From first-time newlyweds to people on their second or third marriage, couples face an overwhelming task when it comes to money management. Nation...
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reviews
Dec 05, 2009
Megan
rated it: 
Yes, it's self-help. Yes, the writing is mediocre-- it's spattered with exclamation points, rhetorical questions, and incorrect uses of the word "literally." But who cares! The advice is invaluable, and thanks to this book I know with certainty that Adam and I will be more than comfortable in retirement. Hell, we might even be able to retire much earlier. Here are two of the choicest nuggets of wisdom I picked up:
1. Start a retirement plan. Now. There's a reason that th More...
1. Start a retirement plan. Now. There's a reason that th More...
Jan 23, 2009
Rebecca
rated it: 
This helpful book is based on the premise that couples should be on the "same page" financially and, in the remaining chapters, addresses all the basic financial advice that young adults should know. The author proposes that couples identify 5 of their most important values, assess how money affects those values, identify goals that correspond to those values and action items to achieve them. Andres Tobias' book, The Only Investment Guide You'll Ever Need, is a better reference tool
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Apr 12, 2009
Kristen
rated it:
Recommended by my boyfriend's cousin, a professional financial advisor. The emphasis on in-depth communication and the risk of different assumptions is certainly worthwhile. The rest didn't seem as relevant to my own life and patterns as many of the other financial advice books I've read, however. It really feels like it's for yuppies. There's quite an emphasis on saving for big-ticket expenditures. Which many people do need, but not me right now. And the values project just didn't click, especi
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May 23, 2011
Anthyrose
rated it:
Offers straightforward dvice to couples on how to put together retirement savings, security investments (the different types of insurance and how to buy), and savings for your dreams. Somewhat complicated financial concepts are explained in a logical and easy-to-understand way. One kind of strange thing is that this book appears to be targeted toward couples just starting out (i.e. lots of references to "if you're not married yet" etc.), but there is a lot of information presented as
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Oct 24, 2010
Rebecca
rated it: 
Initially I was turned off by the overuse of the phrase "get rich", but the author has some valuable advice that will help you and your partner find financial security, the kind you've always wanted but never thought was a reality. The couple aspect of this book is probably the best feature, in that it asks you and your partner to focus on your core values and personal dreams, creating a financial plan to achieve them. This book helps you to create a plan, which is what most people n
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Oct 03, 2010
Rozana
rated it:
I liked the general recommendations in this book that can be followed by any person in the world such as saving ideas, investment options, types of health insurance and so on.
However, the general nature of the book is "Americanized" since the author talks elaborately about the financial situation and circumstances of USA, such as Taxes system, Mortgages, IRA, and so on. So I would say that it is NOT a culturally friendly book at all. The book doesn't take into account other fina More...
However, the general nature of the book is "Americanized" since the author talks elaborately about the financial situation and circumstances of USA, such as Taxes system, Mortgages, IRA, and so on. So I would say that it is NOT a culturally friendly book at all. The book doesn't take into account other fina More...
Mar 17, 2009
Joni
rated it:
My husband wanted me to read this book. There were a lot of things I already knew, and a lot of things that didn't really pertain to our situation. I did really like his emphasis on the fact that there are more important things than money in this life, and we should spend our time focusing on its' quality instead of trying to acquire "things" or "stuff." We are the kind of people that could figure out where to cut out all the little things - like eating out or seeing movies,
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Feb 13, 2011
Claire
rated it:
Everyone knows that senselessly accumulating wealth is pointless, so one of Bach's first steps is to have you really think about what you (as a couple) want to accomplish in life, then think about what kind of money is needed to be able to accomplish those things. This sparks vital conversation, allows you to think about how your goals could be accomplished with less moolah, and gives you something to work towards that is much more important than money itself. It stresses that money is a tool to
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Mar 13, 2009
Allison
rated it:
Wow, I'm amazed at all of the things that this book is forcing me to do. I thought I knew 'enough' about our finances, investing, saving, etc but I really wasn't getting anywhere or making progress. I didn't know what I didn't know! The opening section on first determining your values as a starting point was eye-opening. Then, I totally failed the quiz. Yikes! After submitting to the fact that I wasn't being a very good financial partner, I decided to take it seriously and do all of the lit
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May 24, 2010
Stephanie
rated it:
I think this book is a great resource for either young couples just starting out or people who are later in life and are trying to get back on track with their finances. I read this book once already and am reading it again so that we can reevaluate our finances. It is easy to read and to understand for those who don't feel confident about their knowledge in finances. It has really helped us get our finances organized for our life ahead.
Oct 30, 2010
Doug
rated it: 
Yikes. This one sucked me in because it purported to be different from all the others.
It isn't.
It contains advice that a first-year financial advisor should give you in five seconds. If you're a lonely person looking for a daddy figure and direction on how to spend your money, read this. If you have a brain and can tell a good deal from a bad one, don't bother. Call your FA and have him or her drop by for six seconds and save yourself this reading.
It isn't.
It contains advice that a first-year financial advisor should give you in five seconds. If you're a lonely person looking for a daddy figure and direction on how to spend your money, read this. If you have a brain and can tell a good deal from a bad one, don't bother. Call your FA and have him or her drop by for six seconds and save yourself this reading.
May 14, 2009
Jodi
rated it:
The Automatic Millionaire, by David Bach, was such an easy read and so motivational, I thought I'd see what he has to say in this book for couples. It gave really great information, but was almost identical to Smart Women Finish Rich, so you don't need to read both. I really had a hard time noticing much difference at all between the two.
But this was a great source on how to easily save money regularly and invest for retirement, focusing on pre-tax contributions. A lot of the in More...
But this was a great source on how to easily save money regularly and invest for retirement, focusing on pre-tax contributions. A lot of the in More...
Jan 12, 2011
Erin
rated it:
OK, so Bach has the typical problems self-help writers have of using excessive exclamation points, somewhat annoying cheeriness, etc. But I really like his approach of fitting your financial plan into your values and goals, rather than having a one-size-fits-all financial approach. And he does make finance very accessible to the lay person, and I like that he emphasizes making gradual progress, rather than feeling so overwhelmed by the big list of things to do that you don't do anything.
Feb 01, 2010
Brooke
rated it:
Should I be embarrassed that I read a book with this title? I feel like a miser or something. Anyway - while it was very dry in parts, I gave it 4 stars because by the end, I felt motivated to re-evaluate several aspects of our finances and had a full-size sheet sheet of paper full of discussion points for my husband and I. Worth reading simply for the discussion I think it will encourage.
Jan 23, 2009
Candice
rated it:
Who wants to read about finances? Boring, right? Well, if we must, David Bach is THE man. I've seen him on Oprah, and reading this book was very educational. He has a great/easy writing style, very conversational and easy to understand. He also adds just the right amount of his personal life story to keep you interested in (at times) not too interesting topics.
Mar 21, 2009
Alexa
rated it:
The best personal finance book I've ever read...it is responsible for getting my and my spouse's personal finances in order and educating me on what our priorites should be and how to achieve our goals. I would say it's for those who already have a basic knowledge of finance,and will help take you to the next level up. Would recommend for ALL COUPLES.
Mar 08, 2011
Bob
rated it:
Luckily at this point in my life most of the information in this book was review. It has inspired me to start teaching my 3 year olds about money now though. It is a sad state of affairs that so many Americans don't have a clue about money or figure it out too late to enjoy a comfortable retirement. It is now my wife's turn to read this book.
Feb 11, 2009
Shane
rated it:
This is a very good book for the newly married. Us old married folks won't get as much out of it, but it was worth a quick read. Lot's of topics that are redundant topics through all Personal Finance books, but as always, Bach writes them in an easy to read manner with a slightly different perspective. Bach is a financial counselor, so it's a pretty good bet that his advice is solid.
If you're a newlywed, it's worth the pickup.
If you're a newlywed, it's worth the pickup.
Nov 08, 2011
Greg
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I think the first few chapters about communication with your spouse are good, but the rest of the book seems to just be standard advice. If you've read Bach's other books or any other books on the subject, then there is nothing new here. A good beginner book, though.
Sep 28, 2007
Mike
rated it:
A financial book getting 4/5 starts? WTF? It surprises even me. And I think it's safe to say that five years ago I would NEVER have dreamed of picking this book up. But now that I'm in my mid-twenties, married for more than three years, and have a career, I'm suddenly very interested in not living so dirt poor.
But still I don't care a great deal about finances. At least, not enough to read most financial books. But Bach does a nice job of keeping the information light and relev More...
But still I don't care a great deal about finances. At least, not enough to read most financial books. But Bach does a nice job of keeping the information light and relev More...
Dec 03, 2011
Jacqueline
rated it:
This is an amazing book that puts budgets & financial planning in basic terms that everyone can understand. GREAT read if you are starting a long term relationship and want to understand more about planning for the future.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
Nov 25, 2011
Miranda
rated it:
I've liked all David Bach's books. This one was probably my least favorite, because it focused a lot on worksheets and dreambuilding, instead of the way to get the money set up. But overall, it was a good book and I'm glad I read it.
Dec 09, 2011
Melissa
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I found this book very helpful. I've read a few financial books lately and this was the easiest read. I like how he gives useful information, but makes the book relatable. I just finished it and I'm hoping my husband will read it next.
Jun 02, 2010
M.E.
rated it:
A very good book to help couples begin to talk about money and dreams. Is it possible to do all 9 steps? Perhaps, but even if it opens the door to conversation and basic living will/life insurance planning, it will have paid for itself.
May 22, 2009
Marina
rated it:
Not that I want to be rich, but I do want a financially secure household. This book has great tips for saving, retirement, and debt repayment. The author also has a book called "Smart women finish rich" which is also a worthwhile read.
Jan 14, 2011
danielle
rated it:
this is a good manual, full of the same advice you'd hear other places (after all, most of personal finance is just common sense). it didn't add much to my understanding, but then i've read quite a few personal finance books.
Aug 27, 2009
Jacob
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This book reminded me in a big way of Bach's Automatic Millionaire along with some fun remarks about marriage and planning things together. It was still a great reminder of all the great information and principles.
Dec 29, 2007
Jennie
rated it:
I was leery of this book since it sounded suspiciously like a self help book. However, it actually helped me immensely. My family is weird about money and so I had a lot of hangups about it when my husband and I first got married. Reading this book honestly changed my life because it made me assess some of my values regarding finances and it helped me understand where our money was going and how we should be saving it. I'm really glad I read it when I was only 22. As a result I encouraged my hus
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Jul 28, 2010
Emily
rated it:
This was a great book for couples to read together. It was not at all boring and read very quickly. It also included a lot of great exercises and action plans to get couples off on the right foot. I consider both myself, and my handsome hubby to be, financially responsible, and I still benifited from this book. I am glad I read it sooner rather than later. I knew I was off to the right start when I saved $$ off the cover price and bought a copy used from the DI for $1!
Apr 28, 2009
Katherine
rated it:
Same old, same old as far as finance books go ... maybe good for a friend who is getting married and has absolutely no clue about money (as if they would actually read it).
