Rating: 
Summary: Simple Advice, But A Good Place to Start.
Review: This book is NOT a complicated or sophisticated guide to finance.I agree with some other reviews here that Singletary's advice is somewhat simplistic. Still, in my opinion, her easy, conversational writing style is what "saves" this book. Though the 7 Money Mantras are really nothing more than common sense, how many of us can say we actully use good common sense when dealing with our money? (Especially our use of credit.) It doesn't hurt to be reminded, every once in awhile, of plain and simple ways to save money, limit credit use, save for the future, and so on. The author gives us those reminders and the book is a good place to START learning about handling your personal finances. Reviewer: Linda Painchaud
Rating: 
Summary: An annoying read
Review: This book was the most annoying invesment book I have ever read. Putting aside the fact that there is nothing new or different about the information in this book than in any other investment book, Singletary's "Money Mantras" are annoying and unrealistic. Although the basis of her ideas makes sense, her penny-pincher attitude prevented me from even wanting to finish this book. After hearing about how you can save money by separating your 2-ply toilet paper or cooking on the roof with solar power it makes me wonder how someone who thinks this is totally normal could be giving me sound advice on how to realistically and RATIONALLY save and invest money. Too radical for me. Save your money, I'd like to get mine back.
Rating: 
Summary: Good Advice
Review: This is a good book for people looking for basic financial advice, especially in an era where its hard to save.
Rating:
Summary: Solid advice delivered with style
Review: This isn't a sophisticated jargon-loaded Wall Street insider investment guide - thank goodness!! Michelle Singletary lays out the truth about money in the lives of average Americans, in a lively writing style that keeps the pages turning. That said, the material presented with such style is the result of years of work and solid research. Beyond Mantra #1 ("If it's on your ass it's not an asset") which is dead-on and indelibly memorable, this book is chock full of helpful advice, useful facts and pointers to resources.
I'm a recovering spendthrift and an apprentice cheapskate, and this book was fun and encouraging to read. Also refreshing! I nearly stood up and cheered when I read, on page 105, "Let me say that up front that I will never lease a car. Nowhere in this book will you find details on how to lease a car." Thank you, ma'am!
I wouldn't say this is the only book you need on your personal finance bookshelf, but it's one of them you'll find useful to keep around.
Rating:
Summary: Financial Advice For The Masses
Review: Unlike the two listed reviews I feel this book is wonderful and has a unique voice. It's a fun read. It's funny. It's a book anybody can read. IT'S NOT AN INVESTMENT BOOK! So, if you're looking for a book on how to buy stocks or mutual funds or bonds with some stupid formula or system then you should look elsewhere. But if you're in debt, if can't manage to save any money, if you're wondering how to talk to your children about money then this is the book for you! Ms. Singletary continues in this book the great common sense advice she passes along in her syndicated column. In fact, Better Investing magazine gave it a great review in it's Jan. issue. The writer said this book was just what the everyday person could use right now!
Rating:
Summary: Think about your money!
Review: You can always justify spending. And you can keep doing it until you are so broke or in debt that you are paying other people with money you could use. At its core, that's the message of Michelle's book. She's frugal, and even cheap, but she reminds people that she does so with goals in mind -- college for her three children, retirement on her terms, protection against fiscal disaster. Do you have a plan for your money, or does your money plan you? Read this book and answer that question.
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