Don't Get Caught with Your Skirt Down: A Practical Girl's Recession Guide

by Jill Keto, Daniel Keto (Primary Contributor)

A straightforward, no-nonsense, practical, woman-to-woman guide to understanding the economy and personal finance, navigating the sea of confusing investment options and cutting back on spending during this difficult, belt-tightening recession.


We’re in the midst of some of the toughest times we’ve ever seen. But it’s not time to panic—with some solid guidance and financial savvy, you can weather this recession and come out on top. Jill Keto—a selfmade entrepreneur and mother of two—gives you the real scoop on personal finance, the markets, and how to spend and save wisely the way only a girlfriend can, in a down-toearth and straightforward manner we haven’t heard from any of the experts. You’ll

• Where the economy is headed and what that means for you

• How to create backup income

• Essential skills to help you thrive

• How to deal with your big fat mortgage

• How to keep your job

• How to get what you need, cheaply

• Where to save your money so it doesn’t vaporize

• How to haggle like a pro

• How to cut your food bill in half

• How to have no car payment

• How to look gorgeous without spending a fortune

• And much more!

Genres: Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Made it through about 40% of this book. Tone is not enjoyable. Nothing of particular interest in it. Best to leave this book in 2008 where it came from.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay book but it wasn't exactly what I expected it to be. It had some great tips in it, particularly about renting versus buying a home and it also had a great breakdown of the economic situation in 2008. It was also interested to read how the author and her husband have invested their money.

Overall, though, it felt a bit rushed and, honestly, the language was a little difficult to deal with. This is supposed to fall into the "smart chick lit" category but it read kind of dry at times. The economic talk was a little difficult to keep up with, maybe because I am completely unfamiliar with econ language. But all of that's totally okay if not confusing based on the cover art and the way the book was/is being marketed.

The book is worth reading for the resource pages at the end - lots of other great books to check out. Other than that, you'll find similar advice in countless other books with a few minor exceptions I've already mentioned.

Incidentally, the back flap indicated the author had a blog and I was disappointed to see it hasn't been updated since January 2011 and the entry prior to that was dated December 2009. Since the book was published in 2008, I was really hoping to read more of the author's insights into the economic situation of our nation as time has passed. Oh well.

Lastly, I will say that because I had a hard time following the economic language it inspired me to study economic for myself. So I will definitely be checking out the economic texts listed in the resource section.

All in all, an okay book. Get it at the library and save your cash.

[Lea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book skims on everything you've already heard, more or less. It was surprisingly readable, got through it in a few sittings. Jill Keto is funny and charming and entertaining. She is realistic as well. Some of the information is not as helpful as I hoped, if you're in debt her advice: pay it off. Duh! There's a lot about investing and starting a business, which didn't apply to me. There's also the pros and cons to buying a house, which I already did. And not too much help on what to do now that I have. But I would recommend it to all women because it does make you realize we a lot and now we have to make our dollar stretch. Some great tips and statistics I found really facinating (and disturbing).

[Susanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book. Here are a few interesting notes:

Cost of living inflation + Deflating asset = Stagflation

FICO score breakdown:
35% Payment History
30% Amounts owed
15% Length of credit history
10% Types of credit used
10% New credit

Although precious metals are an excellent hedge against inflation, it's not necessary a safe bet. US Government could make it illegal to possess gold bullion. For instance, on April 5, 1933, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt declared and prohibited the hoarding of gold coins, gold bullion, and gold certificates within the continental United States by individuals, partnerships, associations, and coporations, as one of his strategies to rescue the US economy.

Great book for a lazy evening.

[Birdie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a perfect example of "don't judge a book by its cover". Once you get past the hokey title and cover art, you'll find common sense wisdom about finances. Author Jill Keto explains the recent economic downturn--her book is current right through October 2008--in ways that make sense to regular people, and she gives pointers for how to weather what's ahead. Highly recommended for all who are not financial experts!

Honestly though, I really hated the cover!

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick read on how to become a "recessionista". It was full of advice and information about the economy, how to financially prepare for the future and attempt to recession-proof your life. Some of the info was a bit obvious, but I learned a lot about econ 101 which I clearly missed in school. I think it's worth a quick read to fill in any blanks you might have on your current economics/financial/investment/prepare for the recession knowledge.

[Katie | niftyreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up on a fluke. I'm trying to educate myself on money issues. It was very easy to read and understand, but being 26, single, and still in school, I found some of the chapters didn't pertain to me. I did learn some helpful tips and I think later in life that I will go back to this book.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book motivated me to become much more money savvy. It made me realize that I wasn't really seeing the big picture. Now, I feel equipped to make smarter financial decisions based on what I read in this book.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

some good practical ideas and a short lesson on economics.