The Complete Idiot's Guide to Managing Your Money

by Christy Heady, Robert K. Heady

Features updated information on investment strategies, managing money on-line, retirement planning, and saving for college. This guide shows that any idiot can master personal finance. Softcover.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Finance, Personal Finance, Reference, Business, Audiobook

360 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1995

Reviews

[January]

The version I read was published in 2007, but I don't think it was revised at all. Almost all of the stats were from 1994. I didn't agree with everything, but there is a lot of good, even if outdated, information. I really appreciate the breakdown of shopping for bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Best part of the book was it's low page count, 368, compared to low filler content. This is meat & bones no sides. I felt like it was 2.5 stars but the information is a good foundation so I'll lean towards 3 stars.

[Emma]

i don't know ANYTHING about finance, the mortgage crisis, predatory lending, or interest rates. i think that i should.

**
lesson learned: capitalism sucks.

[Willow Croft]

I found this in a Little Free Library and it had some helpful tips. It was a bit dated in terms of tech, but it had some really interesting insights and advice on navigating the worlds of banking and investing (it could also be the "inside scoop" guide to the wheelings and dealings of banks!).

I think a later version would be even more helpful for this numbers numpty like me!

[B-right]

One of the most practical books on finance. Much recommended for beginners.

[Mack]

I love Idiot's Guide books. They give great overviews of virtually any subject, making them easy to understand and giving references to learn in more depth if we so desire.

My biggest issue with this book is that, as 4th edition (and apparently most current incarnation?), it's still over ten years out of date. Copyright on this is 2005, and I'm reading at the end of 2016. Still, it was full of great info, and I really feel like I learned a lot about personal finances. While the rates and everything probably aren't current today, the basics are still sound and definitions are clear and helpful.

I skimmed a few chapters that didn't pertain to me or seemed like they were too outdated to invest myself in. Overall, though, I think this book was a great help, and I've started working on some financial goals thanks to the knowledge I gained here. I would recommend it for people who, like me, know nothing about finances. If you're more familiar with these concepts already, you'll probably want a more current resource. I hope they update this soon.

[Eric]

Had several typographical errors, which at some points could confuse a reader unfamiliar with a given topic. Additionally, the advice seemed good for someone struggling with finances and debt, but the suggested strategies were not always the best plans for ensuring the best overall financial future. [return]Those weaknesses aside, there was a good section on insurance, a category of financial planning missing in several other books on the topic.

[Erin]

Slightly more fun than poking needles in my eyes.

[Ashley]

very helpful!!

[Bree]

Great information, but really dated.... Wish there was a newer version.