Monday, May 26, 2008
Lifelines for Money Misfortunes: How to Overcome Life's Greatest Challenges by Stephen M. Pollan
Product Description
Lifelines For Money Misfortunes
No one wants to think about the unpredictable accidents, disasters, and crises that could disrupt our lives, but in order to overcome these unexpected surprises you must be prepared.
Nobody understands this better than author Stephen Pollan. Over the past thirty years, he has introduced thousands of individuals to innovative new strategies for dealing with their careers, money, and numerous other issues that are a part of the "business of life." And now, in Lifelines for Money Misfortunes, Pollan—with the help of coauthor Mark Levine—reveals both the secrets of personal crisis management and the tactics for navigating catastrophes that could upset your financial equilibrium.
Divided into two comprehensive parts, this practical guide will help you tackle some of life's toughest challenges. The essential insights found throughout these pages will allow you to persevere, even if:
You've lost your job
You're temporarily or permanently disabled
You lose a major client or customer
Your adult child needs financial support
You're transferred against your will
You haven't saved enough for retirement
Stephen Pollan doesn't have the answers to all of life's questions, but with Lifelines for Money Misfortunes, he'll advise you on how to best manage the crises that could critically affect your wealth and well-being.
Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #878791 in Books
Published on: 2007-10-19
Number of items: 1
Binding: Hardcover
244 pages
Editorial Reviews
From the Inside Flap
For the past three decades, Stephen Pollan has introduced thousands of individuals to innovative new strategies for dealing with their careers, money, and numerous other issues that are a part of the "business of life." Through his bestselling books—as well as television appearances and counseling services—he has empowered people to take charge of their lives.
Now, in Lifelines for Money Misfortunes, Pollan—with the help of coauthor Mark Levine—looks to share more of his cutting-edge ideas with you, regardless of your income level or comfort with handling money. Lifelines for Money Misfortunes takes a holistic approach to dealing with the unpredictable accidents, disasters, and crises that disrupt our carefully planned lives. Drawing on Pollan's expert legal and financial experience, as well as the experiences of numerous savvy professionals—including mediators, career counselors, social workers, insurance adjustors, and more—this reliable resource reveals both the secrets of personal crisis management and the tactics for overcoming catastrophes that could upset your financial equilibrium.
Written in a straightforward and accessible style, this practical guide offers effective advice on dealing with life's most serious situations. Each chapter focuses on a different crisis and presents a "Lifeline" for successfully navigating that specific circumstance. Some of the issues covered throughout these pages include:
Your parents or adult children need financial support
You're getting divorced
You can't make your loan or credit card payments
You're accused of a crime
You're facing large, uncovered medical bills
Lifelines for Money Misfortunes also outlines coping plans that can be used to handle financial and other matters during any crisis, and illustrates the most effective ways to implement them. Filled with real-world stories of individuals who have endured the disasters discussed—including illness, job loss, and the death of a spouse—Lifelines for Money Misfortunes offers a plan for personal crisis management that can be used by anyone, no matter what type of catastrophic events they may be facing.
When it comes to tackling life's toughest challenges, we could all use more support. No one is better qualified to help you during these difficult times than Stephen Pollan, and with Lifelines for Money Misfortunes, you'll quickly discover why.
From the Back Cover
Lifelines For Money Misfortunes No one wants to think about the unpredictable accidents, disasters, and crises that could disrupt our lives, but in order to overcome these unexpected surprises you must be prepared.
Nobody understands this better than author Stephen Pollan. Over the past thirty years, he has introduced thousands of individuals to innovative new strategies for dealing with their careers, money, and numerous other issues that are a part of the "business of life." And now, in Lifelines for Money Misfortunes, Pollan--with the help of coauthor Mark Levine--reveals both the secrets of personal crisis management and the tactics for navigating catastrophes that could upset your financial equilibrium.
Divided into two comprehensive parts, this practical guide will help you tackle some of life's toughest challenges. The essential insights found throughout these pages will allow you to persevere, even if:
*You've lost your job
*You're temporarily or permanently disabled
*You lose a major client or customer
*Your adult child needs financial support
*You're transferred against your will
*You haven't saved enough for retirement
Stephen Pollan doesn't have the answers to all of life's questions, but with Lifelines for Money Misfortunes, he'll advise you on how to best manage the crises that could critically affect your wealth and well-being.
About the Author
Stephen M. Pollan, a New York City-based attorney and career expert, is one of America's most-renowned financial minds. Pollan has been an attorney for over fifty years, with expertise in corporate and personal finance law. He has been an assistant professor of finance at the C.W. Post School of Business and was formerly CEO of a closed-end investment company on the American Stock Exchange. Pollan was previously CNBC's on-air personal finance expert for eight years.
Mark Levine has been Stephen Pollan's col-laborator for more than twenty years. Together, they have authored numerous national bestsellers and have been nominated for three National Magazine Awards.
Customer Reviews
Life-saver for ups and downs
Stephen & Mark present cases for American reality in Lifelines for Money Misfortunes - how to overcome life's greatest challenges.
The 33 cases include spouse affair, bankruptcy, college fund, disability, death, divorce and financial help. The guide of wisdom is to accept the problem and own the solution by launching revenue rehabilitation and cultivating antibodies.
Reading this book enables citizens become aware of the ever changing American economy with sudden impact on personal finance. It gives life-saver guidance in exercising option in the situation described as life is full of ups and downs. Each unique lesson is a practical advice. Armed with this book and knowledge, reader will likely survive in the navigation of the long journey of life in pursuit of happiness.
Disappointed
With all due respect, I found the advice to be pretty generic. For example, on the section about what to do if you do not have enough for retirement, it is suggested to hire a financial adviser, get a job (which defeats the purpose of retirement), sell your home if you can't afford it, and live for less. These are options, but not much more than common sense. And I found the sections for dealing with illnesses pretty ridiculous, too, because it is suggested doing things like going to support groups, researching the illness extensively, etc., without taking into account that many people in that position have neither the energy or inclination (because of feeling bad) to do any of those suggestions. In my opinion, there was more generic advice than real, plausible solutions for persons facing such circumstances. I also felt that the authors assume a certain level of financial position is already established, and that the advice is of little use for an individual who is already in financial straights. As I titled this review, I was disappointed. If you are curious or find its Table of Contents deals with a personal issue, I suggest getting it from your library for a trial evaluation. That's just my two cents. Peace.
Bracingly Honest
"I'm not going to lie to you because I know you need the truth, even if it's painful"--that's what the authors tell us in the first paragraph of "Lifelines," and that's exactly the mindset I want in a self-help book. "Lifelines" has the courage to tackle serious crises--losing a job, shocking as that is, is perhaps the least devastating of the problems addressed. Reading this book, you feel you're benefiting from the advice of a wise, levelheaded, savvy mentor who offers you decades of experience in helping people deal with the financial consequences of grave events. (And you are, as I have discovered in professional consultations with Stephen Pollan.) This book's advice is realistic: practical, implementable, and--what's most helpful when you're in a demoralizing crisis--bracing. This counsel will give you heart.

