The Wealthy Barber, Updated 3rd Edition

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Summary: An outstanding, if corny, introduction to personal finance
Review: The Wealthy Barber has been a treasured resource in my household since the first edition. It was given to each child, cousin, grandchild, etc., in their mid-to-late teens, and to anyone else who needed remedial help in understanding the basics of starting a financially sound life. While written in a fairly goofy style, the stories and characters make it a bit more palatable than a textbook, especially for youngsters. And it doesn't get into complex issues or try to sell you anything (a la Motley Fool) -- it simply provides a great starting point -- and if it were the only book you ever read on finance, it would be enough. I highly recommend this for all teenagers, college students, young newlyweds, or anyone else who needs to start at the very beginning.

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Summary: Wonderfully clear financial planning!
Review: This is exceptionally clear advice on the specifics of financial planning for ANYONE to understand. A reviewer compared this book to "The Richest Man in Babylon" which I also own. A word: DON'T ! I see these two books as complimentary, Read the Richest man in Babylon FIRST! Then read the Wealthy Barber.Ignore the distracting banter in the book, there are true pearls here. I actually gave the book 5 stars but took one back because of the annoying banter. I am encouraging interns and friends to buy these two books and NONE have regretted it!

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Summary: Wealthy Barber good guide to financial security
Review: I really enjoyed reading the Wealthy Barber. This book has some excellent information in it. By using fictional characters to illustrate his points the author succeeds in holding his readers attention. The Wealthy Barber contains everything you need to know in order to get started in saving and investing for the future. It is one of the best books I have read on the subject of investing. It covers some of the same ground that the Richest Man in Babylon does and does it even better. I highly recommend this book!

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Summary: Told as a fiction story, related as a conversation.
Review: If you ever wanted to ask someone to explain (in everyday layman terms) stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and 401ks, then please read this book. Told as a fiction story, the information you always wanted to know is related as a conversation. Sometimes the conversation gets a little goofy, but overall a highly informative book and lays a wonderful foundation for understanding.

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Summary: Financial Planning 101
Review: Cleverly written with light humor to keep it going, The Wealthy Barber introduces some basic financial planning principles and some simple techniques for implementing them. It is very sound writing, and the ideas, while not new, are important to everyone. Not to take away from the book, but those who are more familiar with financial planning concepts might not find it to be such a monumental read. Still very much worth recommending to those with little investment/financial planning experience.

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Summary: required reading
Review: This is a must-read book for any adult. Mr. Chilton basically teaches you the fundamentals for preparing for your financial future, and does it in an easy to read format. You really only need to read one or two good investing guides to secure your future, this is definitely one of them. This book offers sound financial advise while not wasting your time offering future option, leveraged commodity advise etc. that will just drain your bank account.

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Summary: Sound, understandable advice!
Review: I found the book very easy to read and understand, and the humor kept it light and interesting. I read the previous edition 5 years ago and followed the advice. I have invested a total of $13,800 (200 a month for two years, 250 for three) in mutual funds, as suggested. It has grown to a value of over $28,000 for our future. It works! I sought the advice of two different finacial advisors, and both agreed I was doing what they were going to suggest. I recommend this book to everyone who would rather worry about other things than money when they retire.

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Summary: Excellent common sense advice
Review: This book changed my life. Motivational but easy and fun to read. I have recommended this book to MANY people.

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Summary: Next to the Bible, the is textbook for Life
Review: This book should be required reading for ALL high school seniors. I wish I had known about it 20 years ago. If I had known then what I know now, I would be in GREAT SHAPE. Why don't they teach this to our children in school? Now you can teach your whole family how to get rich S...L...O...W...L...Y

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Summary: The Most Important Financial Book I've Ever Read
Review: It took me a total of a day to read this book. It's narrative approach to explaining long-term wealth was easy to understand and has changed my thinking. I am excited to follow-up on Chilton's suggestions. His angle, that we are only human, is comforting for people like me who live from paycheck to paycheck. However, the future is much brighter now that I have a handle on what it takes to retire early and comfortably. Whether you are 18, 30 or 40, his advice for saving long-term or short-term, as well as his information on insurance, investments, and budgeting are eye-opening and guilt free. Just Excellent!