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.

52 Simple Ways to Manage Your Money : A Weekly Journal & Workbook to Help You Take Real Control of Your Money by Judith A. Martindale

Product Description


Take the fear out of managing your money!

Finally, a book that reveals easy-to-use methods for evalutating and controlling your finances! Make financial control painless. Through a better understanding of your feelings and attitudes toward money, you can gain financial freedom. Learn how your feelings about money can prevent you from reaching your goals.

Each two-part chapter describes an investment or common financial problem. After providing tips and techniques for success, the book invites you to explore whatever is preventing you from moving ahead.

Chapters include tips on how to raise your consciousness about money, goal setting and budgeting, and guidance when selecting a financial advisor or buying life insurance. 52 Simple Ways to Manage Your Money is a practical, systematic workbook that motivates readers to take steps necessary to ensure a sound financial future.

You've worked hard for your money. It's time to let your money work hard for you.
Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #1792457 in Books
Published on: 1994-12-01
Number of items: 1
Binding: Paperback
224 pages
Editorial Reviews

About the Author
Mary J. Moses has many years of experience in personnel administrations in public education in California, and has also been the Public Information Officer for the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education. She has written and published three newsletters over the span of seventeen years; one of which went to every educational employee in the county. She has co-authored with Judith Martindale No More Baglady Fears: A Woman's Guide to Retirement Planning, which won a national award, and 52 Simple Ways to Manage Your Money. Judith and Mary have been working together since 1982, both in team teaching of adults and writing

Mary has actively supported women's causes and was the first Affirmative Action Coordinator for Cuesta College. In addition to her collaboration with Judi Martindale, she also writes historical fiction. Her novel of 19th century England, The Mill, will soon be published under her pen name, Jane Denison. She lives and writes in Central California.

Judith Martindale, who has been named one of America's top 200 financial planners for three years in a row by Worth magazine, is the co-author of the award winning No More Baglady Fears: A Woman's Guide to Retirement Planning and 52 Simple Ways to Manage Your Money. Her financial advice has been quoted in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Investor's Business Daily, Smart Money, and Worth, along with various other newspapers and magazines throughout the country. Martindale was the weekly financial commentator on CBS-affiliate KCOY-TV Evening News for four years, and hosted her own radio show, San Luis Success Story. She is frequently invited as a guest speaker for business, professional and non-profit organizations. Her office is located in San Luis Obispo; however, she works with clients throughout the country. She is the founder and president of Financial Planning University, a virtual university that provides consumer education teleclasses and advanced training for financial advisors. Ms. Martindale received her M.Ed. at Miami (of Ohio). She is a Certified Financial Planner and Enrolled Agent. She is a member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) and the National association of Tax Preparers. Judi is married, and lives in Central California.
Customer Reviews

The Ultimate Guide for CLueless Females
I have always been intimidated by the mere idea of investment planning, but this book empowered me to take control of my own future. With easy to understand tables and step by step instructions, the authors have given us a useable plan of action. Thank you Mary & Judith!

52 Simple Ways to Manage Your Money : A Weekly Journal & Workbook to Help You Take Real Control of Your Money by Judith A. Martindale

Product Description


Take the fear out of managing your money!

Finally, a book that reveals easy-to-use methods for evalutating and controlling your finances! Make financial control painless. Through a better understanding of your feelings and attitudes toward money, you can gain financial freedom. Learn how your feelings about money can prevent you from reaching your goals.

Each two-part chapter describes an investment or common financial problem. After providing tips and techniques for success, the book invites you to explore whatever is preventing you from moving ahead.

Chapters include tips on how to raise your consciousness about money, goal setting and budgeting, and guidance when selecting a financial advisor or buying life insurance. 52 Simple Ways to Manage Your Money is a practical, systematic workbook that motivates readers to take steps necessary to ensure a sound financial future.

You've worked hard for your money. It's time to let your money work hard for you.
Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #1792457 in Books
Published on: 1994-12-01
Number of items: 1
Binding: Paperback
224 pages
Editorial Reviews

About the Author
Mary J. Moses has many years of experience in personnel administrations in public education in California, and has also been the Public Information Officer for the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education. She has written and published three newsletters over the span of seventeen years; one of which went to every educational employee in the county. She has co-authored with Judith Martindale No More Baglady Fears: A Woman's Guide to Retirement Planning, which won a national award, and 52 Simple Ways to Manage Your Money. Judith and Mary have been working together since 1982, both in team teaching of adults and writing

Mary has actively supported women's causes and was the first Affirmative Action Coordinator for Cuesta College. In addition to her collaboration with Judi Martindale, she also writes historical fiction. Her novel of 19th century England, The Mill, will soon be published under her pen name, Jane Denison. She lives and writes in Central California.

Judith Martindale, who has been named one of America's top 200 financial planners for three years in a row by Worth magazine, is the co-author of the award winning No More Baglady Fears: A Woman's Guide to Retirement Planning and 52 Simple Ways to Manage Your Money. Her financial advice has been quoted in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Investor's Business Daily, Smart Money, and Worth, along with various other newspapers and magazines throughout the country. Martindale was the weekly financial commentator on CBS-affiliate KCOY-TV Evening News for four years, and hosted her own radio show, San Luis Success Story. She is frequently invited as a guest speaker for business, professional and non-profit organizations. Her office is located in San Luis Obispo; however, she works with clients throughout the country. She is the founder and president of Financial Planning University, a virtual university that provides consumer education teleclasses and advanced training for financial advisors. Ms. Martindale received her M.Ed. at Miami (of Ohio). She is a Certified Financial Planner and Enrolled Agent. She is a member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) and the National association of Tax Preparers. Judi is married, and lives in Central California.
Customer Reviews

The Ultimate Guide for CLueless Females
I have always been intimidated by the mere idea of investment planning, but this book empowered me to take control of my own future. With easy to understand tables and step by step instructions, the authors have given us a useable plan of action. Thank you Mary & Judith!

Serious Money: How to Make and Enjoy It by Barrie Pearson

Product Description

This book has the power to guide, to motivate and to inspire you to become seriously richer and happier, regardless of whether you are in dire financial straights or already wealthy. It has been written to channel your imagination and to galvanize you into action so that inevitably you will be seriously richer and happier.

The book is gimmick-free, because there ARE no gimmicks for achieving wealth and happiness--instead it is crammed full of simple, practical and proven techniques which have worked in abundance for the author and countless other people he has helped.
Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #1173434 in Books
Published on: 2005-11-25
Number of items: 1
Binding: Paperback
210 pages
Editorial Reviews

About the Author
Barrie Pearson is Executive Chairman of Livingstone Group Guarantee plc, based in London. He provides practical help and advice to clients ranging from multinational groups to private companies, in the areas of corporate strategy, acquisitions, disposals, buy-outs and corporate finance.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Personal Finance in your 20s and 30s, Third Edition by Sarah Young Fisher

Product Description

Start-today strategies for a better financial tomorrow.

The Complete Idiot’s Guide‚ to Personal Finance in Your 20s and 30s, Third Edition, clearly explains everything members of this age group need to know to get a handle on their pocketbook and their portfolio, from planning their personal finances to enhancing their current financial plan to getting better returns on their investments. This revised and updated third edition includes completely new material on:
• Internet banking
• Debit and prepaid credit cards
• Online car shopping
• The latest in effective job hunting
• Online college degrees and what they can get you
• Investment strategies for the next decade
• Home-based employment opportunities
• New financial impact of marriage and children
• Home ownership options from building your own to townhouses and condos
• Online mortgage brokers
• All-new websites and resources
Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #20156 in Books
Published on: 2005-05-03
Released on: 2005-05-03
Number of items: 1
Binding: Paperback
400 pages
Editorial Reviews

Download Description
You're no idiot, of course. You're financially independent: You pay rent, utilities, and loans all out of your own paycheck. You realize that your parents had to cut the cord sooner or later, and you're proud of how well you've adjusted. But when it comes to saving money for the long haul, you feel like an astronaut whose oxygen cord has been cut. Don't drift into a financial black hole yet! The Complete Idiot's Guide to Personal Finance in Your 20s and 30s gives you an edge so you can get through financial hardships now, invest for the future, and even afford a luxury item once in a while.

Book Info
Gives you an edge so you can get through financial hardships now, invest for the future, and even afford a luxury item once in a while. Softcover.

About the Author
Sarah Young Fisher is the president of Kuntz Lesher Capital, LLP, an estate/financial planning consulting firm in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and the author of “Your Money,” a column in Consumer Digest magazine. She is a certified financial planner, a chartered financial consultant with the American College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, and a certified financial services counselor, and has a Master’s degree in financial services. She is a co-author of Everything You Need to Know About Money and Investing and The Complete Idiot’s Guide‚ to Personal Finance in Your 40s and 50s. Susan Shelly is a freelance writer, researcher, and editorial consultant, and a former newspaper reporter and columnist. Her other works include The Complete Idiot’s Guide‚ to Personal Finance in Your 40s and 50s and The Complete Idiot’s Guide‚ to Money for Teens.
Customer Reviews

Lack of respect for both readers of the authors themselves.
This book truly stands to the series name "Idiot's guides" by being full of extremely basic advice. These authors inform the readers that there exits publics transportation services such as subways and buses as good options to save money. Actually, this advice is not for an idiot but for someone who's been isolated from the world forever. Besides, the advice is only applicable to big cities, and even in those cities there are limitations. USA is basically made for car owners.

Want to compare pros and cons of buying vs building a house? You'd need to get much advice on whom to approach, how to tell good house builders from bad ones, what to do in case of scams, builder's associations to approach, and several more facts. Yet, these authors will only tell you in a long whole page that building a house has the advantage of being made as you want it, while a used one was made according to the previous owner's tastes. They say that "hopefully" (in their own words) you'll get a good builder team. And so it's the rest of the book. "Hopefully" you'll find a good book on personal finance.

But as for this book, you won't learn almost anything about personal finance. All you'll get is a chit-chat talk that you can get from any neighbor, relative, friend, co-worker, etc. I well know that many people have serious communication problems and these simple talks are not so simple for them. If this is your case don't let these authors take advantage of you and seek a good book. The Dummie's series on personal finance is a good alternative. If you also want some charismatic and inspirational reading, my recommendation is Andrew Mathews' books.

There are many scammers out there, self-proclaimed financial advisers. This book's authors are some of them. I think the most famous of all is Suze Orman. They'll tell you ton of very interesting stories, but that's no way to learn about finances. You'd never finish hearing personal stories, yet you'd still need to learn much more. These writers normally focus too much in making their reading fun, actually using a rather juvenile language and these authors' style is particularly juvenile since they wanted to identify with rather young people; they did it too well. These kind of sloppy authors also spent too much time on encouraging readers to save. The topic on saving is quite simple and lets them fill their books. As important as saving is, it must only take a few pages in book. If you do have a problem with saving, you'd better get a full book on the topic.

The big problem with more effective books on finance is that you'll have to deal with more math and less entertaining readings, and judging from the many reviews giving 5 and 4 stars here, I realize that this is a big problem for many people who actually prefer to fool around (or areactually terribly ignorant).

The book has several annoying commentaries that I could put off with if it really were useful, but since it isn't the commentaries just add insult to injury. The authors say, for example, that only like 10% of people around 30 have reached the 5 qualities of adulthood: being financially independent, leaving off their parent's, being married, having children and a 5th one I don't remember. The world is full of people with severely unattended children. And the fact that you are wealthy and with a stable job doesn't imply that you are ready to have children either. I can even say that most middle class and rich parents spend most of their time shopping, watching TV and more personal fun than spending time with their children. And the same applies to being married if you don't work your relationships. Being realistic by being aware that marriage and children is not for you is more mature that making a conventional family, and being able to deal with the loneliness that come with that is definitively mature.

It's a shame that two people, supposedly certified in finance, couldn't make a barely comparable work that what the Dummie's writer did on personal finance.

Basic Guide a Good Start for the Young Adult
Like all "Idiot" books I have read, this one has excellent organization. Technical jargon is kept to a minimum, and the conversational writing style moves along at a good pace. The level of user-friendliness makes the information instantly accessible and useful to young people who are concerned about their financial futures. The strategies are indeed suited to the age group in the title - 20s and 30s - because the strategies outlined are quite conservative. These will have limited use for people in their 40s or 50s who have suffered a devastating financial loss (such as foreclosure and bankruptcy)and are having to start over building for retirement. This book is just what it says. It provides a wealth of simple but crucial information, all for about the price of a movie ticket, with extra large popcorn and soda. Thumbs up!

So-so book. Get Suze Orman's instead.
I bought this book and The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous & Broke. Skip this one and get Suze Orman's book instead. Both books are for people in their 20's or 30's, but Suze Orman's book covers much more material and many more options. The Idiot's Guide tells the same old story: budget, budget, budget, and is very light on details.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Personal Finance in your 20s and 30s, Third Edition by Sarah Young Fisher

Product Description

Start-today strategies for a better financial tomorrow.

The Complete Idiot’s Guide‚ to Personal Finance in Your 20s and 30s, Third Edition, clearly explains everything members of this age group need to know to get a handle on their pocketbook and their portfolio, from planning their personal finances to enhancing their current financial plan to getting better returns on their investments. This revised and updated third edition includes completely new material on:
• Internet banking
• Debit and prepaid credit cards
• Online car shopping
• The latest in effective job hunting
• Online college degrees and what they can get you
• Investment strategies for the next decade
• Home-based employment opportunities
• New financial impact of marriage and children
• Home ownership options from building your own to townhouses and condos
• Online mortgage brokers
• All-new websites and resources
Product Details
Amazon Sales Rank: #114102 in Books
Published on: 2005-05-03
Released on: 2005-05-03
Number of items: 1
Binding: Paperback
400 pages
Editorial Reviews

Download Description
You're no idiot, of course. You're financially independent: You pay rent, utilities, and loans all out of your own paycheck. You realize that your parents had to cut the cord sooner or later, and you're proud of how well you've adjusted. But when it comes to saving money for the long haul, you feel like an astronaut whose oxygen cord has been cut. Don't drift into a financial black hole yet! The Complete Idiot's Guide to Personal Finance in Your 20s and 30s gives you an edge so you can get through financial hardships now, invest for the future, and even afford a luxury item once in a while.

Book Info
Gives you an edge so you can get through financial hardships now, invest for the future, and even afford a luxury item once in a while. Softcover.

About the Author
Sarah Young Fisher is the president of Kuntz Lesher Capital, LLP, an estate/financial planning consulting firm in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and the author of “Your Money,” a column in Consumer Digest magazine. She is a certified financial planner, a chartered financial consultant with the American College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, and a certified financial services counselor, and has a Master’s degree in financial services. She is a co-author of Everything You Need to Know About Money and Investing and The Complete Idiot’s Guide‚ to Personal Finance in Your 40s and 50s. Susan Shelly is a freelance writer, researcher, and editorial consultant, and a former newspaper reporter and columnist. Her other works include The Complete Idiot’s Guide‚ to Personal Finance in Your 40s and 50s and The Complete Idiot’s Guide‚ to Money for Teens.
Customer Reviews

Lack of respect for both readers of the authors themselves.
This book truly stands to the series name "Idiot's guides" by being full of extremely basic advice. These authors inform the readers that there exits publics transportation services such as subways and buses as good options to save money. Actually, this advice is not for an idiot but for someone who's been isolated from the world forever. Besides, the advice is only applicable to big cities, and even in those cities there are limitations. USA is basically made for car owners.

Want to compare pros and cons of buying vs building a house? You'd need to get much advice on whom to approach, how to tell good house builders from bad ones, what to do in case of scams, builder's associations to approach, and several more facts. Yet, these authors will only tell you in a long whole page that building a house has the advantage of being made as you want it, while a used one was made according to the previous owner's tastes. They say that "hopefully" (in their own words) you'll get a good builder team. And so it's the rest of the book. "Hopefully" you'll find a good book on personal finance.

But as for this book, you won't learn almost anything about personal finance. All you'll get is a chit-chat talk that you can get from any neighbor, relative, friend, co-worker, etc. I well know that many people have serious communication problems and these simple talks are not so simple for them. If this is your case don't let these authors take advantage of you and seek a good book. The Dummie's series on personal finance is a good alternative. If you also want some charismatic and inspirational reading, my recommendation is Andrew Mathews' books.

There are many scammers out there, self-proclaimed financial advisers. This book's authors are some of them. I think the most famous of all is Suze Orman. They'll tell you ton of very interesting stories, but that's no way to learn about finances. You'd never finish hearing personal stories, yet you'd still need to learn much more. These writers normally focus too much in making their reading fun, actually using a rather juvenile language and these authors' style is particularly juvenile since they wanted to identify with rather young people; they did it too well. These kind of sloppy authors also spent too much time on encouraging readers to save. The topic on saving is quite simple and lets them fill their books. As important as saving is, it must only take a few pages in book. If you do have a problem with saving, you'd better get a full book on the topic.

The big problem with more effective books on finance is that you'll have to deal with more math and less entertaining readings, and judging from the many reviews giving 5 and 4 stars here, I realize that this is a big problem for many people who actually prefer to fool around (or areactually terribly ignorant).

The book has several annoying commentaries that I could put off with if it really were useful, but since it isn't the commentaries just add insult to injury. The authors say, for example, that only like 10% of people around 30 have reached the 5 qualities of adulthood: being financially independent, leaving off their parent's, being married, having children and a 5th one I don't remember. The world is full of people with severely unattended children. And the fact that you are wealthy and with a stable job doesn't imply that you are ready to have children either. I can even say that most middle class and rich parents spend most of their time shopping, watching TV and more personal fun than spending time with their children. And the same applies to being married if you don't work your relationships. Being realistic by being aware that marriage and children is not for you is more mature that making a conventional family, and being able to deal with the loneliness that come with that is definitively mature.

It's a shame that two people, supposedly certified in finance, couldn't make a barely comparable work that what the Dummie's writer did on personal finance.

Basic Guide a Good Start for the Young Adult
Like all "Idiot" books I have read, this one has excellent organization. Technical jargon is kept to a minimum, and the conversational writing style moves along at a good pace. The level of user-friendliness makes the information instantly accessible and useful to young people who are concerned about their financial futures. The strategies are indeed suited to the age group in the title - 20s and 30s - because the strategies outlined are quite conservative. These will have limited use for people in their 40s or 50s who have suffered a devastating financial loss (such as foreclosure and bankruptcy)and are having to start over building for retirement. This book is just what it says. It provides a wealth of simple but crucial information, all for about the price of a movie ticket, with extra large popcorn and soda. Thumbs up!

So-so book. Get Suze Orman's instead.
I bought this book and The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous & Broke. Skip this one and get Suze Orman's book instead. Both books are for people in their 20's or 30's, but Suze Orman's book covers much more material and many more options. The Idiot's Guide tells the same old story: budget, budget, budget, and is very light on details.