Books > Get A Financial Life >

Excerpts

Introduction

Chapter 1: Crib Notes
A Cheat Sheet for Time-Pressed Readers Who Need Help Now

Chapter 2: Get a Grip on Your Financial Life
Figuring Out Where You Are and Where You Want to Go

Putting a Price Tag on Your Goals
Learning How to Reach Your Goals
Figuring Out Where Your Money Goes
Financial Rules of Thumb
Getting Your Financial Life in Order
Keeping Track of Money Coming In and Going Out

Chapter 3: Dealing with Debt
Finding the Cheapest Loans and Getting Yourself Out of Hock

Four Pointers for Anyone with Debt
Credit Cards
Student Loans
Car Loans
Home Equity Loans
Credit Reports and Credit Scores
If You're in Serious Debt
When to Consider Bankruptcy

Chapter 4: Basic Banking
How to Keep Your Costs Low and Your Money Safe

A Bank by Any Other Name
What to Look for in a Bank
Managing Your Checking Account
Using the ATM Wisely
When to Go Internet-Only
What to Do with Your Savings
Joint versus Separate Accounts
A Warning About Bank-Sold Investments

Chapter 5: All You Really Need to Know About Investing
Getting a Foothold in this Rocky Landscape

Mutual Fund Fundamentals
Money Market Funds
A Word About Inflation
Stock Funds
Bond Funds
The Right Mix of Investments
Mutual Fund Expenses
Deciding Where to Buy Your Mutual Funds
Socially Responsible Investing

Chapter 6: The Brave New World of 4O1(k)s
Don't Let the Market Meltdown Be Your Excuse for Missing the Best Savings Deal Around

What Are Retirement Savings Plans, Anyway?
How Your Retirement Savings Account Works
Contributing to Your 401(k)
Contributing to an IRA
How to Tap the Money in Your 401(k) or IRA if You Really Need It Now
A Word About Inflation and Taxation
Answers to Some Common Questions
If You're Self-Employed

Chapter 7: Oh, Give Me a Home
The New Rules for Getting a House or Apartment of Your Own

A 60-Second Explanation of the Mortgage Mess
What Every Renter Needs to Know
Should You Rent or Buy?
What Lenders Look For
The Real Costs of Owning a Home
Loans to Discuss with Your Lender
If You Don't Qualify for a Mortgage
Shopping for a Mortgage
Making the Process Go Smoothly
If You Can't Pay Your Mortgage

Chapter 8: Insurance: What You Need and What You Don't
Finding the Right Policies and Skipping Coverage You Can Do Without

Getting the Best Deal
Checking Out Credentials
Making the Most of Your Employer's Plans
Health Insurance
Car Insurance
Disability Insurance
Home Insurance
Life Insurance
Insurance You Probably Don't Need

Chapter 9: How to Make Your Life Less Taxing
Put More Money in Your Pocket and Less in Uncle Sam's

Why Is Your Paycheck So Small?
The Taxes You Pay
Figuring Out Your Tax Rate
Filing Your Tax Return
Maximizing Your Tax Breaks
Making the Most of Your Tax Credits
Ten Tax Moves That Could Save You Money
Deductions for the Self-Employed
Getting Your Tax Life in Order
Do You Need a Tax Preparer?

Chapter 1O: Making the Most of Military Benefits
Know What You Deserve if You Serve

Further Reading

Special Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

Index