The Complete Idiot's Guide to Managing Your Money

by Robert K. Heady, Christy Heady

You're no idiot, of course. You know how to write a check, make a deposit, and read a monthly statement. With financial markets in flux and many Americans mired in debt, you're looking for better ways to manage your money, but learning the financial ropes is testing the limits of your time and patience. Save your money and your life! The Complete Idiot's Guide to Managing Your Money, Third Edition, is written by two experts who know the world of saving, investing, and credit inside and out. You'll learn savvy strategies to fatten your wallet and cut your costs from credit cards, mortgages, car-buying, and checking. Learn how to stay on top of your expenses, create a personal financial plan, get the best deal on a checking account, strengthen your credit report, cut credit card costs in half, get the best deal on a mortgage, recognize "get-out-of-debt" loan scams, avoid outrageously high bank fees, find recession-proof stocks and mutual funds, and earn the top yield on your cash.

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

Audio Cassette

First published March 1, 1995

Reviews

[January · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 I didn't agree with everything, but there is a lot of good, even if outdated, information.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.

[B-right · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Mack · Rating 3 out of 5]

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issue with this book is that, as 4th edition (and apparently most current incarnation?), it's still over ten years out of date.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 · Rating 2 out of 5]

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 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Slightly more fun than poking needles in my eyes.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

very helpful!!

[Aubrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

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