Rating: 
Summary: Very complete, good advice
Review: Talks not just about investing, but all aspects of financial planning, even ones that are often overlooked like life insurance and disability insurance. A great book to read instead of (or in addition to) seeing a financial planner. Well-written, although because it's so complete, it can be a slow read.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent book
Review: Reading some of the comments here, one would be tempted to think that Quinn had written a book only about stock splits. In fact stock splits form less than one page. And what does she say: In eseence, you shouldn't rush out to buy stock just because its split, but its probably worth a second look since some research shows that companies that split their stocks tend to grow faster. That seems to be a pretty sensible approach to stock splits -- rather than some of the comments here which seem to imply that you should frantically put up your new-born up for sale and grab any stock that splits. In fact, the recent decision of an Internet fund to split its stock (which has NO meaning for mutual fund companies) is a clear attempt to cater to this crowd. As for specific portions from which I learned, the insurance portion was very helpful .
Rating:
Summary: Great introduction for intelligent readers
Review: When I finally decided to get serious about financial planning, I bought this book after reading a review in the local newspaper (one that does not carry Quinn's column, mind you). It is an excellent introduction to personal finance. Quinn addresses nearly every topic I could imagine that can impact a person's financial state -- and some I had never imagined! As some reviewers point out, she doesn't go into as much detail as might be desired. But she does cover the why's and what's and the pros and cons (with a very, very conservative leaning) of many complex topics. Her book is a great basis for building a financial plan and now I plan to buy more specialized books on the topics she has introduced to me. I highly recommend this book and wonder what all the "1-star" reviewers were smoking!
Rating: 
Summary: It's a good starter financial book
Review: Let me start off by saying that I am offering my commentsfor the first time, so if mycomments resemble others, itjust shows some of us thinkalike. Jane Bryant Quinns book is a big book and it covers a lot of subjects. Readers should use this as a base and not as a cure all. As one person wrote, "It's like vanilla" Another point, this book was published in 1997 and therefore written probably back in 1996. A lot of changes have occurred in the financial world since then. Definitely needs updating. Edelmen is a fine author. I have his book and definitely would recommend it to anyone. However, like Quinns book, it was written some time ago. You don't want to be using outdated strategies. Concerning stock splits, if a stock splits 2/1 you have twice as many shares at one half the price before it split. That is simple math. What I have a problem with, is Quinn doesn't mention the growth potential of a stock split. Just run a chart on MSFT, DELL, AMTD, CMGI, AMZN INTC, LU, NITE & LCOS. Check how quickly they soared back to their previous share price and in many cases, split again and ran up again. The fact that Quinn leaves this very important item out, leaves me to believe that either she is misleading her readers or doesn't know what she is talking about. Splits flat out work, if you know what you are doing. Another thing that has me concerned about Quinn is that I have checked the other books that have been recommended by readers posting here and always see some sort of testimonial of how much the reader has saved or what it has done. With Quinn, even the people who give this book a five star rating say nothing more than "Good BOOK" "LEARNED A LOT" I have not seen anyone post anything specific here. Education is great, but what I want is results. I also want up-to-date education and that definitely seems to be missing here and I really have an issue with who really posted those 5 stars!
Rating: 
Summary: A very comprehensive book, but...
Review: Ms. Quinn has written a verygood and very large book. Theonly problem that I see is people (those who actually getthrough the whole book, studies show that most peopledon't get past the first twochapters) is that it leavespeople thinking, now what amI supposed to do? I think Ms. Quinn should haveincluded some type of fast start program in the appendix that gives suggestions on how to use and start with all of that educational material.A hint for her next book. Also, like some of the others I disagree with her comments on "stock splits" providing you are looking at the stock as a investment. It also depends on when you buy thestock in relation to the splitdate. You don't just get two halves (if a 2/1 split), if the stock is a high flyer, you buy a stock at a reduced price that may just double very quickly. Not get richquick and won't work every time--some stocks go into postsplit depression for a while. Look at some recent splitters like INTC, LU, MSFT, SUNW just to name four. They are now all at 52 week highs Go through Yahoo personal finance and click on splits and run a check on the stocks that have split. Also her comments about moneymarket funds as well as some of the other material is outdated. Overall, a good book that anyone interested in personal finance should read as long the reader can sort out the facts from Ms. Quinn's personal opinions. Ms Quinn's book is much better than Eric Tyson for content, but I feel that the average reader is more likely to read all the way through and apply Tyson's material. I also strongly recommend More Wealth Without Risk andFinancial Self Defense which are both more complete than this book and also offer a how to, easy to read and apply quide that will get you results fast.
Rating:
Summary: Great book
Review: I don't have a lot to add beyond what the other people who have given the book 5 stars, but I wanted to take issue with some of the 1 star reviews. I know that stock splits get a lot of people excited and that sometimes the price of the stock will rise (at least temporarily), but that's not something that should be taken as a rule of thumb. Sorry, folks, but Ms. Quinn is right: you get 2 fives when you had a 10. And what is this attraction to Rick Edelman? I bought the Truth About Money and couldn't get rid of the stupid (and mostly useless) book fast enough. JBQ's book is great just for getting your finances organized. Just what *does* belong in a safety deposit box? I certainly didn't know until I read her book. I find her explanations to be clear and sensible.
Rating:
Summary: The single best personal finance book ever
Review: This book is encyclopedic and a little daunting, so there's lots in this book you won't need to know now. But you can be sure the things you do need to know will be in here. Ms. Quinn is a talented writer, and Making the Most... is written in an engaging style. True, this book was written in 1997 and is slightly out of date. There really ought to be annual supplements with this book. But notwithstanding this minor gripe, this is still a book everyone ought to have -- by their bedside, not on the bookshelf. Let's put the overpriced financial planners out of business!
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Summary: Advise for College Students hasn't been better
Review: Quinn's book is excellent. I am a college student and the advise in this book proved very helpful. Upon reading it I have since set up a money market accout, purchased a $6,000 CD, and am gearing up for graduate school. This is a 'must-read' book for anyone who wants to watch their money grow and stay away from debt.
Rating:
Summary: A good money management book.
Review: 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.
Rating: 
Summary: Biased and untruthful
Review: It's amazing some reviewers here refer to Quinn as an expert. I don't see CFP, ChFC, CLU, or JD next to her name. The information in this book on pension maximization and insurance is criminally misleading. It's funny how people who cannot have sucessful financial planning practices write books.
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