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Rating: 
Summary: I recommend this book to the grown children of my clients
Review: As a Certified Financial Planner (tm) practitioner, I am often asked for recommendations for books to read on various financial topics. I read on average about 10 to 15 books to find one that I think is good enough to recommend to clients or friends. This book is one of those.
This is not an advanced book of investment strategies, exactly as the title implies. But it is truly excellent for someone who is young and really doesn't know the difference between a stock or a bond, or a Roth IRA and a 401(k) plan. It also has a plethora of very practical examples of everyday things to do that can improve your financial situation.
The author really nails all the key points that people need to know to be money smart. For example, buy and don't lease cars, set the highest possible deductible on your car insurance, buy the cheapest possible term insurance and don't let a salesperson sweet talk you into permanent insurance, and many others.
This book is well written and interesting, and very well organized. Each topic is separate and discrete, so you can use it as a reference guide for the specific topic that is of interest to you at the time.
I was a bit surprised at the few very negative reviews on this book. My opinion is those people are quite advanced in their financial knowledge, so this book was too basic for them. But for 90% of the people I meet under age 35, this book will be excellent-- readable and interesting and a good book for future reference.
If you care to check me out, I practice in Atlanta, GA and our website is www.fnconline.com.
Rating: 
Summary: WASTE OF MONEY
Review: ARROGANT, SUPERFICIAL AND LACKING SUBSTANCE OR ANY NEW OR USABLE INFORMATION. THE ONLY GOOD THING ABOUT THIS BOOK IS THAT IT'S SO SHORT. THAT'S BECAUSE IT COVERS ALMOST NOTHING AND EVEN LESS THAT WILL GET YOUR FINANCES IN ORDER. THE BEST WAY TO "SPEND LESS" IS TO SKIP THIS AWFUL BOOK.
Rating: 
Summary: Good or lousy, depends on who you are...
Review: I have both purchased this book for someone and recommended some people to bypass it.
If you are just coming into the work force and aren't sure the right things to do to start you out on the right foot, I would recommend this book. I would also recommend this book if you are unsure of what good habits to get into, or are looking for a larger picture overview of personal finance.
If you are already down with the basics, or have a good idea of what you are doing and are looking for some more advanced help, skip this book and go to something more detailed.
I believe this book is meant to be an overview which cannot help but glance over some major points for the greater flow of the book. If you are looking for a cross-section of personal finance, you will never be satisfied with too many details and if you are looking for advanced help, you shouldn't purchase a high-level book. Do your research and know what you are looking for and this book can be exactly what you are looking for.
I particularly think this is a good gift for those just making their way on their own.
Rating: 
Summary: You Deserve Better
Review: In the process of reading this book I found that my prevalent fears of anything economic and financial were greatly dissolved. The "50 simple things" truly live to their namesake; chapters averaging 3-4 pages are concise, yet full of information without droning on and losing my interest. I found that my favorite part about the whole book was that as a teenager, I could use this book as a basis for my financial questions in my next 40-50 years alive. It starts out with simple advice like organization and saving pocket change, moves on to future issues like wedding costs and car leasing, and then even goes as far as talking about retirement funds. I'm greatly considering purchasing this book to keep with me as I progress financially in my years to come. Being a complete idiot when it comes to financial terminology, I found this book helped explain a lot of new items (i.e. Roth IRA), and expand well in an attention-keeping number of pages. So, while this book may not satisfy the economic genius or corporate mogul, it lives true to it's title by simply delivering truly helpful tips to the novice in financial handling (like me).
Rating:
Summary: Quick Read, Everlasting Tips
Review: In the process of reading this book I found that my prevalent fears of anything economic and financial were greatly dissolved. The "50 simple things" truly live to their namesake; chapters averaging 3-4 pages are concise, yet full of information without droning on and losing my interest. I found that my favorite part about the whole book was that as a teenager, I could use this book as a basis for my financial questions in my next 40-50 years alive. It starts out with simple advice like organization and saving pocket change, moves on to future issues like wedding costs and car leasing, and then even goes as far as talking about retirement funds. I'm greatly considering purchasing this book to keep with me as I progress financially in my years to come. Being a complete idiot when it comes to financial terminology, I found this book helped explain a lot of new items (i.e. Roth IRA), and expand well in an attention-keeping number of pages. So, while this book may not satisfy the economic genius or corporate mogul, it lives true to it's title by simply delivering truly helpful tips to the novice in financial handling (like me).
Rating: 
Summary: Financial Advice 101
Review: Like a 101 course in college, this book does live up to its title. For someone who is just beginning to take the steps toward financial planning, these simple things will help. Most seem like common sense, but often the obvious is overlooked. Glink gives the reader good examples and down to earth advice. She actually talks to the reader, not down to or over his head. Glink explains how simple habits can cost you money, and how paying a little extra will cost you a lot less. Depending on your personal level of financial understanding, this book can either be a tool to help with the basics or can serve as a refresher course.
Rating:
Summary: Restating the obvious but ...
Review: Most money matters are fundamentally simple (dont overspend, buy low - sell high etc. ) and so this book re-states the obvious and simple things in simple words. People looking for a formula for financial success will be grossly disappointed with this book (manifested by some opinions here). Its a book that has some good to follow common sense tips. There is not a single tip in this book that hasn't been stated in another book or can't be found on a plethora of web sites. But it collects them and states them in simple words - like a book of quotations. Also - it is not and does not claim to be the "only personal finance book you'll ever need" - I hate those ... A good book to read on a flight or a slow afternoon. I think its a bit overpriced at [the money] (hence the 1 * deduction), buying it used [for less money] and it will be worth it.
Rating:
Summary: I needed this book!
Review: Ms. Glink has figured out how to make money for herself every year. All she does is repackage the same information but in a book with a different cover. The advice in her books are very, very basic to the point of being virtually useless. I wish that 50 things was all you or I needed to do with or about our finances. It's more like 500 0r 2000 things that are needed. This superficial book will not solve your money woes or even get you on track to do it. So why waste your money on 50 things that have written about over and over again in other (better) books and in magazines?
Rating:
Summary: You Deserve Better
Review: Perhaps standing alone this book would be good even recommendable, but there are so many better volumes out there. This book is very basic and not especially informative. I would recommend The Richest Man in Babylon or Finance On a Low Budget in place of this.
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