Money

Comments from Neeka: Investing the Dream is an excellent book, it answered so many questions for me. I'm only in my early twenties, but you have inspired me to get my financial house in order. I've read so many books on investing, but this one truly gives you a clear understanding on how to get started . Thanks so much!

Date : 1/6/2000

Comments from Chrsty E. Cummings: I will be purchasing your book from Sisterspace bookstore. I'm getting the book for my mother who will be getting a small settlement from an accident and asked me how she should invest it. She is 72 yrs. old and I don't know if mutual funds would be the the best investment vehicle for her. After she reads the book I will have her get in touch with for advice on who she can talk to in NY. Thanks for taking the time to reach out.

Date : 1/21/2000

Thank you for writing the book Investing In The Dream.. My girlfriend insisted I read it and i am glad she did. Although I had some knowledge of investing your book made it so much clearer. I feel better able to prepare myself for retirement. THANK YOU!!!!! Denise M. Bagby

Politics, Money & Shtick should be required reading for any credit card holder or mortgage shopper. The book is informativeand easy to read. This book is an investment that will bringyou many returns. If you are serious in saving money this book is for you.

Jack Heselov provides a lot of insightfulness and information in his book regarding credit cards and home loans. The American Consumer can gain a good deal of useful knowledge by reading his book before buying or refinancing their home. Additionally he really nails the credit card companies and shows just how much they are really charging the average consumer who carries a balance on their credit cards. The interesting and humorous manner in which Mr. Heselov has written his book makes it easy and enjoyable to read.

I must say first that the format of "Politics" takes some getting used to. Mr. Heselov goes from giving examples of how the general public is being taken advantage of by credit card companies and the resulting "Credit Card Cancer" to hidden secrets about mortgage companies and loans (his own bailiwick, with over 42 years experience), to anecdotes which go from O.J. Simpson to Michael Milken. Sometimes all in the same page, without any clear boundaries separating them! However, once you acclimate yourself to his unique writing style and get your "sea legs" beneath you, "Politics" is a truly remarkable and illuminating read. Interspersed with the author's own experiences and insights, he paints a picture with seemingly random strokes of the brush about the general climate of Big Business and the political arena. But, like paintings that look like a collection of random shades and layers of paint up close but magically transform into a vivid image when viewed from afar, "Politics" leaves the reader with a clear picture of the forces that lay just beneath the waterline in the political and financial world. Read it once all the way through, then keep it around and read the selections in random order! It is simultaneously amusing and shocking, and guaranteed to entertain and educate. I am on the verge of buying a house myself, and I definitely feel better prepared to face the lending companies after having read this book. Thank you, Mr. Heselov!

At last, a book that gives us permission to dream and a guide on how to bring those dreams to fruition. Only Paul and Sarah could have written such a book. So often others tell us to forget our dreams and merely live as the rest of the world. But in "The Practical Dreamers Handbook" we're told it's all right to have these dreams and to act on them. I've noticed a different writing style from Paul & Sarah..one of peace and tranquility. Thank you Paul and Sarah for this book.

If "a dream is a wish your heart makes," The Practical Dreamer's Handbook is your best guide to make your dreams come true. Skeptics are reluctant to dream, cynics refuse to dream. There are too many skeptics and cynics in this world, but deep inside all skeptics and most cynics is a deep ache to dream again. And this is just the book to find your dream, pursue your dream, and live your dream.

This is not a get rich quick or what I would call a yuppie new age mode book. But rather a well thought out book that is laid out in Three Parts with sub sections that cover everything from DESIRE -Awakening the Dream which then discusses Imagining, believing and being committed to creating what one seeks. To ACTION-Building a New Reality, which discusses following a plan or thread, finding the money, making the time, and having the needed energy. Part three is SATISFACTION-Enjoying Yourself, and is about feeling fulfilled and appreciating the ongoing process that never ends, but is always evolving.

The Parts on finding the time and money to go after ones goals were excellent if for no other reason than for the common sense shared. Challenging people to be quiet and be honest and look at how much time we waste doing nonsensical things, and spending money we should be saving for the goal. And the authors were smart to tell the reader to even downsize, and move to a smaller less expensive home or area if this will provide the extra income one needs to create the extra income one needs to have ones goals. That even cutting back on lunch everyday and taking a bag lunch or going for a walk will save a good 25-50 dollars a week that can be stuck away in a goal savings account.

They also are great at making the reader think about what do we REALLY want and WHY? Are we honest enough to realize that it could take 3-5 years before we see a payoff? Are we willing to put in the needed elbow grease to get the goal?

But most important to me was reading and being constantly encouraged to NOT give up. So many people grew up in homes where lofty goals were either not encouraged or sadly laughed at. The authors tell the reader that the world is full of naysayers and people who will laugh at dreamers. Yet ever notice how the nerd in school that everyone laughed at, becomes famous and has more friends from high school that were in the whole school in ten years?

Good book. Read it!

"A Woman's Guide to Family Finances" is a "must have" for any serious home library. Only Ellie Kay can strike to the heart of family finances with such humor and insight. This book is not just for the women in your life, but the men as well! How can such a young woman have such financial wisdom? This is truely a five-star, must have!

I was given this book as a gift. After reading the title "A Woman's Guide to Family Finances" I figured my friend made a mistake and meant it for my wife.

But as I browsed the pages I dicovered something I had never thought about before. I'M THE WOMAN OF THE HOUSE!!! I keep the budget, the checkbook. I pay the bills and do the shopping. I always have my eagle eye out for that amazing deal to swoop down and grab before it's gone.

The financial advice here is sound, practical, and extremely useful. There is a spiritual component here too, but it is not so overwhelming as to deter someone not-so-inclined from pursuing and benefitting from Ms. Kaye's tips.

Even though I got this one free, I expect to save 40 to 50 times the book's retail price this year alone by following the bread crumbed path of Ellie Kaye's frugal wisdom.

Ellie Kay, once known as 'the coupon queen' is now called "America's Family Financial Expert" and this book helps show why. She shares practical strategies for making and sticking to a budget, going on a "debt diet", weathering financial setbacks (including touching and contrasting stories of people who suddenly found themselves unemployed, and how they handled it) how to save on essentials, and how to always share with those less fortunate, all in her fun, entertaining signature style.

I learn something new every time I read one of Ellie's books. This time I learned the Four Axioms to keep us from frugal burnout: 1. Shop LESS and you will save more, 2. Watch LESS television and save more, 3. THROW away mail order catalogs and save more (this one really hit home!) and 4. Bypass reading the ads in magazines and newspapers and save more.

Thanks, Ellie, for another excellent book that even the math-and-financially impaired of us can understand!

Careful budgeting can be a crucial tool for managing your money and getting out of debt -- and this easy-to-use workbook can help you gain control of your spending and organize your records once and for all! The comprehensive worksheets and charts allow you to set financial goals, plan and monitor your spending. It even helps you organize for tax time. Inspiring stories from people who have used The Budget Kit to change their financial lives for the better will keep you motivated.

I have found Judy Lawrence's The Budget Kit so helpful that I bought copies for two of my friends who were struggling with ways to keep track of their money. It is all about making choices and the need for the information to make those choices. This book is the key to keeping that critical information up-to-date and available. Not knowing where you money is coming from or going is like driving with your eyes closed. Lawrence makes the process so positive and simple , it becomes enjoyable and empowering.

I highly recommend this book to anyone. Buy it as a wedding present, as a graduation gift, as an anniversary gift for you and your spouse.

When I first tried to make a budget using this book I spent a week crying. How could I possibly accomplish my goal to get out of debt and have any kind of fun? Once I actually starting living with the budget I found it very freeing.

The first year that the holiday season came around and my money for gifts and travel was sitting there waiting for me I was thrilled.

3 years later I am out of debt and that initially "impossible" amount of money that was going into credit card payments is now going into savings account :-)

Last year I REALLY wanted a photo printer mid year. Did I pull out a credit card and buy it? Nope. I went to my handy 12 month plan of occasional expensesm and thought about it. Did I really want the printer more than a hair cut, my next clothing allowance and a bit off of vaction budget? Yup. There was the money for my printer. No guilt. No credit cards.

This book is a great tool to get rid of that awful out of control feeling and come up with a plan. My book for year number 4 is going into my shoping cart now.

Dave Ramsey's "Financial Peace" is a must-read! As a credit/debt consultant, I assist people in cleaning up their credit and debt. This book is perfect for anyone that desires financial freedom. It helped my family considerably, and it will do the same for anyone with a willingness to make a permanent, positive change in their lives.

First, get and read Dave Ramsey's "Financial Peace Revisited." Then get this planner, which takes you step-by-step through Dave's tried-and-true techniques for getting out of debt and getting your financial house back in order - and KEEPING it in order forevermore. Whether you're in serious financial trouble, or simply want to have a little more control over your money, this is the plan for you. Dave Ramsey uses simple, easy-to-understand, yet vivid language to communicate a powerful message.

I bought this book last year after stumbling across Dave's excellent radio show; I try to listen whenever I can. Reading the other people's reviews could lead one to think this book is only for those recovering from or in a debt crisis. Au contraire! Buy, read, re-read, and PRACTICE the recommendations in this book BEFORE you get into debt, stay out of debt forever, and get piles of cash. Doing this will add immeasurable peace to your life.

This book is a straight-talking, no B.S., easy-to-read gem about realistic personal finances. Everyone but the extremely rich should read it.

Many book are interesting to read, and then you forget all about them. Not "The MsSpent Money Guide," which I refer to over and over again. It is a book that has changed my life. Most of us feel helpless before ubiquitous money problems. Deborah Knuckey's book teaches you that you can be in charge of your financial welfare, that you are the architect of your future, and that you can be as well off moneywise as you want to be. She says, "Why spend so much of your life working if you don't use your earning in a way that makes you ahppy? Even if you love your job, most work is siimply not that much fun that we'd do it purely for the joy of it. So take the payment for your work and put it to your own best use." Knuckey believes that each of us has different life values, and it is foolish to go along with everyone else's. What mattters, she writes, is that your spending fit your own needs and not that of the Joneses. Some people like fine clothes, others could care less what they wear. Some of us enjoy eating in fine restaurants, others prefer cooking at home.Whatever it is that you enjoy, that is what you should be spending your money on. What matters is not how much money you have, but that it is invested in what will make you happy. Deborah Knuckey will teach you haow to do it. Don't miss reading this book, if you want to enjoy life to the fullest.

Deborah Knuckey offers a fresh look at personal money management. Deborah challenges her readers to focus on what is really important in life and to align your energy (and your money) on what will make you and your family happy. I would encourage everyone in the "work world" to take a step back from their daily routine and read this book - you'll never view a paycheck the same way again!

I have the hardback edition of this book and love it - it still sits on my desk and I refer to it a fair bit. I like the way the author realizes that the eky to managing spending is more psychological than logical - and she gives easy to follow solid advice about how to get out of your own way and get into good habits.

My advice: if you want to get more for your money - Buy it!

Not the most insightful financial book I've read. It contains a fair amount of fluff. It does point out some major trends based on demographics and the concept of sector investing.

Dr. Bob Froehich's plain-speak way of describing and explaining investing in the markets is refreshing. I've seen Bob on CNBC which is how I recognized him on the cover of this book. Dr Bob also teaches you how to think and recognize bigger picure market trends. I thought the chapters on Sectornomics and his guarantee that if you invest, you will lose money (at some point) were particularly valuable. This is a great read for any investor in today's market.

If you want to educate yourself in the principles of stock market, and learn how to optimize the value of your money for years to come, this is the book to pick up. Bob Froelich gives you a new perspective on how to look at the market, and overall is a terrific book to read, while being an invaluable tool for guidance in investing.

Randy Alcorn has written a masterpiece. I cannot say enough about how much this insightful book has influenced my understanding of how Christians ought to think about and handle their material resources. This book addresses so many Biblical principles with such clarity of thought and focus that it's difficult to pick out the best highlights. I began dog-earing pages for future reference (something I almost NEVER do), and I ended up turning down the corner of nearly every other page! Alcorn is as insightful as Burkett, as practical as Blue, and as clear as Hendricks or Swindoll. Since everyone will answer to God in eternity, I believe this book ought to be required reading for every Christian. Alcorn is especially adept at examining the concept of "materialism" -- exactly what it is and what it means. Without a doubt in my mind, the finest book ever on this much-neglected subject. In addition, Alcorn's book had a major influence on co-author Jim Burgess and me when we recently wrote "The Debt-Free Church" for Moody Press. Thanks, Randy, and I pray that "Money. Possessions, and Eternity" is soon back in print

I am submitting this book for addition to The Baker Family Foundation family wealth position statement to guide future generations on material decision making directed to honor God for both family comsumption and Foundation use. Long sought for text for one believing to be God driven to accumulate wealth. Not for the temporally poor nor ungodly rich. A breathtaking relief of common sense from comprehensive scripture texts and commentary about money, possessions & eternity.

Simply the best book on the subject. Be ready for a good spiritual punch in the gut. I buy numerous copies of these and constantly give them away to those I am close to. Chock full of scripture and and wisdom. It's intention is not to instruct you on how to get out of debt or balance your check-book. Seek out Ron Blue or Larry Burkett's excellent resorces for this. Alcorn lays out a view of the eternal promises of God (specifically related to the subject matter), challenges us to believe them and dramatically alter the way most American Christians live our lives. If you want the "Cliff's notes" version pick up Alcorn's "The Treasure Principle." If you want to go deep work your way through this gem.

This book was good to read. It is very informative for young adults. I know that this will be very helpful to me next year at college. I liked this book because it was very helpful in demonstrating what should not be done when creating personal financing. The only reason I did not give this book five stars was because while it did say what not to do, I only noticed four instances of when the book mentioned a person doing something correct from the start. Throughout the book the author, Dara Duguay, would tell a person's tale of how they screwed up their financing. Then she would explain how that particular situation could have been better handled. In each of the four instances of someone handling their finances well, it was merely to compare that person to another that didn't do so well.
Overall I liked the book. It gives good advice and is rather easy to read. The lessons the book tries to convey are understood quite well by its target audience (teens). I am glad that I read this book, I will take to heart most of the lessons it teaches.

With the new creation of the information age, money management has taken on new meaning for young people. "Please Send Money" is the example where kids at camp and college once had to rely on their parents for money but now via the Internet credit card companies have taken away this burden and placed the problem with young adults who have endless access to financial resources and thus begin their early credit problems. Ms. Duguay does an excellent job pointing out the difficulty for young people in managing their money and how it affects their ability to have access to credit in the future. Additionaly, most educational institutions do not address this necessary life skill and therefore young adults are unprepared to make sound financial decisions when it comes to credit cards, investments, retirement accounts and day to day budgeting. Its nice to know that someone is trying to bring this important issue to the national forefront and help show young adults the way to financial independence, otherwise it will fall onto the public sector one way or another. Every parent should buy this book for their children.

Moving out on your own for the first time is stressful enough, without having to constantly worry about money. However, as Dara Duguay says in her book, Please Send Money: A Financial Survival Guide for Young Adults on Their Own, money is a huge problem amoung young people. I was surprised to learn how many college students accumulate thousands of dollars in debt, often getting in over their head by using credit cards irresponibly. Although personal finance can be confusing and full of dangers for young people, this book shows readers how to avoid common problems and set up and manage a budget. Duguay teaches about the dangers of credit cards, loans, and how to deal with bankruptcy. Through many real-life stories, she illustrates that financial problems can effect anyone. However, by creating a budget for yourself, learning about loans and credit cards, and overcoming the temptation to spend too much, young people can learn to handle their money responsibly. I would definitely recommend this helpful, easy-to-read book to anyone, especially young people, who want to learn more about personal finance.