Book Description

Ernst & Young's Financial Planning Essentials makes it easier than ever to take control of your money and start reaching your financial goals today. Drawing on the incomparable experience of Ernst & Young, it's packed with practical tips and strategies to start you on the road to smart financial planning. This short, handy guide covers all the basics, including:

• Understanding your current financial situation
• Setting your financial goals
• Learning to build wealth
• Evaluating the different kinds of investments
• Protecting your finances against the unexpected
• And much, much more . . .

Plus, there are plenty of worksheets, charts, real-life examples, and special features, including:

• $PLANNERS—quick planning tips for a bright financial future
• $BUILDERS—money strategies to help you reach your goals
• $SAVERS—ideas that can save you money right away

ERNST & YOUNG LLP's personal financial counseling practice tailors financial strategies for people at all income levels. The firm is the author of the bestselling Ernst & Young Tax Guide as well as a wide array of books on business and money management. Visit the firm's Web site at www.ey.com/pfc. ... Read more

Amazon.com

It all started as a financial-help segment on the Today show. Which prompted 54,000 letters. Which then resulted in Ginger Applegarth's The Money Diet. Applegarth, who has practiced financial planning for more than 20 years and leads a prominent Boston-based financial and investment firm, believes that the "processes of financial planning and dieting are almost identical."Both require an honest assessment of the present, a realistic goal for what you want to become, and a plan for getting there. At the heart of Applegarth's program for financial wellness are her "Willpower Worksheets," tools designed to help determine your net worth, monitor your spending habits, set financial goals, determine your insurance needs, select investment plans, and buy a house. The Money Diet is an upbeat and well-rounded guide to managing money that should benefit almost all people, especially those trying to get their money habits under control. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great Book
Very informative.This is the best personal finance book I have read.If you are looking for an investment book, keep looking.If you are looking for a book with helpful detailed plans for managing your finances from insurance to college planning this is the book. ... Read more

Book Description

You’ve probably realized by now that achieving wealth isn’t just a matter of working hard.Instead, achieving wealth starts with bringing your thoughts and behavior into alignment with your wealth goals. It starts with "Wealth Mentality.""Wealth Mentality" shows you how to develop a way of thinking that encourages wealth building thoughts and behavior.It teaches you how to "program" yourself to think about, recognize and act on wealth building opportunities. Once "programmed," your mind is free to focus on improving other important areas of your life. The end result is a wealthy, balanced and more fulfilling life. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Program Yourself for Wealth (and Success)
Like many people, I've been trying to "get rich" for quite some time. I've tried many things and it has never seemed to work out. I've blamed everything and everyone (including myself) at various times. Wealth Mentality forces you to take a long, hard look in the mirror to find out if your way of thinking is the true culprit. It helps you examine thought and belief barriers that work against building long-term wealth. I highly recommend it to those who want to be proactive about developing wealth!

Mentality and attitude required to achieve wealth
"Wealth Mentality: Program Yourself to Get and Keep the Wealth You Want" is a book about the mental attitudes that are required in order to define and accumulate wealth. The definition of wealth can be quite different between different people. For one it might be monetary riches, for another it might be the free time and money to persue goals, and for another person it might be something entirely different.

The author points out that some people seem to acquire wealth easily while others seem to be continually chasing wealth without ever actually acquiring any. The difference between those that are successful and those that are not is often their mental attitude. Is it enough to be positive? Is it enough to regularly research options? The author argues that these things are not enough. It requires a mentality that leaves the person receptive to opportunities as they come along and able to act on those opportunities. Throughout the book the author teaches how to change your belief system and program yourself to automatically become aware of opportunities as they come along, how to maintain that system, and how to develop a plan to actually move toward your goals.

While it does not cover any aspect of finance, investing or similar parts of wealth generation, it is a very good book on the mentality required as a precursor to getting and keeping wealth.

Avoid bad credit or ill-fated business decisions
Wealth Mentality: Program Yourself To Get And Keep The Wealth You Want by businessman and investor S. Ross Ingram (International Center for Strategic Planning) is a psychological "self-help" guide to overcoming emotional and personality obstructions standing in the way of achieving personal wealth, whether it be for a comfortable lifestyle, or to insure sufficient funds to send children through college, or preparing for a secure retirement. A practical guide that places as much importance on personal psyche and image as practical behaviors to avoid bad credit or ill-fated business decisions, Wealth Mentality is a solid primer that is highly recommended for the non-specialist general reader looking to improve his or her personal financial situation and prospects.

Great Book!
This book was so informative and insightful. It completely changed the way I think about wealth! It's not simply luck or hard work, it's a mindset and this author shows you how!
I recommend this book to anyone and everyone - rich or poor! ... Read more

Book Description

The Complete Guide to Wealth Preservation and Estate Planning is written for everyone from families to financial planners, lawyers, accountants, insurance underwriters, security and investment advisors and business owners. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Carryover basis
I am searching for another book written by Jonathan Blattmachr in the 1980s with a title similar to "Carryover Basis". If anyone has a copy, please contact me at 404-588-7763. ... Read more

Book Description

The 1990s were some of the most prosperous years the U.S. has ever seen. From the booming stock market, to falling mortgage rates, to the reemergence of America as the premier global economic superpower, it has been an unparalleled period of prosperity. Harry Dent was one of the few economics who saw it coming.

According Dent, The Roaring 2000s will be a period of unprecedented opportunity for investors and entrepreneurs. Based on rock-solid historical information and research, Dent offers detailed investment strategies to help you exploit the coming boom.

With The Roaring 2000s Wealth Builder, you'll learn about future trends in the job market, technology, demographics, and real estate. You'll learn about the next great population migration and how the Information Age is engendering radically different business and organizational structures. And you'll learn exactly what you can do to obtain financial security through these changes so that you can create the lifestyle for you and your family that will provide balance, luxury and peace of mind. ... Read more

Book Description

This is a newly revised edition of Victor Boc's hugely successful, self-published book, previously sold through direct mail. Consumers have responded strongly to his life-changing, step-by-step plan for ending money problems and achieving prosperity. By utilizing this simple but effective program, anyone can increase their cash flow to levels they have only dreamed of. Boc's proven two-pronged method teaches the reader to harness the forces that control the flow of money. The first step involves visualization and affirmations-because, as Boc explains, until you know exactly what you want and ask for it, you won't get it. The next step involves giving money away-it's a way to "prime the pump" and get the flow of money headed back in your direction. By putting this method into action, thousands of people have achieved financial success. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Most definitely worth a try!
I have read some of the reviews and a lot of people seem to have read the book without giving the stuff a try. One person said if it was that easy, then everyone would be rich. Well there are a lot of books out there on dieting and how to quit smoking and how to get better at "whatever". The point. Only a certain percentage of people will try the stuff. There are tons of diet books sold each year and does everybody who read these books lose weight? It does take discipline and effort. And dare I say "work". I do agree that, you should also study other materials, but change is definitely possible if you "practice" these techniques. Definitely work towards you're dreams and learn from you're failures. Setting goals, visualizing and keeping focused on them, along with good old charity, mixed in with a good old dose of positive expectation should yield some pretty surprising results

What a Wonderful World it Could Be!!
A very enjoyable read!Mr. Boc's points are just plain good livin' in my opinion.To dream, set goals, work hard and visualize may seem like the only ingredients for success, but Mr. Boc proposes a far deeper level of growth. With humor and insightfulness, he has challenged humanity to try this method and truly experience happiness.Changing reality may seem like delusion, but don't be deceived into missing out on what may be the best understanding and experience of life! My view of myself in this world continues to improve as a result of this book.

great theory
I received this book a week ago and read it twice since. Although 'm still very sceptical, I decided to give two prong method a try before I give it a bad review. And trust me, if it doesn't deliver, I will write one, but for now I give it 5 stars because it's so uplifting and well written.

It really does work!
I was given this book as a Christmas gift in 1996.I immediately put these things into practice (the visualization, affirmations and glad giving). In 1997, I received $20,000 dollars as a result of this.Mr. Boc's methods truly work.I stopped doing these in 2000 but I recently started doing them again and I have already seen results.All it takes is a vivid imagination, a little time to write your affirmations, giving a percentage of your salary and a positive attitude.

Don't Waste Time
Such books are just pure nonsense meant to make money for the author and cheat people who don't know anything about finance, accounting and economics. Go back to business school and study about finance instead - the hard and usual way. There are certain things in life that you can't shortcut, be more practical instead. If you don't have the time, just attend a short course on finance and accounting, and you'll know what I mean. I can't believe that such nonsensical books are still published every year and continuing to cheat people. Actually, if you are smart enough, you'll know one very simple logic - IF EVERYBODY READ THIS BOOK, THEN EVERYBODY WILL BE SUCCESSFUL, WOULDN'T IT? since everybody can get this book online. Hence, please do not waste your money or precious time reading such nonsensical books. Very simple - Will a company hire you for a high post just because you had finished reading this book?????????? So please wake up and be more practical instead. If you are an employee, upgrade your skills, work harder, or go back to school so that you can get higher pay or money in your bank.
Look at the world today, read the papers, read businessweek, catch up with reality. There are already enough problems in this world, don't make this your next "Wilderness" instead. ... Read more

Book Description

This book will enable you to tap into the powerful yet simple wealth-building tools the rich use to build and grow their fortunes. Whether you are trying to avoid the common mistakes most investors make, buy your next house, stomp out credit card debt, find the right mutual funds to invest in, or discover how to "cover you assets" with the right kinds of insurance. It will give you the financial knowledge and wisdom you need to make the right choices. You will learn controversial personal finance truths, such as why retirement plans like 401(k)s may not be your best bet, why your home could be your worst investment, why some no-load mutual funds can cost you more, and why your guaranteed pension may not be so guaranteed. Some people inherit their wealth. The rest of us have no choice but to earn it so get rich yourself, one dollar at a time. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Read 8 years ago
Best advice I ever got on Personal Finance.Glad I acted on
her solid financial education-the truth not the hype-of the financial industry.

Found her statement so very true "The right information is even more valuable than money itself..."

Simple & straightforward explanations of financial subjects
I would strongly recommend this book to people of all ages and situations. Ms. McAleese uses clear, easily understood writing with good no-nonsense advice and examples. And her basic aim is quite straightforward - don't make choices about situations involving money without knowing fully how you (and the other guy) stand to benefit. It will show you how to see when a great situation is really only great for the other guy. And thus, you get rich by not giving your money away.

My wife and I have used our copy to guide us through many choices - budgeting, saving, insurance, retirement planning, homebuying - with great success. It has saved us when times were tough and has enabled us to do the things we want without sinking into debt. For a regular middle-class couple, we feel very well off just because we understand our own finances well.

In fact, I regularly give this book as a gift to friends (and their graduation-age kids) as a way to help them avoid some of the mistakes I made before I got this book. I know that sounds cheesy, but it's quite true. ... Read more

Book Description

This fun and practical guide offers a huge variety of tips on living for less "with grace, humor, [and] imagination." The author covers a wide range of topics including food, housing, transportation, clothes, and entertainment. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Not Exactly Reconnecting with Reality
I have immensely enjoyed Callenbach's Ecotopia books (part of the weirdness that is Mamalinde?) but found this tome practically useless. Yes, we HAVE become consumer zombies, and a reconnect with reality is necessary and desirable. While I might not embrace the suburban ideal I also have to decline many of Callenbach's ideas: powdered milk, building my own furniture, using a public hospital, going on welfare, scavenging old food at the grocery store, living in a mobile home or a gypsy wagon, and raising bees are not what I consider viable stylishness.

Callenbach's ideas are wildly opinionated (but what did I expect) and way too out there to entice most of the consumer zombies to do anything but laugh. He does say some important things about packaging, advertising, and brand names, as well as the ever insidious "planned obsolescence" consumers buy into with regularity. This is a well thought out and constructed book, but one with little practical value for this user.

A valuable money management and life-style guide
Now in a thoroughly revised and updated second edition, Ernest Callenbach's Living Cheaply With Style: Live Better & Spend Less is written and designed for the reader wanting to choosing gracious living over rampant consumerism, who seeks to live carefully and ecologically on a comfortable income with enough time to experience and enjoy their life. Callenbach has filled this little guide to inexpensive, gracious living with a wealth of money saving tips on food, housing, clothing, furniture, child rearing, travel, transportation, and more. Whether just starting out as a young independent adult, or entering one's golden years of retirement, Living Cheaply With Style will prove one of the most valuable money management and life-style guides you will have ever encountered. ... Read more

Book Description

Ben Franklin’s Guide to Wealth is the modern version of the treatise The Way of Wealth by Richard Saunders, one of Ben Franklin’s many pseudonyms. Franklin practiced what he preached in the treatise, and it made him rich enough to have a full life, travel extensively, and follow his intellectual musings, which in turn led him to become an accomplished scientist, inventor, political activist, diplomat, and writer. Franklin wasn’t born rich. He built his legacy using his intelligence, curiosity, natural good sense, and proclivity for thrift and hard work. When he died, he left a fortune.

Barrett and Mingo bring practicing what Franklin preached up to date for today’s busy lifestyles. It’s time to get back to financial basics. It’s time to think about what "rich" really means. It might mean not hiring someone to do lawn work, saving some money, and sharing time spent together as a family. It’s time to look for guidance from America’s original financial guru, Ben Franklin.

Ben Franklin’s Guide to Wealthshows readers how to apply Franklin’s financial wisdom to their own lives. Quotes from the original treatise such as "If you have something to do tomorrow, do it today" and "Leisure is time for doing something useful," are followed by the authors’ down-to-earth commentary. Barrett and Mingo—history and trivia buffs—offer their own sage advice on a range of financial basics, including debt, thrift, the value of work and business, developing financial responsibility, money and time, and preparing for the future. As the authors attest in the Introduction, we should listen to the way of Ben Franklin because "it works."

A clever, wise, and fun book, the financial advice in Ben Franklin's Guide to Wealth works as well today as it did 250 years ago. ... Read more

Amazon.com

New parents are some of the most gullible consumers on earth, and there are plenty of people and companies willing to take advantage of that suggestibility. How to Raise Kids Without Going Broke, from the people who bring you Smart Money magazine, gives parents a break--and a brake. It makes the strong case that children can be raised without deficit spending, while steering parents away from products and services that they simply don't need. It warns of financial planners who may not have much more experience with money than the parents themselves; of stores such as Baby Gap, which sell good products but at too high of a price; and of products that are not really necessary, such as diaper-wipe warmers. And when it comes to the stuff that you do need (a place to live, a family car, insurance), might need (daycare and/or preschool, a computer), and will probably want (family vacations), How to Raise Kids offers a good jumping-off point for making smart purchases.

Readers of Smart Money will recognize their signature Ten Things features reprinted here ("Ten Things Your Kid's Summer Camp Won't Tell You," "Ten Things Your Real Estate Broker Won't Tell You"). Some of the magazine's slant toward middle-class and upper-middle-class readers comes through, too. (If it's never even occurred to you that kids should go to summer camp, you'll recognize that bias.)

Fortunately, most of the information is universal. If you own a home, the section on how to lower your property taxes may be worth many times the price of the book to the people who can pull it off. --Lou Schuler ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Money management for young families
Don't let this title and cover deceive you into believing that this book is only for those with small children.Finch and Marshall present a comprehensive outlook of a family's entire financial plan.Learn tips forshopping for insurance and loans as well as toys.The advice in this bookforced me to re-look at all my insurance policies and write a will.It's aquick read-- share it will friends at work or church.

Incredible book that doesn't compromise the title
This book is full of great information including purchasing the right toys and accessories, Educational Planning, Insurance needs, and Estate Planning.It also leads you in the direction for more detailed informationon each subject.I wish I had bought this book when my wife first becamepregnant! ... Read more

Book Description

From the award winning seminar, Breaking The Money Barriers contains a simple, step-by-step wealth generating system created by Dr. Mike Duckett. Written in a simple-to-read format, this book will help the reader make instant changes in their finances. They will learn how the wealthy actually turn their thoughts into money. Thousands around the world have attended Dr. Duckett's seminars, and many people have become financially independent using this nuts-and-bolts information. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

MORE THAN JUST MOTIVATION--I made over $50,000 in 90 days
I almost didn't buy "Breaking The Money Barriers" based on a few bad reviews. After reading the book and applying the clear and easy to understand steps, I made over $50,000 in 90 days. I continue to use Dr. Duckett's easy to understand system of wealth accumulation and plan to retire within the next few years. Before reading this book, all I could hope to do was receive Social Security someday. Now, I'll have all the money I need for the rest of my life.

I have read numerous motivational books and financial books. I have been a motivational seminar junkie but this information is waaaaaay beyond hype or motivation. Using Dr. Duckett's simple to apply formulas, I have increased my income SUBSTANTIALLY and increased my overall happiness in life. TO THOSE WHO HAD SOMETHING NEGATIVE TO SAY ABOUT THE SECTION ON FEAR--I HAVE ONE THING TO SAY, "Reread that section. It has helped me to overcome some of my fears I've been dealing with for almost 60 years.

The only reason someone would have anything bad to say about this book would be if that person was atheist. Dr. Duckett does mention God in it and some people are very offended these days by a person being brave enough to express their spirituality.

Do youreself a favor. Buy this book and reread it to your loved ones. It will help to create a brighter financial future and happier life for anyone who is exposed to this unusual approach to wealth accumulation.

I don't know this Dr. Duckett but I sure would like to meet him one day. Until that day comes all I can say is thank you God for this information--just in the nick-of-time.

THE GREATEST BOOK ON MONEY ACCUMULATION I'VE EVER READ!!
I've read many books over the years on wealth accumulation, financial planning, money management, and a number of other topics pertaining to money. I'VE NEVER READ ANYTHING SO POWERFUL AS "BREAKING THE MONEY BARRIERS" IN MY LIFE!!! I almost didn't buy it based on a couple of negative reviews, but a friend of mine told me this book is a "must read". Well, I read it and it has changed my life and finances. When the other books gave me a direction, "Breaking The Money Barriers" filled in all the pieces for me. I would strongly urge everyone to read and benefit from the wealth of knowledge this author has to share.

Not worth it
This book is all over the map, alternating between motivational gibberish ("Don't EVER give up!"), basic financial theory ("Spend less than you earn") and dangerous advice ("Make your money grow at least 20% monthly"). Read "The Richest Man in Babylon" instead. It's cheaper and it has better advice.

**Awesome Clarity** for Life & Finances
What a find! I was overwhelmed with the 1000s of books out there about success. Thank God I found this one. Duckett lays out the path for finding your life purpose in 4 easy steps, how to put it into action, how to create the finances to live it, how to balance your life and build wealth, have fun along the way, and so much more. Packed with testimonies, and simple, fun, and easy-to-implement ideas for creating what you want in life. WOW!

TOO BASIC!!
If you are in High School or know very little about Success
or Financial Principles, then this book might be for you.
Otherwise for anyone else,this is nothing more than basic
motivational pap that can be found in thousands of other
self-help books. NOT WORTH IT! ... Read more

Book Description

Foremost guide solves the problems of relocating, with solid, real world information on how to:
• Evaluate a new location
• Reassure worried children and aging relatives
• Find real estate agents you can trust
• Juggle selling and buying your homes on a tight deadline
• 374 page book with 119 pages of forms, sample contracts, check off evaluators and extensive website contact list. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Decent content, but...
NO INDEX! IMHO, A book (especially one used for reference) is only as good as it's index. No index? No good.

Steiner's Complete How-To-Move Handbook
This is the most complete book on moving that I have ever read. It delivers the promised information in a very readable and entertaining text. Some of its best features include the great worksheets, charts, sample forms, lists and timelines which will assist anyone in planning and accomplishing a successful move. I have made 9 or 10 moves in the past 25 years and can say, unequivocably, that although I have read (and used) many nice "moving" books...this is absolutely the BEST!!!

A great read but somewhat outdated unfortunately
The book covers almost all topics of moving in a thorough way that really conveys a lot of information in a short space. I planned to move from NJ to Florida & it really prepared me for the moving process. Although I didn't make the move, I did hire movers within NJ and I felt much more prepared having read this book. I've heard horror stories of people's goods being held hostage for more money, broken items, missing items, the book covered it all and told what to do in case that happens. It gives you enough information, however, to avoid such disreputable movers in the first place.

One area where it falls short (unfortunately) is the internet. There are many, many resoucrs on the net and the book doesn't cover enough of them IMHO. This book was written in 1999 though, and can sort of be excused I guess. I think that they would be well advised to do an update in a year or two with more coverage of resources for moving on the net. That'd be worth five stars then...

Everything you need to master a home move
Authors Clyde and Shari Steiner have completed 19 residential moves in five countries so they are well-qualified to write this unique and very complete book. Virtually nothing involving a household move is left out. The authors discuss reasons for moving, employment considerations, income tax aspects, home sales and purchases, renting and virtually everything to consider when changing residences. Strong emphasis is placed on how moves affect children and how to minimize problems. For example, the authors recommend moving during the school year, rather than in summer, so children will quickly make friends at their new school. This well-researched book has something for virtually every reader. If a topic doesn't interest you skip it because there are many more subjects which will be of interest. My favorite was how to handle and negotiate with moving companies. Although the authors discuss do-it-yourself moves they realize that isn't practical for most families so they explain the mover pitfalls to anticipate. They even rate moving companies. Review by Robert Bruss

Amazing!
This tops every moving book I've ever read! If anything has been left out, I can't image what it is. It even includes great tips for job hunting before you arrive. Spending a few hours with Steiner will save you a ton of stress ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Everything I needed to know!
This book is thoughtfully written, about a very confusing topic for the rest of us. Sue Winner is clearly an expert. A must buy if you are planning a wedding and you didn't win the lottery. ... Read more

Book Description

The Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 will have far-reaching effects on two popular retirement savings plans: the IRA and 401(k).

Asemployees shoulder more responsibility for retirement investing, many enroll in their employers’ 401(k) plans without adequate information to build long-term security. Detailing the benefits and values of 401(k) plans in straightforward language, retirement program expert David L. Wray has put together a comprehensive guide for employees. Wray provides clear and thorough answers to such questions as:

• What are the advantages of participating in 401(k) plans?

• How do employers’ roles and contributions impact the most successful 401(k) plans?

• How will the 2001 tax bill affect 401(k) plans?

• How can investing early make a difference?

• What should investors do as they approach and move into retirement?

From responding to current market conditions to understanding recent tax law modifications governing 401(k) plans, this is the must-have reference for every employee. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An easy read to navigate the 401k maze and myths
This book is an easy to read, easy to understand guide for those people interested in their retirement - and who isn't? With all the myriad of articles and books on the market, this book will guide you to the most important points to understand about planning for your retirement.

Read it! ... Read more

Book Description

Parents are suffering from college "sticker shock." They read of increasing tuitions and agonize over how they can afford the best school for their children. Kristin Davis contends that things are better than they may seem. In Financing College, she demystifies every aspect of the college aid process, helping parents estimate their bottom line--how much of the total costs a college will actually expect the family to contribute. And that's pretty much the same whether the child's applying to a chic expensive school or a more modestly priced public or private institution.

This guide will help parents and their children:

Choose a school that meets their educational and financial goals.

Maximize savings, invest for high return, and reduce the tax bite.

Negotiate with financial aid officers.

Get the lowest-cost loans.

Apply for scholarships the smart way.

Whether parents are launching a long-term savings plan for young children or scrambling to pay next year's tuition bills for today's high school seniors, Financing College provides the strategies they need to afford the best education possible. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Disagree strongly with previous negative reviews
I think the author was treated unfairly in the some of the earlier reviews. They must have been referring to the older editions of the book. The current edition of the book does talk about the new 529 plans without becoming an accounting textbook. What I like about Davis' treatment of the subject is the "you can do it yourself" approach instead of being a referral tool to financial advisors. Especially valuable is the worksheet on federal financial aid which gives one the ability to see how changes in one's finances can change computed financial need. Most financial aid websites just give you a grand total without explaining how the numbers were calculated. This isn't a book for those who love mind-numbing detail, but it is a good basic guide for getting started with a college savings plan.

This is a new edition, published in September 2001
This book is terrifically up to date. I wonder how the three people who gave it one star reviewed it five months before it was published. If they'd read the current edition (or any. I wonder just who these three people were who all happened to have reviewed the book on April 6. I smell a rat.), they would have found it to be wonderfully current, well written, comprehensive. Anyone with kids--whether teens approaching college or tots--would benefit from this book.

Don't Waste Your Time or Money on Tired Stuff
Should be called "Financing College in the 1990s." But it's now 2001 and a lot of the suggestions in this old clunker of a book just don't hold water any more. Lots of free web sites run by state treasurer's office will give you current advice on newer college investing plans and it's free. Also check out Nellie Mae or Sallie Mae which are not-for-profit organizations that arrange for money so that kids or adults can afford to go to college. Skip this book however because it's N-O-T worth it.

Poorly Written and Stale
I didn't notice that this insipid book was published more than three years ago and a lot has changed since then!

Tax-advantaged college savings investments have improved--some have even been created--since this stale book was written. Even qualifying for financial aid isn't what it was back in the old days when this book was published.

This author should either update this relic or stop selling out of date advice. In the meantime check out the multitude of free web sites that give better and also current advice.

NOT HELPFUL -- Out of Date Advice
Many of the college savings plans as well as the rules for qualifying for financial aid have changed substantially since this book was written three years.

This old book caused my kids to lose out on money that they could have gotten:

1) It doesn't even mention many of the new and improved college savings and investing plans that are now available.

2) And the rules for qualifying for financial aid have changed significantly since this book was published so this book omits viable options. ... Read more

Book Description

In a conversational style that is easy to understand and apply, this volume provides readers with an understanding of the legal details associated with successful estate planning. Now in its Third Edition, it covers such areas as wills, the probate process, trusts and their uses in estate planning, property ownership, the special needs of the disabled, and others. Ideal for Financial Planners, Estate Planning Practitioners, Attorneys, Trust Officers, Life Insurance Agents, and anyone involved in tax calculations. ... Read more

Book Description

In this invaluable book, author Deborah McCoy shares her expertise as a wedding consultant by providing advice, common sense tips, and inventive solutions to save expectant brides from the industry's pressure to spend more money than their budgets will permit. The Elegant Wedding And The Budget-Savvy Bride will guide brides-to-be through each stage of planning a wedding, including choosing the wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses, rings, flowers, invitations, wedding cake, reception site, honeymoon, and so much more. With her soothing, professional, and humorous tone, Deborah McCoy provides positive counsel on creating a beautiful wedding without going into debt. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Some good ideas, but a bad attitude
Deborah McCoy plays the role of the M-I-L from hell, whose advice you might appreciate, but whose snarky tone just sets your teeth on edge. You can practically hear her telling a bride, "Oh, dear, you DID plan on loosing some of that weight, didn't you?" Some of her tips on cutting costs without sacrificing quality were very helpful, but she just can't rein in the judgmental attitude that says, "Any bride who doesn't do it MY WAY is a horrible horrible person whose friends will all hate her." McCoy toots her own horn as a wedding planner over and over again, giving us at least one story per chapter about how she single-handedly saved some poor clueless bride's wedding day. Her tips would have been much more helpful if she were less rigid in her (often contradictory, often old-fashioned) etiquette and "elegance" rules. Her views on what is mandatory and what is unnecessary are completely out of touch with what most brides want, but she sets them down as absolutes that should not under any circumstances be deviated from. (For instance: Videographer, mandatory; limo, unnecessary. Hello???)
That said, she does offer some good tips, for instance recipes and instructions on making your own wedding cake and a great chapter on selecting engagement rings. If you can get this book from your library, you might glean some good ideas from it, but I would never recommend that you rely exclusively on this book when planning your wedding.

Some good tips, but...
...I liked the section on wedding cakes but I found some of Ms. McCoys' suggestions inconsistant. For example, she criticizes what she considers to be tasteless choices such as "Cinderella's castle" type wedding invitations but then presents information on how to make your own invitations which are every bit as cutesy as the kind she deplores. Besides, unless the creative force behind handcrafted invitations is a trained artist of some kind, I would wager most recepients would automatically assume the bride could not afford "real" invitations.

The Wedding of Your Dreams on a Shoestring Budget
The author gives great advice on cutting the bills and keeping the frills. For example, our wedding looks like it cost the average $20,000+, but it is only costing 7,000 or less. The book is extremely detailed and gives step by step instructions and ideas on the wedding from start to finish. I really got a lot of use out of the wedding checklists, the recipes, and the suggested vendor list. I've read it cover to cover a few times and have found this resource to be *Extremely Helpful*. I've only bought one wedding planner book - THIS ONE! :)

Waste of $20
In my opinion, this book was very unuseful.I found it to be a waste of $20. In the first few pages the author states..."A wedding is not a time to have it your way." She also feels that having portraits of the bride and groom or running videos of their love story in the reception "..is vulgar. A wedding is not supposed to convey a message to the guests that says, "I'm Queen For A Day," or "Look At Me!" Personally, I found this to be insulting. Of course the wedding day is supposed to be the bride and grooms' day to shine and to hare that day with the ones you love. In my opinion, you can find friendly and realistic advise in "Bridal Bargains" by Denise and Alan Fields or "How to Have a Big Wedding on a Small Budget" by Diane Warner. These books realize how important this day is to the couple and also present useful information on how to make it your day without the wasted money.

Not as usefull as we wanted it to be!
Neither me or my fiance like this particularly much. As for me, the book was not as well written as I would have hoped and the examples are not very practical. To bad, it could have been a good wedding advice book. As it is , he Elegant Wedding and the Budget-Savvy Bride : How to Have the Wedding of Your Dreams for Half the Price is merely adequate. ... Read more

Book Description

For all of us whose financial lives look like our shoe closets, Kathy Kristof's Complete Book of Dollars and Sense is here to help.Specially designed to help readers sort through the tangle of bills and budgets, plans and projections, it offers simple steps to organize and take charge of our confusing finances.From putting together a beginners budget to creating a lifelong financial strategy, buying life insurance, or setting up a retirement plan, Kathy Kristof shows you how simple it is to find the answers. Best of all, Kristof has turned the complex financial formulas used by financial planners into a simple worksheet available in the book and on a special menu-driven Internet website.Now, anyone with a computer can quickly and easily perform an array of financial calculationsfrom what you need to put aside for a child's college expenses to how much you'll save on your mortgage by paying it off early.Kathy Kristofs Complete Book of Dollars and Sense shows you how easy it is to become your own financial planner. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

It's a great book.
Everyone should read this book!Now!It's the best book ever!It helped me through all of my financial problems.Buy it right now! I said NOW!Thank you for reading my input on this book{It's the truth!} ... Read more