Love and Money: A Life Guide For Financial Success

by Jeff D. Opdyke

"The financial decisions we make in our lives are sometimes not the easiest to discuss but have long-lasting effects. [Opdyke's advice] has opened the door in my relationship to conversations that were a long time coming."
-Josh, regular reader of Opdyke's "Love & Money" column, Florida

Real answers to real questions about money and
* I have too much debt and my credit isn't very good. How can I fix my financial problems? And how do I break the news to my boyfriend?
* How do I teach my kids the value of money, when my parents shower them with expensive gifts?
* My wife makes more money than I do, does that give her a greater voice in our financial decisions? Are we still equal?
* How much should I give my child in allowance? And will it really help him learn the value of a dollar?
* We want to have our first baby, but we don't know if we can afford it yet. How much money do we really need to have in the bank?


If you're like most people, you're struggling with questions like these. Whether we like it or not, money makes a big difference in the choices we make and the lives we lead. Unresolved questions about money can put unwanted stress on even the healthiest relationships-between spouses, between parents and children, and even between friends. In Love & Money, columnist Jeff Opdyke offers practical personal finance advice, as well as strategies for dealing with touchy financial topics-so that money doesn't end up costing you something even more valuable.

255 pages, Hardcover

First published December 18, 2003

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read three books related to marriage and money in the past couple of months. This was my favorite because it deals a lot with the emotional side of money as well as other relationships besides the spouse, throughout several life stages. Topics covered include: spending plans, debt, emergency savings, merging finances with spouse, financial implications of having kids, teaching kids about money, money-related lifestyle choices, planning vacations, retirement, college savings, and supporting aging parents.

[Shaun · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a book by the author of the Wall Street Journal column "Love & Money". He discusses various tricky and difficult-to-discuss money subjects that husbands and wives deal with. I learned many good ideas and topics to discuss with my wife about money. I have much I can do to improve in this area. This is a book I recommend reading.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little dated and annoyingly gender normative, but still with good advice especially as it comes to relationships and money. This book covers advice for all life stages, from your 20s to retirement so it's pretty broad rather than deep, but he provides very practical tips for each stage.

[Brie · Rating 4 out of 5]

anyone considering marriage or buying a home with a significant other should read this!

[Shana Pradier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful book; Opened communication between my partner and I about our future.