Money

I loved the Tightwad books, and this updated edition of Shop, Save, and Share by Ellie Kay is equally good, but written in an even more fun-to-read and witty style. I've found the book to offer great savings tips that are realistic and practical without a great deal of extra effort, because if it's going to take a lot of time to do--(at least for me)--it's not going to get done!

I recently enjoyed hearing Ellie (in a very warm and charming manner) give good advice on the Money Matters radio program, so I also got and would recommend her latest book, A Women's Guide to Family Finances.

As a mom to 2 teenage boys (and a husband who counts in the teenager category most of the time)my grocery bill is astronomical! Ellie's book is jam packed with practical, easy to implement ideas that saved me money the first week after reading it. Last night I shopped the Walgreen circular (something I would have never done before taking Ellie's advice) for toilet paper, paper towels, laundry soap, softner, toothpaste, peanuts, and my favorite lipstick that was buy one/get one free - yahoo! I saved $37 on $80's worth of items. I wish I had read her book 10 years ago. My grocery bill is down and my ability to share with others is up. It doesn't get much better than that. Thanks, Ellie for sharing with us!

This is GREAT stuff! It's also a reminder that some of life's most important lessons should be earned the earliest. I wish I had started out with this book, because it's useful, specific suggestions would have enriched my life-literally. Buying this book is one of the best returns-on-investment a person could make.

A great gift for all ages-newlyweds to seasoned couples, these money-saving tips will work for anyone. Further, Ellie's emphasis on sharing is simply part of what it takes to be a healthy, fulfilled human being. Ellie's an hilarious writer-but weaves her stories with lessons that will be remembered. This one should read more than once!

I purchased my first copy of BW Guide in 1999. Since then, I have loan my book out to others, purchased copies for friends and advised family to use many of the principals outlined in the book.
My family & friends - Men, Women, Black, White and Latino have all benefited from Ms. Broussard advice. This book does not overwhelm its reader with information, but focuses on the basics. It uses examples of real life people and situations that are believable and we can relate to.
This book is a buy. I recently purchased a used copy through Amazon for my 18-year-old cousin, for it is never too early or late to learn to trust money.

Don't defeat yourselves! This book is helpful for us African-American women who want to take control of their financial future. Waiting for Mr. Right to rescue you from financial instability is self-defeating. You are just putting yourself in deeper debt if you think he'll rescue you. Whether you are married, single, or divorce, this book is for us. Take control of your financial responsibilities.

Cheryl Broussard presents logical & easy to follow steps for women to gain financial independence & to build wealth. You are never too young or old to start saving or putting your "financial house" in order. I also would advise buying her other book, Sister CEO.

This is a great book, I loved reading it. Be careful when you pick it up because you might just get a tad distracted and want to read is all through! Overall, it has some major pointers on saving money, especially when it comes to food. Loads of hints.

This book is just jam-packed full of cost saving gems!! In fact, I have saved countless dollars through better management of my money through tips I learned in this book. Perhaps the best thing about this book were all the great tips for getting both summer employment and grant money. Lastly, unlike so many other money saving books I have attempted to plod through, I really found The Debt Free Grad fun to read. If I enjoyed my course work reading as much as this book, I would be an English major instead!

Murray Baker's Debt Free Graduate is an excellent resource. I work in college-level education, and have found the book to be very helpful in preparing information for students about how to be financially fit. Baker uses really practical examples of how we can save money in every aspect of our lives. I have definately picked up some tips that I can use, on everything from mutual funds to decorating my apartment for less... I highly recommend this book. It's a fun, easy read.

This is a must-read for anyone wanting to get their financial act together! Doug helps the reader to put their priorities in line FIRST, then focuses on the financial basics. He writes straight from the heart and backs up his writing with biblical truth. This book is encouraging, motivational, and I commend him for having the conviction and strength to write it!

Ease The Squeeze: Develop A Life Plan, A Giving Plan, And A Financial Plan is a straightforward, "reader friendly" guide to developing personally-based financial plans to living a comfortable, debt-free, worry free life. From getting a handle on spending, to sound advice regarding charitable giving and socially responsible stewardship, to a variety of checklists, self-tests, and worksheets for easy reference and assistance, Ease The Squeeze is very strongly recommended as being a truly first-rate instructional manual appropriate for readers of all economic and educational backgrounds, and is a "must" for anyone wanting to prepare for a secure retirement or who is feeling seriously squeezed by bills and creditors.

A very challenging and refreshing look at this vital subject area. It is a book from the heart and a powerful testimony adds significant weight to the teaching it provides. The encouragement to develop life and giving plans prior to a financial plan is especially helpful. The financial advice contained within the book is practical and uncomplicated and should therefore be very helpful to all who respond to the challenge to take action.

This is a book that should be read by anyone that considers themselves to be PRUDENT investors. When people say they are LONG-TERM investors, do they really know what they are saying? What do they mean? Do they realize that a dollar invested today may be worth 1.25 in 6 months -(due to the mania of this market) - but only worth 50 cents in 5 or 10 years? It could likely be worse than that. These mutual funds are being run by young hot shots that have no concept of doing anything but putting "money to work" (buying) due to the massive influx of money pouring in over the years. All reasonable valuation models have been trashed and "investors" have become extremely complacent because it's been so easy to "make" money. Sorry, it's not that easy or realistic! The selling will soon come in waves. Be wise and prepare youself for what will go down in history as the worst bear market ever, followed by a worldwide depression. Best of luck to all! P.S. I also recommend a book called "THE WARNING" by Joseph Granville and "THE GREAT CRASH of 1929" by John Galbraith. The parallels between then and now are too striking to ignore. So don't be one of the mindless herd.................

This book shows a breadth of knowledge and depth of investigation that is rarely offered to the investing public. The fact that the book ends with a chapter on Further Reading indicates that the author respects the intelligence of his readers and is interested in what he is writing. A book of this quality shows by example how much junk is out there, yet the author is modest and always seeks to help the reader, not exhort. I read it after the onset of the two year bear market and in some ways, not all of the predictions have been met yet, making this book still worth your reading. The persistent heavy volume of trading in the QQQs and the recent snap back rally (5/2002)suggest that the public is seeking further punishment and the crisis is not yet matured. I hope the author rewrites it with the current changes in the market in mind: iShares, ETFs, gold and the rediscovery of the emerging market (only a rediscovery to the amnesiac). His style is intelligent and refreshing. You'll need to read it carefully, since some ideas only appear fully developed in a single passage. I couldn't put it down.

I can't understand why this book is listed out of print. Why aren't more people demanding this book? Maybe there aren't enough investors yet who are worried about the safety of their money.

Just recently (Sept 99) a few money market funds ran into a bit of trouble - exactly the kind of trouble described in this book. Are you still assuming that your money market fund is safe and that a fixed NAV of $1 will be maintained?

The book definitely opened up my eyes to other alternatives for places to put money. Because of this book I've rediscovered alternatives like Treasury Bills and savings bonds.

However I did question the author's suggestions for a self-directed portfolio containing municipal bonds and widely held stocks. After the Orange County, California fiasco I would not consider municipal bonds. And I would question the idea of holding the same widely-held stocks that the institutional investors hold.

I love this fun book.Jessica,Elizabeth and their brother Steven all recieve a cool gift each from an aunty..100 dollars apiece.Elizabeth buys a camera and a book.Jessica spends all her money on her friends.Steven takes a girl out on a disasterous date!It is a very funny and fun book.

This book was really great! When The wakefields aunt comes, she gives each of them $100! The day before Jessica said that she would share it with all of her friends if she was rich, so now she is buying for everybody but herself! And Elizabeth is caught up in a mystery with her aunt after reading her new book. And steven...... well, I will let you find out by youself. Over all, this was a great book!

Possibly my favourite Sweet Valley Twins book.All 3 kids are given alot of money.Steven uses it to impress a girl,Elizabeth..I cant remember what Elizabeth does,and Jessica spends ALL ALL ALL of her money on her friends!It is a really fun book,no hard issues,just F U N

This collection of great anecdotes from a career FBI agent is full of fascinating stories of bank robbers and their exploits. By turns exciting and humorous, the stories Rehder shares keep the reader involved and the pages flying. As a bonus, either Rehder or his co-author is really funny and has a way with words - lots of sharp, funny cop-talk. Perfect choice for a vacation, long flight, or weekend on the couch.

in our media-saturated audio-visual age when most shows are crime dramas or reality shows (there should be a law prohibiting some of those shows), it comes as a welcome relief to read this live-action real-life tale about one very good guy (natch, the FBI co-author), and many bad guys who rob banks. You can learn more from this anecdotal-laced memoir than a years's worth of law & order episodes. I felt that I got good education about how banks operate and foil thiefs. I got an equally good education on how the FBI tracks down their sticky finger prey. All the action takes place in L.A. which is the bank robbery capital of the world. You can take that to the bank...

William Rehder and Gordon Dillow have teamed up to provide an exciting book which gives the reader an insight into the motives and techniques of bank robbers while feeling like he is reading a fast-paced novel. From his perspective as a prominent FBI agent, Rehder shares much information and insight into the field as he relates an overview of his 33 years of involvement with bank robbers. The book is thoroughly engaging as it relates the history of five major cases, each with a different theme. Where the Money Is provides a truly amazing and unique look at the crime of bank robbery. At the conclusion of the book, the reader feels as if he has shared the life, experiences and attitudes of an outstanding man who is passionate about his career in law enforcement.

When the whole world has been threatened by war, what better book to read than a story about an ex-legionnaire getting himself pulled into a scheme to kill an Islamic leader.

That's what happens to Johnny (not me, but the main character in the book). Formerly a member of the French Foreign Legion, he's on his way home but meets a girl, innocent at first, but with a background that might surprise him.

This first part of the story tells of the life of a soldier. This unlocks a new world where every gesture might be a threat, or a sexual innuendo. For those who are disgusted by macho men obsessed with women, hang on for about 100 pages, because it's worth it. After Gill explains the history and the differences between West and East, Christians and Muslims, you get pulled into the story as well, dying to find out what will happen next and if you could unlock some secrets surrounding actual events. Gill is an excellent teacher in this regard and I for one now have a better vision on the "why" of it all.

Set in France, you can't avoid the occasional francophone term - and sometimes Gill seems to go overboard with them - but luckily he knows how to captivate his reader with his knowledge of the military in all its forms. Gill isn't so much telling a tale than informing the public about what might really be going on outside our little homes. He's so convincing, you'll start to doubt what's real and what's not - what is fact and what is fiction.

Definitely worth a read, "Blood Money" shows there's a lot more to our world than what we see. You may be appalled, you may be fascinated, but you'll definitely be intrigued.

Blood Money

Will the 'War on Terror' really succeed? Why do the Western governments ignore terrorism in Kashmir and Chechnya? Are there really any good guys and bad guys? Finally, Azam Gill, a former mercenary himself, answers these questions, and others, in his fascinating book, Blood Money.

Johnny Kilvington Beresford , an ex-SAS and ex-Legionnaire and the beautiful, intelligent Nathalie Le Viallon, a high school teacher are pawns in a chess game played by terrorist masterminds and Western agencies, whose lives are 'collateral damage' if either side lose. Will they live to love?

Sweeping from the seedy, mercenary bars in Marseilles to the beautiful island of Madagascar, from the invisible monitoring stations of the American National Security Agency to the environmental summits and universities in France, Gill weaves a web of intrigue, mystery and suspense which surprises
with its honesty, inside knowledge about mercenary mechanics and the astonishing simplicity of terrorist operations.

Azam Gill is a former intelligence officer of the Pakistan Intelligence Agency (ISI) and an ex-Legionnaire. The French Foreign Legion was originally founded by King Louis Philippe to serve in the French colonies. Headquartered at Aubagne, near Marseille, now about 60% of its members are foreign volunteers who, upon joining, swear an oath of allegiance to the legion but not to France.Because of its reticence about the backgrounds of
its enlistees, the French foreign legion has acquired a reputation for attracting fugitives from justice.

Blood Money is a page turner, and Gill manages to combine action, humor and love without making it sound like a Jackie Chan or James Bond script. The reader will identify events that were termed "unfortunate disasters" or "accidents" by the media. Gill explains the behind-the-scenes that caused these "disasters". It is difficult to distinguish fact from fiction which is the primary strength of this book. After reading Blood Money, one will never view an environmental summit or a university professor in quite the same way again.

Move over Tom Clancy, we now have a real spy who also happens to be a master storyteller.

Copyright 2003 by Deepa Kandaswamy

Reviewed by Deepa Kandaswamy

Will the 'War on Terror' really succeed? Why do the Western governments ignore terrorism in Kashmir and Chechnya? Are there really any good guys and bad guys? Finally, Azam Gill, a former mercenary himself, answers these questions, and others, in his fascinating book, Blood Money.

Johnny Kilvington Beresford , an ex-SAS and ex-Legionnaire and the beautiful, intelligent Nathalie Le Viallon, a high school teacher are pawns in a chess game played by terrorist masterminds and Western agencies, whose lives are 'collateral damage' if either side lose. Will they live to love?
Sweeping from the seedy, mercenary bars in Marseilles to the beautiful island of Madagascar, from the invisible monitoring stations of the American National Security Agency to the environmental summits and universities in France, Gill weaves a web of intrigue, mystery and suspense which surprises
with its honesty, inside knowledge about mercenary mechanics and the astonishing simplicity of terrorist operations.

Azam Gill is a former intelligence officer of the Pakistan Intelligence Agency (ISI) and an ex-Legionnaire. The French Foreign Legion was originally founded by King Louis Philippe to serve in the French colonies. Headquartered at Aubagne, near Marseille, now about 60% of its members are foreign volunteers who, upon joining, swear an oath of allegiance to the legion but not to France.Because of its reticence about the backgrounds of
its enlistees, the French foreign legion has acquired a reputation for attracting fugitives from justice.

Blood Money is a page turner, and Gill manages to combine action, humor and love without making it sound like a Jackie Chan or James Bond script. The reader will identify events that were termed "unfortunate disasters" or "accidents" by the media. Gill explains the behind-the-scenes that caused these "disasters". It is difficult to distinguish fact from fiction which is the primary strength of this book. After reading Blood Money, one will never view an environmental summit or a university professor in quite the same way again.

Move over Tom Clancy, we now have a real spy who also happens to be a master
storyteller.

Copyright 2003 by Deepa Kandaswamy

I could hardly put this book down. Never mind the Martha Stewart trial, this is where the excitement and drama in the ImClone story lies.

Sam Waksal, a scientist and business developer with a checkered past, lives a celebrity lifestyle, hanging out with the rich and famous, owning several fancy houses, driving fast cars, and heading a firm that is working on a cancer drug so promising that people with no other hope of treatment are flinging themselves at ImClone, begging for a merciful dose of "Erbitux."

The drug apparently does reverse inoperable tumors in a few test patients who had no other hope of living. Now the race is on to fast-track the drug through the FDA approval process based on the glowing clinical trials. But the FDA reviewer is unaccountably unencouraging when meeting with one of ImClone's top scientists. What is wrong? Is Erbitux, instead of being approved , instead going have its application refused? Why! And what will this mean for the high-flying ImClone stock?

The book reads like the best thriller, and author Alex Prud'homme is adept at making you feel like the proverbial fly-on-the-wall during the action. If you are at all interested in what happened behind the Martha Stewart debacle, you must read this. It's fantastic.

This book is a fine character study of an amazingly talented man whose endless need to gratify his own appetites and emotional needs led him to careless, and even cruel behavior. There is no denying all that Sam Waksal was capable of, but to this day he doesn't seem to understand that his talent and accomplishments weren't enough. He also hurt a lot of people.

It is amazingly sad that all of this misery was so pointless because Erbitux has at last been approved. It almost certainly could have been approved earlier if the talented team at ImClone would have had a culture of discipline and getting things done and documented in ways that everyone knew the FDA required. If they had all this pain and loss would never have occurred and Dr. Waksal would be a real hero instead of the one he only pretended to be.

Mr. Prud'homme writes with style and vitality. The book moves along well and has a great feel for keeping the story personal and emotionally accessible for the reader. We don't get overwhelmed with the scientific side of things, although it is always interesting to read about this emerging science and the wizards who are making it happen.

This book is beautifully written and the story is powerfully, artfully told. Alex Prud'homme's eye for telling details and anecdotes brings to life all of the egos, greed, outsized appetites, and fat wallets that intersected in Sam Waksal and Martha Stewart's world. I couldn't put it down.

Everyone knows that couples fight about money but it's still hard to stop. Ms. Knuckey offers strategies to manage the "family" finances without coming to blows. Her advice is sound and understandable. I recommend this book to new couples and those who have been together for a while.

This is an excellent book full of sensible and relevent advice. It is easy to read and well-written. I highly recommend it.

One of the most meaningful books on finance I've ever read. Deborah Knuckey puts complex financial concepts within easy reach of readers of all backgrounds, while keeping the subject matter lively with real-world examples, humorous asides and just plain good advice. I wish I had read this book ten years ago!

Like many people, I have found that while my personal finance was in check, I have had trouble "sharing" money in a relationship. Agreeing how money is to be spent and how it should be handled is one of the most common sources of friction between couples. This book addresses the very real challenge facing people when deciding to share not only their lives, but their money.

Ms. Knuckey clearly explains how people's view on money differs according to their background, education and personalities. Without preaching specific financial advice, her book outlines the most common problems that couples face when handling money together, and some suggested ways in which to mediate, compromise and agree upon mutually beneficial financial strategies.

Buy this book for the new couple in your life. They'll thank you for it later!