Book Description

For the burgeoning number of baby boomers, retirement is barreling full-steam ahead. And for many of them, having spent their lives focused more on consumption than on saving and investing, the future is looking pretty meager.

According to a recent study by the AARP, the average boomer's net worth is less than $50,000--far less than a person needs to retire comfortably. The good news, though, is that it's not too late to rectify the situation.

The Procrastinator's Guide to Financial Security supplies a crash course in the fundamentals of money management. In a clear, straightforward way--but with a tone that stresses the urgency of the situation--the book helps readers develop the knowledge, skills, and discipline they need to secure a comfortable retirement. They'll find sound advice and step-by-step strategies on how to:

* Curb their impulse spending and get out of debt
* Set up a financial plan and stick to their budget
* Estimate the annual income they need to retire and use IRAs and salary deferral programs to reach that goal
* Make savvy financial decisions concerning life insurance, refinancing a home, and saving for college tuition
* Develop a personal investment philosophy
* Practice smart investment strategies designed to increase wealth--plus much more. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Stop procrastinating with your finances
This is an excellent book to have a good understanding of all aspects of your personal finances. David Teitelbaum presents all financial planning issues with an easy-reading style that is both clear and educational. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in having a well-rounded knowledge of personal finances. Every chapter of the book presents a number of useful web addresses on related subjects that are excellent for further reading and a more in-depth understanding of certain issues. It is never too late to get this book. Stop procrastinating with your personal finances!

Not Just for Baby Boomers
I highly recommend this wonderful book to anyone who wants to learn how to take control of their financial future. The financial truths in this book apply to Generation X and Boomers alike. Mr. Teitelbaum makes the complex seem simple and takes the mystery out of investing. He has written this book for people who are not financial experts, so you can feel confident that his book can and will help you learn how to handle your finances. Mr. Teitelbaum explains the world of personal investing in a smooth, easy-reading style. So, whether you are a beginning investor or somewhat experienced, this book can serve as an invaluable resource. Mr. Teitelbaum champions the get quick slowly approach to investing based in common sense and long-term planning. If you are interested in building wealth but are prone to a get-rich-quick approach, then this book is the tonic you need. Mr. Teitelbaum addresses all of the building blocks to wealth creation including: sensible budeting, ridding yourself of expensive debt, developing a savings plan and developing a solid long-term investment plan. Also, he provides valuable insight into the usual suspects (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, life insurance and annuites) and explains how they fit within a broader investment philosophy. Mr. Teitelbaum gives broad coverage to so many areas of personal finance that his book will also serve as a great reference guide. He also, shows you where to find out more information about a particular financial topic. I consider this book a great achievement, and it will undoubtedly help many people. I highly recommend this book. I give it 5 stars!!!

Knowledge Is Power
The author makes a very good point in this book--that most of us are not taught in school this basic life skill of budgeting and investing our money. He makes another good point that the quality of each person's life in retirement will depend to a great extent to how well he/she has planned and invested, because no longer do most of us work for paternal companies that take care of us. Even the federal government's retirement plans are not what they once were. We're expected to make more and more choices for ourselves, and most of us are oblivious about what we'll have in retirement. We also don't want to think about long-term care, but we can see how important it is as we look around and see our parents needing care and are suddenly surprised to see that Medicare/Medicaid doesn't go far. I, for one, never was exposed to any of the basics, and I admit have no head for it. My eyes glaze over at the mention of dollars and cents. But this book is so easy to follow and so logical that I feel like the author is personally holding me by the hand and starting me out with Step One. There are background chapters about, for example, how Social Security got started; how it used to work; how it works now; and what we can and can't expect it to do for us in retirement. There is an excellent index that enables the reader to search for specific topics. There are easy-to-follow headings on things like What Drives Up the Market, Paying for Long-Term Care, and Buying Mutual Funds At Banks. The author even includes website information, which makes the book all the more useful. In short, this is a basic handbook--not just for baby boomers, but for younger people starting out. I've given two copies to recent college graduates entering the workforce because I don't want them to be as oblivious as I was for so many years. I want to thank the author for opening my eyes before it was too late!

Not Just for Baby Boomers
Though this book is aimed at baby boomers, I, who have been collecting Social Security for several years, found the book illuminating and educational. Like most Americans, I grew up disinterested in what I perceived to be too difficult in learning more about savings and investing - both how to do it and why they are both so important. I'd certainly be more comfortable in retirement now had I had this knowledge years ago! In addition, numbers have always baffled me. David Teitelbaum's book provided an easy gateway to learning about financing retirement, getting out of debt, how to start investing, and how the markets work. His writing is warm, friendly, and easy to follow, and you certainly feel that he cares about you as well as what he is writing about. I particularly found the chapter on Family, with its discussions on life insurance, long-term care planning, and wealth transfer, both useful and helpful. Because of what I have learned from his book, I am encouraging my adult children and grandchildren to read it and be more prepared than I was.

You have to read this!
This is the book you need to work towards financial security. It's never too late to start and David Teitelbaum makes you feel like you really can do it. This book is one of the best financial planning books on the market. The writing is easy to understand and it makes sense. You can't help but feel David Teitelbaum's passion about good financial planning -- for everyone. Get the book and start taking steps towards your healthy financial future. You can do it! ... Read more

Book Description

Simple, understandable, practical advice on how to get rich, how to be rich, and how to stay rich. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Provided a lot of insight.
This book was very easy to read and understand. Even if you are far from wealthy this book should be should be a part of your personal library. ... Read more

Book Description

One of America's hottest young financial advisors shows how people of all incomes can tremendously increase their financial status. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

This book totally changed my attitude towards money.
This book totally changed how I viewed money and my attitude towards it. Tod Barnhart's well thought out logic about the 'Wealthy Mindset' and the 'Dream Traps' and even a brilliant section on 'How To Use This Book Effectively' really illuminated my misunderstandings about money and what I needed to do if I wanted to achieve financial success. (And I'm not a financial failure by any means!) This book was easy to read, fun, and had lots of interesting antecdotes that drove home each point in a visual story that I could definately relate to. There was some goal setting, which I needed to do, and I feel all the better for it. I highly reccommend this book.

pillars of your wealth -- and your dreams
Easy and fun to read, and very inspirational. Tod's book not only got me on my financial feet, it spurred me to reawaken my dreams--in my religious life, my career, my marriage. Tod's book is not as chock full of the tactics of making money as you might perhaps expect or desire. That's because Tod's money advice isn't nearly as valuable as his message--that the quality and depth of your life and your dreams is what really forms the five pillars of your wealth. PS. If you're a Tony Robbins guy, buy this book. It's like a syllabus from one of Tony's master trainers--many of the same ideas, but said yet one more, different way that might get you to take action at last. It could be the start of something big for you.

"Informative and interesting"
I liked this book. The concepts it contains are simple to understand, in fact, sometimes too simplified. This book is almost completely about finances, which is an imperative subject to understand, and follow, if one is ever to have financial stability or wealth. I hoped this would have been more of a feel good motivational book, along the lines of Tony Robbins, but it isn't that kind of book at all. This book does show its age, as it was written in the mid nineties, however, with the current resurrgence of the stock market I can look back and see some of the financial mistakes I've made since that time. When I began reading this book I felt the author lacked a deep understanding as a financier, however, by the time I'd read about half the book I was convinced that He is concerned about the welfare of those he teaches and inspires. In comparison with a book like Rich Dad Poor Dad, well, this book blows that one away. Hopefully you will read this review and skip that one.

Tony Robbins' Top Financial Student Gets an "A"!
Here's a truly excellent book on wealth. What most people aren't aware of (as a student of Tony Robbins Wealth Mastery Course) is that the power of belief precedes all planning and action. So to the average person there may not appear to be enough advice on what to do. But the most leverage really comes from the financial mindset and the wealth blueprints.

The highlights of this book include: great quotations, clear charts and tables, and a thorough understanding of wealth unconsciousness (taught by Tony Robbins).

I guess Tony won't be writing a finance book because this one tells about all there needs to be said at this level (belief and planning).

For those who are looking for stock market advice (since the author is a stockbroker), his simple advice on buying the 10 highest yielding Dow stocks is really great. And if that's too much for investors to comprehend, then just buy an Index fund of the Dow (DIA). The key here is long-term passive investing in the highest-quality American companies. Active investing is a full-time job for pros. Daytrading is for dummies.

There are too many gimmicky books on finance (too simple, for women only, Rich Dad's, etc.). This book is one of the truly great ones.

This should be a regular subject in Public Schools
Sure they teach you all the math about money in high school. But this book is the "real deal" on setting up an attitude about your money. If we all could just go back in time and use the tips in this book. ahhh. ... Read more

Book Description

Praise for THE MILLIONAIRE CODE

"A wonderfully worthy book, especially in an era when the wrong kind of capitalism has been in the driver’s seat. The Millionaire Code is about something far more noble than money–the joy of living your life to the fullest simply by finding what it is you love to do, and then doing it. ‘Hats off’ to Paul Farrell for picking up where William Shakespeare left off: ‘This above all: to thine own self be true.’"
–John C. Bogle
Founder and former CEO, The Vanguard Group

"To make your savings grow, you need to know three things: the way the markets work, the way market history works, and the way you work. Let Paul Farrell take you on an enlightening, enjoyable, and profitable journey to the inner self of the successful investor."
–William J. Bernstein, PhD, MD
author of The Four Pillars of Investing: Lessons for Building a Winning Portfolio and The Intelligent Asset Allocator

"Combining personality theory, solid investment advice, and Zen philosophy, Paul Farrell demonstrates concretely how necessary it is to combine your personality and investing styles in order to create meaningful wealth. If you want to learn what it takes to develop your own unique investment strategy–the only kind likely to succeed–this is the book to get."
–Dr. Richard Geist
Clinical Instructor, Department of Psychiatry (Psychology)
Harvard Medical School

"An important work. Leave it to Paul Farrell to provide a truly unique insight into the minds of millionaire investors. I have been impressed with Paul Farrell’s work for many years. His latest book, The Millionaire Code, provides an important contribution to the world of investing. Truly unique insights."
–Charles Carlson
author, Eight $teps to $even Figures: The Investment Strategies of Everyday Millionaires and How You Can Become Wealthy Too

"It’s often said that if you don’t know who you are, Wall Street is an expensive place to find out. By helping you understand more about yourself, this book will help you become a more successful investor."
–Ric Edelman
Chairman, Edelman Financial Services, author of Ordinary People, Extraordinary Wealth, and Discover the Wealth Within You ... Read more

Reviews (4)

This is New-Age, Feel Good Investing, People
You gotta wonder about the kind of person who would write a book with 'Millionaire' in the title, especially a book written written on the subject by someone claiming to have a PhD. Then again, you gotta wonder about the kind of person who would read a book with the word 'Millionaire' in the title, but enough self-incrimination.

The Millionaire Code starts off with the right idea in mind. The author posits that the key to wealth-building begins with understanding one's unique personality, and he uses the (in)famous Myers-Briggs Personality Type Indicator test as a basis for pinpointing some general aspects of one's personality. Mr. Farrell then uses a variation of the Myers-Briggs test to identify 16 different personality types, analyze some general characteristics of each, and then recommend financial courses of action for each.

The book is liberally sprinkled with lots of Jungian-influenced pop-psychology, notable business quotes by the likes of none other than Warren Buffett and Donald Trump, among others, and is filled to the brim with excerpts from some of the more popular (and more obscure) self-help books. Because of this, I am not really sure how much of the book is the author's own original contribution, and at times I had to wonder about the integrity of the mix.

The book itself is structured in four parts. The first two parts lay out the foundation for the author's assertion that personality is the key to investing, and calls upon the works of Carl Jung, Isabel Myers-Briggs, and David Keirsey for support. It is here that the author boldly states that one's DNA determines one's financial destiny, and this is one claim that I find to be specious (and also unprovable) and which also shows the New Age, pop-LA cultural influence that is also liberally distributed throughout the text. In Part Two he provides a test for the reader to determine his or her personality type.

From there, the book becomes less insightful and original, and more repetitive shaky. Part Three consists of many generalizations about four temperaments to which supposedly every person can be categorized. Part Four presents the sixteen personality types based on these temperaments, and does even more generalizing about the characteristics common to each personality. For each personality, he offers some general comments on the types of profession people having this personality would gravitate to (and apparently most personalities gravitate toward the same professions), and offers some basic advice on personal financial planning for each. It is in this aspect that the book is weakest, as the advice on personal financial planning boils down to either: let a professional financial planner handle your financial affairs (for those whose personalities label them as performers, teacher-healers or artisans), go it alone (for those whose personalities label them as managers, administrators or leaders), or simply to not worry about it, forget about it and focus on other things (for those whose personalities label them as thinkers).

I highly doubt that one would meet with much financial success if one were to follow Mr. Farrell's dubious courses of action. Still, the book is useful, especially for those of us looking to feel better about ourselves and our stance towards personal finance. Each chapter begins and ends with a notable quote, and the author does provide a detailed list for further reading (which Farrell calls the Millionaire's Basic Training Library). Probably the most important chapters in the book are the first, second and epilogue.

The book as a whole is partly anecdotal, with some biographical tidbits about the author placed here and there, and is partly spiritual. This latter part probably reflects the impact that Marsha Sinetar's excellent book, Do What You Love, The Money Will Follow, had on the author. As such, I believe the book deserves to be read, partly for the great quotes from the diverse likes of Joseph Campbell, Carl Jung, Gary Zukav, and Buckminster Fuller, and mostly for entertainment.

That said, I impress upon all readers to enjoy the book, and not take it too seriously, as more than a few of its assertions are rather tenuous. Still, being a fan of Mr. Farrell's frank commentary in his articles for CBS Marketwatch, I must commend him for having the courage to share a part of himself with us and for putting the interesting subject of personality and investing on the spotlight. In passing, much of the book could be used as a source of great fodder for some outstanding fiction.

Finally, this book does not take the reader off the hook for his or her financial decisions. Though it may offer some insight into how we approach (or should approach) our finances, it provides no excuse for not thinking and reasoning about what we are doing when we say that we are 'investing'.

Quit Waiting for that Phantom Tax Cut and Pick Up This Book!
This is a book which will help you starting thinking
about your approach to life and finances... Less directly
helpful than inspirational...

Very Enlightening
This book provided a great insight into myself. I've never really associated personalities with wealthbuilding, but this book made me examine and evaluate myself, which caused me to realize i was looking at things in the wrong way. The author suggests to leverage your personality type by choosing a path to wealth that you will feel fulfilled by. This is a great read for anybody looking to find a direction for their career and life.

Paul Farrell is the best!
This book is great fun to read, and it couldn't be easier to use. The Millionaire Code is based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, and Farrell's book shows that each "type" thinks about money in a different way, handles money in a different way, and builds wealth in a different way. In the book, you take a simple test, discover which one of 16 Myers-Briggs types you are, and then learn how you should handle your money and investments. And it actually works! ... Read more

Book Description

The most demanded information from DebtSmart®! How to stop the banks from taking advantage of you, get the best lending deals, get financially organized, pick the right mortgage, make more money, finance your next car, personal stories, Q&A, and much more! Scott Bilker, author of "How to be more Credit Card and Debt Smart," is also the creator of DebtSmart.com and the author of the best-selling book, "Credit Card and Debt Management." ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Excellent book! Gotta love this guy!
What a valuable book. Read it cover-to-cover yesterday morning -- called my credit card companies in the afternoon and trust me -- I saved far more than the cost of the book ... including shipping! This book should be required reading for anyone who has credit debt. In fact, I think it should be added to all high school and college curriculums. Excellent purchase plus turned me on to the companion website ...

Taking the stress out of learning about credit!
"I have enjoyed reading it! What I like about "How to be more Credit Card and Debt Smart" is the way it is written is like having a conversation with a friend. Picture it like this, instead of two people but a person and the book sitting at a table with a nice warm mug of Starbucks (that I brewed of
course) and learning about credit issues in a relaxing and easy to remember format."
--Susie Marion ... Read more

Book Description

The absolute bottom line on wealth creation and preservation. The first financial book for the new millenium. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Using Insurance to protect your estate
I am not a big fan of life insurance and insurance products. Having been at one time a sales rep for one of the big three insurance companies, I am acutely aware of the shenanigans that transpire.Too many young and struggling people get suckered into buying life insurance for all the wrong reasons.Barry Kaye, on the other hand, does make a strong case for insurance as an estate tool for the 'Wealthy'. People who have already amassed great wealth and are looking for a way to reduce estate taxes and leave more cash for their heirs.It's been said that while you are alive the IRS will take everything they can and when you die they will get everything they missed. How true!70-ish retireees worried about the stock market will find the advice on pensions, profit sharing, 401 (k) and IRA Maximizer very useful.Savers with low/non growth savings accounts and other similiar financial instruments that are purported to be "safe" will find a better alternative here.The book profiles 10 case studies. Case study #10-Create $6 million for $3500 a year should appeal to many.If you have already amassed great wealth and need some strategies to preserve your wealth and want to leave more to your heirs, this book is for you. If you are looking to create wealth, you will be better off with More Wealth Without Risk or You've Earned it Don't Lose it.In any event, it is interesting reading for anyone seeking to create wealth and reduce or eliminate estate taxes.

Estate Tax Planning Using Life Insurance for Wealthy People
If you are 60 or over and are worth over two million dollars, you will probably get ideas for estate tax planning from this book that your estate planning lawyer will not think of. If you are not that old or not that wealthy, the book will probably not be as useful for you. However, if you plan to be worth over two million by the time you are 60, you will find some ideas to help you get there.

One word of caution is appropriate for you here that the book does not discuss. Congress is trying to pass revisions in estate taxes that would eliminate most of the problems for which solutions are described in the book. President Clinton has vetoed that legislation recently. Keep tracking what is going on with estate taxes in Congress. Otherwise, you may be working on solving some problems that you don't have.

As a CLU (Chartered Life Underwriter) with 38 years of experience, Mr. Kaye knows all of the tricks -- certainly he knows more than any life insurance agent who has ever called on me. He also describes strategies that I have not heard from estate planners, as well. They seem sound, based on the data presented here. But you may get different numbers when you check into it for yourself, so caveat emptor (let the buyer beware).

Most of the concepts are built around the tax advantages of life insurance. It accumulates tax free and you can use it to pay your estate taxes. Unless you are wealthy, you won't have estate taxes.

Mr. Kaye wrote this book, in part, as a response to the book, Die Broke. He counters that "He who lives rich, dies rich."

If you belong to the school that you want to pile up wealth, Mr. Kaye can help you. If you belong to the school of enjoying all the wealth for yourself while your're alive, his help will be less beneficial.

People have historically used life insurance as income protection for a family. This book balances that perspective with ideas for how life insurance can help with wealth creation, estate planning, charitable giving, diversification, and risk reduction.

If you get tired of hearing a constant pitch for life insurance as the answer to all of your problems, you probably won't finish the book. But, be sure to look at the 10 case histories near the end for the case with a person whose situation is most like your own. You will probably get a useful idea or two. I suggest that you do check these ideas out with your financial advisor and tax attorney, given the changing estate tax environment, before doing anything.

Good luck with pursuing your financial goals, whatever they are!

... Read more

Book Description

o

By one of the world’s most widely-known business speakers and author of the bestselling Maximum Achievement (over 250,000 copies sold)
o Provides a wealth of practical advice anyone can use to become a self-made millionaire
o Over 2 million people have heard Brian Tracy speak and more than 1.5 million have purchased his audio and video programs The 21 Success Secrets of Self-Made Millionaires shows how anyone, no matter what their station in life at this moment, can become a millionaire. The advice in this booklet is based on Brian Tracy’s decades of careful analysis of the habits and practices of hundreds of self-made millionaires. According to Tracy, successful people are simply those who practice these 21 success secrets. This small, inexpensive book provides a step-by-step formula to become a millionaire—starting from wherever you are today. You’ll learn how to set goals, make plans, and organize yourself to get more of what you really want in life. Use these practical,proven strategies and ideas to move ahead faster than you ever thought possible! Easy to read, easy to understand, and easy to apply, The 21 Success Secrets of Self-Made Millionaires offers a straightforward, eye-opening, life-affirming approach to how the world really works. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Outstanding piece of work!
I bought the video version of this same title back in the 80's along with Psychology of Success by Brian Tracy. In a world of fast talking, self serving promoters, it is refreshing to use the work by a master like Brian Tracy. Brian Tracy may be a new name to many of you even though he is the #1 best selling author of training programs for Nightingale-Conant and has been conducting seminars and producing audio/video training programs since 1983.My income has grown by more than 10 times as a result of following Brians ideas. I highly recommend this book and the video by Tracy. Psychology of Success and Psychology of Achievement are must listen to audio programs.Maximum Achievement is a must read book as well. Brian is the best.

Very Abridged Version of a Library on Personal Success
This book will mainly be valuable to people who love to read books about personal success, and want to have one brief volume that reminds them of everything they have read on the subject.

For those who do not know much about achieving success, the lessons here are usually presented in such a simplified way (without explaining much about why they work) that the meaning will be elusive.

Also, these rules "maximize" the opportunity for those who are truly obsessed about success and/or money. If you are interested in love, happiness, relationships, or having a great family, I think this book will put you out of balance and cost you in those areas.

Mr. Tracy is a very admirable man, and someone from whom we can learn. He is a self-made millionaire. In his comments here, I got one new idea for why. He grew up in Pomona, California. Every person I knew of his age who grew up in that town became extremely eager to overcome their childhood poverty. You may not be so obsessed.

Two things, however, annoy me (as usual) about Mr. Tracy's book. First, he doesn't ever choose to credit anyone whose work he draws on in another book. A great deal of this material (almost verbatim) comes directly from Anthony Robbins' books and courses. Second, the book is often an advertisement for Mr. Tracy's many tapes, seminars, and other books. I get 90 pages-long advertising paperbacks in the mail all the time that are written much like this book. The main difference is that I don't have to pay for those. I think that this advertising is out of place in a book that people purchase.

I graded the book down two stars for these flaws.

The strength of this book is that it contains many brief exercises that will help you begin to develop more useful habits. I hope you will do them. If you do the exercises, you can virtually ignore the text, except for where you want a little insight into why you are doing the exercise.

Without the exercises, I would have graded the book down to two stars to reflect the overly minimal exposition in the 21 essays.

A fundamental weakness of the book is that the 21 rules here could have been boiled down into about 9 points. Many of the concepts overlap one another more than they differ.

Rather than give you the list of the 21, let me distill the book for you instead. It basically says: dream of something that excites you, do things that you enjoy that you are great at, establish goals in writing, keep focused on those goals, develop your skills (Covey's Sharpen the Saw) regularly every day, put the needs of others ahead of yourself, be a decent human being, connect with others, don't entirely ignore your health, work very hard, save some money and invest it, and take action as soon as possible!

You could read Benjamin Franklin and find the same points and have more fun. If you are a young person, that's exactly what I recommend that you do. Old Ben knew how to enjoy life along the way, and was one of the greatest Americans of all time. You will find yourself admiring him. Poor Richard's Almanac is often very pithy on these subjects, so you'll save reading time in the process. People will be more impressed if you quote Ban than Mr. Tracy.

After you finish reading and applying Mr. Tracy's exercises, ask yourself how you can organize your day to have time for all of these activities and whatever else is important in your life. I suggest that you use Life Strategies and the workbook that goes with it to put it all into perspective. Those exercises will help you accomplish these results as well.

Be sure to take care of your health, happiness, and peace before you start focusing too much on prosperity!

Useful despite it size.
I like this book and certainly learn a lot from it. I actually use what is mention in this book as a checklist (add some other "criteria" of my own which i think is important to me) to guide my everyday bahavior. Some particular "secret" mentioned did have very positive impact on me life.

Concise, simple, clear, positive and practical despite it size. A thin book. One only need to invest very little time to read, but the return is well-worth.

Eloquent and Practical
Long ago while growing up in Chicago, I read two books which have had a lasting impact on my personal and professional development: Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People and Napoleon Hill's Think and Grow Rich. I make it a point to re-read both at least once a year; also Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography. My guess (only a guess) is that these three books have also had a positive and lasting impact on Brian Tracy. Their influence is suggested in this book as are the Four Gospels and Saint Paul's various Letters in the New Testament.

However, we all realize that each of us must assume full responsibility for our successes and failures in life. The most valuable lessons we learn are from our own experiences, especially from failures. Tracy notes that "more than 90% of all financially successful people today started out broke or nearly broke. The average self-made millionaire has been bankrupt or nearly bankrupt 3.2 times." Hmmm. He chose self-made millionaires as the focal point of this book "because these people had demonstrated social qualities and behaviors that were observable and measurable." He offers 21 "success secrets," most of which are really not secrets. I would be very surprised if any one of them is unfamiliar to anyone who reads this book.

For me, this is the key point: No matter what we read and how carefully we read it, now matter how much wisdom is provided by what we read, NOTHING beneficial will result unless and until we embrace appropriate values, then make decisions and take appropriate actions which are guided and informed by those values.

Tracy insists that success is predictable. I presume to add, that the same is true of failure. "Your greatest responsibility is to dream big dreams, decide exactly what you want, make a plan to achieve it, practice the strategies in this book, take action every single day in the direction of your dreams and goals, and resolve [as Churchill urges] to never, never, never give up." Throughout his book, Tracy does indeed recommend specific strategies to follow and includes a series of Action Exercises to complete. In that event, "You become unstoppable and your success becomes inevitable."

Hill, Carnegie, Franklin, and countless others do indeed share the credit for whatever I may have achieved in my life thus far but only I am responsible for what remains of that life.

It is not enough to read and admire Tracy's book. As I have previously indicated, the challenge is to embrace appropriate values, then make decisions and take appropriate actions which are guided and informed by those values. The extent to which we respond to that challenge will determine whether or not we succeed or fail when pursuing whatever our dreams may be.

Inspiring
I like this book because it was short and to the point. I read it in an evening. ... Read more

Book Description

This practical guide to the probate process in Florida incorporates the most recent changes in the state's probate and estate administration laws and is divided into three main sections--Family Administration, Formal Administration and Summary Administration. The emphasis is on Family Administration, a simplified settlement procedure for estates of less than $60,000. New, easy-to-use, blank tear-out forms for all areas of administration are included in this edition. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

This book is fun, and easy to understand.
This book is really helpful, and easy to understand. Even if your finances are a mess right now, it tells you how to straighten them out. It gives good examples of how to get started investing. You don't have to spend all your money on lottery tickets to retire wealthy. ... Read more

Book Description

Praise for Last Chance to Get It Right!

"Tom Moore is one of the capable professionals who made me look good in the last thirty years of my forty-five year career at A.G. Edwards & Sons. He has put together a primer which should help both new and veteran investors understand financial markets and alternatives, and gain a direction and common-sense approach to their estate planning."
–Benjamin F. Edwards III, Chairman Emeritus
A. G. Edwards & Sons

"Tom Moore’s grasp of the problems of retirement planning is superb; his methods of solving those problems unrivalled."
–Richard Austin, past president of Templeton Funds Annuity Company
currently a Retirement Income Planning Consultant

"Tom has spelled out in plain English, just what it takes to create and implement a successful retirement plan. Boomers and non-boomers alike, will find his step-by-step road map very helpful."
–M. Ellen Simmons, JD, CPA

Between Social Security uncertainty and uneasiness in the stock market, Americans today face a more uncertain financial future than at any time in decades. Ironically, our response to this growing emergency is to spend more, save less, and put off necessary preparations until tomorrow.

Buckle up, because tomorrow has arrived. Last Chance to Get It Right! outlines a step-by-step program designed to help you:

• Increase the size of your nest egg–for a long, enjoyable retirement
• Slash your income tax bill–both today and throughout your life
• Reduce your estate taxes–to preserve the assets you fought so hard to build

Are you truly prepared for the financial future facing you and your family? Let Last Chance to Get It Right! give you the knowledge and tools you need to stop making financial mistakes today–and put more money in your pocket tomorrow. ... Read more

Book Description

This enlightening guidebook turns estate planning into a process of financial education and spiritual growth for the whole family. Written by a highly qualified, interdisciplinary team—a well-respected estate planner and two clinical psychologists with a focus on family counseling—it teaches wealthy families how to build estate plans that include non-material aspects such as family values and character strengths.

Topics include inherited money myths and the role money plays in a happy family; how parents model their children’s values; teaching children about money; building healthy families where there is unequal wealth; and communicating about money. Wealthy parents will find their most disturbing morals issues addressed with competence and empathy, such as:

Will money corrupt my child? Isn’t value-based estate planning a form of "ruling from the grave"? What can I do if one of my children is a big disappointment?

Examples are drawn from the authors’ practice and include families of all structures and histories—married, divorced and single parents and those with previous marriages. Also includes is an estate planning roadmap showing how to protgect assets and lessen taxes. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Somewhat Useful, but Disappointing
This book is somewhat useful, but I found it disappointing and I am returning it. It is comprised of mostly forms and blank pages to write notes etc. I can but a notepad for that! Some hints are helpful, but this is not the book for me.

Excellant help when you need it most!
Thanks to Diane Warner's book, my husband and I were able to have a wonderful wedding. She covers everything you need to consider. It helped me to stay organized, keep my sanity intact and we were still able to make the house payments. I can't thank her enough!

very good advice on cost saving ideas
Diane Warner has been there and done that. She has alternative tips for ways to have a dream wedding without going into Ch. 11. Her ideas don't seem "chintzy." According to Warner there is a whole universe of talented friends out there, from florists to photographers to musicians. If you like her book, enjoy NOTES FROM THE M.O.B. (mother of the Bride) by Sherri Goodall, great ideas and humor from the POV of the mother of the bride. ... Read more

Book Description

How To Protect Your Family's Life Saving from Catastrophic Illness helps families protect assets both when there is time to plan through the use of long-term care insurance and in a crisis.This book gives you the latest information about how:Long-term care is financed including an in-depth look at why Medicare, the VA, and Medicaid will not pay for your care, to properly evaluate long-term care insurance, to choose an elder law attorney and insurance professional, to protect life savings in a crisis. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Indispensable Medicaid Primer
I have heard Harley Gordon speak on a number of occasions. He is forceful and to-the-point - and so is his book. Harley eschews legalese to deliver an easy-to-read discussion regarding Medicaid planning. This is source material for those in the insurance/financial planning arena and for those confronted with the prospect of spending down their assets prior to going on Medicaid, i.e. welfare. The material is presented in "Dick and Jane" fashion; it is an easy read. I recommend it to anyone who might be impacted in any way by Medicaid.

How to Protect Your Life Savings From Catastrophic Illness a
I f you wish to understand the subjects of Medicare and Medicaid as they relate to aging and long term care, this book is a must - and a "keeper". I am a 28-year insurance professional and have been involved in long term care insurance since 1988. I have heard Mr. Gordon speak on a number of occasions. He speaks as he writes - clear and to the point. An attorney, he avoids "legalese". Our insurance agency trains other insurance agents in long term care. I always recommend that they purchase this book. It is imperative that our prospects and clients understand what (limited) benefits they might receive from either of these government programs. Mr. Gordon makes a complex subject understandable. ... Read more

Book Description

Picking up where the smash bestseller The Millionaire Next Door leaves off, Getting Rich in America reveals eight simple, practical, commonsense rules anybody can follow to save a million dollars--without sacrificing quality of life. Based on years of research studying self-made millionaires, and a phi-losophy that has proven successful for the authors, internationally acclaimed economists Dwight R. Lee and Richard B. McKenzie unveil a profound truth in the quest to become wealthy: Getting rich is a choice--and choosing to be rich, especially in America, has never been easier.

With its emphasis on achieving balance, Getting Rich in America is filled with exercises and easy-to-execute calculations that reveal how the "little things" really do add up and practical tips for saving and making your money work harder--so you don't have to.

Reviews (20)

Buy this book!
This book is my "pick of the week". I highly recommend this book to anyone who is trying to save for retirement. The book clearly maps out a course to follow to retirement wealth. I also liked that it wasn't all just numbers, the authors discussed the need for old fashioned values like honesty, determination and a good marriage. The examples that even people at the bottom rungs of the economic ladder can retire wealthy really hit home. I work with temp workers at my job from time to time and let me tell you, being poor is definitely a state of mind. None of them have a plan, all of them blame circumstance and all think winning the lottery is their only hope. I think this book is a must read whether you are scraping by as a temp or if you are making a bundle. Buy it, read it, live it! See you at the top!

Advice for the fearful!
This book was terrible, maybe the worst book I have read on investing. It was so basic I felt like I was in pre-school learning how to tie my shoes. It's a book for whimps who are full of fear and are too scared to do anything with their live's. There is even a section warning you not to use drugs. Come on..... Don't waste your money..........

Time is money. Save both and pass on this one. Really!!
First let me say that I bought the audio tape and not the book. The tape is 3 hours in length so I assume it highlights the most important points of the book. (if there were any).

The book does cover 1 or 2 relavant topics like the importance of compounding interest and begining to invest at a young age. However, if you are like me, I was hoping for something a little "meatier." Oh, it does give you many examples of how X dollars over time will turn to millions. My tip if these type examples interest you: buy a calculator.

The other points covered in the book/tape I considered filler waste. For example the author explains that married people are more likely to get rich. He then goes into many statistics about those that are married. Also covered, Why divorce is not good and some tips on how to avoid it. His premice: Married people live longer. If you live longer you'll have more time to save and become rich.

I could go on with examples like the above mentioned but since time is money I'll save a little of both. My point however is this: If you're looking for REAL ways to increase your assets and you comprehend basic concepts like compound interest and time, this book will bore you with off-topic detail.

When I buy a book on this subject, I hope it will be one that has content that I can learn from and refer back to. This book however, is a once read and a waste of time and money.

My tip for getting rich in america is don't buy this book and save your money. Over time it will be much more valuable than the book. If you must own it though, email me and I'll sell you mine.

I hope this review saves someone the disappointment that I went through.

Run, don't walk, to buy this book
HI.. I would say most people should run, not walk, to buy this book. It doesn't matter where you are starting from, everyone can benefit from this stuff, and there are a variety of ways to compile wealth that the authors talk about. I found it to be very inspiring and well worth the money. I would recommend it to all my friends, especially those who are befuddled by the markets, because it has simple straightforward advice. good luck to all the savers and investors among us! for socially conscious people, they also tell how to help society (as well as get wealthy.)

The most well rounded financial advice book I've read so far
As the name states, this book explains how it is possible to build wealth AND achieve a satisfying life by following a few simple rules. There are no off-the-wall advice or get-rich-quick schemes offered here, unlike the material from some other "financial gurus". All of the principles presented in this book are logically sound and time-proven, but I hesitate to say "common-sense" because so few people actually practice them in reality.

For example, I think we've all heard about the power of compounding--and how it can turn a modest savings into a significant nest egg over time. However, very few people take this to heart and apply it to their daily money management decisions, because they feel it requires too much work or they feel helpless in controlling their expenses. What the authors do is demonstrate, by using specific examples and crunching the numbers, that even minor expenditures today can have significant economic impact down the road. They show that by making certain choices early on in one's life, nearly ANYONE can build a fortune in America. It truly doesn't require a genius or lots of luck to become rich today. Moreover, the authors point out that one doesn't have to sacrifice all of life's pleasures or live like a pauper in order to achieve financial security. All it takes is a little prudent savings and investing. If you believe in the opportunity to achieve wealth in this country, but have trouble getting motivated and taking action, this book is for you.

The chapter on investing is excellent. The authors explain how trying to beat the market is futile, and "safe" returns can be riddled with risk over the long haul (due to inflation). If you believe that you are just as capable of managing your investments as paid experts, you'll like this book.

Most people aren't aware of the return on education; I know I went to college just because it was the thing to do (and my parents wouldn't have it any other way ;) This book describes how increasing one's education level can substantially affect (negatively and positively) one's earnings. It's very interesting reading.

What this book also emphasizes, that most other financial advice books neglect to mention, is that living a good lifestyle is not only satisfying but also FINANCIALLY rewarding. Practicing good ethics enables a person to feel good about him/herself (leading to a more productive life), and making healthy lifestyle choices extends your life (thereby allowing the power of compounding to work longer). If you want validation that doing the right thing and living responsibly is rewarding emotionally AND financially, then read this book.

The only point that I have a minor quibble with is: getting married is good for wealth building. I understand what the authors are trying to say, which (I think) is: being in a committed relationship and having a contributing partner can accelerate the wealth building process. However, I don't believe that the actual marriage contract is necessary for achieving wealth. While marriage may help some couples stay together, it can also provide a false sense of security for others (causing them to stop working as hard on maintaining the relationship). Some people choose not to get married because they have no desire to produce offspring, others do it to avoid the "marriage tax penalty". I think unmarried, committed couples are just as likely to build significant wealth (and live fulfilling lives) as married couples. Anyway, I'm being technical here, and what's important is that the authors do get their point across.

I really liked this book, and I am practicing all the principles described in it. I find my peace of mind higher than ever, knowing that I'm well on the path towards a secure future. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

money tracker
I found this book an eye opener to my spending. Within 2 months my spending cut in half and in 6 months to one third. It was so great to become aware of where my money was going. It was very simple to use. Thank You Judy, Lidia

Track everyday spending-take control of your financial life.
Judy Lawrence's Money Tracker makes it easy with week-by-week charts for recording everything you spend for a year. Along the way, you'll also find helpful tools like a "Victory Diary" and "Splurge Diary" that can provide you with helpful insights. ... Read more

Book Description

Invest my money? Forget it. Who knows which way the stock market is headed? And I just plain don't know how to do it. I'll stick my paycheck in the bank, keep my credit card debt as low as I can, and worry about my financial future when I have some extra money. Besides, there's always Social Security, right?

WRONG, according to the authors of The Armchair Millionaire (and the geniuses behind the Armchair Millionaire Web site), whose philosophy is simple: if your money isn't working for you, then you'll be working a lot longer than you want to. In plain English, Lewis Schiff and Douglas Gerlach, along with real-life cyber-Armchair Millionaires, show you how to save without budgeting the fun out of life, and invest wisely without losing sleep over your portfolio. "Five Steps to Financial Freedom" will make it easy for you to build an investment portfolio and help you to:

• PAY LOWER TAXES: Why and how to give to your IRA or 401(k) until it hurts.

• PAY YOURSELF FIRST: The secret to building a nest egg is to treat your savings like you treat any bill -- put your financial future at the top of the list of regular monthly payments.

• GET THE MOST FOR YOUR MONEY: "Dollar-cost averaging" has been the most successful investment timing method ever used by the pros. Find out how to make it work for you.

• BUILD YOUR PLAN: Forecast when you'll reach your million-dollar goal with a personalized financial action plan.

• DISCOVER THE TRUTH BEHIND WHY YOU MUST START INVESTING FOR YOUR FUTURE TODAY: Find out why compounded interest is often called the key to successful wealth-building.

Packed with practical advice, personalized tools such as user-friendly worksheets, and actual stories of ordinary people who have built extraordinary portfolios using these methods, The Armchair Millionaire will show you how to get on the road to financial independence at last. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

A Great Example of K.I.S.S.--"Keep it simple, stupid"
Besides the fact that the authors manage (I think successfully) to present themselves clearly and in a straightforward manner, I think what's worth appreciating about this book is what's NOT in it: It has none of the typical "my-idea-is-newer-and-better-than-yours" blather that makes up so many investing books these days.

Instead, the authors promise to keep it simple and they do just that. It's tempting to want to ask, "what's new in this book." I think what's new is the fact that it's got an easy and proven plan to build a million dollar portfolio. Proven with the author's own money!

That's pretty good stuff for a $20 book.

The authors show great restraint by not dwelling on the gobs of investing science behind the Armchair Millionaire's Five Steps to Financial Freedom. In fact, there's enough Nobel prize winning research behind their method to choke a horse. They mention it along the way but avoid the temptation to bog you down in it. Instead, they stick to their own self-imposed line and keep it simple.

The risk of this is they can be called simplistic. The value, of course, is that they provide all the tools you need--and only those tools--to do-it-yourself. In other words, they'd rather you successfully start your own portfolio than convince you that they are smarter than everyone else. Rare indeed, these days.

My recommendation is to give this book to people you care about--People who you want to succeed. There's an old saying, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make them drink. This book is the water. It's got everything you need to build financial success for yourself. What you do with the information contained inside is up to you.

PS: This is my first book review--I finally felt I could say something that might help someone make a smart decision. Hope you like it!

Good for Beginners
Chances are, if you follow the advise given in this book, you will accumlate significant wealth in the long-term. I like how the book tells investors to ignore the "talking heads" on CNBC and other financial outlets. Let the herds follow the headlines and as Buffett would say "be greedy when others are fearful."

If you can spend less, save more, max your tax-deferred investment options and invest for the long-term, you will have plenty of money to bask in come retirement day.

Great Investing Advice
The Armchair Millionaire gives everyone the advice and support they need to succed in investing. The book shows you the simple things that everyone can do no matter how small their paycheck is to eventually become a millionaire and retire early. There is great advice on what to invest in safely and how to get the most out of your money by avoiding some taxes. Everyone who wants to become a millionaire needs to read this book.

Not much content as a book, find the same info for free
First, I'll say that this was one of the first 10 investing books I've read as I'm starting the venture to becoming a wise investor.

The point of this review is to say that the book is pointless when the same exact info is given free and more concisely on the website with the same name. This book seems to try and fill up pages by adding fluff to a simple concept: invest 1/3 of your long term funds in each of US large cap stock index fund, US small cap stock index fund, and the large cap asian index fund. The rest of the book is really fluff around this.

I'd suggest simply visiting the armchair millionaire website to read the same info in a few pages.

Also, for the people in other reviews who say the strategy isn't performing well, they are forgetting that this is a LONG TERM strategy, and the reason the funds are currently at -2% return is because the crashes in 2000-2001 are being included. Over the long term, this strategy is considered sound. Thinking short term is entirely opposite to the strategy this book and others suggest.

In short, don't buy the book, just read the site.

Beginners only
I agree with the previous comments of there being nothing new introduced in this book. However, if this is going to be your first book ever on investing, it does offer good advice for the novice investor. Just DO NOT use the strategy they propose to making a million through index funds. Last i checked on their website, since it's inception in 1998, their portfolio has gone down 25.36% for a total loss of abut 31,000$.
Man, if i were them, i'd take down the site. It must pretty embarrassing to write a whole book about it being so easy to make a million through their "proven methods", and lose all that money trying to really prove it. ... Read more

Book Description

African-americans control more than $400 billion in income. But when it comes to managing money, like everyone else, they have been poorly educated in the basics. In Talking Dollars and Making Sense, noted African-American financial planner Brooke Stephens, offers prudent and sensitive advice on money mangement that will help you take control of your finances and plan more effectively for the future. Written within the social, cultural, and historical framework of the African-American experience, this book honestly examines the attitudes, beliefs and behaviors of African-Americans and their finances.

Stephens handily covers the basics of wealth-building, including:

• Goal-setting
• Managing credit
• Home-buying
• Investing
• Insurance
• Tax strategies
• Educating children about money

Talking Dollars and Making Sense goes beyond simple financial planning, discussing the specific financial dilemmas African-Americans often find themselves in. Filled with anecdotes, quotes, aphorisms, and profiles of contemporary and historical trailblazers who have had an impact on the economic life of their communities, this guide to financial freedom will help your sense of the intracacies of money management and to achieve your financial goals.

Reviews (14)

Most thorough and easy to read personal finance book.
Not many people can write about money and make it interesting but this is one of the easiest and most captivating personal finance/money managment books I've ever encountered. The history of little known African-American entrepreneurs who made it from nothing also makes this a valuable book for someone who wants to know about black success in America as well as how to understand investing, insurance and buying a house. I couldn't put it down!

Excellent for getting your financial priorities in order.
Talking Dollars, and Making Sense is a very enlightning book. It covers all aspects of finance and how to save money. Brook Stephens does her homework and uncovers the history of how slaves struggled to build wealth with the many obstacles they faced. I learned lots of tips on how to get my own financial house clean, and I am glad I invested my time to read Talking Dollars, and Making Sense. It was truly a wake up call to start to pay myself first. Anyone thinking about reading it should pick it up as soon as possible! It will save your financial life!!

FINALLY AN INVESTMENT BOOK THAT TRANSENDS ALL RACES
This book includes all audiances. I found that the book contains wisdom for all people. It has great ideas to cut expenses and how to investment wisely. Two other books to check out include (1) Making Dollars With Pennies: How The Small Investor Can Beat The Wizards On Wall Street by R. Max Bowser, and (2) Guaranteed Profits With Small Stocks: The Only Investment System That Comes With A $5,000 Guarantee by R. Max Bowser. Both are available used and new on Amazon.com.

Making Sense of Our Dollars
I have read this book and found it be be very insightful and informative. I would highly recommend this resource to those taking a looking at their financdial status and making corrective changes. This is a timely work. This resource is packed with information from cover to cover. I appreciate all that the author intended to do and accomplish with this work. Take the time to sit down and read this book for encouragment to do better financial management and control of your personal financial destiny.

Very good book for novice investors
While some of the information in this book is outdated, it gives the new investor some good knowledge to build on. ... Read more