a beginner in the relm of finance would understand. ... Read more

Product Description

An insider's guide on how professionals and consumers can minimize damages in the divorce process

Anyone planning for a divorce needs to learn strategies necessary to safeguard assets in advance of filing, how to cope with issues beyond their control, minimize the damage, and effectively plan going forward after the divorce. Personal Financial Planning for Divorce is an insider's guide on how both professionals and consumers can prepare for, work through, negotiate, and plan equitable divorce settlements.

This helpful guide

• Contains all the guidelines for reducing damage throughout the difficult process of divorce
• Includes examples of how not to handle the divorce process and how these issues should be handled
• Provides checklists, planning charts, forms and tables
• Features strategies to safeguard assets in advance of filing for divorce and how to cope with issues beyond your control

Personal Financial Planning for Divorce covers the many issues to help you understand exactly how divorce will affect you financially. ... Read more

Product Description
This friendly guide provides comprehensive coverage of all basic money management principles. Enables readers to understand not only the implications of far-reaching events but also the fundamental knowledge to navigate the world of personal finance. Describes how to effectively manage personal assets- from buying and selling to investing, insuring, planning and preparing income taxes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Study guide
wanted more substance in the study guide. Many grammatical and format errors in book. Some answers to the questions were wrong in the book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Mrs.
My son needed this book for a high school finance class. I am very pleased with the price and the condition ofthis book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Fast Shippong, Just as expected
I got this book within a few days and it was in excellent condition. Will do business with this seller again. ... Read more

Product Description
Featuring an illustrated format, this easy reference covers the basics of personal finance, including setting a budget, savings, investing, and credit.Amazon.com Review
Personal finance is not something they teach in school. Mostof us learn by trial and error and unfortunately some lessons come ata big cost. Whether you're trying to sort out the nuances of term lifeinsurance, figure out the true cost of a loan, or a select a newcredit card, Alfred and Emily Glossbrenner's Smart Guide toManaging Personal Finance offers a painless lesson about moneythat you can take to the bank. Unlike other personal-finance books,theirs doesn't recommend setting and maintaining a strict budget, butthey do advocate making a list of all your expenses and consideringsmall adjustments to your "money lifestyle" that can wind up savingyou thousands. The authors also cover topics such as how to choose abank, buying and leasing a car, investing, and estateplanning. --Harry C. Edwards ... Read more

Product Description
Every year, millions of Americans transfer their finances to their children or other family members because they reach a point at which they can no longer manage them alone. More than $95 million in 2006 alone was lost due to confusion in transferring these finances and the elderly are the ones who end up suffering. For those who are about to start managing the finances of their parents, it is important to know exactly how to protect their assets, manage their taxes, and live up to their wishes. This book has been written to do just that, providing a comprehensive walkthrough of what you can expect and how to successfully handle your parents finances. To start, you must learn the basics of managing money that is not your own. You will be provided with a step-by-step chapter on how to keep track of funds, maintain the same accounting methods your parents have used for decades, and keep everything organized and separate from your own. You will learn how to evaluate sources of income including how to receive and manage Social Security, 401(k), and other retirement plans as payments are made. Additionally, you will learn how to balance their expenses, including a budgeting sheet to help you maintain the same level of expense they expect. You will learn how to budget accordingly, depending on where your parents are living and what their medical expenses might be. A chapter on insurance and medical coverage is included to help you understand how much money you can expect to set aside for these expenses and how much should be covered by programs such as Medicaid. Learn how to maintain housing for your parents as well, whether they are in assisted living or staying with you. A guide on how to talk to your parents about fraud and keep them away from potentially dangerous opportunities will make it easier for you to keep a handle on their finances without taking away their freedom. Dozens of men and women who have gone through this same situation, and also professional finance managers, have added their expertise to this book, providing firsthand accounts of how they were able to manage their own parents accounts and what you can expect. You will learn the difference in tax laws for the retired and what you will be required and not required to pay as a result of their age. It can be daunting when you first take control of your parents finances, but with this book in your hands, you should be able to quickly and efficiently take the reins and maintain the quality of life they have grown accustomed to. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Have a plan and have peace of mind
This book outlines how to successfully manage your parents' money when they are unable to any longer and how to cope with the psychological side of the transition of becoming their caregiver.The text is written with sensitivity toward the subject because most people are uncomfortable even thinking about when or how to take over their parents' finances.I appreciated that the author really addressed how heartbreaking and stressful it can be.This guide includes great advice on very important necessities including living wills, medical expenses, funeral expenses and more.Giving real world examples and case studies, this book is easy to understand and gives detailed instructions as well as the rationale and legalities of the instructions.

This guide also contains numerous checklists and worksheets which really helped me understand the process.It also has an easy layout so you can easily use it as a reference. The author advises that adults have these important financial discussions well in advance to avoid a potentially stressful situation between family members. The book even delves into special situations and gives tips for saving money on the taxes involved.I think that this book will help a lot of people to move forward with confidence to have a plan in order for the family to have peace of mind for the future

Eye Opening and Essential Book for Everyone
As a large part of the population is beginning to experience, there is a genuine need for open conversations about this topic. I found this reference book to be highly useful in my own situation and trust that many will agree with me.

W.A. Swan focuses mainly on the effort and method of managing your parents' finances, but also covers care-giving with regards to health and end-of-life issues.The author gives a few different approaches to each tender subject and leaves the reader with much hope that this hurdle in life can be handled well.Areas like Medicaid, Power of Attorney and taxes are discussed in detail with many resources listed to assist the reader further.Worksheets printed at the end of the book are simple, but invaluable.The take-away benefits to reading ths guide are almost too many to list.

Case studies are sprinkled through the pages and also serve as an emotional support for the reader.There are many others wading through this challenging issue and it is helpful to read their stories and garner their advice.Sensitive topics such as elder abuse, surviving spouse issues and seniors in poverty are covered delicately but thoroughly.It felt as if the author was a trusted friend with professional expertise who was guiding the reader.

All in all, an excellent reference guide for people heading into or in the thick of parental care-giving.Also very helpful for the support team of such individuals, as it may give them insight into the challenges and difficulties of this stage of life.

All In the Title
I think everyone whose parents are growing old has some trepidation about how they'll manage their finances, especially if they live in a precarious mental or physical state.Thankfully, W.A. Swan's The Complete Guide to Managing Your Parents' Finances When They Cannot: A Step-By-Step Plan To Protect Their Assets, Limit Taxes, and Ensure Their Wishes Are Fulfilled provides an extremely comprehensive guide to maintaining a stable financial status for your parents after they retire.

Swan's foreword provides some illuminating information about the unstable financial states of many within older generations (e.g. 46% of "Baby boomers" saved less than $50,000 for retirement).After that, he goes through each element of transferring ownership of financial procedures from your parents to you, and what you should do after that transference has occurred.Nearly every element you would anticipate dealing with gets addressed, from the absolute basics of dealing with your parents money, to medical bills, home equity loans, creating a daily budget, and even pursuing expensive options like Revocable and Irrevocable Trust accounts.Finally, Swan even provides a chapter detailing the best monetary methods in the unfortunate event your parent's life ends.

The book is not singularly focused on financial information, however.Granted, most of it relates to the financial side of the experience, because that's the main point, but Swan also reiterates the point that children are not the only ones experiencing difficulty. One aspect of what makes this entire experience so disheartening is that the child must search for warning signs that they must "intervene," and take control of the assets. Nearly every sign is a depressing one: a coma, loss of the family member who commonly managed the finances, etc., but also less-overt ones like "depression; memory loss; family members and friends passing away, leaving no support system."But he also maintains that intervention is necessary if readers wish their parents to keep living a healthy, both mental and physical, life.

He talks about the complications of discussing the transference with your parents in Chapter 2, "The Stress of Financial Caregiving" in Chapter 3, deciding how to give your parents their highest quality of life in their remaining years by letting them "live the way they want" in Chapter 6, considering where they should live in the subsequent chapter, and what to do in the unfortunate case that scams or abuse in chapters 10 and 11.This emphasis on the emotional aspect of this experience demonstrates Swan's dedication to making sure readers understand this situation is not based primarily on money, but love.That issue comes into its greatest light in the Case Studies, which provide human faces to all the legal, real estate, and financial issues discussed throughout the book.Rest-assured, however, that all of Swan's legal and financial lessons, methods, and facts are invaluable.Properly managing those elements allow love to be the most significant factor in the parents' remaining years.

An excellent book, full of useful information
The book teaches the reader valuable lessons about a possible scenario that could change their life, as well as that of their parents. As the population of America ages, the lessons about managing the finances of the elderly will become more important to a greater number of people. Typically, a child of older parents is concerned that the parents are taken care of financially. This book instructs the reader how to take care of aging parents. The book presents a variety of useful sections, teaching the reader how to prepare for a care giving scenario.The book is honest and direct about how to approach important conversations, though it may be uncomfortable approaching someone whom has always been a caregiver to you.
The information in this book can be used to help a family in any stage of the aging process. Much of the information would be best used in the creation of a plan, in case the need arises. Having financial support can help the parent, especially when it comes to understanding the complicated rules of Medicaid and Social Security. W.A. Swan is writes from personal experience, so the author speaks with authority on the subject matter. The author brings forth many examples of expenses that a reader may not consider. The case studies presented give useful insight into the managing of your parents finances. Many sections of this book can be useful to a reader searching to successfully prepare for the aging of their parents although some sections are very specific to certain situations.
Companies are growing, fine print is becoming more complicated, and technology is causing the world to move faster. As the population ages, it will be important to make sure the elderly have people to help them be successful in financial planning. I recommend this book to any reader that may someday need to be a caregiver or a caretaker. Each party in the relationship can benefit from the book. In fact, it may be a good idea to use this book to start the conversation about your parents finances, especially if you are unsure about your parents receptiveness to getting help with their finances.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Read this before you buy!
This is the outdated version!Don't buy it!I am a Boy Scout who has attained the rank of life and i know that they completely revised the book in 1998, this book is obsolete! Got to your local scout shop and get it,dont buy this one! ... Read more

Product Description
With more than 135,000 copies sold in previous editions, Personal Financial Planning has become one of today's top answer books for people who want to know what to do with their money, and why.

This streamlined seventh edition provides in-depth coverage and analysis of the latest tax law changes. In addition, it features an entirely new chapter on planning and paying for education expenses, including the new 529 plans; ramifications of the GST estate tax repeal; new checklists and questions to tie up each chapter; and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

This was required for an MBA course
I found it dry and dull and dragged myself through parts of it.It is fairly comprehensive, however, and will probably do better service as a reference when I forget material from the course.

Great Introduction to Personal Finance
This book provided a great introduction and overview to key the concepts in personal finance including, general principles, life insurance, and investment.

Good book but there are better ones.
I thought this book was very informative. But, I have yet to read a book better than the book I got from [...]. I wish amazon sold the book from there. It was called Best Financial Planning Book and was the absolute best book on financial planning that I've ever read. Hope that helps someone.

Excellent Book
I also happen to be taking Professor Hallman's class at the Wharton School; I blieve his book is written with sufficient detail to be comprehensive, and in a language that does not necessarily exclude the layman

Very thorough book.
We require advisors and brokers to read this in our firm. It's not totally inclusive, but NO book is. But for the average person, there is more here than they even need. This is the book for professionals to brush up on and know all facts. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (3)

A great book to jump start your budget...
I was discouraged and ready to throw in the towel on the familly budget.After reading this quick little book I gained a new vitality to get my finances back in order...Thanks for your wisdom Larry...

One review does not a rating a make
C'mon Amazon.Let's be rational about reviews. Does one review from one individual constitute a review? I think not. Let's not blow the opportunity for others like myself that have no clue as to how to start budgeting orhow to get control of finances. This book is written in a Chritian contextfrom a Christian Author.It places the focus of stewardship/finances wherethey belongs.A book this small reads to the large part of the problem: Ifone does not have a budget by now, chances are they don't want to getbogged down in pages. This is a great place to start and an insightregarding the real source of all that we have! Let's make the rating onthis book "not rated" until we hear from more readers.

This book should be titled a guide for Christian finances.
At the back of the book, you will find 6 charts for budgeting (all related) that are of minimal use.The remainder of the book is strong on Chrisitian preaching and bible quoting!I wasn't looking for a lecture onhow a Christian family should budget, tithe or keep their family close---Iwas looking for a meaty and helpful budget guide.I found nothing I didn'talready know from general budgeting information except that my checkbookwas down a little!If you have strong Christian beliefs this may be for you,but if you want a simple no-bull guide for budgeting---save your money andpass this one by. ... Read more

Product Description
Today's most clear-cut guide for understanding and making everyday financial decisions

Is it better to buy or lease a car? How does one calculate an investment return? For that matter, what exactly is an investment return? The Personal Finance Calculator provides noncomplex tools and calculations for assessing current personal wealth, determining how much debt is too much debt, understanding credit card interest rates, and more.

Written by Esme Faerber, a McGraw-Hill author renowned for simplifying complex finance topics and explaining their use, this clear, concise book explains simple steps for getting one's financial life in order and saving money over both the short and long term. Readers will learn how to:

• Keep investment costs from undercutting overall returns
• Use the popular "Rule of 72" to estimate investment growth
• Determine how much money they will need for retirement