Synopses & Reviews
If you're like most people in their twenties and thirties, you don't feel like you're in control of your financial life. But if you want to take full advantage of the best financial opportunities, it's important that you get started right away.
Get a Financial Life shows you how to manage your money and make it grow. In it you will learn how to:
- Refinance your high-rate credit cards and student loans
- Start investing in the right mutual funds
- Find low-cost auto loans and mortgages
- Make the most of tax deductions you never knew existed
- Use tax-advantaged savings plans to build a serious nest egg
From 401(k)s to health insurance to stocks and bonds, this book focuses exclusively on what you really need to know at this stage in your financial life. Whether you earn $15,000 or $150,000, whether you're single or married, whether you're financially inclined or financially challenged, this book will let you manage your money with the smallest possible investment of time and effort.
About the Author
Beth Kobliner has been a writer for Money magazine since 1988. Before that, she researched and wrote more than one hundred columns for Sylvia Porter, the financial journalist, whose column appeared in 150 newspapers nationwide. Beth's television experience includes numerous appearances on CBS, NBC, CNN and CNBC. She has also appeared as a financial expert on The Oprah Winfrey Show, addressing the concerns of a group of people in their twenties. In 1994 and 1995, she was selected by TJFR, the leading trade publication for financial journalists, as one of the country's most promising financial journalists under the age of 30. Beth graduated from Brown University in 1986, and currently lives with her husband in New York City.
Table of Contents
CONTENTS Introduction
1. Crib Notes
A "Cheat Sheet" for Time-Pressed Readers
2. Taking Stock of Your Financial Life
Figuring Out Where You Are and Where You Want to Go
Putting a Price Tag on Your Goals
Learning How to Reach Your Goals
Figuring Out Where Your Money Goes
Financial Rules of Thumb
Getting Your Financial Life in Order
3. Debt and the Material World
Finding the Best Loans and Getting Yourself Out of Hock
Two Pointers for Anyone with Debt
Credit Cards
Student Loans
Car Loans
Home Equity Loans
Credit Reports
If You're in Serious Debt
4. Basic Banking
Learn How to Get the Most from Your Bank for the Least Amount of Money
A Bank by Any Other Name
Finding a Low-Cost Checking Account
Managing Your Checking Account
Using the ATM Wisely
Joint Versus Separate Accounts
Different Ways to Save in a Bank
A Warning About Bank-Sold Investments
5. All You Really Need to Know About Investing
For New Investors, the Feeling Is Mutual (Funds)
Mutual Fund Fundamentals
Money Market Funds
A Word About Inflation
Stock Funds
Bond Funds
The Right Mix of Investments
Mutual Fund Expenses
Choosing a Mutual Fund Company
Socially Responsible Investing
6. Living the Good Life in 2030
Think It's Crazy to Worry Now About Retirement Then? It's Crazy Not To
What Are Retirement Savings Plans, Anyway?
Contributing to Your Company Plan
Contributing to an IRA
How Your Retirement Savings Grow
Some Drawbacks (and Why They Don't Matter)
A Word About Inflation and Taxation
Answers to Some Common Questions
If You're Self-Employed
7. Oh, Give Me a Home
Advice on Getting an Apartment or House of Your Own
What Every Renter Needs to Know
Should You Rent or Buy?
What Lenders Look For
Costs of Owning a Home
Special Programs for New Home Buyers
If You Don't Qualify for Special Programs
Shopping for a Mortgage
Making the Process Go Smoothly
8. Insurance: What You Need and What You Don't
Finding the Right Policies and Forgoing Coverage You Can Do Without
Shopping for Insurance
Checking Out Credentials
Making the Most of Your Employer Plan
Health Insurance
Auto Insurance
Disability Insurance
Home Insurance
Life Insurance
Insurance You Probably Don't Need
9. How to Make Your Life Less Taxing
Put More Money in Your Pocket and Less in Uncle Sam's
Why Is Your Paycheck So Small?
The Taxes You Pay
Figuring Out Your Tax Rate
Filing Your Tax Return
Maximizing Your Tax Breaks
Thirteen Tax Moves That Could Save You Money
If You're Self-Employed
Getting Your Tax Life in Order
Do You Need a Tax Preparer?
Further Reading
Acknowledgments
Index