Talking Money: Everything You Need to Know About Your Finances and Your Future (Hardcover)

by Jean Sherman Chatzky (Author), Jean Chatzky (Author) "What do you want from your money?..." (more)
Key Phrases: talking money, divorce planners, matching dollars, Red Flag, Five Questions, Jean Chatzky (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
A Today Show contributor and editor for Money magazine, Chatzky walks amateurs through basic decisions like choosing a mortgage, investing for retirement or college, and buying insurance, all in a conversational tone. Some advice is boilerplate (e.g., "When you invest your money, do it in a way that minimizes your tax rate"), but her case studies, clear overviews of financial options and practical tips make it all go down easily. Chatzky's high profile on TV and her five-city author tour and radio satellite tour should quickly land this one on bestseller lists. (Jan.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
In this highly popularized approach to financial planning, Chatzky (editor-at-large, Money magazine; financial editor, Today show) applies her down-to-earth style to show how money works. Built on her perspective of today's financial planning realities, which include being responsible for financial security and information overload, she relates her own experience and professional knowledge in this succinct discussion of managing credit, understanding equity, investing in bond funds, and saving for college. The delivery will likely appeal more to twentysomethings, especially those needing special attention regarding credit cards, but others who may not desire to listen to Chatzky's "Buffy" sounding narration might instead prefer to direct their attention to the works of Robert T. Kiyosaki (Rich Dad, Poor Dad), Margaret Malaspina (Don't Die Broke), or Jonathan Pond (Your Money Matters), which all cover basically the same material. Recommended only for demand in smaller public libraries. Dale Farris, Groves, TX
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 290 pages
• Publisher: Warner Business (January 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446525707
• ISBN-13: 978-0446525701
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,359,875 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

63 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent! Highly recommended!, July 19, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Talking Money: Everything You Need to Know about Your Finances and Your Future (Paperback)

I became aware of Chatsky a few years ago when I read one of her excellent articles in Money Magazine.

By her own admission, this book is written in "6th grade math and plain English."

I suspect that the 1 star reviewers prefer to a more complicated but less effective treatise on financial management.

In Talking Money you will learn how to:

*Manage your money--and stop letting it manage you.

*Accurately track your expenses and discover where you can realistically save

*Start communicating clearly with your partner about money

*Get the best deals on everything from air fares to mortgages

*Plan for college and retirement by really understanding the
principles of investment, and investing in the right places

*Calculate how much insurance you need--and don't need

*Transfer money to your children and avoid estate taxes

Other advice includes the 5 questions to ask your credit card company and how to get the best deal on a home equity loan.

To the person who recommended Making the Most of Your Money by Quinn, I bought and read that book and found it mostly fluff. Jean Chatzky's book is much better. Easier to read and has advice that actually works.

Quinn's book is more applicable to people who like to read without purpose.

Talking Money is an excellent book. Highly recommended.

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good, solid advice. On the money., October 18, 2003

By A Customer

Having read over a hundred personal finance book, I wasn't sure if I could learn anything new and was hesitant about buying "Talking Money."

To the contrary, Chatsky offers unique advice. Most of the books I have found pretty much say the same thing only in a different way. "Talking Money" is different.

For example, I know a lot of people bought money market funds as the stock market started to slide during President Clintons last administration. But few people know the right kind of money market funds or the differences between them. Some people even bought money market accounts from banks thinking they were the same as a money market fund from a mutual fund company. Fortunately, Chatsky explains the difference and shows you what to shop for.

Her investment advice is also right on and timely but not too surprising, because unlike other female financial authors, Chatsky is qualified to write and teach this subject.

Her advice on how to buy cars the right way will save you thousands over a financial lifetime. Still paying maximum retail because you want "that new car smell" or "don't want somebodelses problems?" Read Chatsky and think again!

"Talking Money" is a good overall personal finance book. Not just for new people, but for anyone and certaintly a better choice than say "Making the Most of Your Money" by Quinn which I saw mentioned here and which is mostly fluff with outdated material.

Chatsky's book is current, compact and loaded with great information.

I also recommend Chatsky's newest book, "You Don't have to Be Rich" which offers a different perspective on wealth building "The Rich and Famous Money Book" also by Chatsky and "The Savage Truth on Money" by Terry Savage who is also qualified to write on the subject of money and offers powerful, pragmatic advice that actually works.

"Talking Money" is a good book and a must read for all interested in truly Making the Most out of There Money.

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lot's of money management tips from Chatsky, October 13, 2003

By	Donna Hudson (Erie, Pa.) - See all my reviews

When I found out that Robert Kiyosaki had good things to say about this author and this book I just had to get it. I didn't want to wait to buy the book so just downloaded the e-book to get started. This book is a winner.

I liked the section on buying cars. Other than Charles Givens, Chatsky is the only financial author that I know of who warns about dealers price (sucker stickers)vs the markup. This piece of information alone can save you thousands.

Also, like Givens, Chatsky recommends buying a 2 year old car vs a new one. The basis for this is that a new car will depreciate by 50% as soon as you drive it off the car lot. Buy your dream car, but 2 years old and put the saving in a good mutual fund.

The money market fund advice was also interesting. Chatsky offers a website to compare rates and shop for the best funds. This makes more sense than depending on your broker.

The investment advice is also right on and one of the only financial authors to explain the best time to be in stocks and bonds. A nice departure from the usual "buy and hold" or "dollar cost averaging" theory.

Chatsky also discusses "power buying" or how to save a bundle on almost everything you'll buy.

The credit card information was pretty basic but informative.

Overall, Talking Money is a winner and will offer you some new insights on how you spend your money and how to invest.

Good, solid advice that really works. I highly recommend this book.