A way to be financially faithful
588291
Fantastic short reads on topics for 21 day review.  Very useful if you are in deed doing the fast along with watching the emailed videos.
4306048
As a babyboomer and a single person, I am still trying to find my way
in my financial life. When I ran across this book in my local library,
I knew that it was for me.
Mary Ivins discusses finances from the
point of where they actually fit in the real world, and does so from a
spiritual point of view. She also includes many thoughts taken from
things that have happened in her personal life - things that motivated
her to take steps towards her own spiritual and financial
prosperity.
This is a "how to" book of the first order. At
the end of each chapter is a summery of the thoughts shared within
that chapter, and exercises for the reader to do to see how well they
understand what has been discussed.
Throughout the book are sample
forms that the reader may use as is or adopt to their own
circumstances. At the end of the book we find a glossary of financial
terms - those terms that many of use are unfamiliar with, and need to
know before we can take an active part in our financial lives.
I
truly enjoyed the discussion of where to place assets, and what the
difference in various investment opportunities means in the short and
the long run.
If you buy only one book this year to help you with
your finances, this is the one that I personally reccomend.
3333339
Mr. Kiyosaki has put together a no-nonsense guide to wealth accumulation.  There are no ten steps to massive wealth or futile predictions of stock market bust or boom (See "Where are All The Customers Yachts?"), just a strategy to go from being poor (a mindset) to realizing that while you may be financially broke you are only poor if you decide to be.  Along the way a fundamental financial principle is defined, that of assets and liabilities.  Simply understanding the difference (or not) can make or break you.  Assets increase in value over time while (to many) liabilities bleed you dry financially.
Beyond that, the emphasis of the book is on working to learn as opposed to working for money while letting your money work for you.  Granted, you and I and everyone else not the offspring of a millionaire will (out of necessity) spend lots of time working for a paycheck.  During those times it's not so much the money earned that is of importance but the experiences and insights into the way business operates, the way deals are made, and awareness of opportunities that open up every day.
In a nutshell Rich Dad Poor Dad suggests that the reader should:
1) Learn as much as possible and try to continually surround themselves with people smarter than they are.
2) Understand assets and liabilities; focus on building assets while minimizing liabilities.
3) Understand how money flows, particularly the tax implications of various investments and financial maneuvers.
4) Develop the resources and contacts necessary to take advantage of opportunities as they become available.
This book will not make you rich; it will make you think and open your eyes to strategies of the rich mindset.  Once you have the right mindset, the rest is up to you!
3356265
A clever system, in calendar form, to visually monitor and tabulate expenses.  Unique and practical. One literally sees when and where money is being spent by simply recording payments due and then verifying  that payment was made-on a dedicated monthly calendar.

I suspect it pays for itself because the user of this system should never incur a "late charge". Just look at the calendar each day and it is the closest thing to having an announcement that says: " Today is the day you pay yoru mortage." With sections for credit card and loan account balances also staring you in the face, you "know where you are" financially.

Highly recommended for anyone who spends money,

-Robert Kotler, MD, FACS

 Author, SECRETS OF A BEVERLY HILLS COSMETIC SURGEON
3731735
I never heard of Dave Ramsey before but the title sounded intriguing so I sent for this book. It is directed primarily towards people who already have a sizable debt that is causing financial problems, but I think this is a useful book to read for anyone who isn't already financially self-sufficient because it's full of good, plain common sense.

Mr. Ramsey says himself that his book contains nothing that is really new or no startling revelations; it's the stuff your grandma would have told you.  It's mainly commons sense combined with a call to discipline because what he tells you to do isn't easy. In a society in which we are conditioned to spend, spend, spend and seek immediate gratification by going into debt to get what we want, it requires extreme perseverance plus a definite plan to not let your finances fly away from you.

This book provides that plan. He shows you how to take "baby steps" to get from one step to another, and constructs a plan that also provides for those who follow it to have successes along the way so that they don't become discouraged. One big element of this Total Money Makeover is having a budget. There are certain things in the book he emphasizes and says MUST be done if you are to succeed.  I feel that the plan he sets out is reasonable and can be followed by the average person if they are willing to do the work. It is no different from trying to lose weight - to do so you have to exercise and eat properly, but how many people really stay on a diet? The book only shows you how to get to a state of being financially fit but it can't force you to do what it says.

That said, there is something that he says in the book that I don't necessarily agree with. He advises you to invest your money in select mutual funds and says you should expect about a 12% annualized return in the long run. He is basing this on historical results.  Now I am not saying that a hundred years from now that return won't remain at 12%, but the reader needs to use caution instead of relying on this blindly. Your return depends on when you invest. If you invest when the market is near a peak, then that is quite different from investing when the market is at or near a bottom. It also depends on how many years you have before you plan on retiring. Since 12% is an average over a very long period of time, you can't necessarily expect that sort of return if you only have a few years to go. That said, his advice to invest for the long term in stable funds is sound; it is certainly much better than others who may propose timing the market or riskier investments, etc.

Other than that, I would say this book is very solid. Yes, what he proposes isn't easy and the farther in debt you are, the harder it will be. He includes testimonials from those who have gone through the Makeover with success. I believe it can be done.  I do need to say that I am not one of those people troubled by debt but I do see the merit and wisdom in what he is telling the reader to do. I highly recommend this book.
4608978
This book contains practical and sound advice on financial stewardship. It's more than just a "how to" book, it challenges the reader to look to the root of their beliefs about God and money. Simply written and divinely appointed, the author leads you on a journey to financial freedom and encourages you to live out the principles gleaned from his experiences. Get the book, work the principles, reap the freedom.
4015166
World traveler, independent financial advisor, and author, John Graves, gives-back in his "The 7% Solution" with a proven, step-by-step program for retirees (or those soon to be) that will provide for an affordable and comfortable retirement. The program is rooted in the author's 26 years of experience advising others how to become better stewards of their resources.

Better stewards means we need to fully understand some ideas that run counter to the common wisdom found in the generally agreed upon principles of financial planning and portfolio management. They include:

* When you retire, you will need less capital than what you have been told you need.
* Your annual income needs will fluctuate.
* You may live longer than you (and planners) think.
* Financial models used to design portfolios are cartoons. Follow them at your peril.
* The key assumption of most retirement planning tools - a 4% return - is too low a target. It almost certainly assures failure.
* Portfolio challenges we face  are different from what a portfolio manager thinks we face.

The book's title, "The 7% Solution," implies that the reader will learn how to generate as much as 7% in annual income distributions. This will be useful for both investors who want to go it alone as well as those preferring financial advisors. For the latter group, the book's value will be in fulfilling his/her responsibilities on being aware and informed of investment strategies, income personal needs, and income vehicles (stocks, bonds, low maintenance investments like mutual funds, annuities, MLPs, BDCs, and other income sources like real estate and REITs).

Author Graves emphasizes our uniqueness throughout the book and urges us to avoid cookie-cutter investment strategies - simple diversification, asset allocation, investment theory du Jour - so often recommended by advisors. He also stresses the importance ofa sound financial education. Good financial decisions can be made when people have the information they need and when they understand what it takes to achieve their financial goals. Once people understand their options, they will know "how to choose what's right for them."

Graves believes most financial planners do not know how to do what he offers. Most are "simply asset gatherers who turn your hard earned savings over to a mutual fund or other financial construct"...and follow conventional wisdom. Those who hire a financial planner "are paying a king's ransom for fool's gold."

The "7% Solution" will answer the key questions we all face when challenged with retirement

* When can I retire?
* How much will I need?
* How long can I expect my portfolio to last?
* How should I respond to changes in economic climate?
* Can I really do this on my own?

Graves shows us that in managing our retirement well how we can be "in our power" and aligned with our calling. Good things tend to happen when we are in touch with and aligned with our calling.
3586832
Aside of the shoving of religion down your throat, very sound advice for people wanting to improve their finances. However you can find all the tips online if you aren't interested in reading all the stories.
1212127
Here is a simple, but not simplistic, look at the world of credit cards.

Beth and Billy are your average married couple who suddenly find themselves with a lot of credit card debt. Billy feels that as long as he pays the minimum payment each month, everything is fine, but Beth is not so sure. Along comes Randel, the author, to explain to them the reality behind credit cards.

Credit card companies want cardholders to pay just the minimum payment each month. That way, they can charge interest on the unpaid balance, raising your overall bill. If that particular ard was never used again, it can take years to pay your total bill by paying just the minimum amount. You will also pay the credit card company more than you originally owe, because of the accumulated interest on the unpaid balance.

Credit card companies can, and will, raise your APR (Annual percentage Rate) whenever they want; the Cardholder Agreement says so. They can also be very sneaky about setting the cut-off time for receiving payments. For instance, they can set the cut-off time for 10 AM, when they receive their daily mail delivery at noon. Even if your payment was received that day, it is still late, which means that they can charge a late fee. College students are a goldmine, because they are probably financially illiterate, and think of credit cards as free money.

What can the average consumer do about it? Pay off as much of your bill each month as possible; forget about paying just the minimum payment. Call your credit card company, and ask them for a lower interest. It could shave months, or years, off the time needed to eliminate your debt. If you have a large debt, look for a one-time infusion of cash to reduce the debt. Consider a low-interest credit card as a place to which to transfer your balances.

This book does a wonderful job at teaching the financial literacy not taught in school. get past the stick figure illustrations, and this book is highly recommended for everyone.
3702931
This is one of the most helpful book on saving and managing money that has ever come out -- and I read almost all of them.
Money is not for spending, Hunt tells us. It is for managing first. And she shows you how to  manage your money, and your life, so that everything works out for the  best.
A Christian writer, Mary Hunt includes the concept of tithing,  giving one's first 10 percent to the church, as part of one's overall  financial strategy. I appreciate the fact she does this. By following  Mary's other strategies, tithers won't even miss that 10 percent.
Mary's  no-nonsense straight talk debunks the hype that many advertisers give out.  You'll learn the truth about student loans, leasing cars, buying new cars,  credit cards, insurance and much, much more.
Need to pay a mountain of  debts? Hunt has the formula. She shows you how to whittle away those loan  payments and credit card bills. Once you do that, she explains how to  invest and save your money.
Her best ideas concern setting up bank  account for those financial "emergencies" that really aren't. We  know -- but don't plan for -- our twice-yearly insurance payments, property  tax, and occasional car and home repairs. And what's going to happen if you  have a sudden illness or lose your job? Instead of putting such expenses on  charge cards, Mary shows us how to set up special bank accounts, with  special bookeeping methods, that will enable us to pay our way in cash. By  having a purpose toward which we spend our money, we won't fritter away our  raises.
She's blunt when she needs to be. For example, she says your car  should be a means of transportation, not a status symbol. Your common  sense, not your ego, should drive your vehicle purchases.
 And as for  students who want to go to expensive colleges just so they can socialize  there, Mary gets the stars out of your -- and your parents' -- eyes. She  relates some student loan horror stories that every family should know long  before high school graduation. Don't take out a loan just to live off  campus or buy a computer; and if you can get educated without taking out a  loan, so much the better. Students who work to pay part of their college  are less likely to slack off their studies.
Every time I pick up  "Debt-Proof Living," I find something else I can use. This book  is worth its weight in gold. Everyone should read and heed its advice.
3733407
The concept of using participating whole life to build wealth and financial freedom might seem daunting at first glance but Pamela Yellen shows how easy it is to truly Bank on Yourself. She uses real life cases in her analogies so her readers can see themselves prospering and finally approaching their savings without the stress of worry if their money is performing and losing their hard earned cash to the bottoming out markets. Bank On Yourself, shows everyone that they can confidently build wealth, be the banker of their own finances for the ultimate control and leverage of their hard earned money, and more, to ensure a bright today and tomorrow for themselves and their loved ones.

We personally know Bank On Yourself is everything it says it is, because we live by its principals and reap the benefits every single day. When hit with a devastating business loss and with bankruptcy looming over us after the banks turned their backs despite our stellar credit rating, saying "No Way"; we had to find another way, Pamela Yellen's Bank on Yourself. It was a financial life saver! We used our policies to work on eliminating debt. We turned things around and are now prospering. We shudder to think of our plight had we not read this life changing book. You won't go wrong picking up this book and are sure as you read it, it will improve your life for the better.
4036727
I have read many financial books over the years, but this one I have kept and often refer to when I need advice.  There is nothing technical about it, very simple to read and understand, and most importantly, it to the point.

The best advice she gives here and in my opinion, it sets the tone for everything else, is adding up all your bills for the month, subtract that from your monthly income, and whatever amount is left, whether it be $500.00 or 2,000.00 thats whats left to live on.  Its that simple, and it works. Its sounds easier than it is, and it takes some discipline, but its a good plan.

At first I thought this will never work, but it does.  We all know what bills must be paid monthly; mortgage, rent, utilities, car note, etc.,  The only amounts that may change month to month are utilities.  Car note, insurance, mortgage, don't change.  Rent may increase, but thats it.  If what you have left is say, $800.00, thats it for the month and that is what you can base your daily living on.  Everything else is taken care of, but the $800 is used to do everything else; groceries, gas for the car or mass transit fare, dining out, movies, vacation savings, etc. it all comes out of that $800 for month.  She also suggest having a emergency fund as part of your bills.  This prepares you for any surprises that may arise, such as home repair, car repair, etc.

The key to this plan: It forces you to take a harder look at where you spend money, and readjust where it is necessary.  I was surprised at what I was blowing money on, and buying lunch is no longer part of my budget as it was. I treat myself once a week but that is it.  The only thing I did not give up was coffee every morning, but I cut the cup size down, which saves me a few dollars a week, and that was a start.  I also stopped all 7 magazine subscriptions and found a more affordable magazine subscription for the three I enjoy reading.

I love to read and I purchase quite a few books, so now I only shop at certain stores for bargain books, and I never buy a book when it is first released.  I also take advantage of any discount offers I get via email, such as the one i recently got from borders for 30% off. I had my eye on a travel book I wanted, and saved $6.00 on that book.

We all have hobbies and/or activities we enjoy which can often times eat away at your hard earned money, and you think you really can't afford such hobbies,  but with a little creativity and budgeting it can be done.

She also talks about saving change in a jar.  Boy does this really help!! I would never save change, until two years ago, and I am so glad I did.  I wanted to purchase a portable dvd player for myself when we travel, but I was in no hurry for it, so I started saving change.  Before i knew I had $160.00 in change, and was able to buy a nice dvd player under $150.00, all just from saving change.  Now I am saving change to buy a personal Ipod for myself.  I am really hooked on my change jar!!!!

This book shows you how to save for the things you enjoy.  My husband wants to start horseback riding lessons, which we will have to travel by car at least twice per month for his 8 week lessons so, we are compromising to make this happen.  No dining out or going to the movies, and I will not do any personal shopping, for the next several months until this is done. That extra money can go towards our overnight hotel stays, gas for the car to get there, and the hotel offers a dining package included in the room rate, which is also a savings for us.  Prioritizing!

Its really a simple plan to follow and trust me it works.  I have been using this method for a few years now and our emergency fund is finally in place. I still have a few things to work on, but we are much better than we were before.

Thanks Carol Keeffe for a great, simple, financial plan.
1563396
There are some subjects that can stir up emotions and cause conflict in a home very quickly. One of those subjects is money. In western cultures, in particular, the pursuit of being rich can easily become a high priority in a person's life. But, as author Andy Stanley points out in the subtitle of his book "How to be Rich", it's not what you have. It's what you do with what you have.
  Andy Stanley is the Pastor at North Point Ministries in Alpharetta, Georgia. He is a seasoned leader and author. As a result, he has had the opportunity to observe the variety of ways people handle and view money in their lives. His book evolved out of a yearly series of messages he began to present in his church on the subject of money. And inside of it's pages, he offers Biblical wisdom regarding the proper attitudes towards the appropriation of wealth.
  He starts the selection with the understanding that we are already rich, based on the statistics of wealth from around the world. Then, following the encouragement of the scriptures, from passages such as 1 Timothy 6:17, he begins to instruct us on the attitudes we need to take toward money. What follows after that includes dealing with our assumptions about consumption, thoughts about gain and a proper understanding that God owns it all, among other truths.
  At first, I wasn't enthralled by the book. But, the longer I read it, the more I enjoyed it. It is very practical, simple and Biblical in it's scope. Although he does not focus on a lot of scripture verses, those that he does choose to insert are simple, practical and clear in their presentation. His illustrations are very vivid and he communicates the message well. I would recommend it as a good Bible study book for groups and it will remind you to keep the basic truths about money at the forefront of your thinking.
  I received this book for free as a part of the book review program for bloggers that is found at [...]. The views expressed are my own and I was not required to write a positive review. No matter how much you make or have, we can all use the Bible's wisdom on how to use it well. And when we do, our wealth can be a tool that God will use to bless others and further the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.
3059312
Wonderful approach to finances, taking your spiritual values, your faith and God's words (The Bible). This book is easy to read and I found myself immerse in the content. At the end you will question your life to make a change.
512160
I will keep it simple, the book has simple advice told through lessons in biblical times. However, I enjoyed the book for its simplicity.

It has common themes you will find in other "personal finance" books. Don't take advice from someone that doesn't know what they aret talking about, such as cattle advice from a mason, etc. Save one tenth of what you earn, work hard, etc.

This book is not mind blowing but it is grounding, bringing the reader back to the basics of personal finance and not get rich in 10 mintues nonsense.
3666865
Your husband is dead. All your bank accounts are empty.  What would you do?  Thomas Perry has once again taken an often used theme and given us an enticing read.  In "Fidelity" we find out that this term of faithfulness can be applied to many circumstances other than marriage. Anyone can be unfaithful towards someone regardless of their association; even to the extent of being untrue to themselves.
1649708
I agree with the author who says that very little written in this book is something that someone else has not written or said. But even though this information has been said hundreds of times, we still have financial problems such as too much debt, too little savings, and no sense of control over our lives. The motto of this book is IF YOU WILL LIVE LIKE NO ONE ELSE, LATER YOU CAN LIVE LIKE NO ONE ELSE. This is what I like about this book. Other books tell people that they do not have to sacrifice anything and only need to change the way they think. I am sorry, but the reality is that unless your expenses are less than what you make, there is nothing left at the end of the day. It doesn't matter if you make $30,000 per year or $100,000 per year when you spend it all. You have to sacrifice and spend less than you make.

The author argues that people should never use credit cards, which some might disagree with, but remember the motto: live like no one else. I really like how the author is so direct because sometimes we have to get real and hear the truth. I enjoyed reading it, but unless you are willing to take a hard look in the mirror, it may not be the best book for you.

- Mariusz Skonieczny, author of Why Are We So Clueless about the Stock Market? Learn how to invest your money, how to pick stocks, and how to make money in the stock market