Making The Most of Your Money

by Jane Bryant Quinn

Book Overview

The bestselling author of "Everyone's Money Book" sees yet another shift in financial energies--a fresh round of serious borrowing as the boomers start sending their children to college, and an... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0671659529
• Release Date: January 1991
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Length: 934 Pages
• Weight: 2.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 2.0" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

Consumer Reports rates this the best Money book around

Consumer Reports reviewed alot of books methodically with each chapter being read and graded by industry experts. And of all the books they reviewed, this one was the best overall money book, and best insurance advice book. I have used comsumer reports to help me purchase cars, appliances and many other services, etc. And I have not been surprised or dissapointed yet. If you want sound financial advice, this a great book for you.

Finally--Sound financial advice

If you are a "Consumer's Report", just give me the un-biased facts kind of person, this book is for you. If you want thrills and chills, it is not. Like an experienced and savy older uncle, Jane Bryant Quinn pulls no punches, always gives you all the information, and refuses to fall for endorsing the work of financial planners or banks just to be nice. Most of what is said about this book in other reviews is true. It was written several years ago. If you are looking for the flavor of the day, it is not here. Remember that the flavor of the day in the 80's was junk bonds, the flavor of the day for the early 90's was limited partnerships, and the late 90's was cutting-edge tech. Nearly everyone following these fads took a financial bath. Had they read this book (written before the tech bubble burst), they would not have. And there is its strength. Sound financial planning and management were not invented in the last 5 years. Quinn leans on history and loads of research for her well-referenced and sound advice. She often goes against common wisdom but always backs it with reasoning and research. Because of that, this book will still be excellent guidance in 20 more years. If you are a bit obsessive-compulsive, the work sheets for finding out EXACTLY what you should put away for retirement or college or how much life insurance you really need will thrill you. If you are saving or investing over $1000, this book will pay for itself in less than a year. However, much like that older and wiser uncle, you must follow the advice. Of the 20 finance books I have, this is the one I reference time and again when any question comes up. If it were not such a dry subject, it would bring a tear to my eye.

An excellent foundation book

I am stunned by the 1-star reviews for this book. At the absolute worst, if you are a real financial pro, this book would warrant 3-stars (and if you're a financial pro, what are you doing buying books that provide an overview of personal finance issues, anyway?). For everybody else, this book is outstanding. It provides solid advice for every component of your financial well-being, including: buying a house, investing in mutual funds, planning for retirement, etc. It does NOT offer advice (thank goodness) on topics that are the flavor of the week. If you want a solid overview of most financial topics, BUY THIS BOOK.

A good money management book.

Makes a great reference guide. Very comprehensive. Covers so many topics. I also highly suggest reading More Wealth without Risk and Financial Self Defense by Charles Givens, covers many topics untouched by Quinn and much easier to read. Quinn's book makes for a great reference guide and should be on your book shelf.

A book that doesn't deserve one-line crackpot reviews

I find it hard to believe that anyone would rate this book with a "1" considering the abundance of detailed and helpful information that it contains. Ms. Quinn may be a writer, but she has been able to weed out financial quackery to compile the most comprehensive reference book on financial planning available. Every conceivable topic about personal finance can be found in this book. Young people often fail to recognize the value of conservative financial advice. They look for the "hidden secrets" that have been discovered by cab drivers who have gone on to become millionaires not knowing that they are simply in the process of being duped by age-old get-rich-quick schemes. Making the Most of Your Money should be on everybody's bookshelf. When you are faced with an obscure topic like "what to put in a safe-deposit box", Quinn spells out in detail what and why. If you're thinking of borrowing for investments, Quinn makes you think about the risks and rewards. If you're thinking of leasing a car, Quinn covers the pros and cons. If nothing else, this book will give you a list of what you need to understand when making a personal finance decision. You can then turn to other sources for more in-depth discussions.I would recommend this book to everyone regardless of their current financial goals. For those of you who are looking for get-rich-quick schemes, try Wade Cook. He'll charge you $7,000 for a seminar and help you lose your life savings in the options market. The education you'll get from that lesson will make you appreciate sound advice.