Category: finance

Author: Jim Randel
Publisher: Rand Media
Genre: Finance
ISBN: 978-0-9818935-4-9
Pages: 176
Price: $14.95

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If you’ve managed to run up credit card debt over the years, you’re not alone. Many well-meaning people find themselves in this position, mostly due to a lack of education on how credit cards work. But if you’re now determined to eliminate your credit card debt, The Skinny on Credit Cards can help.

Like the other books in this series, Jim Randel uses stick figures in a hypothetical situation to make his points. As Billy and Beth work on eliminating their debt, Randel offers insights on how they got into this mess, and what their best strategy is for getting out. He also offers advice for young adults as they’re offered their very first credit card. But unlike the other Skinny On books, this one uses less humor and a lot more text.

Credit card debt is a serious problem in the United States. If you’re unsure of how credit cards work, and you’re determined to pay yours off as quickly as possible, this book would be a useful resource.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Patrick Kelly
Publisher: Strategic Financial Concepts
Genre: Personal Finance
ISBN: 142511082-7
Pages: 176
Price: $19.95

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Retirement is a long way off, and you’ve planned carefully. You maximize IRA contributions and take advantage of your company’s 401(k). But have you ever given any thought to the amount of tax you may be paying when you finally retire?

One of the benefits we’re sold on in tax-deferred plans is the idea we’ll be in a lower tax bracket when we retire. But the author suggests just the opposite may be true. As the US national debt continues to rise, taxes may be on the upswing instead.

So how can we be sure the assets we’ve accumulated won’t be taxed heavily by Uncle Sam? That’s what Tax-Free Retirement will show you. By investing in a specific life insurance product, you can maximize your funds in a tax-free manner.

I have to admit, I didn’t know where the author was going with this, but when he mentioned he was an insurance salesman, I had an idea he might be endorsing an insurance product. So I read this book with a degree of skepticism. But I was pleasantly surprised to find that this concept is not recommended for everyone. Certain people with certain levels of income will benefit the most, and the author suggests this strategy won’t be beneficial at all to others.

As with all major financial decisions, research this plan carefully and don’t take any risks you can’t afford to lose on. But if the information in this book is utilized properly, you may find your key to a tax-free retirement in its pages.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Samuel K. Freshman & Heidi E. Clingen
Publisher: Straightline Publishers
Genre: Personal Finance
ISBN: 978-1-4196-5683-5
Pages: 220
Price: $16.99

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In this uncertain economy, we’re all looking for ways to cut expenses and put money in the bank. Authors Samuel K. Freshman and Heidi E. Clingen have created a system called The SmartestWay to Save to help make it easier.

This book is all about saving, not investments. You won’t find any advice on where to put your money once you’ve accumulated it. Instead, you’re encouraged to do your own research and choose wisely. But if you want to learn how to build your savings, The SmartestWay to Save offers some ideas.

Many of the concepts discussed are pure common sense – don’t spend to keep up with others, don’t worry about what other people think, think before you spend, pay yourself first, comparison shop, and avoid debt.

But at times I wondered about their suggestions. They strongly tell us to avoid debit cards and ATMs, but if you keep careful tabs on your checking account balance, you can very safely use them to avoid credit cards. Shop discount stores like Sears and JCPenney? The last time I stepped inside either of these stores, I hardly thought their prices resembled “discount” prices. And Avon is “inexpensive” makeup? I don’t think so.

Many internet sites are sprinkled throughout the book, but these are simply store links easily found through a search engine. Instead I’d have liked to see information on finding “discount codes” at websites we shop on a regular basis – they’re out there if you know where to look for them. Tips on using the internet to find the best prices around would also have been helpful.

I’m a very frugal accountant, so my opinion may be slanted a bit, but to me, this is a very basic book designed to sway a spender to think about and start saving money. If you’ve been frugal for a while, I’m pretty sure you’ve been doing many of the suggestions already, and you’ll find this book too basic for your needs.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Mark Stevens
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Genre: Personal Finance
ISBN: 978-0-470-25287-1
Pages: 192
Price: $24.95

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Congregants of the religion of the rich share important philosophical principles. They have learned to treat money with the reverence and respect it deserves. In Rich Is a Religion, author Mark Stevens shares some of the principles he’s discovered, both from living them himself and from watching others who practice them. He also shares the stories of the “atheists” of the religion of the rich, and their ultimate financial destruction.

If you’re looking for information on how to get rich, this book won’t provide it. You won’t find investment strategies, business ideas, or any other means of developing wealth. But what you will find is a way of looking at money that can help you hold onto what you do have, while inspiring you to create more.

Don’t let the title put you off – this is not a book about worshiping money. Instead, it’s a book about living a quality lifestyle without needless expenses and a keeping-up-with-the-Jones mentality. Practical and inspiring, Rich Is a Religion is a voice of common sense in this age of greed.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Author: Paula Langguth Ryan
Publisher: Pellingham Casper Communications
Genre: Financial Stewardship
ISBN: 1-889605-07-7
Pages: 176
Price: $17.95

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If you’re like many people, the concept of tithing brings up negative emotions. Maybe you live in constant fear of not having enough, or you were brought up in a religious environment that made demands on you to tithe, whether you wanted to or not. Giving Thanks provides fresh insights, and encourages an open mind as it explains all the reasons why you need to look past your limited thinking, and just do it.

If you’re feeling that your prosperity is limited, you probably aren’t tithing. As the author explains, in order to receive the good that wants to come to you, you first need to give thanks for all the good you already have – and you need to do this through your tithes.

Although the 10% tithe is recommended, Ryan encourages us to test the waters with a smaller tithe, working up to the full 10% as soon as possible. From her experience, most people will be tithing in full within months of beginning the experiment, once they see the results.

This isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme, where you give solely in order to get. Instead it’s a sound practice of blessing the good you’ve received, and giving back a portion in order to receive more blessing. This sets in motion a cycle of good that keeps on giving.

If you’re ready to experience more good in every area of your life, you first need to start tithing. Giving Thanks will show you how. I highly recommend you pick up a copy and put these principles to work for yourself.

Reviewer: Alice Berger