Making the Most of Your Money Smart Ways to Create Wealth and Plan Your Finances in the '90s

by Jane Bryant Quinn

A financial expert provides a step-by-step planner to help readers make financial choices, explaining techniques, evaluating financial products, and helping develop a balanced-risk approach to insurance

Genres: Nonfiction, Finance, Reference, Self Help, Business, Personal Finance, Economics

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

It might be a little dated, but I still learned a lot of financial principles for myself. This is more like an encyclopedia of all the smart financial decisions one must make throughout life. One does not have to read every page cover to cover, but it is a resource that one can flip through.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an incredible resource to leverage after my dad died. My mom and I were left to manage the life insurance and my dad’s investments. I was scared I would do something that would negatively impact my mom’s future livelihood. Thanks to the guidance in this book my mom has live comfortably for 30+ years.

[Steve]

I was a little surprised when I got this book--it's huge! At over 1000 pages this book tries to cover every personal finance topic in existence. By chapter 5 you're looking at sections such as "Joint Ownership with Right of Survivorship" and "Why You Might Want a Living Trust". The book tries to do too much--and is less useful as a result. It's so specific that most of the contents aren't applicable for most people.

Another fatal flaw--even this "completely revised and updated for the twenty-first century" edition is hopelessly outdated. The copyright dates are 1991 and 1997. The book is full of specific figures which have all changed multiple times by now. Many laws regarding saving and investing have changed as well. Readers are often referred to snail-mail listed addresses for more information which is today much more readily available online. How many banks still use passbooks?

Jane Bryant Quinn's "Smart and Simple Financial Strategies for Busy People" on the other hand, is excellent. It too covers many different financial topics (although not too many), in just enough detail to be useful to for nearly everyone.

[Tyler Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome if you are interested in getting your financial life in order. Straight forward. Great coverage of everthing from mutual funds, to wills, to paying for your kids college. Also great facts to give your friends about the financial advantage of quiting smoking or getting a StarBucks every morning.

[Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly helpful to mee when first married & starting a family. Helped me understand financial priorities & responsibilities, and how to manage our money appropriately. I now get copies for my kids as they finish college/get married, and they are finding it equally helpfu.

[Deanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would probably like this a lot better now since more things apply to me, but at the time I read it, I didn't love it. I need to re-read it.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great info with a dab of humor.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bryant's writing is clear, concise, and friendly. I felt much smarter when I finished.

[Whitney Archibald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Straightforward, helpful guide to managing your money. Apparently she's updating it this year, which is definitely necessary.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would love to see an updated version of this book. Very good introduction to various investment options as well as insurance, taxes, etc. Definitely a reference that I will keep on my bookshelves!

[Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great personal finance book. Everything from mortgages to education to retirement.

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

My book says 'revised for the 21st Century' but a lot of the info was dated. If there's every a truly revised edition, I'd consider buying it. Otherwise, the book is just 'ok'.