Product Description
A resource for integrating faith and finances, Faithful Finances 101 is a first-person narrative by an outspoken advocate of faith-based investing. Financial counselor Gary Moore strips the veneer from evangelical views of the illusions that dominated much of the economic scenes of the last two decades and offers, with "hopeful realism," a guide to true riches based on a biblical worldview.

Moore moves from frank observations on religious pride to a discussion of making money but losing faith. He sees faith as integral to each and every aspect of investing. Using the financial teachings of the Judeo-Christian Scriptures, he shows people how to take sound but fragmented ideas about modern political, economic, and theological reality and mold them into a coherent whole. He cites people he respects, including Henri Nouwen, Chuck Colson, Sir John Templeton, and Robert Schuller.

Differentiating between having a Christian financial planner and having a Christian financial plan, Moore explains that spiritual investing connects the soul of theology, the mind of economics, and the heart of politics, freeing the spirit for "balanced riches" that benefit not only individuals but the world.

He explores the Scriptures, pointing out guidance offered by the patriarchs and prophets, as well as the financial challenges of the gospels. With this Biblical foundation, he then presents a vision for true wealth n the Third Millennium.

Faithful Finances features a forward by Sir John Templeton. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

A Worthwhile Book
Moore takes on the prosperity gospel/ Prayer of Jabez cult. He also addresses the fear mongering used to sell books and tapes with the Y2K "crisis" being a prime example. Moore says that clergy would typically define stewardship as giving 10% to ministry (although overall giving is more like 2%.) Moore takes no position on the doctrine of tithing but is more interested in how the other 90-98% of money is allocated. He advocates ethical investing in socially conscious mutual funds and saving in banks that serve under served communities. He mentions Shorebank in this regard. I learned from the book and will try to implement some of his approach.

A sound Christian perspective on investing
It was a real treat to find Faithful Finances 101 recently.

I was a Baptist pastor for 17 years and am now an Investment Representative with Edward Jones.It is difficult to find responsible, wholistic, and positive investment advice from a Christian perspective.

I appreciate the clear and precise critique of popular economic and investment perspectives prevalent among many Christians today.It was especially helpful that Moore was willing to name those with whom he disagrees.Unfortunately, there is often no other way to encapsulate a differing viewpoint than to name the teacher of that viewpoint (for example, Larry Burkett).I know this can be perceived negatively, but it seems to me that when a person is so distinctly identified with a particular point of view, the use of the name speaks much more to the teaching than the person.The critique was far from personal and dealt constructively with ideas that are often presented as the "Christian" point of view.

I suspect Moore has received some criticism for his differing viewpoint and the method he used.Hopefully, his approach will be seen as a constructive and challenging voice in what it means to live as a responsible Christian steward.I certainly saw it as helpful.It is troubling that these days thoughtful debate is often taboo.Perhaps we will come to a place in the future where differing voices are seen as different facets of the diamond rather than heretical thoughts.

For some reason, so many people forget how consistently wrong some ofthese negative Christians perspectives have been through the years.I suppose anything could happen in the future--as the old saying goes, "even a broken clock is right twice a day."But there is biblical wisdom that speaks to a different reality consistent with the investment market--one that is full of long term hope and possibility.The chapter on the 'Creativity of the Patriarchs' sent my mind thinking of the multitude of biblical examples concerning the responsible creation of wealth and stewardship in the world.Abraham diversified.Jeremiah bought on the worst day of the market.Solomon expanded boundaries.Nehemiah built an incredible organization and navigated challenging circumstances through creative leadership.Paul was an entrepreneurial businessman while doing ministry.Jesus taught that responsible investing is tantamount to kingdom living, and showed that self giving is the ultimate investment.There are many more but time does not permit.

We live in an incredibly challenging environment to live as responsible stewards in the world.There seems to be an exceedingly thin slice somewhere between negative Christian voices and a hostile, unethical world where Moore's wholistic Christian voice for responsible stewardship can navigate.

Thought provoking ideas on finances
I have read many books on finances that you would find on the shelves of Christian bookstores.Some are biblical and give good advice.Many feed greed and fear motives and do little to help people integrate financial concepts into their daily lives.Gary's book does an excellent job at two things:

1.Accurately describing a biblical worldview of money.As he so often points out in this book, Christians have been told to give 10% to their local church.But few have been trained how to be a good steward of all the money, talent, time and health that God blesses us with.

2.Challenging conventional ideas in the "Christian" media that feed on fears- Y2K for example- or greeds- the give/ to get mentality that many unbiblical ministers promote.Gary does a terrific job of presenting a balanced and passionate way to live and think about money that is honoring to Christ.

I consider it sad when many in the church recommend books such as Rich Dad/ Poor Dad- a worldview that is not even remotely biblical.I would love to see every concerned Christian read, meditate on, and implement the ideas that Gary presents in this book.Every disciple of Christ that is interested in growing in the understanding of stewardship should buy and read this book.

Ashley Hodge, CFP
Dallas, Texas

Discover the Too-Often Hidden Dimensions of Real Wealth
Thinking evangelical Christians should find this book helpful.So would any other thinking person.Gary Moore brings his personal experiences, profound wisdom, and deep spirituality together to strip away the smoke and mirrors that all too often confuse people both spiritually and financially.He never promises riches.He does provide a firm, spiritually-oriented foundation that should help most people do very constructive things for others and themselves with their financial resources.

Some of what he has to say is the insight he has gained as a financial advisor and student of theology.Some is time-honored common sense.Sadly, as he reveals, too often religious and other leaders have advocated other paths, and the results may have been painful for those who took their advice.
Virtually anyone, from the wealthiest to those with very modest incomes, can find something in this volume which will be helpful and not difficult to follow.Moore empowers by giving the reader possibilities into what he or she may personally do to be a responsible steward, and his approaches literally work around the world.If you want to strengthen or renew your hope in your faith, yourself, and your world then "Faithful Finances 101" is an excellent place to start. ... Read more

Product Description

In this book, the author draws from finance, psychology, economics, and other disciplines in business and the social sciences, recognising that personal finance and investments are subjects of study in their own right rather than merely branches of another discipline.

Considerable attention is given to topics which are either ignored or given very little attention in other texts. These include:

• the psychology of investment decision-making
• stock market bubbles and crashes
• property investment
• the use of derivatives in investment management
• regulation of investments business.

More traditional subject areas are also thoroughly covered, including:

• investment analysis
• portfolio management
• capital market theory
• market efficiency
• international investing
• bond markets
• institutional investments
• option pricing
• macroeconomics
• the interpretation of company accounts.

Packed with over one hundred exercises, examples and exhibits and a helpful glossary of key terms, this book helps readers grasp the relevant principles of money management. It avoids non-essential mathematics and provides a novel new approach to the study of personal finance and investments.

This book will be essential for students and researchers engaged with personal finance, investments, behavioural finance, financial derivatives and financial economics.

This book also comes with a supporting website that includes two updated chapters, a new article featuring a behavioural model of the dot com, further exercises, a full glossary and a regularly updated blog from the author.

Product Description
Glencoe Personal Finance is designed to prepare high school students to make wise financial decisions in personal situations. The program helps students realize that they are already making financial decisions and shows them how their decisions affect their future. High-interest features, an engaging visual program, and easy-to-read content make the program timely and useful for all types of learners. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Just what we expected
excellent condition, got here super fast.Was exactly what we needed and less expensive than getting it throught the school bookstore. ... Read more

Product Description
Conscious Finance is a self-help guide to a complete money makeover. It offers a practical, usable plan for building a comfortable and productive relationship with money, starting from the inside out. Unlike other books on personal finance, it helps you not only with the technical side of money, but also with the often neglected emotional or psychological side of finance.If you feel stuck in a cycle of destructive money decisions, or you worry constantly about money, the problem may have more to do with your emotions than your finances. Money choices are governed, not by logic and facts, but by your deepest emotions and beliefs about money. You can identify and change those unconscious beliefs and the destructive behaviors they generate. This book shows you how. It explains the hidden beliefs about money we all have--beliefs we aren't even aware of, but that can keep us making the same money mistakes over and over. More significantly, it offers detailed and specific exercises to help you change those beliefs in order to successfully change your financial habits for the better.In addition, Conscious Finance offers clear, easy-to-understand explanations and instructions for managing money. For novices, it provides all the information you need to create and follow a workable spending plan, get out of debt, invest wisely, and plan for the legacy you want to leave. For those already knowledgeable about finances, it includes cutting-edge information on asset protection and on choosing financial advisors.The authors, who are financial planner and client, share their own stories with humor and insight, presenting authoritative financial advice in a warm, readable style. This book goes far beyond strategies for solving immediate money problems. It is a unique blend of information onexterior finance(the mechanics of managing money) andinterior finance(your emotional relationship with money). Conscious Finance includes exercises for clarifying your life aspirations and setting goals to help you achieve them. This book can help you learn to give money its appropriate place in your life--not as something to be accumulated for its own sake, but as a valuable tool to be respected and used to help you build a satisfying and fulfilling life.This second edition includes a foreword by country music legend Wynonna Judd. She is one of many clients who have used the tools described in Conscious Finance to help build a healthier relationship with money. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

good
I did learn something about the book but it did not fully meet my expectations since they included some concept on money management like investing and different types of insurance. I was hoping to learn more about my hidden beliefs in a deeper way with probably more exercises and examples. The exercises they had here were exercises I did in some books already - nothing new.

Not for the financially astute
While there are some interesting aspects to this book, it really only makes sense for the financially challenged reader. If you already have and follow a budget, save monthly, live well within your means, know what insurance you need and don't need, and invest for the long term in diversified and low cost index funds then you won't get much from this book. The personal finance portion is little more than Personal Finance 101. I have no doubt the book would be useful for people who are struggling to earn, save and invest but not for those with even a modest level of personal finance acumen.

Interesting, but read with some caution
I will say up front that I am not the poster child for perfect control over my finances. I read this book to try and increase my understanding of the reasons behind my sometimes self-defeating financial habits. While I have never come close to anything like a bankruptcy or foreclosure, I work in the financial services industry and talk to people day in and day out who are in that very situation.

I have read a great many books on finance and business, and again, I work in the industry, so I have a good foundation on how to handle my personal finances. I also have read many so-called self-help books, and have done a great deal of emotional work on uncovering my hidden and unconscious beliefs, mostly through Harry Palmer's Avatar system. That said, I had never really looked at my monetary beliefs with a close eye. It is such an important part of our lives, but it terrified me to look at my money scripts.

This book did give the courage to look at my financial beliefs, which had gone unchallenged my entire life. I considered myself pretty self-aware, but this book certainly opened my eyes in that regard. However, I thought that, while the book did a great deal to help one uncover such beliefs, there is not a lot of advice on how to HANDLE these beliefs. It seemed that the authors pretty much thought that, once your beliefs are uncovered, that's all there is to it. Hardly. I would have liked to see more exercises geared towards dissolving the old beliefs and creating new ones, but perhaps that was beyond the scope of the authors' abilities.

While the second part of the book went into some left-brained financial advice, it didn't address the problem of what many people live with day-to-day. The book was overly simplistic, in my opinion. Old standard advice like "Don't spend money on it if you can't afford it" doesn't help address real issues, like the cost of living in a major city being far more than what the average person can earn. It played into the "blame-the-reader" scenario, in which the reader held complete fault for their financial issues, and if they would just learn to discipline themselves, they'd have no more financial problems.

In a perfect world, those of us who forego designer clothes, shoes, handbags and that daily latte at Starbucks because we can't afford it should be able to live in a comfortable (if modest) home, drive a decent car, have an emergency savings account, and still be able to retire on a decent income. But that is simply not always reality. There are some people working very hard, living minimalist lifestyles, and yet they still have nothing left over to save at the end of the month. This book doesn't address that problem, and I think that's a shame. The same old advice, "Don't take on any debt"(including student loans, which the authors consider to be bad debt- I disagreed with that point) seemed to me to be a hidden belief on the author's own part. Debt is not always a bad thing, especially if it is incurred for the greater good of your life. And some of the advice was downright absurd- "Don't spend more than 4% of your yearly income on a car". Assuming you make $100,000.00 a year, that would mean buying a car that is no more expensive than $4,000. Huh? I'd like to get to work without being stranded on the highway- buying a lemon of a car will NOT help anyone's financial life.

Overall, I'd say this is a book for those that have a shopping addiction or a spending problem, and need some psychological help with uncovering the reasons behind that. If you are already living a modest lifestyle and need to find more money just to get by, I don't think that this book will help much. Buy this book, if you want to, but take the advice given with a BIG grain of salt. Good luck to you!

Conscious Finance
As a counselor that has worked through many different issues, of which money is an important one, I found conscious finance to be insightful and helpful.In working with clients on money issues, I have never found money issues to truly be about the money, rather unresolved feelings the cloud clear decision making with money.I appreciate the personal and technical information this book gives because it gives direction to move forward.
The previous response indicated that "therapy is about healing dysfunction, not about becoming conscious."I find it is about both and the consicous part is the part that creates emotional freedom.I appreciate that this book gives a pathway in which the emotional freedom around money can occur.

WOW... releasing spending guilt!
I have long been insecure about my financal standing and could never seem to find any comfort so I continued to deprive myself of all but the barest of essentials.It wasn't until I read this book that I realized how my past had shaped my idea of the future and was serving to keep me running scared.

This is one of the most enlightening books I've ever read..and THE MOST entertaining of all finance books I've read!

The book is an easy read, but the application of the principles of overcoming your detrimental "money scripts" is not easy...but what personal change is easy?!I highly recommend this book to anyone who feels anxiety when it comes to money...whether you are an overspender or an oversaver... it can make a POSITIVE difference in your life!


Next on my agenda is "The Financial Wisdom of Ebeneezer Scrooge" which was co-written by Kahler. ... Read more

Product Description
Every day, more than 10,000 people turn forty in the United States, moving toward retirement without traditional pension plans backing them up. Lacking the safety net that protected their parents and grandparents, they?re forced to take the initiative for their own financial security. They need a source of information that doesn?t scare them away with insider jargon and intimidating complications. This book will help those who have felt uninformed, intimidated, or excluded from the process, and will simplify difficult topics like budgeting, investing, paying for college while saving for retirement, and helping kids with debt. People will find the essential tools and resources they need to set a course toward retirement and security at this critical stage in life. ... Read more

Product Description
Start-today strategies for a better financial tomorrow.

The Complete Idiot’s Guide‚ to Personal Finance in Your 20s and 30s, Third Edition, clearly explains everything members of this age group need to know to get a handle on their pocketbook and their portfolio, from planning their personal finances to enhancing their current financial plan to getting better returns on their investments. This revised and updated third edition includes completely new material on:

• Internet banking

• Debit and prepaid credit cards

• Online car shopping

• The latest in effective job hunting

• Online college degrees and what they can get you

• Investment strategies for the next decade

• Home-based employment opportunities

• New financial impact of marriage and children

• Home ownership options from building your own to townhouses and condos

• Online mortgage brokers

• All-new websites and resources ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Idiot's guid to personal finance
Would like to have received this book but the seller could not find a way to get it to me.I don't think Amazon should sell books that the sellers can't send.

Very informative
I found this book very informative. There were some terms that are out of date due it being published before the recession, but that was expected. I wish I had read it five years ago!

Lack of respect for both readers of the authors themselves.
This book truly stands to the series name "Idiot's guides" by being full of extremely basic advice. These authors inform the readers that there exits publics transportation services such as subways and buses as good options to save money. Actually, this advice is not for an idiot but for someone who's been isolated from the world forever. Besides, the advice is only applicable to big cities, and even in those cities there are limitations. USA is basically made for car owners.

Want to compare pros and cons of buying vs building a house? You'd need to get much advice on whom to approach, how to tell good house builders from bad ones, what to do in case of scams, builder's associations to approach, and several more facts. Yet, these authors will only tell you in a long whole page that building a house has the advantage of being made as you want it, while a used one was made according to the previous owner's tastes. They say that "hopefully" (in their own words) you'll get a good builder team. And so it's the rest of the book. "Hopefully" you'll find a good book on personal finance.

But as for this book, you won't learn almost anything about personal finance. All you'll get is a chit-chat talk that you can get from any neighbor, relative, friend, co-worker, etc. I well know that many people have serious communication problems and these simple talks are not so simple for them. If this is your case don't let these authors take advantage of you and seek a good book. The Dummie's series on personal finance is a good alternative. If you also want some charismatic and inspirational reading, my recommendation is Andrew Mathews' books.

There are many scammers out there, self-proclaimed financial advisers. This book's authors are some of them. I think the most famous of all is Suze Orman. They'll tell you ton of very interesting stories, but that's no way to learn about finances. You'd never finish hearing personal stories, yet you'd still need to learn much more. These writers normally focus too much in making their reading fun, actually using a rather juvenile language and these authors' style is particularly juvenile since they wanted to identify with rather young people; they did it too well. These kind of sloppy authors also spent too much time on encouraging readers to save. The topic on saving is quite simple and lets them fill their books. As important as saving is, it must only take a few pages in book. If you do have a problem with saving, you'd better get a full book on the topic.

The big problem with more effective books on finance is that you'll have to deal with more math and less entertaining readings, and judging from the many reviews giving 5 and 4 stars here, I realize that this is a big problem for many people who actually prefer to fool around (or areactually terribly ignorant).

The book has several annoying commentaries that I could put off with if it really were useful, but since it isn't the commentaries just add insult to injury. The authors say, for example, that only like 10% of people around 30 have reached the 5 qualities of adulthood: being financially independent, leaving off their parent's, being married, having children and a 5th one I don't remember. The world is full of people with severely unattended children. And the fact that you are wealthy and with a stable job doesn't imply that you are ready to have children either. I can even say that most middle class and rich parents spend most of their time shopping, watching TV and more personal fun than spending time with their children. And the same applies to being married if you don't work your relationships. Being realistic by being aware that marriage and children is not for you is more mature that making a conventional family, and being able to deal with the loneliness that come with that is definitively mature.

It's a shame that two people, supposedly certified in finance, couldn't make a barely comparable work that what the Dummie's writer did on personal finance.

Basic Guide a Good Start for the Young Adult
Like all "Idiot" books I have read, this one has excellent organization. Technical jargon is kept to a minimum, and the conversational writing style moves along at a good pace. The level of user-friendliness makes the information instantly accessible and useful to young people who are concerned about their financial futures. The strategies are indeed suited to the age group in the title - 20s and 30s - because the strategies outlined are quite conservative.These will have limited use for people in their 40s or 50s who have suffered a devastating financial loss (such as foreclosure and bankruptcy)and are having to start over building for retirement. This book is just what it says. It provides a wealth of simple but crucial information, all for about the price of a movie ticket, with extra large popcorn and soda. Thumbs up!

So-so book. Get Suze Orman's instead.
I bought this book and The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous&Broke. Skip this one and get Suze Orman's book instead. Both books are for people in their 20's or 30's, but Suze Orman's book covers much more material and many more options. The Idiot's Guide tells the same old story: budget, budget, budget, and is very light on details. ... Read more

Product Description
PERSONAL FINANCE, Tenth Edition, offers a practical, reader-friendly introduction to personal financial management. Using a structured, step-by-step approach, this market-leading book helps you learn how to save and invest, manage loans, file taxes, decrease credit card debt, and plan for the future. Throughout the book, real-life scenarios covering a wide range of financial challenges enable you to appreciate the relevance of key concepts, while useful advice from personal finance experts helps you apply those concepts in your own life. Many math-based examples also clearly illustrate the critical importance of achieving long-term financial goals through investing. Building on the success of previous editions, the new Tenth Edition continues to engage your interest and focus your attention on the critical concepts you need to manage your finances wisely for a lifetime. ... Read more

Product Description
While focusing on the student's role as citizen, student, family member, consumer, and active participant in the business world, Managing Your Personal Finances 6E informs students of their various financial responsibilities. This comprehensive text provides opportunities for self-awareness, expression, and satisfaction in a highly technical and competitive society. Students discover new ways to maximize their earning potential, develop strategies for managing their resources, explore skills for the wise use of credit, and gain insight into the different ways of investing money. Written specifically for high school students, special sections in each chapter hold student interest by focusing on current trends and issues consumers face in the marketplace. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

amazing seller and book!
the seller got it to me on time and fast! there was no prolonged wait and it was the exact product that I paid for.It was actually better than what I could have hoped for!

MYPF Review
Thanks for the book.Everything came in on time and was in the order it was supposed to be.

WOW Great book--very helpful
I worked with Dr. Ryan at Clackamas, and now it is 7 years later, and I am teaching Personal Finance at a different College.Was looking for a book on Personal Finance, found this, remembered that I respected Joan very much, and tried the book out.What a great read!!How very practical.I will use it with enthusiasm!
Scott Swanson ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

I like it
I recommend all parents to purchase this book.
Book explains different approaches to introduce ways to teach your child about how to manage money.

Kids & money
Again, my 14 year old grandson was more interested in an
XBox and a nerf gun - - which his parents purchased for him - -
of course.I gave him this and $25 cash and deposited $25
in the Credit Union savings account which I started for him.
His main complaint about the savings account deposit was that
he could not spend it!

Keep your highlighter handy...
This book is an easy educational read, providing parents with different options to handle financial decisions when raising their children.Keep your highlighter handy because you will want to use this book as a reference book.Use your highlighter to mark ideas along with websites so you can refer to them easily.(Probably all this book is missing is a quick resource listing all the websites in one place.)

One of my favorite chapters was "A Kid's Eye View of Money" which gives a glimpse of how children think.Devoting an entire chapter to this subject might surprise parent's, get our attention, and make us think twice. (I consider my children above average when it comes to their financial education but one day, one surprised me when she said, "Mom, the banks don't USE our money...") In this chapter, Janet Bodnar highlights many other examples where children's view of personal finance may need just a little more clarification from adults.

Some chapters are distinguished by age, but I recommend parents be sure to read all chapters. Many ideas are applicable to children of all ages. So, don't skip chapters thinking, "My child is older so I don't need to read that." You do and will be glad you did.

There is hardly a dull moment because topics are presented with both humorous examples and letters the author received from both parents and children. Readers will likely relate to more than one of these tales with a, "Been there, my child's done that..." and, "Oh yeah, we still have to address that..." attitude.This book provides issues for parents to think about along with many choices for solutions. It should be part of every family's home library.

Allowances, Jobs, and Other Money Issues Parents Need to Address
Too many children think their parents have an endless supply of money for them to tap into.When denied a purchase, they think the parent is being mean.Setting up a structure and helping your child understand and respect money is a chore, but it will pay off in the long run.
I like that the author advises against credit cards for teens and that she gives advice for dealing with adult children returning home.
Here's what is covered in the book:
Quiz: Test Your Money Smarts
Chapter 1: The Perils of Being an Expert [or The Perils of Giving Advice, or something else]
Chapter 2: A Kid's-Eye View of Money
Chapter 3: The Adman Cometh
Chapter 4: The Apple Doesn't Fall Far from the Tree
Chapter 5: Small Change: The Preschool Years
Chapter 6: Surviving with 'Tweens
Chapter 7: Why Is Money Green?
Chapter 8: Allowances: A Hands-On Experience
Chapter 9: Penny Wise: Kids & Saving
Chapter 10: Your Kid, the Investment Guru
Chapter 11: Of Lawnmowing & Milkshake Stands
Chapter 12: Teens: The Early Years
Chapter 13: To Work or Not to Work?
Chapter 14: Off to College & On Their Own (Sort of)
Chapter 15: Giving & Getting with Grace & Gratitude
Chapter 16: Lost Wallets & Other Sticky Situations
Chapter 17: Money-Smart Grandparents
Chapter 18: Mission Nearly Accomplished
Chpater 19: They're Back. Now What?

What a parent needs to know to help their kids understand money
With each generation the children seem to have more money available to them than their parents.With this should come responsibility and learning how to spend or save wisely.The problem is that most just learn to spend as soon as they get it, get it by begging parents or an allowance with no responsibilities involved or similar.Enter Janet Bodnar, deputy-editor of Kiplinger's Personal Finance, mother of three, and writer of the Money Smart Kids column in Kiplinger Magazine.This is not a collection of hard and fast rules to force good finance habits onto kids but a framework within which parents can use good common sense to handle any situation.The book starts with a quiz to test your money smarts.This quiz is excellent and presents most of the potential situations you are likely to encounter with children and money.The author even includes examples of questions kids ask and how to answer them.One of the insightful sections is one on how kids think about money and how to deal with these concepts from preschool to teenager.Ms. Bodnar even includes a fascinating chapter on questions and answers about money's history, composition, and dozens of other miscellaneous facts.Prepare your children to know how to deal with money when they are grown.Raising Money Smart Kids is highly recommended. ... Read more

Product Description
Personal finances can be an area of people’s lives that, if not handled well, can cause much stress and hardship to individuals and their families. It is an area that it is easy to get wrong and that can also be very daunting and complex. Christians are not exempt from these issues. As Christians, we fail to please God if we are less than a faithful steward of all that he has entrusted to us. This includes our dealings with money and finance. If we, as Christians, are to set an example to the world and be “salt and light” in our secular society, we need to demonstrate good stewardship and behaviours in every area of our life - including the way in which we handle our personal finances. As Jesus says “If then you have not been faithful in handling worldly wealth, how can you be trusted with true wealth” (Luke 16:11). This, therefore, is a book about personal finances that is practical rather than academic - a book that ordinary Christians can read and understand and that unravels some of the ‘mystique’ concerned in this area. It also shows how the Bible provides us with practical teaching and guidance. This book will help Christians (and others) with some general guidance and principles that, if followed, will help you keep your personal finances under control. It will also help Christians understand their special responsibilities in the area of personal finances and what Holy Scripture has to say and teach us - for how we handle and deal with our personal finances is a major part of the day-to-day practical outliving of our faith. To that end this book deals with subjects such as budgeting, debt, retirement planning, investing, tithing, shares, gambling, life insurance, what to do with material blessings and being responsible with money. ... Read more

Product Description
Sarah Young Fisher is the owner of Fisher Advisors, a financial planning firm in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. She is a certified financial planner, a chartered financial consultant with the American College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, and a certified financial services counselor. Fisher has managed the personal and financial portfolios for hundreds of clients. She is a co-author of Everything You Need to Know About Money and Investing: A Financial Expert Answers the 1001 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Money; The Complete Idiot's Guide to Personal Finance in Your 20s and 30s; and The Complete Idiot's Guide to Starting an Investment Club. She lives with her husband and two children in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Not for everyone
This book assumes you have a dependable income. It also assumes you have already been putting money away. It gives no hope to those who run their own business and have not started saving.

Makes the grade
This book was extemely helpful tool that helped me organize my personal finances.The advice was terrific. Easy to follow. It exceeded my expectations. I recommend it wholehearledly. It fits the bill and makes the grade without making you feel like an idiot.

Timely insights
When you reach your mid-fourties you tend to think you've sorted out finances. On a lay-over in Chicago I started flipping through the copy of Complete Idiot's Guide to personal finance that a friend had loaned me. I quickly started to realize that there were a number of key areas regarding personal debt load where I'd not paid enough attention. The timely insights regarding the danger of excessive credit card balances made me realize that my dream of a nice cabin by a lake would have to wait. Much thanks to Sarah Young and Susan Shelly for this easy to understand guide.

Valuable resource
With 401K's at work, college funds, and the banks advising you on various investments, personal finance can be truly overwhelming. This book sorts it all out and explains options in an easy to understand format. I found it to be a most valuable resource for my future financial planning. Mid-life is hard enough...this book just made it easier!

Amazing!
I was amazed at how complete, thorough, and well thought out this book is. There ARE stages of life, and you have to think of money and wealth-building differently at each stage.Anyone in middle age--or approaching it--can benefit from reading this book. ... Read more

Product Description
In this instant-communication world, buzz means business! And one of the greatest ways to get customers and potential customers buzzing about your business is with a Web log, commonly called a blog. Blogs can help you:

• Introduce the people behind your business
• Discuss relevant issues
• Provide a clearinghouse for information and expertise
• Show your business as a good corporate citizen
• Support an exchange of ideas
• Get honest feedback from your customers
• Affect public opinion

If you’re new to blogging, or if you know the mechanics of a blog but want some help refining and targeting yours, Buzz Marketing With Blogs For Dummies will get you going right away. An expert blogger shows you the ins and outs of putting together a professional-looking blog, walks you through the jargon, helps you decide what your blog should do, and even explains various software solutions. You’ll find out how to:

• Set up and maintain a blog, write in blogging style, and observe blogging etiquette
• Define your audience and target your blog to reach them
• Involve your customers, earn their trust, educate the public, and build community
• Avoid possible legal pitfalls while keeping your blog interesting
• Encourage contributions and links to your blog
• Use images and design an eye-catching format
• Optimize your blog for top search engine ratings, track your results, and measure your success

Written by Susannah Gardner, who has taught online journalism, directed multimedia efforts, and provided custom Web solutions to clients, Buzz Marketing With Blogs For Dummies even shares tips from the experts who establish and maintain some of the top-rated business blogs. You’ll discover the secrets of success, how to spot and solve problems, what software can enhance your blogging life, and a whole lot more. It like having a staff of experts on call! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Great Resource for Readers of All Levels
Hi there! Interested in blogging but don't know how? Congrats, here is the book that will get you started right away! Been blogging for a while now but want to find out ways to enhance your blog and drive more traffic to it? Awesome, you have found the resource to help you do both! Or just want to know exactly what the heck is a blog or blogging in general? Great, this book is for you too!

Though this is not the end-all, be-all guide to blogging, Buzz Marketing with Blogs For Dummies by Susannah Gardner is a nevertheless a pretty comprehensive book on blogging and buzz marketing with blogs for readers of all levels. It is well researched and provides ample examples to ensure that you understand what you need to know in order to start blogging or to enhance your blogs

Though I give this book five stars, it is not without its flaws. There are sprinkles of typos throughout the text. But it is not egregious enough to throw you off by an means.

If you peruse this book chapter by chapter, it will definitely appear redundant. Yes, Ms. Gardner will sound like a broken record, monotonously repeating herself a bazillion times. This, however, is by design. She explains it in her introduction. But if you're similarly impatient like me, chances are you probably almost always skip over the preface or introduction in order to dive into the crux of the matter.

In her introduction, this is what she says in defense of her "needless repetition":

"Chances are the fact that you bought this book means you have some ideas about starting a blog--and I want to get you started right away! You don't have to memorize this book or even read it in order. Feel free to skip straight to the chapter with the information you need and come back to the beginning later. Each chapter is designed to give you easy answers and guidance, accompanied by step-by-step instructions for specific tasks."

In other words, Ms. Gardner designed this text as a reference, meaning you are not supposed to read it like a novel (although you are certainly free to do so). To take full advantage of this text, she encourages you to jump around the text, looking for what you need and reading it. This is the gist of her introduction. So feel free to skip it. Once you get a copy of this book, go to the table of contents, look for what you need, and get started right away!

If you want to learn more about blogging from a different perspective, check out The Huffington Post Complete Guide to Blogging. I just finished reading the first few chapters. So far so good! It's turning out to be a great complement to this book.

Easy and Clear
This book is easy to read and understand.It gives a good overview of ways to use your blog in marketing products, but in some areas it was too technical for me to understand (it doesn't take much for it to be too technical) and in other areas it was too obvious.I read it--it didn't take that long, but it's not a book I will use for reference again and again. I could have used less html coding and more URLs to visit.

Good for someone just starting out
I got this book thinking that it could help me with my exisiting business. I would say that I'm pretty knowledgable about blogs (which are popular, how to read them, where to find them, how posting often helps increase the hits, etc). This book covered everything I already knew in one place. So if you know what I know and a little more, don't waste your money with this book. If you are completly new to blogging, this is a good foundation.

Holy Moley! What a book
Are you kidding me!?!???This is one great book.For a never before blogger this book helped me setup, start and gave me strategies to develop my presence and increase my business.I feel like I need to pay Susannah a referral fee - I am a Realtor after all.Fortunately in Iowa a referral fee to a nonlicnesed person is illegal.I have read this and read this, I use it for reference and it is so highlighted that I am now having to use different highlighter colors to try to keep up with the topics.Oh, I just need to buy another one and color code it.If you are even thinking about blogging get this book, block out a weekend, take lots of notes, and have at lease 5 highlighter colors!

Veryhelpful and insightful
Well researched, too. Good primer for getting up to speed. ... Read more

Product Description

A brand new collection of essential insights for your business, career, and life from world-renowned experts…now in a convenient e-format, at a great price!

Product Description
Many say few know more about stock trading than Michael Swanson, who ran a top ranked hedge fund for four years and has built up a huge audience of readers on his website WallStreetWindow.com thanks to the accuracy of his market calls and investment acumen, including making over 50% in 2008 in one of the worst years for the stock market ever. His book Strategic Stock Trading demystifies the stock market by explaining what truly makes the stock market and individual stocks move the way they do and shows you how you can take advantage of it. The book explains the principles required for you to become an elite trader in the stock market, including what and when to buy and sell using the Two Fold Formula, how to manage risk, and how to be able to foresee real changes in the overall trend of the market before the crowd does. There are many investment books that describe aspects of technical and fundamental analysis. This one puts them together and shows you have to really use them in a strategic way backed by real life experiences and examples. It also discusses the psychology of investors in the market and how hedge funds and institutional investors now influence the stock market more than ever before and what the individual investor must do in this type of market to succeed. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (82)

great advice
Mike Swanson speaks from experience, and when I read about mistakes traders make, I could sure see myself. I've been managing my accounts for ten years, and wish I had read this sooner.
The author sets out his favorite stock pattern for investing for the long term, and I plan to use it from now on.Concise, to the point, and informative.He talks quite a bit about the psychology of investing, and how to control your emotions and avoid mistakes.Highly recommended.

MIKE SWANSON IS TOPS.
MIKE SWANSON is fantastic. I highly respect his observations and strategies above all the talking head "experts". He is non emotional, calm, and collected.

Don't Buy This Book
Because it is so spot on, readable, and its information as reliable as info can be when trying to grab the ball of mercury called the "stock market".If everyone bought and used this book it would surely change the fundamentals of the market, and the author would have to write yet another book. So be kind to Mr. Swanson as honest men are few and far between.(It is truly a "must-read").

Includes every facet necessary
There are many things that you have to know and do to win in the markets. Most books and courses go into some of them in great detail and completely ignore others. They give you the equivalent of a jigsaw puzzle with a lot of the pieces missing and no overall picture to help you put the pieces together, or instructions on how to use the rook in the middle game in chess without an indication of how to get to the middle game. Michael covers every item. If you do not pay attention to each item you should save your temper and time by avoiding the stock market altogether.

A Must Read
Excellent, this book is money well spent. If you are having trouble making money investing read this book. As you read, keep asking yourself "Am I doing this?" If you do exactly what Mike is saying you will make money! If this is all you ever do, you will make money! If you read this book and are still not making money then you are not doing exactly what Mike said and you need to read it again. If you do what he says, you will be at least in the top 5% of investors. Mike did a good job putting it in a nut shell. This is a quick and easy to read book. Everything he says is important. ... Read more

Product Description
Description Keown is the only Personal Finance text that builds on 15 Principles to help students develop an intuitive understanding of the process of financial planning so they can use the resources learned in this course to be better financial planners. This text is written directly to the student. It teaches students how to manage their personal finances. It concentrates on the fundamentals and underlying principles of personal finance, rather than focusing on equations and specific tools which are more easily forgotten. ... Read more

Product Description
Kapoor/Dlabay/Hughes' Personal Finance is the #1 market-leading Personal Finance text.It provides comprehensive coverage of personal financial planning in the areas of money management, career planning, taxes, consumer credit, housing and other consumer decisions, legal protection, insurance, investments, retirement planning, and estate planning.The goal of this text is to teach students the fundamentals of financial planning so they can make informed choices related to spending, saving, borrowing, and investing that lead to long-term financial security.Personal Finance, 7/e provides many financial planning tools using a step-by-step approach to help students identify and evaluate choices as well as understand the consequences of decisions in terms of opportunity costs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Excellent book
The book provides an excellent introduction to the field of personal finance, and perhaps a must read for anyone early in their professional career. It was an easy read and helped understand the topics with simple examples. My only suggestion will be that perhaps it could also include a section on wealth management for the non-residents.

Regarding the particular purchase, the copy of book was of good quality, superfast delivery. ... Read more

Product Description
Fiddling with family finances can be time-consuming, frustrating, or even frightening . . . especially when you feel like you’re not qualified to make those big money decisions. But here’s an expert who says that you can learn everything you need to know to effortlessly manage money in just a few hours–and then stay on top of it all in only minutes a year.

In Life or Debt, Stacy Johnson gave you a one-week plan for freeing yourself from the tyranny of debt. Now the creator and host of the nationally syndicated news series Money Talks takes it a step further with a complete system to manage every facet of your financial life that’s remarkably quick and easy.

• Get your finances organized once and for all
• Learn to set goals, then achieve them
• Discover the only three investments you need, whether you have $50 or $50 million
• A logical way to invest that really works
• An asset allocation system so simple, all you need to know is your age
• Quick, effective, and inexpensive ways to plan your estate, income taxes, and retirement
• Understand every type of insurance and learn how to shop for it
• How, why, when, and where to buy real estate

Why spend your hard-earned paycheck on so-called experts when you can manage your money yourself–and save and invest every penny? Here is everything you need to know to get on top of your family’s finances and stay there. The clock is ticking: It’s time to take control.


From the Trade Paperback edition. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

An uneven book, but recommended nonetheless.
I enjoy personal finance books.Call it a sickness, but I do.

I like Mr. Johnson's emphasis on simplicity: a stock index fund and a bond index fund are the only investing vehicles most people need.And trying to buy individual stocks is a fool's game.Okay, great.

But he treats immediate annuities with scorn (in a chapter called "Stupid Investment Tricks") even though they are the simplest and safest way to make sure some of your retirement money stretches out over your lifetime.Johnson handles this task with disciplined withdrawing of principal, which, while more efficient, is definitely not the "simple" solution.

He also recommends timing taxable events to correspond with the tax year.While I agree with that, it felt awfully complicated for such a small payout, especially for a book with this title.Imagine finding ten pages of multivariable calculus in the middle of a 6th grade math text.

The section on insurance, however, was great.He uses his actual insurance bills and explains the terms, and then describes what he does and doesn't have covered and why.I've never seen a personal finance book do this before, and it helped me a *lot* more than just reading some more theory.I was going to give this book only three stars, but the insurance chapter alone bumps it up to four.

Now if only his college funding chapter hadn't stopped just at the very moment it got interesting.

The Only Book on Money You'll Ever Need
This is easily the most accessible, reliable and entertaining book I've ever read on money management and investing.Anyone can understand it, and everyone could benefit from it enormously.

The Only Book on Money You'll Ever Need
This is easily the most accessible, reliable and entertaining book I've ever read on money management and investing.Anyone can understand it, and everyone could benefit from it enormously.

Truly simple
This book title is perfect as the author has made it simple to understand investing terms.Though I have an understanding of credit and budgeting issues, investing has always been harder for me.This book is a great resource!It is educational and entertaining!Anyone who does any investing should keep a copy to refer to if you haven't previously been on close terms with investing topics.

Money Made Simple
Straight forward (easy) approach to managing money.Stock Brokers and other investment professionals are going to hate this book because it shows you how to invest wisely and cut out their fees.You get to keep the difference!Oh, some pretty good humor too.Buy it, read it, and prosper. ... Read more

Product Description
With more than 80,000 banks and credit unions, 44,000 insurance companies, 8000 individual mutual funds and thousands of credit card options,certainly there isn't a shortage of financial information available.However, last year alone there were over one million personal bankruptcies in the US and studies have shown that less than 20 percent of baby boomers are saving adequately for retirement. Making informed financial decisions in today's market is an overwhelming task.The Unofficial Guide to Managing Your Personal Finances rescues readers from the financial jungle and offers them the real dirt on becoming financially independent with no-nonsense advice on: Creating a reasonable budget Finding credit cards with lower fees or no fees Effectively utilizing employee benefitsSelecting the best mutual fund Saving on insurance costs Making the best use out of tax incentives and tax breaks Hiring financial and tax advisors, using software packages, and other

financial management options Constructing a portfolio Building a secure retirement ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great product, fast shipping
The item was exactly as described - in great condition - for a great, low price.Shipping was very fast - the item arrived much sooner than estimated.Great seller.

Good general-purpose book
A good general-purpose finance book.Covers pretty much all the bases and is straight-forward.

This makes it perfect not only for someone just starting off to make sure they're on the right track, but also for peoplewho are trying to put their finances back in order.Also great for thosewho may be established but just want to use their money more wisely.

Ifyou're really only interested in investment info though, I would suggestbuying a different book specifically on the topic.

A fantastic book that covers all aspects of personal finance
This is a great book to find out all types of information about personal finances.It includes buying a house, a car, mutual funds, stocks, insurance, credit cards, and more.I learned something new on every page. The book is written in a very easy language to understand. ... Read more