family-economics

This is a good book if you have a toddler or younger child.
and also it is good if you have NO experience being frugal and have never heard of discounts, etc...
I suspect the author is married to a guy with a good job and he makes a lot more money than my husband does, I also suspect that they own a nice home, and aren't struggling to come up with a downpayment on a home.
Its easy to be a stay at home mom when Dad earns a lot.
maybe her idea of cutting back means on the dinner parties and expensive jewelry
a good book for the yuppie set.

I really read this book, unlike the authors friends who posted here and clogged up the true review space with false praise

The purpose of this very readable book is to allow a parent to spend more time with their children. The author used her experience in financial journalism to calculate expenses. After surveying more than 100 mothers, she then wrote this book to help other families with young children survive on one income. Most mothers are at home when their children are young. Whatever your reason, this book can help you to spend less on living expenses without pain.

This book has four parts. One) to help you analyze your present financial situation and plan for the future. Two) has hundreds of tips to help you cut spending. Three) shows how to save more while earning less. Four) tells you about work: quitting & keeping benefits, part-time work, and how to resume full-time work.

I really like this book - it gives you the knowledge you need to know to make changes in your budget, expectations, etc. Topolnicki really knows her stuff, and delivers the message in a user-friendly manner. I recommend this book to all parents who want to cut back to one income.

Ed Cole has written a great book for men. 90% of the problems in marriage come from these 3 areas, Communication, sex, and money. This book helped me work through some of the legacy left to me by an unsaved father. My wife is gratefull that I read and applied this book.

Three areas which provide unique discussions between couples - communication, sex, and money. And whether you agree with Cole or not is besides the point. Take the shopping cart approach and use what you can and compare it with the biblical account. You won't be sorry you did. This book - you'll either love it or hate it. There's no middle ground with Edwin, because he puts it straight. Highly recommended!

Edwin Louis Cole not only explains how and why we often get ourselves into relationships that don't work, but what to do about it to restore and maintain your relationships to a healthy balance.

This book is chock full of really good ideas. It didn't "change my life" but I did learn a thing or two. It mostly served as a good reminder to me of some good habits.

I would read other books by these authors.

If you are looking for tips to get your desk organized, or reminders on every day problems, than this book is for you. But if u want a more global method on how to handle the mess you will be disappointed.

This is a wonderful way to organize yourself, and tips on organizing others. There are many usful lists, such as packing lists, staying overnight, and even grocery. Ronnie has many useful ideas on helping you help yourself. I was thouroughly delighted when reading Organize Yourself. She includes many entertaining stories about her customers to raise your self esstime. (one customer was an a trip and failed to pack her skirts!) Please buy this book and whip yourself into shape!

I want to like this little (thin) tome, but it's not much help for the rent-a-truck self-mover, the family planning to rent in a new town, or the family planning to keep (and rent out) their existing home. It's a by-the-numbers book: Selling Your Home, Buying a New One, Working With the Movers. In fact, this book could have been written by your average relocating consulting firm - groups that have a lot of advice unless for people such as the author, less so for those preferring to relocate frugally. The chapters on family adjustment are informative, but with few new tips for those who've already brushed up with the much advertised online sites for relocation.

Moving is a stressful life experience under any circumstances. Ellen Carlisle, with her delightfully easy to implement tips, has shared advice from her own life that will make the transition of moving not only easier but enjoyable for the whole family. Ellen's conversational style eases the reader through the phases of relocating--from the initial realization to the actual move and everything in between. There are even chapters to guide the caring parents as they help their teenagers and younger children through this exciting yet scary life change. Ellen deals with the necessities in a simple straightforward manner and tops everything off with encouragement that "Yes, you can do this and have fun too!" We were so impressed with Ellen's book that we ordered 200 to implement into our company relocation program. The feedback from our relocating employees has been very positive. They were thankful to have the book to guide them through the ins and outs of relocating. I would advise anyone making a move to read Smooth Moves.

Just got to read a copy of your new book "Smooth Moves." Well done. At one point we did 9 moves in 12 years. Your insight is square on the money.

David D. Carriker, Director of Development

First the positive:
This book is full of useful information to help you in organizing your home, your time, your life and more. There are many hints and techniques as well as a encouragement. If you are just starting down the road to organizing, this is a good book to begin with.

However, if you already have a fairly well run family and need to fine tune your organizing this is not the book to get.
Much of this can be read in any women's magazine in any given month. Many of the ideas are very simplistic (not that this is all bad).

Overall, I'd say that there are other better books out there that deal with organizing a home. I prefer Confessions of a Happily Organized Family or others by the same author.

I am organizationally challenged. I admit this. My home is an explosion of toys, cracker crumbs, laundry and paperwork. Our bills are regularly late because we can't find them or worse forget about them. I would like to say this book re-invented my life, I have to be realistic though. After almost 30 years of disorganization nothing will change over night. The author does offer some very practical simple solutions that I was able to implement with almost no effort. This was great for us. I created an organization system and rearranged a few items of furniture to find that I could use the space and things I already owned to my advantage. I try to look through the book weekly to find something new I can add to our routine to see what we can do to improve things. If you are just starting out with organization or you are to the point I was where you were ready to explode this is an excellent resource.

It's so easy to feel like we stay-at-home moms do so little in the world. Everyone else has titles at their job: "assistant product developer", "marketing coordinator", "research and design engineer". We're simply "Mom". And often as we sit around in our jeans with banana mash stuck on them juggling a baby and figuring out when we need to leave to pick up our older ones from school, we wonder whether we're really that important.

Kathy Peel helps us in two ways: first, she encourages us that what we do truly is important. In fact, it's the most important job there is! And if we're going to do it right, it requires some organization.

The Family Manager doesn't just teach us how to organize our homes, it helps us make sure that the main priorities don't get lost in the shuffle of driving to gymnastics, to Boy Scouts, and the grocery store. She reminds us to plan family activities, to make everyone feel special, and to take time just to enjoy each other. And to keep stress to a minimum, she reminds us to do the "preventative maintenance" in all areas of our lives, so that we don't have to spend precious time putting out fires.

When I wrote To Love, Honor and Vacuum, I didn't repeat what Kathy Peel did, because she did such a good job. I focused on how to change our relationships so that we don't feel so taken for granted, but I recommended that everyone also read The Family Manager to learn how to do that housework quickly, efficiently, and to everyone's benefit.

If you're down in the duldrums and feeling like you're running off your feet, this book will help you to remember that you are important and that you can make a difference.

Whatever happened to personal responsibility and self-determination? The reason people work so much is because they feel that it is a means to satisfy their wants. In a voluntary society, people exchange their resources because they see themselves better off afterward. I have a socialist friend that says he is a slave because he has to work. I fail to see how working in America is harder than trying to "live off the land." We have the highest standard of living in the world because we've earned it. I will continue to work and enjoy the fruits of my labor. I want the freedom to be able to work overtime if I need more money. I don't want the government limiting the amount of work that I'm "allowed" to do. This is my life and your life is yours. Make your own choices and decisions, and take responsibility for the results. Peace Out

If the author had his way, we would be working only 20 hours a week with 8 weeks of vacation a year. The author thinks and shameless writes that working hard is bad. If you have a tight deadline to meet, who cares? Just relax and take that 3 week vacation. You want to get ahead in life? Work less, not more. How can we resolve all our society's ills? Give everyone tons of vacation and forget about their productivity. You are insane if you are a hard worker who actually want to contribute. Not only are you insane, but you are evil too, because you make everyone else work harder bring on ill health and stress in the work place. Shame on all the hard workers!

On a serious note, this book is very unbalanced. Yes, leisure and vacation are important, but he totally dismisses the value of hard work in everyone's lives. Actually, I have worked too hard to write this review, I think I will take a 2 week vacation as my just compensation.

Joe Robinson is on to something with "Work to Live." It seems like everyone I know is crying for more free time, but the days just get longer, the weekends shorter and there seems to be no relief in sight. Emails, voicemail and fearful days are eating into our peace of mind and keeping us on duty 24/7.
Show your boss this book the next time he or she gives you a hard time about taking time off. There's great information here to support your cause because a break from the job is a good thing for the workplace, not just the workers.
After spending years putting in 60 hour weeks, missing weddings and funerals, and most of my life, I was downsized. "Work to Live" and Joe Robinson can help us all realize that if we don't take care of ourselves, no one will.
Learn from the Europeans who would never dream of giving up their vacations. Why do we? It's time to get a life...now.

This is a great book for the young adult (16-25), since most of the strategies would probably be the most successful if applied at this age; however, anyone with an interest in the wealthy can enjoy and benefit from this book.
Attaining Ginie's "14 layers of class" (Chapter 2) would be beneficial to anyone, regardless of their social aspirations. The checklist makes it easy to see where you might want to fill in a few blanks in your life. The "20 Ways to Lose Class-Fast!" is a helpful, if rather amusing addition to this chapter; most of these should be obvious.
Chapter 22, "Your Social Personality" is a good guide for anyone wanting to win friends and influence people, whether or not they are wealthy.
I enjoyed reading about the different types of rich: Old money pedigrees, flamboyant old money, status new rich, practical new rich, celebrity rich, and roller-coaster rich.
There are a few incidences where Ms. Sayles' suggestions seem a bit contrived, but overall her strategy appears quite effective and has apparently worked for her.
I read the book in one stretch - a fun and interesting read.

I have many of the "marry rich" books and this is the best one on the market! I also have her "how to marry the rich" which is awesome. This book is thick and has MUCH more info.I have used it and it WORKS. The 14 layers of class are great! The best part is how to get into society (i.e. all those exclusive clubs such as the supporting arts and culture, etc.- I tried this and it worked- I am now in!) I have met many wealthy people this way, following the principles in this book.I get invited to great parties and have great female friends who are invaluable to meeting more wealthy men and women! The clothes ideas are ok, but a bit dated and that is the only thing wrong with this book- (it is the year it was written)As far as clothes - the rules are pretty easy use natural materials and quality items- wear what they wear.It is not that hard to figure out, that class is timeless elegance, i.e. sweater sets, silks in bright colors, etc. But this book is worth the price it will change your life if you put it into practice!!

HOW TO MEET THE RICH for Business, Friendship, or Romance is REQUIRED READING by professors in some University and College business courses.

No wonder! This valuable book teaches you how to identify the 6 different types of wealthy people and what motivates each type to buy your product or service - no other book I have read has that type of specific, useful information - but then again, Ginie Sayles was a stockbroker and a business woman in her own right.

Some of the people who have rated this book, obviously have not even read it - they just guessed at the contents by the title. It is truly a great, great, great book!!!

Very decent book, with loads of good cases. It helps you understand the other side's position and options, and guides you to 'reasonable' negotiation.

How many times we have been in a conflict with others may it be of a personal or business in nature. I find this text extremely useful in punctuating the loopholes and pitfalls to avoid in a conflict and means to manage it. When in a conflict we are always trying to send a message to the other party suggesting them that there is something else they should be doing. The text will help in the appropriate way to transfer this message across.

To identify the root cause of a conflict Fisher suggests that one must not be responsive but purposive. As an example when two children are fighting the adult who breaks them apart may ask "why" they hit each other. To this the most likely response may be "because he hit me first". But that response only explains the cause of the fight not its root cause.

Another key ingredient suggested by Fisher is keeping in perspective the situation and mind set the other side is facing. In a ball game it may be easy to not agree with a team change decision a coach has made. But understanding the dynamics and pressure faced by him, we are then in a better position to critique if the decision made was correct. If we had a chance him our opinion this added perspective can aid us to be sensitive to his situation.

Fisher believes that understanding how others view a conflict is knowledge that gives us strength. It enhances our ability to influence them. Through exploring and motivations leading up to a conflict we can increase our understanding of where their perceptions comes from.

No matter how much we disagree with someone we need influenced. It is extremely important that we maintain a level of dialogue; so that we may not push the party away and be faced with a situation we never wish to face. After the overthrow of the shah of Iran in 1979, the U.S unanimously adopted a resolution condemning the government for a hundred executions conducted by the new government. Ironically the U.S had overlooked the thousands of executions of political opponents done during the Shahs regime. It was in the best interest of the U.S to keep Iran engaged and maintain some working relationship to avoid Iran being driven to the Soviet block and preventing the hostage crisis.

This is not a book of answers and solutions to conflicts. The tools suggested in this book are intended to ask or simulate better questions. Better questions are not about who is right or who is wrong, or about one-hot solutions, but the process of dealing with conflicting views about right and wrong and for dealing with the inevitable changes that lie ahead. For e.g. Fisher suggests that instead of starting with the question "What shall I do?" you might want to start with such questions as "What would I like someone else to do?" and "What could I do that would make it easier for them to do it?".

If you liked Getting to Yes, you'll appreciate this one too. To me, this book is really about how to think clearly about complex situations. As the authors demonstrate, too often we don't think through the long term consequences of our actions. We react to the past without thinking how our actions will then be interpreted by those we seek to influence. Great book.

If you're looking for solid guidance as an executer or fiduciary, go elsewhere. "How to Settle and Estate" is the better choice. The handbook gives a scant 7 pages of practical advice on what to do if/when someone close has died. Things like: Contact the funeral director, determine your parent's wishes concerning the funeral, ascertain whether your parents have already paid for their funeral, notify friends, locate the original copy of the will - - you get the idea. I was very disappointed especially given the glowing reviews provided by others.

Most books on estates and trusts are simply clueless in dealing with anything except for numbers and laws, as seen from the perspective of someone setting up a trust.

This book views the subject as a set of human issues, from the perspective of a trust beneficiary.

Though there are no other books on this subject matter to compare this one with, I thought that it did the job well.

This book is very well written and organized without being "over legal." My recently deceased Father, who was an attorney speciallizing in Estate Law, always down-played Trusts (although he set one up for himself.) From this writing, I now see why they are not for everyone. I plan to purchase a copy for each of my siblings, as our Mother ages, to keep us on the same "wavelength."

Read both books and all the reviews of 2 books with basically the same name and if you want more information in a MUCH MORE user friendly, readable (in English) format at 1/2 the price buy the other book by Smith, Divorce and Money Everything you need to know. I read a review that the Smith book just wants you to hire expensive lawyers. NOTHING could be further from the truth. No matter what, you need a lawyer and this book tells you the same thing. It doesn't mean you have to be stupid! As a normal, middle class guy with a college education and MY OWN BUSINESS this book makes you feel like you are in Latin Class again. Do your self a favor and not only buy Smith's book on Money get her book on Children.......you will save lots of time and stress.

....a newer book, "Divorce and Money: Eveything you need to Know," by attorney Gayle Rosenwald Smith. The newer book even has its own website, www.divorceandmoneybook.com, which allowed me to peruse the contents, view a video clip of the author on CBS, and check her calendar to see if she would be appearing at a book store near me. Well she was, and I got to talk to her in person, which was great! She's so knowledgeable and empathetic; her very human tone comes through in every page of her book. Gayle's book lists at $14.95 (but I got it for less!) vs. $24.50 for the other book. At a time like this, I need to hang onto every penny I've got. I'm really glad I bought Gayle's book, the information was up-to-date, thorough and invaluable. Why pay almost $10 more for an older book?

Recently saw another book with this same title at the bookstore, so I picked up both. Of the two, the Nolo book was so much more helpful -- it assumes you want to handle most of the details yourself, and avoid lawyers, whereas the other kept talking about how to choose a lawyer (an expensive, time-wasting lawyer).