The Wealthy Barber, Updated 3rd Edition

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Summary: The best single source for financial management planning.
Review: I use this book to teach personal financial management to young physicians in training. Basically, no one ever teaches this material to anyone, and we all need to start applying these principles early to be prepared for our future. I have also reviewed the book with two of our children; the third had already read it and is applying the lessons taught. It is the best summary of how to start planning for a solid and secure future.

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Summary: Excellent! A very easy must read!
Review: This book is an easy to read, fun guide to financial planning. I have already implemented the "Golden Rule".... If you know absolutely nothing about financial planning you will love this book. No financial tables, charts or budget worksheets. Just easy to follow rules that anyone can implement.

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Summary: Money to Man Woman and Child.
Review: The book was easy to read, filled with good advice in a straight forward dialogue manner. His idea of getting rich slowly makes sense. Read the book if the whole business of 'financial planning' has you confused. Chilton's book sells, cuz of society's greed for money. I didn't buy the book though. Read it in one sitting at my friends house.MESSAGE TO SOCIETY: THOUGH MONEY IS NECESSARY!! DON'T BE CONSUMED BY CHASING THE 'PAPER'. BE CONTENT AND SMILE.MONEY WILL PUT YOU IN INTERESTING SITUATIONS, BUT IT WON'T CHANGE HOW MANY PEOPLE LOVE YOU. Overall, not bad.

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Summary: Life changing is an understatement!
Review: After reading this book I realized two very simple ideas. First, I won't get rich quick and second, time is the enemy. I believe in the 10 % rule and am passing this on to my 12 year old. She won't get rich quick, but by the time she's my age she won't have to eat government cheese! Seriously, this book gets the point accross in very easy to understand, common sense, language with real life humor that we can all relate to. Young and old will come away with a true understanding of what THEY need to do to become a wealthy barber.

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Summary: Outstanding introduction to making your money work for you.
Review: Because of my experience in the investment school of hard knocks, a lot of aquaintences and family have come to me for financial advice--I mean very basic financial advice. Young people (20's-40's) who haven't started saving for retirement, etc. This tome will become the first book I will recommend to "rookies." Perhaps very basic, hey, there are many, many people out there that need just that! The quote, "The best time to plant an oak tree is 20 years ago, the second best time is right now." If more people just started implementing the very basic principles presented here, they would all be better off and reduce their own stress level looking at their future financial security.

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Summary: Great Financial Advice!
Review: Really good common sense, easy-to-follow advice that, in the long run, will make a dramatic impact on your financial situation. I received the book as a gift, and enjoyed reading every page. I'll admit that I usually only read about 75% of any book that I purchase, then get bored and skim the rest. This book, I read from cover to cover because it made sense, and the ideas it presented, I felt I could actually do.

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Summary: A good read for novices at money management
Review: After having read rave reviews of this book, I was somewhat crestfallen after reading it. I suppose that just goes to show there is no such thing as a magic bullet. I believe the book would be most helpful for those who have little or no concept of financial management. This book is certainly not a worthwhile read for those with much savy about finances. I must admit, though, I did learn a few things about wills, real estate and life insurance that I didn't know before. On the other hand, much of his advice about retirement plans and general investing is overly simplistic. This book reminds me somewhat of the spate of books that came out in the late 70s and early 80s telling people that a large percetage of their assets should be held in gold (bullion) coins. Well, those coins that reached a peak of about 800 dollars or so at that time are now worth about 300 dollars. Factor in inflation and they are worth much less than that. Some of Chilton's recommendations, nonetheless, should prove useful. I believe other books are much more comprehensive and don't burden the reader with a lot of silly fictional dialogue. In comparison, I learned a lot more reading "The Millionaire Next Door," although it too was geared toward a popular audience.

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Summary: A great place to start learning about personal finance!
Review: This book is an excellent start for anyone interested in a cumulative look at personal finance and should be required reading for high school students to break them into the responsibilities which lie ahead. I only wish someone had sat me down before I was 20 and filled me with the practical and comprehensive information this book covers. The style of writing used by the author keeps even the most finance-phobic compelled to keep reading. Even with a strong finance background, this book had information I didn't know, particularly the new Roth IRA and life insurance discussions! Well presented and well done!

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Summary: The Wealthy Barber is a treasure!
Review: This is the first financial planning book I've read that doesn't assume a certain level of knowledge, yet doesn't talk down to you either. That is enough to make a great book, but it's also funny and even a little entertaining. It won't replace Danielle Steel, but I definitely prefer it to the other dry, intimidating books out there. This book offers something to everyone.

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Summary: Simply the best book i've ever read on Personal Finances
Review: Buy a copy of this book for your friends and family. I have given a copy to most of my friends and family as wedding gifts.

In a clear, easy to follow manner it lays out the basics of personal finances that most anyone can follow. Perfect starting point for everyone. Enough information to make plenty of decisions for most people, for the rest of their lives.

You could read lots more after this, but you won't learn much more beyond what it covers.