Book Description

BudgetYes! is a step-by-step, exactly "how-to" create a customized personal budget. It is a complete budgeting education--where you learn not just to track what you've done, but how to actually "run" a real budget, with emphasis on how to plan in-advance for spending. It does not focus on the outdated paradigms of "diet" and "deprivation," but approaches the topic from a perspective of organization and finding more money in your life with budgeting. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Life Changing
This was a fabulous book. I am addicted to BudgetYes. It changed my life -- I paid off $10,000 of credit card debt in 6 months and actually look forward to paying my bills each month. For anyone who doesn't necessarily have money "problems" but who knows they ought to learn to live within a budget and wants to set a good example for their children, this is the perfect book. I've given a copy to my sister and my mother. If I could find a diet book that worked as well, I'd be in heaven.

Concepts that work
In BudgetYes! you will find solutions to your problems of wandering funds, missing money and unorganized finances. A well explained, detailed and illustrated book that lays it on the table and will help you to get organized with your money and account for every dime. Inside you will not only find well orchestrated instructions, but examples of all of the different layouts you will need to begin to get a grip on your finances. The concepts used here are very similar to the principals of accounting, yet they are explained in a way that you don't need to be a C.P.A. to understand them. I highly recommend this book for anything from getting a grip on your money to setting up a complete household budget. Well done! ... Read more

Book Description

One of the most important functions of modern government is to marshal and deploy resources to achieve desired objectives and outcomes. This task is overseen by the Central Budget Agencies (such as Ministries of Finance and Treasuries) which have the responsibility of generating tax revenue and controlling and allocating public expenditure.

This extensive comparative study investigates the changing nature and role of Central Budget Agencies (CBAs) in ten countries, reflecting a spectrum of different institutional and constitutional contexts. Eighteen expert contributors offer detailed accounts of the various trajectories that have occurred within their respective CBAs, set against the changing political environment in which they operate. A recurring theme throughout is an evaluation of the power and agenda-setting roles of CBAs, assessing how their influence has grown or waned over time. An important feature of the book is that each chapter attempts to incorporate external scholarly analyses with internal practitioner views.

The original research presented in this book provides a new window into the world of CBAs, adding an important contribution to the scholarly research on public finance and government budgeting. It will also assist many CBAs to re-evaluate their roles and contributions to public budgeting and public sector management. This volume is required reading for anyone wanting to gain greater insight into whether CBAs really are the best guardians of the public purse. ... Read more

Book Description

Here is the ideal financial resource for students, recent graduates, newlyweds, young professionals, single parents, the recently divorced, recent retirees, and anyone seeking to take charge of their finances. If most or all of your paycheck seems to disappear by the time your monthly expenses are paid or you are in serious debt this book will help you. Millions of people are living paycheck to paycheck with little or no savings and no game plan for changing their financial predicament. This book, with contributions from real financial experts, is for every one of them! It is an easy-to-read, straightforward, information-packed book for the financially unsophisticated that offers step-by-step directions and dozens of strategies for: Developing and implementing a custom-tailored budget; Setting and achieving personal and family financial goals; Cutting everyday living expenses; Reducing and eventually eliminating debt; Saving money every month; Earning more money; Planning for the future. ... Read more

Book Description

Cheap Ways To... isn't really about being cheap. While recycling is good, this book doesn't advocate using Wal-Mart bags for your trash cans, using coffee grounds twice, avoiding flushing the toilet or taking advantage of other people's generosity. The fun, innovative ideas found in Cheap Ways To... are designed to help you make your resources stretch a little further while avoiding, or escaping, the pitfalls of mass consumerism and credit card debt. The book is really about embracing a simpler life and growing in your appreciation of the little things.

Get tips on cheap ways to ... Travel. Buy a computer. Entertain. Buy a car. Decorate. Plan a wedding. Buy groceries. Have a baby. Find a pet. Get a Master's degree. Buy clothes. Help the needy. Invest. And many more. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

ways to save
While I think its important to make the best of what you've got including your money, there are some books that really go overboard, thank goodness that this book is reasonable. No, not every bit of advice that was given works for me but nonetheless I did get a lot out of this book. A lot of the advice is common sense and other stuff is like "why didn't I think of this myself?"

There are five sections that include: entertainment, relationships, personal improvement, home improvement, and money. Its a good basic guide for anyone that's looking to save without cramping your style. The authors write with wit and humor.

The book is small, pocket book style. My only complaint is that the section on how to make cheap costumes was bad. There are ways to make low cost costumes and they don't have to be lame. That's my only complaint and its a good book overall. I also recommend "City Chic: An Urban Girl's Guide to Livin' Large on Less by Nina Willdorf"

What a way to save!!!
Cheap ways TO... is fantastic. what a way to save money!!! you can plan a wedding, get higher education, find a pet, decorate your house.. for cheap!!!! the authors should be enshrined in the tightwads hall of fame!!!!! ... Read more

Book Description

All the Right Moves: A Financial Road Map for the College Senior and New Graduateis a clear, cogent, guide to personal finance for Generations X and Y. With a light, often amusing style, the book covers investments, taxes, repaying student loans, credit, checking accounts, IRA's, budgeting, and day trading, but, unlike its competitors, All the Right Moves avoids dull, irrelevant topics like the price of gold and the inverse ratio of bond yields and bond price (yawn). And, unlike all other similar books, this one is not a just a series of unrelated chapters; rather, it begins with basics and builds to a climax, with a concrete, easy-to-follow financial plan for the reader that actually goes somewhere! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great financial guide for new college graduates
I would have thought that there were dozens of books like this one out there, but when I searched, that turned out not to be the case. I was glad to find this one, however, because it was so simple and straightforward in its message. If your college graduate is heading off to do an MBA at the Wharton school, this is probably not the book for him or her. But, if like mine, your college grad has only the fuzziest concept of how to manage money, this is the ideal book. It's clear, it's well-written, and the advice it gives is extraordinarily sensible. Take a look at the book, and I think you'll agree. Highly recommended!

All the Right Moves
All the Right Moves by Zachary Grossman and Janis Landis should be considered essential reading for all new college graduates. The book provides fundamental building blocks that will likely secure the financial future of those who follow it's easy to understand chapters.

Simply put - An inexpensive graduation gift, that keeps on giving! ... Read more

Book Description

Taking a comparative approach to the subject of public budgeting, this work examines budgetary politics at the federal, state and local government levels. It introduces the budgetary decision making process, taxation, spending, budget execution and financial management as well as the budget process at each level of government. The revised third edition includes a new chapter on the interrelationship of economics and politics. ... Read more

Book Description

Techniques for Integrating Cost and Performance Work–to Create Increased Value at Each Level of an Organization

Measurable, sustainable improvements in cost and performance management require more than just isolated methodologies or slogans of the week. They require committed, involved leadership, adaptable systems, and an understanding that cost reduction and performance improvement work best when they work together.

From Cost to Performance Management provides application-based guidance for melding the best of today’s cost and performance management methods into a unified cost/performance approach that fits your organization’s needs, readiness, and identity. This well-rounded resource explores:

• Shortcomings of existing change and growth management perspectives
• New methodologies and mindsets for tracking valuable resources that create long-term wealth
• Organizational development examples from today’s most progressive companies

Cost continues to be the prime strategic mover in most organizations; unfortunately, it can lead to unclear, unsatisfying performance initiatives and decisions. From Cost to Performance Management reveals how cost and performance can instead be aligned to create one overriding imperative–a cost/performance approach designed to maximize long-term potential as it minimizes friction and confusion within each layer of an organization.

"Gaining and sustaining competitive advantage begins with the knowledge of how a firm’s resources can be leveraged to create outstanding value for its stakeholders. The Stenzels insightfully analyze and integrate the vast literature in cost management, detailing how a company can turn mundane costing data into the knowledge required to achieve this superior level of performance. It belongs on every manager’s ‘must read’ list."
–Dr. C. J. McNair, Professor of Management Accounting, Babson College ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Very boring!!! to read this until the end
This is the first book that I stopped reading in the middle. The authors seem to know a lot about cost management and other tools. However, the way to link them together and present in a logical way may be the big problem for this book. It's like a book that reviewed all management new ideas i.e. ABC, BSC, TQM .... and tried to link to the concept of cost management system. But I would say that it really didn't work!!!!! ... Read more

Book Description

Since the 1950s, the federal government has relied on the peer review system for funding academic science. Peer review, however, is under attack for being a biased system that helps rich research universities get richer. As a remedy for these biases, university presidents and members of Congress have turned to the earmarking of science projects and facilities in the federal budget. Funding Science in America explores both the pros and the cons of the academic earmarking issue and explains why this issue has caused a rift within the nation's science community. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

If David Sedaris and Suze Orman...
If comic genius David Sedaris and financial wiz Suze Orman had a child it would be the funny and finanically savy Lisa Wysocki. Her book offers hilarious, yet very pratical advice on ways to save money that are painless and yet add up.

You don't need to understand stock futures and she won't tell you how to turn "no-money-down" into a financial real estate empire, but rather she imparts smart and practical advice to spend money wisely and cut corners in a way that every family member can understand.

I was so inspired by her ingenuity and entertained that I ordered 9 copies for every woman in my very well-heeled women's group. I'm sure that by following Lisa's counsel, we will all find a way to squeeze another pair of Manolo Blanik shoes out of our budget.

And, I laughed myself all the way to the shoe department!

A refreshing, fun and creative perspective
This book offers the reader a refreshing, fun and creative perspective to reach your financial goals. The author's style is very personal and witty, making this book an easy read. Loaded with personal anecdotes - you feel as if you are having a cup of tea with the author while listening to her many fun tales of saving money. No "bang you over the head" lectures here! An inspiration to this former spendthrift, let me assure you.

Smart, practical advice
I read this book cover to cover and found it one of the best set of guidelines for spending wisely. Unlike many financial advisors, this book doesn't advocate you become a miser, rather shows you how to spend on quality, not quantity - provides simple tools for assessing real need - and provides insight into money saving techniques I never thought existed. I started using the author's advice the very day I finished the book - and saved about $200. For example, I had no idea you could negotiate your physician's bill.

I especially enjoyed the techniques for "money recovery" -- how you can give your money a second chance if you happen to waste, not spend. If you're a parent, or an uncle (like me) there's a special section on kids you won't want to miss.

Ms. Wysocki is down to earth, practical, respectful of her audience and doesn't admonish them for being wasteful in the past, rather what they can do, starting today ("Remember, I'm on your side" she states near the end).

It reads almost like a novel - showing you how to spend by illustrating of real-life events, situations and stories - many are hilarious. If you like to laugh, you'll love this book. If you want to spend while you save, read it today.

Extra-ordinary tips laced with humor!
"Don't waste money, spend it", was a very powerful and important book for me. It gave me some substantial strategies for handling money issues, which we all have. I found it very easy to read because the author gave many clear illustrations of how we waste money and time. I think that the true life stories in the book were very funny, yet we can all see ourselves in these characters. I actually made a copy of the list of money saving tips and taped it to my refrigerator! I intend on giving this book to all my friends because everyone can benefit from this very essential information in this book. I loved it and will read it over and over. Ms. Wysocki is a real guru!

Lots of great tips to save money!
This book was not only entertaining to read but very helpful. It pointed out the numerous ways we all waste money on a daily basis. The author makes the point that you have to save for that nest egg one day at a time. She gives lots of great and practical suggestions. ... Read more

Book Description

PAINLESS RETIREMENT PLANNING Real-life solutions to retirement planning issues do exist. In this practical and accessible book, two of the top financial advisors in the United States offer all concerned, from baby boomers to older individuals, proven strategies for planning success.

• Addresses emotional and psychological needs as well as difficult financialdecision making regarding both the retiree and his or her family
• Presents case studies based on the experts’ own practice
• Includes numerous computerized hypothetical scenarios to provide realistic solutions to the wide range of retirement situations. . . and much more to help you confront the issues, find their resolutions——and ensure the worry-free future you and your family deserve.

Reviews (1)

Excellent beginner
This book is very readable. The authors use anecdotes to illustrate many of the points they make, enabling the ordinary person to visualize by thinking, "I've been there!" Although the book is primarily focused on readers in their 40s and 50s, there is much good information for older readers, and this is an excellent resource for those younger readers which the authors don't even seem to know exist (such as myself, at 32). Whatever your age, if you're just starting to look at retirement, this is the book for you. ... Read more

Book Description

52 Weeks to Financial Fitness is your personal financial trainer -- a friendly and authoritative expert that will guide you week by week to manage your finances and make your money grow.

In the current frenzied market it's hard to know whom to turn to for solid advice. Into this void steps the calm presence of Marshall Loeb, personal finance pioneer and former editor of two of the most successful magazines in history, Fortune and Money.

Personal finance and investments are a lot like doing exercise. Few of us are happy with our finances or our physiques. For many people, just getting started on a fitness program is the hardest part. But once you begin, you marvel at how easy it is and wonder how you ever did without it. Marshall Loeb's program for financial fitness, like any good exercise program, starts simply and moves gradually to heavier lifting, boosting yourconfidence as you move forward. Not only will you learn how to budget your accounts and get your insurance in order, but you'll also have a strong enough background to choose the investments that are right for you (stocks, bonds, or mutual funds) and the know-how to pick a financial planner and get the most out of his or her services. No matter what kind of financial shape you're in, Marshall -- week by week -- carefully brings you to the next level.

52 Weeks to Financial Fitness tells you everything you need to know to become financially fit. With its comprehensive coverage and ease of use, the book will serve as your practical financial guide. Some examples:

* Week 2: Ten ways to boost your savings.
* Week 7: Design a realistic family budget with Marshall's three-stage method.
* Week 11: Thirteen ways to cut your taxes this year.
* Weeks 18 and 19: Get your debt under control and design a sensible borrowing plan.
* Week 22: Start investing profitably in stocks.
* Week 23: Look into investing in bonds.
* Week 33: Cut the cost of your car insurance without cutting your coverage.
* Week 46: Calculate and save what you will need to retire comfortably and without worry.

... Read more

Reviews (2)

Give this one a pass!
I don't know what's more annoying about this book, the chirpy tone or the moronic advice. Not only are the tips all over the map, but they are just that--tips--with no help at all given to developing an overall philosophy or strategy. Loeb also completely ignores the emotional aspect of financial planning, leading to ridiculous advice like taking out a home equity loan to pay off credit card bills. Sure you can reduce your rate by doing that. But you're likely to run your cards up again. And now you've put your house at risk. Real smart move, Marshall.

I'm so grateful that I checked this book out of the library rather than spending good money on it. My advice: Almost any other basic personal finance book would serve you better than this one. A couple of good ones that deal with the emotional and the practical aspects of financial planning are Suze Orman's, Ruth Hayden's, and Jerrold Mundis'. Don't waste your time with this one.

One Financial Fitness Regimen Does Not Fit All!
The author suggests that you "look at this book as your . . . friendly, expert, immediately useful, personal trainer." Well, I agree that would be wonderful, and that's what financial advisors do. Like personal trainers, they start out by finding out all about you to diagnose where you need work, and then focus your attention on appropriate activities in those areas.

By contrast, this book focuses your attention in every possible direction, and probably overburdens you with detail in many areas where the benefits will be negligible for you.

Since the book does not focus you properly for your situation, you'll have to use the book differently than it is written to get full benefit from it. The advice is fine, just not organized to be the most helpful to you.

My suggestion is that you read the whole book first fairly quickly, making notes about how much financial benefit you think you will get from the more beneficial subjects, how much effort will be required to get that benefit, and your level of enthusiasm for pursuing that item.

Before going further, then think about other ways that you could increase your income. Add them to the list. The main content weakness in this book is that it emphasizes reducing risk with insurance, cutting costs and taxes, and increasing investment income. The book pays almost no attention to other ways to increase your income other than by adding a new skill and changing jobs.

Then count off about how many items look attractive to pursue, and pick the top 10 percent or so in value and attractiveness to you to start with. You will probably get 50 to 80 percent of the total benefit from Mr. Loeb's advice from these few items. Work on them first.

When you find that you have excess time to take on a new item, then add the next highest item for value and attractiveness.

At whatever point you've increased your income and cut your costs to be able to afford a fee-based financial planner to work with you, do so. Then in the process of working with that person, other high value opportunities will probably arise. The book advises you to do this also, but not until week 26. By then, most people will have stopped working on this enormously long list of things to check out, and you may never get around to getting that personalized advice.

Let me mention that Mr. Loeb is the former managing editor of Fortune and Money magazines, and did a terrific job at both places. He is very knowledgeable, thorough, and trustworthy. His advice is far more valuable for implementing what you need to do than many popular advisors like Ms. Orman.

He does not, however, pay any significant attention to the psychology of why people do the wrong things with their money. Most financial advisors tell me all their clients know what they "should" do, but don't do it anyway. I suggest that you also seek out books that consider that topic. "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" is a good basic book that most people can relate to. On cutting costs, reducing debt, and starting to invest, you will probably find "The Finance Doctor" easy to understand and apply.

My primary suggestion is that you take the goal-setting parts of this book the most seriously. But I would encourage you to expand that goal-setting to include all parts of your life. "Awaken the Giant Within" is a good resource for that purpose.

May you find peace of mind along with a fuller wallet . . . and the time to enjoy both! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Want to get a grip on your finances?
This short workbook gives an excellent foundation for getting control of your finances. Coupled with Larry Burkett's "How to Manage Your Money", you will learn the true principles set forth by God in the Bible. There are forms that you will complete that will give you a true picture of your finances. In the end, you will be a good steward of what God has entrusted you with.

Don't delay, buy it today and get started!! ... Read more

Book Description

The Budget Workbook is a no-nonsense guide to helping individuals understand and track their personal finances. Many self-help budgeting tutorials have been made available over the years, however The Budget Workbook provides a working template and example format that makes it easy to understand.

The idea behind The Budget Workbook is to capture all income and expenses that an individual or family may have, now and in the foreseeable future. Instructions and examples walk the user through the detailed completion of the templates with their personal information and then assist the user in understanding the overview or summary of these details. Once completed the user should have a much more knowledgeable understanding of their financial status and be able to use the templates for future planning. Included is an overview of the methodology, instructions, two (2) examples and two (2) blank templates for use. ... Read more