Synopses & Reviews
The bestselling book that the andlt;Iandgt;New York Timesandlt;/Iandgt; hailed as and#8220;a highly readable and substantial guide to the grown-up realms of money and business,and#8221; andlt;Iandgt;Get a Financial Lifeandlt;/Iandgt; is a must-read for anyone in their twenties and thirties (or beyond) who wants to understand the basics of personal finance.andlt;BRandgt;andlt;BRandgt;If youand#8217;ve been meaning to get your finances in shape but have no idea where to start, andlt;Iandgt;thisandlt;/Iandgt; is your playbook. andlt;Iandgt;Get a Financial Lifeandlt;/Iandgt; busts open the system, teaching tricks for becoming master of your own money universe. No matter whatand#8217;s happening in the economy, all the guidance you need is right here. Youand#8217;ll learn how to:andlt;BRandgt; andlt;BRandgt;and#8226; Pay off your credit cards and student loans and live debt free andlt;BRandgt;and#8226; Start saving, even if youand#8217;re living paycheck to paycheck andlt;BRandgt;and#8226; Take advantage of the latest tax rules and save a bundle andlt;BRandgt;and#8226; Find smart investments while still supporting socially responsible companies andlt;BRandgt;and#8226; Come up with a down payment and buy a home, even in a tough economy andlt;BRandgt;and#8226; Afford grad school andlt;BRandgt;and#8226; Protect yourself from identity theft andlt;BRandgt; andlt;BRandgt;And youand#8217;ll discover why a 401(k) is your best friendand#8212;in boom times and even if the market is tanking. andlt;BRandgt; andlt;BRandgt;From tracking your spending to finding deals on insurance to navigating the new world of homebuying, this easy-to-understand, comprehensive guide provides an up-to-date road map of the world of personal finance. Whether you earn $30,000 or $300,000, are single or married, are drowning in debt or just looking for ways to keep your savings secure in uncertain times, youand#8217;ll find the answers you need in andlt;Iandgt;Get a Financial Life.andlt;/Iandgt;andlt;BRandgt; andlt;BRandgt;and#8220;A daring bookand#8230;.A lifeand#8217;s worth of smart financial adviceand#8221; (andlt;Iandgt;Newsweekandlt;/Iandgt;).
Review
"A daring book....A life's worth of smart financial advice." -- andlt;iandgt;Newsweekandlt;/iandgt;
Review
"A daring book...A life's worth of smart financial advice."-- Newsweek
Review
"Beth Kobliner is telling you it's time to smell the latte. In andlt;iandgt;Get a Financial Lifeandlt;/iandgt;, Kobliner serves a rich, smooth brew of common sense on everything from paying off your student loan to saving for (gasp) your own kid's future. The advice is thoughtful, precise, and up-to-date. But the simple, step-by-step explanations make getting a financial life easier than steaming the perfect froth on a cappuccino." -- Saul Hansell, andlt;iandgt;The New York Timesandlt;/iandgt;
Review
"With numerous insights, this fine book demonstrates that, through discipline and enterprise, anyone can win their financial independence." -- Tom Gardner, co-founder of The Motley Fool
Review
"Smart, thorough-a tremendously useful guide to all the essentials of sound personal finance." -- Eric Gelman, andlt;iandgt;Fortuneandlt;/iandgt;
Review
"Stop worrying and start reading Beth Kobliner's andlt;iandgt;Get a Financial Lifeandlt;/iandgt;, the best book to help you understand your money in the toughest financial market since the Great Depression." -- Jim Cramer, CNBC's andlt;iandgt;Mad Moneyandlt;/iandgt;
Review
"Kobliner's done it again! andlt;iandgt;Get a Financial Lifeandlt;/iandgt; gives clear and straightforward advice on how to manage your money-even in a financial meltdown. A must-read for 20-and 30-somethings who want to be fiscally smart and financially secure." -- Soledad O'Brien, CNN
Review
"Beth Kobliner's book provides a much-needed and sensible guide." -- Paul A. Volcker, Former Chairman, Federal Reserve Board
Review
"One of the best guides to help young people get a handle on money matters." -- Burton G. Malkiel, Chemical Bank Chairman's Professor of Economics, Princeton University; author, andlt;iandgt;A Random Walk Down Wall Streetandlt;/iandgt;
Review
"A highly readable and substantial guide to the grown-up worlds of money and business." -- andlt;iandgt;The New York Timesandlt;/iandgt;
Review
"andlt;iandgt;Get A Financial Lifeandlt;/iandgt; gives you the essential information you need to get your finances in order as you're starting your career. The rest is up to you. Educate yourself, get motivated, and get your finances in shape now by reading this book." -- Sharon Epperson, CNBC Personal Finance Correspondent and author of andlt;iandgt;The Big Payoff andlt;/iandgt;
Review
"Kobliner's done it again! Get a Financial Life gives clear and straightforward advice on how to manage your money-even in a financial meltdown. A must-read for 20-and 30-somethings who want to be fiscally smart and financially secure." -- Soledad O'Brien, CNN
Synopsis
If you're stressed out by money and have no idea what to do, this is your playbook: the all-new edition of the andlt;iandgt;New York Timesandlt;/iandgt; bestseller andlt;iandgt;Get a Financial Lifeandlt;/iandgt;, completely rewritten to address the recession. Whether you earn $20,000 or $200,000, this book busts open the system, teaching tricks for becoming master of your own money universe. You'll learn how to: andlt;BRandgt; andlt;liandgt;Get out -- and stay out -- of debtandlt;/liandgt; andlt;liandgt;Manage your 401(k) in a tanking marketandlt;/liandgt; andlt;liandgt;Take advantage of the latest tax rules and save a bundleandlt;/liandgt; andlt;liandgt;Come up with a down payment and understand the new strategies for landing a mortgageandlt;/liandgt;
Synopsis
The bestselling book that the New York Times hailed as "a highly readable and substantial guide to the grown-up realms of money and business," Get a Financial Life is a must-read for anyone in their twenties and thirties (or beyond) who wants to understand the basics of personal finance.
If you've been meaning to get your finances in shape but have no idea where to start, this is your playbook. Get a Financial Life busts open the system, teaching tricks for becoming master of your own money universe. No matter what's happening in the economy, all the guidance you need is right here. You'll learn how to:
- Pay off your credit cards and student loans and live debt free
- Start saving, even if you're living paycheck to paycheck
- Take advantage of the latest tax rules and save a bundle
- Find smart investments while still supporting socially responsible companies
- Come up with a down payment and buy a home, even in a tough economy
- Afford grad school
- Protect yourself from identity theft
And you'll discover why a 401(k) is your best friend--in boom times and even if the market is tanking.
From tracking your spending to finding deals on insurance to navigating the new world of homebuying, this easy-to-understand, comprehensive guide provides an up-to-date road map of the world of personal finance. Whether you earn $30,000 or $300,000, are single or married, are drowning in debt or just looking for ways to keep your savings secure in uncertain times, you'll find the answers you need in Get a Financial Life.
"A daring book....A life's worth of smart financial advice" (Newsweek).
Synopsis
NEW AND REVISED 2017 EDITION NOW AVAILABLE.
-A daring book....A life's worth of smart financial advice.- --Newsweek
The bestselling book that The New York Times hailed as -a highly readable and substantial guide to the grown-up realms of money and business, - Get a Financial Life is a must-read for anyone in their twenties and thirties (or beyond) who wants to understand the basics of personal finance.
If you've been meaning to get your finances in shape but have no idea where to start, this is your playbook. Get a Financial Life busts open the system, teaching tricks for becoming master of your own money universe. No matter what's happening in the economy, all the guidance you need is right here. You'll learn how to:
-Pay off your credit cards and student loans and live debt free
-Start saving, even if you're living paycheck to paycheck
-Take advantage of the latest tax rules and save a bundle
-Find smart investments while still supporting socially responsible companies
-Come up with a down payment and buy a home, even in a tough economy
-Afford grad school
-Protect yourself from identity theft
And you'll discover why a 401(k) is your best friend--in boom times and even if the market is tanking.
From tracking your spending to finding deals on insurance to navigating the new world of homebuying, this easy-to-understand, comprehensive guide provides an up-to-date road map of the world of personal finance. Whether you earn $30,000 or $300,000, are single or married, are drowning in debt or just looking for ways to keep your savings secure in uncertain times, you'll find the answers you need in Get a Financial Life.
Synopsis
First published in 1996, this book helped define the financial consciousness of a generation. The entire book has now been updated with late-breaking information to address dramatic financial developments such as Roth IRAs, student loan deductibility, and the rising impact of the Internet.
Synopsis
If you're stressed out by money and have no idea what to do, this is your playbook: the allnew edition of the New York Times bestseller Get a Financial Life, completely rewritten to address the recession. Whether you earn $20,000 or $200,000, this book busts open the system, teaching tricks for becoming master of your own money universe. You'll learn how to:
- Get out -- and stay out -- of debt
- Manage your 401(k) in a tanking market
- Take advantage of the latest tax rules and save a bundle
- Come up with a down payment and understand the new strategies for landing a mortgage
About the Author
Beth Kobliner is a personal finance commentator and journalist, and the author of the New York Times bestseller Get a Financial Life: Personal Finance in Your Twenties and Thirties. She has a regular segment on public radio’s national program, The Takeaway, a monthly column in Redbook magazine, frequently discusses kids and money with her daughter in the “Beth and Becca” segment for public radio’s Marketplace, and covers family finance issues for Parade magazine. She is also a content advisor to Sesame Street’s upcoming Financial Education Initiative. She was recently appointed to the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability.
Table of Contents
Introduction Chapter 1: Crib Notes
A Cheat Sheet for Time-Pressed Readers Who Need Help Now
Chapter 2: Get a Grip on 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
Keeping Track of Money Coming In and Going Out
Chapter 3: Dealing with Debt
Finding the Cheapest Loans and Getting Yourself Out of Hock
Four Pointers for Anyone with Debt
Credit Cards
Student Loans
Car Loans
Home Equity Loans
Credit Reports and Credit Scores
If You're in Serious Debt
When to Consider Bankruptcy
Chapter 4: Basic Banking
How to Keep Your Costs Low and Your Money Safe
A Bank by Any Other Name
What to Look for in a Bank
Managing Your Checking Account
Using the ATM Wisely
When to Go Internet-Only
What to Do with Your Savings
Joint versus Separate Accounts
A Warning About Bank-Sold Investments
Chapter 5: All You Really Need to Know About Investing
Getting a Foothold in this Rocky Landscape
Mutual Fund Fundamentals
Money Market Funds
A Word About Inflation
Stock Funds
Bond Funds
The Right Mix of Investments
Mutual Fund Expenses
Deciding Where to Buy Your Mutual Funds
Socially Responsible Investing
Chapter 6: The Brave New World of 4O1(k)s
Don't Let the Market Meltdown Be Your Excuse for Missing the Best Savings Deal Around
What Are Retirement Savings Plans, Anyway?
How Your Retirement Savings Account Works
Contributing to Your 401(k)
Contributing to an IRA
How to Tap the Money in Your 401(k) or IRA if You Really Need It Now
A Word About Inflation and Taxation
Answers to Some Common Questions
If You're Self-Employed
Chapter 7: Oh, Give Me a Home
The New Rules for Getting a House or Apartment of Your Own
A 60-Second Explanation of the Mortgage Mess
What Every Renter Needs to Know
Should You Rent or Buy?
What Lenders Look For
The Real Costs of Owning a Home
Loans to Discuss with Your Lender
If You Don't Qualify for a Mortgage
Shopping for a Mortgage
Making the Process Go Smoothly
If You Can't Pay Your Mortgage
Chapter 8: Insurance: What You Need and What You Don't
Finding the Right Policies and Skipping Coverage You Can Do Without
Getting the Best Deal
Checking Out Credentials
Making the Most of Your Employer's Plans
Health Insurance
Car Insurance
Disability Insurance
Home Insurance
Life Insurance
Insurance You Probably Don't Need
Chapter 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
Making the Most of Your Tax Credits
Ten Tax Moves That Could Save You Money
Deductions for the Self-Employed
Getting Your Tax Life in Order
Do You Need a Tax Preparer?
Chapter 1O: Making the Most of Military Benefits
Know What You Deserve if You Serve
Further Reading
Special Acknowledgments
Acknowledgments
Index