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Summary: Finally, an investment book that reads like a novel!
Review: In David Bach's book, Smart Women Finish Rich, he describes a 7 step plan for obtaining financial security. The book is engaging, informative, and easy to understand. Bach (a financial planner/advisor) uses actual client scenarios to illustrate his message. I believe it appeals to women because Bach admits that investing is an emotional, as well as a logical, financial process. He delves into the underlying basis for investing - your values. He asks the important questions "Why do you want to save?" and "What are you ultimately saving for?". Bach emphasizes that it is not how much money you make, but how you invest/save it that matters. He not only teaches how to save and invest, he motivates you to take action.
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Summary: You really can finish rich!
Review: I have never understood, or really cared about, finances. However, I recently got a new job and make close to a 6-figure salary, so I thought it was time I learned. My mother told me about this book which I found very easy to understand and it really got me excited about my money. It taught me what I can do RIGHT NOW to start living a financially secure life. I am 26 years old and want to retire at a fairly early age. After reading this book, I realized that that is a possibility. Bach explains in detail how and where to save, and focuses on things that are important to women. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to understand where their money is going and how to hold on to some of it for your future.
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Summary: Energizing for women of all ages
Review: Some of the previous readers may have felt that the author's examples were "fake" and "made up" but I can tell you that if you have spent years doing something less productive than that which you knew you really ought to have done, you might actually "burst into tears" in the author's office. Admitting money mistakes can be very difficult, particularly when you "intellectually" knew better.Nonetheless, this book is energizing and encouraging. I have provided some of the charts to staff that work for me in the hopes that it will encourage them to save for their retirement early and constantly. I read many books, and I've read many on financial investing--this one provides lots of motivation and encouragement in addition to its clear explanations and wonderfully practical advice. I wholeheartedly recommend this book. There are other excellent books on investment and financial planning, and each individual should start with one that speaks to him or her. A book like this one explains the basics without confusing the consumer! Best wishes on your financial fortune!
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Summary: Accessible and Motivating--a MUST READ!!!
Review: Bach's book is astounding! I'm an English teacher who doesn't have a whole lot of financial or math 'know-how'--and I didn't even struggle to understand this book! Bach explains very complex, financial ideas in a way that speaks to anyone. His use of anecdotes also helped motivate me to do something about my finances now, while I'm still young! Anyone who is looking to put their financial house in order needs to read this book.
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Summary: A Life Changing Book That Is Not Just For Smart Women
Review: I have read hundreds of books in my life, but this one changed it more than any other book I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I used to think that "financial planning" was only for the super-wealthy, and this book taught me that I can make myself that way by following the excellent advice contained within. I'm in my early 30's and am thrilled that I will have several decades before retirement to practice the suggested steps. Even better, I am going to teach my 13-year-old son these financial principals so that he can take MAXIMUM advantage of the wealth-creating suggestions. Guys, don't be daunted by the title. There is plenty for you to learn in this book, too! I recommend it for everyone who would like to learn about building a secure financial future in a pleasant to read, enjoyable format. Thanks, David!
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Summary: A must read for every smart woman out there!
Review: I just finished reading Smart Women Finish Rich and I can't tell you how great it is to read a book written by a man teaching women how to come out on top. I am barely 23 years old and a 2nd year law student. Needless to say, I will be very heavily into debt in the next two years when I graduate (about $75,000) and I have been extremely worried about how I was going to handle my finances. This provided extremely helpful insights and it inspired me to start take hold of my finances. I am about to open an IRA account and start saving for retirement. So many young women like myself don't even think about things like retirement. I casually happened to fall upon this book in the bookstore, and after reading the introduction, I couldn't wait to buy the book. I finished this book in a couple of days . Hopefully, I will be writing in the near future with a success story. If any woman out there wants to have financial control over their life, you have to read this book.
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Summary: What a difference a good book can make!
Review: Yes, I am one of those educated, smart women that has not done much with my money, other than spend it on things I don't need! You must be thinking, "she must not be that smart afterall!" Well, I just never had anyone teach me about money, and I never was really motivated to do anything about it. For those of you who think someone else is going to take care you...don't. You need to know about your money...married or single. Reading "Smart Women Finish Rich" has changed my financial life. It contains the information for literally anyone from any walk of life to get started. This book contains forms to determine where you are at right now with debt, cash outflow, etc., and then walks you through ways to save and invest that money, resulting in a secure future. It also clearly explains all the language, basic concepts, and types of funds, retirement accounts etc. After reading this book, you really will have a much better understanding of how to control your finances, and you will NOT be intimidated again. If you read any book this year, read this one. It really will make a difference in your life!
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Summary: GREAT TITLE FOR ALL WANNABE WOMEN INVESTORS
Review: After having recently joined a women's investment club, I was browsing a bookstore for a book that would deal clearly with the 123's of becoming a responsible investor and the cover of this book grabbed my attention. There is a picture of a woman, who has obviously done well with her investments, floating lazily on an air mattress.I took the book off of the shelf and started to thumb through it...EUREKA...This book is a step by step guide for every woman who wants to become a saavy investor, but isn't quite sure where to begin. Mr. Bach provides clear and concise guidelines which are easliy understood even by a novice investor like myself. Run, don't walk to your nearest bookstore and pick up this woman-friendly guide to investing or just submit an order right here at Amazon.com. Wouldn't YOU like to finish rich?
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Summary: It's helpful, yet cheesy
Review: I learned a LOT from this book. I didn't know much of anything about investing until I picked it up; know I feel foolish for the years I spent not really knowing what a mutual fund was (it's not really that complicated). Bach is good at clearly explaning the issues without relying heavily on jargon. And the book is full of astonishing charts & graphs detailing how a little bit of savings, invested early enough and wisely, can become a huge pile of money. He also gives tidbits of very helpful advice about related issues, like planning for retirement (start early!), creating a living trust, and insurance needs. I recommend this book for women (or men) who have little or no knowledge of financial planning. His advice is very basic and simple. It's an easy read, too - I finished it in about 2 hours. He breaks up his chapters into life stages - reasonably, he advises different strategies for a women in her 20s than for a women in her 50s. I'm young so I read the entire book avidly, but I suspect that an older reader might benefit more from a book directed exclusively to her needs. One thing really irritated me about Bach's style: he continually gives these (obviously fake) examples of women who burst into his office crying and in the poor house because they acted contrary to his advice. If you have a very low tolerance for simple-minded anecdotes, look elsewhere.
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Summary: Life changing experience-more than just a book
Review: Although I've read many books on financial planning and investing, this has been by far the most practical. As Bach states, it's about putting in action what we have read and through this book, Back has given me the tools to stop feeling backed up financially & know that my money is giving me security in the present & in the future. Glued to the book to the last page, it has been a very empowering steps and has bonded my husband and I knowing that we are working together to make things happen for us instead of reacting to life. I encourage everyone who cares about their money to read this book and apply it in their life.
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