Reviews (45)

SirWired
Last night at our Investors Group meeting we listened to the speaker explain the basics of the plan in the book.Before I bought it I wanted to read the reviews.Yours was very good, except that I wish you would read the book and then come back and tell us what you think.I haven't bought it yet.
Awesome..definitely "outside the box" material
I could NOT put this book down. If you seriously want a financial plan that has ALL the benefits, then embrace this book.

This will change the way you think about finances!
This book blew me away with the concepts and idea's.It has completely changed how I will approach my mortgage and other retirement savings in the future.The concepts at a high level make a lot of sense.Getting down to the details on how to put all of these concepts together becomes more difficult.I recommend this book to everyone.I really enjoyed it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Consumer Finance    3. Finance, Personal    4. Financial security    5. General    6. Investments    7. Personal Finance    8. Personal Finance - Financial Planning    9. Personal Finance - Investing    10. Personal Finance - Money Management    11. United States    12. Business & Economics / General    13. Business ethics   

Reviews (24)

Great book - plus a recommendation
This was a helpful book as I am striving to find a beneficial perspective on finances.It is motivating, filled with good advice, and helpful when you're looking for steps to take in your financial portfolio. I also found another book, more from a philosophical perspective, very enlightening as well - The Financial Pilgrimage, by Sean Mitchell. Together, both have given me just what I need to feel good about God, life, and money.

Get it, know it, breathe it, believe it
I'm not a big fan of those self-help books that litter today's bookshelves, but I wanted to get something that would help us with our finances, preferably something that wouldn't put me to sleep. Mr. Ramsey will keep you awake, especially if you get this in the audio book format. The guy runs his own radio show so you know he'll keep it interesting. His smart, witty, and humorous tone makes for a great listen.
Don't waste your money
This book, the author and his company is a joke. Don't waste your money. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Consumer Finance    3. Debt    4. Finance, Personal    5. Personal Finance    6. Personal Finance - Money Management    7. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / General   

Reviews (278)

Cashflow Quadrant: Rich Dad's guide to Financial Freedom
This book taught be a great deal about how many different ways there are to make money.It was very insightful and helpful.
Required reading
I read this book because I had nothing better to do at the time, and I believe there is nothing better I could have done with my time. This book changed the way I view money, work, time, and life.
Vague on details but great concepts
Peeks your interest! Good book for getting you to buy the rest of his series... The book doesn't go into many specifics other than the many sacrifices the author made.If you are looking to get an idea of what real estate can do for you, this is the book.However, you will need to look elsewhere if you want a roadmap. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Consumer Finance    3. Finance, Personal    4. Investments    5. Personal Finance    6. Personal Finance - Financial Planning    7. Personal Finance - Money Management    8. Rich people    9. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / Money Management   

Editorial Review

There's a big difference between "making a living" and making a life. Do you spend more than you earn? Does making a living feel more like making a dying? Do you dislike your job but can't afford to leave it? Is money fragmenting your time, your relationships with family and friends? If so, Read more

Reviews (155)

This is the one & only book on achieving financial independence in my personal library...
This is the one & only book on achieving financial independence in my personal library that I have fully subscribed to the working principles as formulated by the two authors. The two authors came with excellent credentials.
some free advise....
By definition it seems all books written on personal finance are as inspiring as reading the phone book only spiced up a bit with neat little graphs and pie charts.However, what this book does is take a step back from the usual sermon about compound interest, dollar cost averaging, putting ten percent away, (you are getting bored already, aren't you?) and address the cost of money as well as the value of money. More than a financial book this is more of a practical philosophy book that considers quality of life as much as net worth.I would recommend you buy this book, but as a practical consideration, if you are trying to control spending, a trip to the library may prove wiser.

Awful
This has to be one of the most ridiculous books I have ever read. At one point the authors ask: if money equals security, wouldn't you feel safe walking through a major American city at midnight with a suitcase full of cash handcuffed to your wrist? If money really did equal security, you would! I stopped reading after that.
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Subjects:  1. Personal Finance    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Consumer Finance    4. Personal Finance - Financial Planning    5. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / Money Management    6. Modern fiction    7. General    8. Personal Finance - Money Management    9. Business & Economics    10. Finance, Personal   

Reviews (51)

Best personal finance book out there
David Bach wrote a personal finance and investment book that anyone can benefit from, no matter how old or young you are or what your financial situation is.David wrote the book in a very approachable, comprehensive format so the reader should walk away with many ideas about how to improve his or her financial situation.You will probably not agree with every word on every page (and David probably wouldn't want it that way), and for example, I am very happy being a renter at the moment rather than taking on a mortgage, and I have very good reasons for doing so.
There's hope for anyone!
Excellent and informative. It got me really excited about planning for my future, even if you are at middle age. It really points out what you SHOULD know about your finances and how to find out what you don't know by giving you alot of links to look up. It was really helpful in explaining the 401k and how to invest for it. Mostly, I found it inspiring. It made me want to go out and be somebody!

Start Late, Finish Rich
I just finished the book. Based on additional financial information presented in the book, I now have an action item list to finish rich with a late start. As far as the information on employment is concerned, I now have better direction on how to become a great employee and not just a good one. Answering the questions honestly provided me that direction. I will admit, I have to go back and really read the chapters on real estate. With owning my own home, I already have a head start.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Consumer Finance    3. Finance, Personal    4. Financial security    5. Investments    6. Motivational    7. Personal Finance    8. Personal Finance - Financial Planning    9. Personal Finance - General    10. Personal Finance - Money Management    11. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / General   

Editorial Review

Personal-finance guru Andrew Tobias slams online trading and praises the Roth IRA in his newly revised Read more

Reviews (72)

Good Enough for American Investors, Lack International Perspectives
Tobias writes a bible in personal financial investment without the lack of humor and personal touch. He is clear on investing principles he preaches, states his opinions precisely and still provide overviews of investments he believes are pure baloney.
Not rich but comfortable
This is the only investment book I can get my husband to read.I gave copies of the 1987 edition to my sons when they graduated from college and I am giving them the 2005 edition as they approach 40.Tobias has been consistent with his advice over the years.He does not promise to make you rich but he gives guidelines for ending up with a comfortable retirement; partly by getting one to acknowledge what one does not know.
Great book and great author
I can honestly say this book changed my life by opening my eyes on how investing and money really work over the long term. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Consumer Finance    4. Finance, Personal    5. Investment Analysis    6. Investments    7. Personal Finance    8. Personal Finance - Budgeting    9. Personal Finance - Investing    10. Personal Finance - Money Management    11. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / Taxation   

Reviews (162)

Shady Advertising
Had I known about the holy roller content throughout this book (especially in one chapter, but sprinkled throughout), I wouldn't have bought it. I wouldn't have a problem with it at all...except for the fact that such religiously-based content was concealed in the title, description (on the back), & introduction (in the front & back flaps). There was no mention of God, Jesus, Bible, etc. in any of these places. If this author is so keen on using his religious beliefs (inner-mingled with an extremely secular, materialistic topic) to turn a profit...fine. But at least be honest about it. Isn't that one of the tenets of Christianity? If the author is so devoted to his faith, perhaps he shouldn't be shy (shamed?) about shouting from the rooftops that his book is about money and Jesus.
Repair
I bought this book in 1998 after my Chapter 7 bankruptcy.I give this book the credit for me now having a credit score of over 700.I was told by Mr. Synder of a great secured credit card at that time "FCNB" (not available anymore) that was one of the best to help repair credit.I have always paid low interest rates on cars (1.9% thru Honda) and purchased a brand new (just built) home in 2002.I have purchased boats and four wheelers all financed thru reputable lenders.I loved this book!!!I really liked the part where it explained how you need to get a copy of your credit report after discharge and make sure all the outstanding balances are changed to zero.I believe that was the best tip ever.I had a finance manager at a auto dealer tell me I had the best looking bankruptcy credit report ever.

Excellent Resource
This step by step resource has proven to worth it's weight in Gold! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bankruptcy    2. Bankruptcy & Insolvency    3. Banks & Banking    4. Business & Economics    5. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / General    6. Business/Economics    7. Consumer Finance    8. Consumer credit    9. Finance    10. Finance, Personal    11. Personal Finance - Money Management    12. United States    13. Credit    14. Debt    15. Debtor and creditor    16. Personal Finance - General    17. Personal finance   

Editorial Review

There are plenty of heavily pedigreed personal-finance experts dishing out good advice, but not many who know what it's like to have to eat ramen all month to make a car payment. On the other hand, there's Mary Hunt, a recovered credit card addict whose free-spending ways landed her family in the middle of $100,000 of unsecured debt in the early 1980s. Pulling herself out of that morass gave Hunt the courage to strike out on her own as a writer, motivational speaker, and the brains behind Read more

Reviews (112)

really really helpful!
as a recovering shopaholic, mary hunt's book is a lifesaver! she reall knows what youve been thru and her debt was 10 times worse then mine! and she now lives debt free, and debt proof... which is an amazing inspiration. she really details exactly how to get out of debt, and then prevent from slipping back into debt once your paid up - which she describes as only the starting point! amazing new ways of looking at money management, and really sensible - i dont agree with all her ideas, but most of them are really helpful, and if you are in debt or just got out of debt this book is a must read!!!! she is an amazing woman - with a great humourous and fun to read writing style... i flew thru this rather large book in a matter of weeks... defiantly worth it!!

Debt-Proof
I was already out of debt when I read Mary Hunt's book. I found it to be a good book and things that had already been covered in other books. Some of the same material was covered in Debt-Free Living by Burkett. It was an easy to read book.
A practical guide that I am still using 5 years later
In 2000, I left Graduate School with over $20,000 in debt froma student loan, car loan, and credit card bills used to pay for groceries during my graduate studies. ($800/month is not a lot to live on!)
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Consumer credit    4. Finance, Personal    5. Personal Finance    6. Personal Finance - General    7. Personal Finance - Money Management   

Editorial Review

Personal-finance author and lecturer Robert Kiyosaki developed his unique economic perspective through exposure to a pair of disparate influences: his own highly educated but fiscally unstable father, and the multimillionaire eighth-grade dropout father of his closest friend. The lifelong monetary problems experienced by his "poor dad" (whose weekly paychecks, while respectable, were never quite sufficient to meet family needs) pounded home the counterpoint communicated by his "rich dad" (that "the poor and the middle class work for money," but "the rich have money work for them"). Taking that message to heart, Kiyosaki was able to retire at 47. Read more

Features

• Abridged
• Audiobook

Reviews (1872)

Excellent Book!
I just finished reading this book today, and it is a very amazing book....the below reviewer obviously didn't read the book, or may not have got the point, because they were not preaching about just saving your money.I highly recommend this book!

Not much to learn
I found his advises similar with what I knew since my childhood (save money, invest to bring you more money, don't spend much, real estate is good, etc). It does not give tips on what "rich" people know (at least I suspect they would know more). Like how and where to get valuable information. How to buy stocks, what to look for, nothing of that. May be inspirational book for some, a poor kid who became rich... Tells 100 times the same things, annoying at some point.
"Good" Salesman; QuestionableBook
RICH DAD, POOR DAD seems contradictory in more than one way:economically and philosophically.Probably, Kiyosaki's most inviting, yet deceptive, chapters is Eight, "Overcoming obstacles."Here, he is at his most fervent; one can feel he believes what he is writing is true.But it is not necessarily true about life itself.
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Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Business/Professional    2. Audio Adult: Business    3. Audiobooks    4. Business & Economics    5. Finance, Personal    6. Investments    7. Personal Finance - Investing    8. Personal Finance - Money Management    9. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / Investing    10. Personal finance   

Reviews (164)

NOT TO SURE~!
This book was good but not terrific. after reading best sellers like Why we want you to be rich by Donald TRump and God Doesn't run a $2 Shop by Sage Saint Francis i found that this book just was not in the same leauge.
Is Debt Your Problem?
The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness
Overly simplistic and often misleading.
I have to agree with all the reviewers who've given this book 1 or 2 stars.I you need a basic financial guide,do yourself a huge favor and get "Rich Dad Poor Dad" or "The Courage to be Rich" instead.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Consumer Finance    3. Debt    4. Finance, Personal    5. Personal Finance    6. Personal Finance - Money Management    7. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / Money Management   

Reviews (13)

No Surprises Here
Adkisson and Riser are beacons in the darkness that is labeled asset protection. This book, and the attitudes it sets forth towards asset protection (when that term may be discretely used) are the de facto standard of care and woe be to the professional who believes otherwise. I say there are no surprises because the book is the embodiment of the professional, real life anti-scam viewpoint in this area Jay Adkisson has come to represent. Do not ignore the fact most of these five star reviews are by attorneys like myself who see the aftermath of so-called asset protection, off-shore entities and third world trusts. Don't miss it.

A "must read"!!
I have practiced estate planning, with an emphasis on asset protection planning, for many years. This book's explanation of various asset protection techniques, many of which I have used in my own practice, is both lucid and thorough. Not only will experienced practitioners find the book to be an invaluable source, but beginners too will discover a text that is highly readable and easy to understand. I am confident saying that Asset Protection spans "the universe" of such techniques, with both analysis of the fundamental "building blocks" of the area and coverage of more advanced methodologies. Apart from its useful content, I also found the format of Asset Protection to be particularly straightforward, starting with its discussion of the basic concepts of asset protection and its goals, as well as ethical considerations, proceeding to cover many trusts currently being employed in sophisticated estate planning, and ending with a thorough discussion of entities that should play a part in many sophisticated estate plans. In sum, for beginner and practitioner alike, this book is a "must read"!!
The Bible for "Legitimate" Asset Protection Techniques
As a business lawyer, I regularly review asset protection resources so I can better represent my clients - many of whom develop high net-worths through high risk activities (e.g., physicians, "aggressive" entrepreneurs).Until reading this particular book, all of the resources have typically fallen into one of two categories: (1) materials proposing techniques that sound too good to be true and, based on recent legal decisions, have been proven to be too good to be true, and (2) materials that simply discuss the absolute basics of asset protection planning.
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Subjects:  1. Administrative Law & Regulatory Practice    2. Business & Financial    3. Civil Law    4. Debtor and creditor    5. Executions (Law)    6. Finance    7. Finance, Personal    8. Law    9. Legal Reference / Law Profession    10. Personal Finance    11. Personal Finance - Money Management    12. Popular works    13. United States    14. Business & Economics / Finance    15. Commercial law    16. USA   

Reviews (44)

Oversimplified, and inaccurate
I bought this book because of the intriguing title.I was very disappointed upon reading it, and would suggest it should be retitled, The unintelligent asset allocator.I would not use the material in this book to build a portfolio for any of my clients.

An excellent, even though technical at times, book on applying modern portfolio theory
The real strength of this book is in translating modern financial theories (efficient markets and portfolio diversification) into practical recommendations for the average investor.
Basic statistics mistakes abound, a lot in the book is based on errorneous calculations
I can't tell if this book is good guide for investing or not, but it lacks in a very important respect - mathematical credibility. Some of very basic statistics examples are just plain wrong, and with major consequences.
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Subjects:  1. Asset allocation    2. Business & Economics    3. Business/Economics    4. Consumer Finance    5. Investments & Securities - General    6. Personal Finance - Investing    7. Personal Finance - Money Management    8. Portfolio Management    9. Advice on careers & achieving success    10. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / Investing    11. Investment & securities   

Editorial Review

Millions of consumers have become trapped in a spiral of debt, but there is hope. If you wants to free yourself from the shackles of debt, this book is for you--it can help you "get out of debt, stay out of debt, and live prosperously." Jerrold Mundis writes in a friendly, engaging style, urging readers to stop the cycle of spending. Mundis knows what he's talking about--he, too, was once thousands of dollars in debt and didn't know where to turn. Anecdotes from Debtors Anonymous folks, plus multiple examples from the writer's own life and ledgers, make Read more

Reviews (55)

A Book Worth Saving For
I first read this book in 1993. (I was out jogging one day and overheard two people discussing how it had changed their lives.I immediately bought it.) I especially like how it helps you to develop a healthy disregard for unsecured debt. Too often, we buy things on credit because we believe that we can't wait until we have the money. This book will help you to develop the proper mindset toward debt. With that essential foundation, you then address the problem of your specific debt. I especially appreciated his frequent reminder that you're not a bad person just because you owe money. I've recommended the book many times through the years.

My Debt Bible!
I bought this book at least 10 years ago, when I was a single mom and deeply in debt. It completely changed the way I thought about debt and financial freedom. I titled it my Debt Bible because 10 years later, I still refer to it when I need a reminder or some inspiration. It's not about deprivation, it's about living a good life without having to go into debt. This book is awesome. I've recommended it to all my friends.

how to get out of debt and stay out of debts
thank you for a great book
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Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Business/Economics    3. Consumer Finance    4. Personal Finance - Budgeting    5. Personal Finance - Money Management    6. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / Budgeting   

Reviews (4)

An Excellent Consumer Resource
This book does a great job of covering several areas of debt that all consumers will find helpful.It is written in an easy to understand language, yet rich with detail and a variety areas covered.The chapter on debt collections touched on the topic of statute of limitations, which is very important to many consumers, including me.I found that two other books that I read on consumer debt did not deal at all with this important topic.I thank Garrett Sutton (and contributor Gerri Detweiler) for a very valuable book.

Good book with lots of different information.
I read this book to get a little more famaliar with budgets, and was very impressed with how many things this book touched on.
Great Consumer Credit/Debt Resource!
The ABC's of Getting Out of Debt:Trade Your Bad Debt for Good Debt and Your Bad Credit for Good Credit really stands out among the many credit and debt related books available to consumers for many reasons. For starters, the book covers the topic of credit and debt in a very thorough and objective manner. Such critical, but often overlooked, topics as the health effects of debt are addressed. In addition, the book provides very simple and practical steps to help consumers that are struggling with credit and/or debt problems.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Consumer Finance    3. Consumer credit    4. Credit    5. Debt    6. Finance, Personal    7. Personal Finance    8. Personal Finance - Money Management    9. Personal Finance - Retirement Planning    10. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / General    11. Business ethics   

Reviews (14)

Gibson's Asset Allocation
Among the many books on this subject, this is one of the best. Unlike most of the other authors, Gibson does not limit himself to list the different asset classes and then provide recommended allocations. He goes one step further and describes in very practical terms the different issues that one faces when developing a portfolio and how to resolve them. In my view, Gibson ranks next to Bernstein and Malkiel. A good buy!

Asset allocation practically eliminates all risk while increasing returns.
This book informs the current political struggle to reform the Social Security program.In the case of a foreign invasion or some other calamity, it's true that one's private investments would be insecure, but so would one's "investments" in government bonds, so such cases are irrelevant.
Timeless advice written for the informed
Mr. Gibson hits the nail on the head with Asset Allocation, balancing financial risk.The book is well written and the advice is timeless.I especially like the way he walks through the examples of multiple asset class investing using at first blinded and then un-blinded examples.It is very eye opening.His emphasis on frame-of-reference risk is right on the money.I recommend the book highly.
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Subjects:  1. Accounting - General    2. Asset allocation    3. Business & Economics    4. Business / Economics / Finance    5. Business/Economics    6. Investment Analysis    7. Investments & Securities - General    8. Personal Finance - Money Management    9. Portfolio management    10. Business & Economics / Investments & Securities    11. Investment & securities   

Reviews (87)

Simply the best book on personal finance you can buy
I actually had this book in 1993 when it was self published the principles in it showed me how to go from being totally broke and $50,000 in debt to now having a net worth of $150,000, this is also after going through a divorce where I lost 50% of my net worth.
Financial Peace - A Plan that Truly WORKS!
This book has literally changed our lives. I give this as a wedding gift (w/some cash) for many young couples. But, young or old, the practical steps given in this book can change your life!
Practical and Doable
Dave Ramsey makes it easy to apply the principles he outlines in this book. In the conclusion he evens admits he hasn't totally implemented all he writes about in his own life. He explains that if a reader can accomplish 25% of what he describes, significant financial progress will result. There is not any major revelations in this book. He reminds you of the basics.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Christianity    3. Christianity - Christian Life - Personal Finance    4. Christianity - General    5. Finance, Personal    6. Personal Finance    7. Personal Finance - Money Management    8. Religion - Christian Life    9. Religion - Christian Living    10. Religious aspects    11. Business & Economics / General   

Reviews (13)

Perfect book for those looking to start investing
I could'nt figure out all those tables in the Wall Street Journal before reading this book.I'm reading it twice because each page is chalk full of info.Buy if you want to start learning how money works. Great book

Not a guidebook, but great information
Don't let the title fool you! This is by no means an investment guidebook. It is a great introduction into the world of investing, and demonstrates the "ins and outs" of money in Layman's terms.
Great Guide for Beginners Like Me!
I haven't finished the whole guidebook, but this book is really informative. It contains quick and short histories of the financial market (ie. NYSE, NASDAQ, bonds, stocks, etc). Newbies like myself easily get confused on how the general financial system works, but this book helped a lot in understanding them (those covered in the book). Investors who are seeking readily available information about what stocks, or anything considered as "hot" in the current market, will be disappointed, so I wasn't surprised on how some "experts" rated this book as "less than helpful." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. Consumer Finance    4. Finance, Personal    5. Investments    6. Investments & Securities - General    7. Personal Finance    8. Personal Finance - Investing    9. Personal Finance - Money Management    10. Business & Economics / General   

Reviews (43)

Getting Notary Signature
My husband & I bought this product after reading the reviews on Amazon, so we thought it would be OK for residents of New York state. However, before you buy it, you should check with the laws of the state you live in, because in New York state, it is now our understanding that a Notary cannot sign & witness a Will. We completed the information on the Will. We had to cut & paste a part of it, because it left out information on my husband's Will. My Will printed all OK, but his had empty spaces no matter how many times we tried to print it. After the final paste, we went to find a Notary. We went to banks, and to the town hall, and everywhere we were told none of the Notaries would sign for a Will. One Notary told us she'd lose her license if she did. Finally we checked on line at New York laws, and based on the information there, we now have an appointment with a lawyer to make our Wills. So for us, we couldn't find any Notary to notarize our Wills.
pathetic
during startup, it asks if you have audio. as i don't like talking apps, i click "no" - no audio. it starts blabbing. kill the audio on the computer.
Will & Trust Software Poor
There is much better will and trust software on the market.This software doesn't allow you to edit or make any changes in the document.It is not a word processor either.You cannot talor the document to you needs.Recommend you get another product or same your money. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Estate planning    3. Estates & Trusts    4. Personal Finance    5. Personal Finance - Financial Planning    6. Personal Finance - Money Management    7. Personal Growth - Success    8. Software    9. Software - Business - CDROM / Universal    10. Trusts and trustees    11. United States    12. Wills    13. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / Money Management   

Reviews (4)

You Probably Already Know Everything in This Book...
...the author is just reminding you of things we like to "forget" -- credit cards are bad, being in debt is bad, shopping when you're upset is bad, and more.Yes, Ms. Singletary does offer some basic financial advice and explains some of the more complex money-management ideas in easy-to-understand terms.But mostly, she just seems to be yelling at the reader and repeats herself a lot.I don't need a book to tell me not to co-sign a loan for my unemployed alcoholic cousin, for example.The author does provide a good analysis of America's conspicuous consumerism and the downward spiral of never-ending debt on unnecessary goods and services that should be of great concern to many of us.Some of her mantras absolutely should be taken to heart by the millions of Americans who mindlessly flood the malls every weekend in search of yet another pair of shoes they don't need, another DVD they'll never watch, or another toy to placate the child they didn't spend time with all week -- her call to return to a simpler way of life, and living within one's means, is to be heeded.That being said, however, it is obvious that the author and her family enjoy a high standard of living (although, to her credit, she does not appear to indulge her childrens' every whim or spoil herself with luxury -- but they are comfortable and not in any danger of having their electricity turned off) and some of her suggestions to those trying to dig their way out of debt come off as glib and facile. Ms. Singletary grew up poor and has been taken advantage of by thankless relatives and she does profess a lot of good common sense that may be difficult for some people to hear (and more difficult to practice), but some of her reactions to spending money on fairly modest purchases border on panic. She does admit her own tendencies to go overboard (penny-wise and pound-foolish), but her tone is often scolding. Although the book certainly does not offer any concrete solutions or formula for earning more, saving more, paying off debt, etc., it is easy to read and may be a good first step for someone trying to improve their financial situation.It is probably actually a better preventative than a cure -- I think kids beginning college, or getting their first jobs should read this book in order to avoid all the common money mistakes in the first place. It's just as difficult to talk to kids about money than it is about sex; maybe using this book as a cautionary tale would make it easier for families to be honest about money and save everyone a lot of worry and trouble in the end.I don't think this book is worth the price, though.If you can borrow it from a friend, find it used, or get it at the library, it's worth a read, but it is not something you'll refer back to over and over again.

See review for 7 Money Mantras
This book appears to be the same as the earlier book "7 Money Mantras...". Read the reviews for that book as well - they are favorable, not like the ones here as of 5/6/06. It's a great book, and will help you negotiate through the darker side of capitalism.

Awful
Misleading - it was really about penny pinthing not about living well.You could live off of $13,000 if you followed her advice.She takes being cheap and tacky to a whole new level.I was waiting on her to tell me how many times to reuse my tea bag.If you want some real money saving advice, don't waste your money on this book!
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Consumer Finance    4. Finance, Personal    5. Personal Finance    6. Personal Finance - General    7. Personal Finance - Money Management    8. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / General   

Reviews (27)

Eh
You're better off getting Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover.A much better book.Starts slowly, but if you actually listen to his strategy, it works.

Not for me
This book is for you if you have credit card debt. That is pretty much the the theme throughout. Also a lot of what she writes is common sense stuff. If your thinking of buying this, either buy it used (cheap) or get it from your library.

Too Basic
There is nothing wrong with this book... but there's not a whole lot substantial either.Look at your budget and see what you can cut for the long term goal of debt reduction.
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Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Consumer Credit    3. Consumer Finance    4. Consumer Guides    5. Debt    6. Finance, Personal    7. Personal Finance    8. Personal Finance - Budgeting    9. Personal Finance - Money Management    10. Reference    11. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / General