Making the Most of Your Money

by Jane Bryant Quinn

The right choices in risky times, Jane Bryant Quinn knows how to find them, as readers of her personal finance columns-in Newsweek, Woman's Day and newspapers nationwide-can confirm. She's smart, doesn't skirt the tough questions, and doesn't bore you to death with complicated theories or formulas. She steers you away from financial schemes that promise you the moon. But she's not timid about investing. She urges you to take intelligent action, to seize opportunities in both good times and bad. She guides you toward organizing your financial life-without fuss or pain and in a way that is right for you. She shows you how to set sensible goals; critiques the expanding range of financial products; and offers common-sense advice in all areas of personal finance-borrowing, saving, insuring, investing, and much more.

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

944 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Jenny]

It might be a little dated, but I still learned a lot of financial principles for myself. This is more like an encyclopedia of all the smart financial decisions one must make throughout life. One does not have to read every page cover to cover, but it is a resource that one can flip through.

[Colleen]

This was an incredible resource to leverage after my dad died. My mom and I were left to manage the life insurance and my dad’s investments. I was scared I would do something that would negatively impact my mom’s future livelihood. Thanks to the guidance in this book my mom has live comfortably for 30+ years.

[Steve]

I was a little surprised when I got this book--it's huge! At over 1000 pages this book tries to cover every personal finance topic in existence. By chapter 5 you're looking at sections such as "Joint Ownership with Right of Survivorship" and "Why You Might Want a Living Trust". The book tries to do too much--and is less useful as a result. It's so specific that most of the contents aren't applicable for most people.

Another fatal flaw--even this "completely revised and updated for the twenty-first century" edition is hopelessly outdated. The copyright dates are 1991 and 1997. The book is full of specific figures which have all changed multiple times by now. Many laws regarding saving and investing have changed as well. Readers are often referred to snail-mail listed addresses for more information which is today much more readily available online. How many banks still use passbooks?

Jane Bryant Quinn's "Smart and Simple Financial Strategies for Busy People" on the other hand, is excellent. It too covers many different financial topics (although not too many), in just enough detail to be useful to for nearly everyone.

[Tyler Baker]

This book is awesome if you are interested in getting your financial life in order. Straight forward. Great coverage of everthing from mutual funds, to wills, to paying for your kids college. Also great facts to give your friends about the financial advantage of quiting smoking or getting a StarBucks every morning.

[Gilbert]

Incredibly helpful to mee when first married & starting a family. Helped me understand financial priorities & responsibilities, and how to manage our money appropriately. I now get copies for my kids as they finish college/get married, and they are finding it equally helpfu.

[Deanna]

I would probably like this a lot better now since more things apply to me, but at the time I read it, I didn't love it. I need to re-read it.

[Peggy]

Great info with a dab of humor.

[Ellen]

Bryant's writing is clear, concise, and friendly. I felt much smarter when I finished.

[Whitney Archibald]

Straightforward, helpful guide to managing your money. Apparently she's updating it this year, which is definitely necessary.

[Brian]

Would love to see an updated version of this book. Very good introduction to various investment options as well as insurance, taxes, etc. Definitely a reference that I will keep on my bookshelves!

[Stefanie]

Great personal finance book. Everything from mortgages to education to retirement.

[Jason]

My book says 'revised for the 21st Century' but a lot of the info was dated. If there's every a truly revised edition, I'd consider buying it. Otherwise, the book is just 'ok'.