From Publishers Weekly
Farrell, host of the PBS radio show Sound Money and a contributing editor to Business Week, offers a nonthreatening, easily digestible approach to personal finance that is solid if not unique. Writing in a breezy style, Farrell draws on the problems of real-life families, including his own, to introduce the basics of paying for college, buying a car, budgeting, etc. Contrary to similar guides, Farrell focuses on managing money for family needs over the long haul, and includes only a brief overview of the "hot" topic of investing. He addresses such key concerns as whether parents should have college accounts in their children's names, what to avoid when buying a used car and how far in advance to budget. Farrell's advice is sensible, low-key and comforting. For example, in the chapter on budgeting, he advises, "Don't try to do too much in any one sitting. Set up a regular once-a-week meeting where both of you come together for a defined period of time to work over the budget. Afterward, do something together you both enjoy. Reward yourselfAand remind each other why you got together in the first place." In all, Farrell delivers a good primer, especially for people who would prefer to do anything but consider the consequences of their spending. (June)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
"It sometimes seems that managing our hard-earned dollars threatens to become a full-time occupation. We worry about the choices we're making, and it's clear that many people are unsure about their decisions. Have you ever asked:
"How much of my retirement portfolio should go into stocks?"
"Should I invest in technology stocks?"
"Why do I keep slipping back into credit card debt?"
"How will I ever afford to send my kids to college, save for my retirement, and still pay the monthly bills and daily expenses?" -- Review
"How much of my retirement portfolio should go into stocks?"
"Should I invest in technology stocks?"
"Why do I keep slipping back into credit card debt?"
"How will I ever afford to send my kids to college, save for my retirement, and still pay the monthly bills and daily expenses?" -- Review
