Really good advice regarding our finances!
349585
Writing from his own  devastating  experience, the author Archie Dove, gives us a tough, realistic, but incredibly readable and humorous, look at the reality of personal finances.

Sharing his story he shares the lessons he has learned the hard way. Lessons about investing and taking financial risks (and watch out for the werewolves, but especially the vampires), home buying and mortgages, getting into and (trying to get) out of debt, spending now or saving for later, pensions and borrowing.

He backs up his arguments (his don't do as I did advice) with clear tables showing what his financial state is now (quite frankly, horrible) compared with how it would have been if he had known better (even using the most conservative of calculations.)
He gives clear recommendations for further reading, citing different financial thinkers and writers and debunks many of the myths that have grown up around personal finances.

The final chapter, entitled Idiots Rules (and throughout the book he is the first to admit to have been an idiot around finances) sums up the main points of the book and condenses them into a simple equation to be followed by anyone wishing to avoid financial difficulties and be smart and successful with their money.

This book should be on everybodys reading list  from college student, to would be and existing entrepreneur, to employee and self-employed.
And read, reread and put into practice, with gratitude to someone who has been there and made a LOT of mistakes and who is prepared to put this into a book for us to learn from.
1970566
I heard about this book when the author was on Focus on the Family.  It sounded good, but I've heard lots of financial advice that sounded good, only to get to the very lacking meat and potatoes of the argument, so to speak.  This book not only sounded good, but the 'meat and potatoes' of the advice was great!  I liked the book so much I ordered it for two friends of mine who have also have kids around the same age as mine, and we all set the system up together.  It is working great, and my child is making good decisions and learning responsibility about money.  They used to teach some of this when I was in Jr. High in home ec, but nothing this complete.  There's nothing like letting your kids learn responsibility and make real life mistakes while still under your protection.  Better a $60 mistake now than a $60,000 mistake when they get out into the world as young adults.

The author sets up excellent scenarios and gives great advice on how to set up your kids' "salary", create a budget for them, let them make their own decisions (and their own mistakes), and generally learn how to manage money; so by they time they reach adulthood, they control the money - it does not control them.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone with a child in 6th or 7th grade - hell, even younger, because as the author states, it's almost never to early to start learning how to manage finances.
1623832
very good information for financial planning for the future.
4013108
I actually downloaded this to my "Kindle" and have really enjoyed reading the information and suggestions that Ms. Orman gives about finances and getting your "house in order" for 2009. She gives very practical advice in an easy to digest manner. Great book!
4771325
I found this book very interesting.  I'm in very bad credit card debt, and this book gave me some good advice.  I don't really agree with all of the "new rules", but it gives some very good ideas.  It mentions things about retirement and buying a house that I would have normally never thought about.  I wish I had found this book a couple years ago.  I would recommend this book to anyone.
4056382
I really enjoyed this book! It is a quick read and it has simple advice for saving money. The author is funny and down to earth, her tips for saving are realistic. If you are looking for a better way to manage your money than this is the book for you.
1930133
I just finished reading The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness, by Dave Ramsey. Ramsey is a well-known financial planner, who broadcasts his financial advice to millions each week on his radio program, The Dave Ramsey Show.

His hook sounds something like this: If you're making payments on your car, your furniture, your house and your credit cards, you're a typical American...and you're in trouble. If you're behind on your payments and see no earthly way to dig your way out of your miserable pit. You need help.

If you've never heard Dave on the radio or read his works, be prepared for his direct talk. He doesn't sugar coat his advice. He'll tell you what's smart and what's stupid. He won't tell you that the road out of debt is always easy. Read his book and you'll know very clearly where he stands.  Ramsey gives a step-by-step approach to getting out of debt, saving and investing for the future.

I have always gained something from Dave Ramseys books, and this one is no exception. Dave very clearly outlines a financial plan that is worth consideration. It can be summarized into five steps:

Step 1: Save $1,000 as a Starter Emergency Fund. Add to it when possible to have 3-six months living expenses as your emergency fund.

Step 2: Get rid of debt. Start the Debt Snowball until only mortgage remains.

Step 3: Invest 15% of your Gross Income for Retirement (401K, Roth, and Traditional IRA).

Step 4: Payoff Home Mortgage.

Step 5: Save, save, save

Do it and your financial life will be healthier!
4837381
I uderstand there are lots of book options out there when it comes to personal finance and the like, but if you only choose one--this is the book for you! It's the cute title that originally drew me in. But the book itself is very informative, fun and easy to understand. It doesn't talk down to you. I've been entangled amidst the miserable moneygrumps for years--perhaps decades--and after just one reading (I plan to read it again and refer back to it often) I've already began changing my spending habits and the way I track my spending. The author crafted the book in such a way that it is simple to use and understand--and she makes it a very fun experience with her wonderful sense of humor. It's an inexpensive investment that will no doubt pay you back time and time again if you choose to take even a fraction of the amazing advice contained within. Say goodbye--forever--to those pesky, annoying miserable Moneygrumps and start saving now!
118575
This book has revolutionized how I view my finances!  As a recent college graduate, the practical advice was tremendous.  Even though I was good at managing my money and did not have much school debt or any credit card debt, my money (or lack of) was controlling me, not the other way around.  The suggestions in this book are easily implemented and followed.  I plan on purchasing a copy of this book for my brother when he graduates from college.
2916955
I do fine handling my own money. It's my grown adult son that I worry about  After a bad breakup he was left with a ton of old girlfriend debt and was in a really bad financial situation. The advice in this book will really help to turn this situation around. I listen to Dave most nights after work (archives) and although he can be quite arrogant at times, he has a lot of good financial information in a down to earth well written book that you don't need a Phd to understand. I have brought it to work to read during my lunch hour and several employees expressed an interest in reading it. I'm glad I bought it and my son is already following the baby steps.
3773668
Money Secrets of the Amish by Lorilee Craker is a money saving book for all types of people. Sure, we won't all cut back to only one useful present for birthdays or Christmas, but the tips included can help save your family a tremendous amount of money - if you use them. If you need new financial ways to help get out of debt, this is a great book to read to help you get back to the basics.

Money Secrets of the Amish is actually a very funny and cleverly written financial help book. The unexpected witty humor was quite a nice treat because who really enjoys reading about money besides bankers? Maybe that is why everyone is in such financial trouble, besides of course learning at a young age that you deserve everything you want. Sure, if you can afford it, right? Well, kind of. Thoughts like that are what make millions of people go bankrupt and in debt.

Going back to how things used to be is still actually done by the Amish people. They have really good financial records and continue to thrive in today's economy. Something can definitely be learned from that.

This book focuses on all of those budget conscious things that the Amish naturally do. They just take it to the extreme. For them it is normal, but for everyone who isn't Amish, I really don't think cutting back so far as having no electricity, sharing clothes and never buying new, making everything you can yourself, and only receiving one present on a birthday or on Christmas probably is going to happen.

The author also agrees on that and instead gives ideas on how you can make do with what you have and save money similar to how the Amish people do. Nothing is really "new" about the tips but they are still helpful to remember. Try these tips out for yourself and start seeing savings quickly!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
3693054
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  I know it's an older one, but it's jam-packed with very encouraging and helpful information for anyone, no matter your past, current or future financial situation.  Mrs. Hunt echos much of what you hear from Dave Ramsey and other financial managers in Christian circles.  Get out of debt, spend less than you make, give it away, plan for the future and just be smart and write stuff down so you don't foolishly waste God's money as you go through life.

I especially loved the chapter entitled "Cheap Shots" which is a bullet-point listing of literally hundreds of easy ways to save money.  This section, coupled with the dozens of ideas her readers have sent in under "Fifty Fabulous Ideas..." in the appendix, make this book worth getting and keeping within arms' reach at all times.

The most surprising thing I've learned over the years about personal finances, which Hunt certainly picks up on over and over in this book, is that it's not rocket science.  Anyone can do it.  And how it looks to each of us, will be different.  As long as you are watching what you spend, intentionally and proactively monitoring and managing your cash flow, giving and strategically (not greedily) saving, you'll make progress.  You don't need to be a CPA to pull it off!

I'd encourage you to pick this one up and give it a read.
3606242
This is actually a really good book.  Since the writer is from the UK some of the ideas or links posts are specific to England but, I am sure there are similar resources here in the states as well.  He touches on the people who go to the extreme (ie going to grocery store dumpsters after hours and getting almost new food) but, also addresses how that is seriously not necessarily healthy.  He had some great ideas though on some free things you can get for your home and ways that you can cut costs in a LOT of ways.  What I really enjoyed about this book was some of the ideas that have stages where yes you could go that extreme or you could just do a little less and have a similar outcome.

I don't know that this book will have you live completely for free but it definitely will help you cut back your spending on a ton of items!  It will definitely help you be able to live better by spending less on a lot of items that you normally would pay a lot more for.  If you are someone on a tight budget trying to figure out where you can cut off some expenses this book will be an eye opener for you. Lots of things you have never thought about before.  Great ideas that can work for so many people.  If you are just someone looking to have more discretionary money, this will help you free up some of your regular expenses to allow you to have more fun money.

I only gave this book 4 stars simply because so many of the resources in the book are not readily available in the US and that did take away a little of the excitement for me when I couldn't find a match to that type of site here in the US.  But maybe they will expand here too someday!

I did receive a discount in exchange for my honest opinion.
3430897
I like that he adresses how people have relate to money. I am always looking for advice to pass on to my kids and use myself. I totally agree with being debt free. I like how he shares simple how to advice which is helpful for many who are not in a debt free lifestyle yet. It is encouraging and gives hope because if he can dig his way out of debt, you can to. Thank you!
1313953
I LOVE this book!  Got it free for my kindle because I love some other things from this author.  I was really surprised by how applicable it is for today.  What do you do with what you have? What would really make one happy?  An entire change of lifestyle?  Maybe not.  Keeping up with someone else?  Maybe.  Saving every little dime?  Hmmmm....  It makes one rethink what you would do with some money windfall like the lottery or an inheritance.  And makes me want to do better with my money.  I will be having my children who are homeschooled read this as an opener to our finances class. It is OLDFASHIONED, and the free version has some editing errors.  That aside, I thought it was grand.  One more title to adore from this author!
4021808
Wow! My husband and I are definitely not investors. We can barely save enough money to pay bills. We are however catching up financially and have been thinking about investing. We need to start saving for our daughter's college and for retirement. I am still young but it is good to learn how to do these things early and get a head start. This book gives you a guide that you can print out and it was very helpful for us. You are able to write down your goals and put a number with them. When it is on paper it is easier for us to work towards. I will admit that even after this book saving for college is scaring me! We still need to save for a house too. All of the tools we need to do it the right and smart way are in this book though and I am sure I will be going back to it.
Disclosure: I received this book complimentary to review and received compensation in the form of free products for my honest review. My review is 100% my own opinions and was not influenced in any way.
3448981
Great book to make you think about your finances differently! I've decided to make a few changes in my life after reading it