Rating: 
Summary: You'll only get out of this book what you put in.
Review: A couple of reviewers blasted this book as being useless rehashed financial advice. I'll bet you anything that those reviewers didn't really give the book a chance. I know because I almost didn't, and initially I had the same reaction as they did.
I'm an intelligent woman, my father and grandmother both taught me about investing growing up...also, as another reviewer mentioned, there are some pretty hokey "personal accounts" used to illustrate lessons, that I could have done without. I bought the book at the airport for something to read on the plane and if I wasn't forced into a situation where I had nothing else to read, I probably never would have made it past the first couple of chapters. I'm so so so very glad that I did.
You can't just skim this book for the bits you think are relevant to you; you have to really get into it. Read it from cover to cover, then go back and start working on the charts like the "values ladder" and "Goals for Designing a Proactive Life" worksheet. Why? Because they make you look long and hard at your own value system, visualize the future you want for yourself, and then write down specific and measurable steps to take to get there...no matter how modest those step may be initially.
I don't make a lot of money, and despite what my father and grandma taught me I've accrued almost 15 grand in credit card debt, not to mention college loans. I work in a field that doesn't really inspire me because I've always wanted to be a full-time artist.
Until I read this book that was just a far off dream. I never really thought about what it would take for me to get there. As Bach says, until you write a goal down with specific steps as to how you will accomplish it, it's not a goal, just a wish that probably won't come true.
It's only been a week and I've already learned so much about myself as well as my finances and I'm happy to say that I've worked out a plan where I will be able to quit my current job and work as a full-time artist within the next ten years. To say this book has changed my life is an understatement. Like many other reviewers before me, I'm buying copies for everyone I know.
Rating:
Summary: Well written financial planning primer for women and men.
Review: I am a Certified Public Accountant with a background in financial planning. In February, I purchased the book for myself. The information wasn't new, but it spoke to me in volumes. For Valentine's day, I purchased the book for my assistant and secretary. I have finished the book once, and have now been going through it a second time implementing each of the seven items. During tax season, many of my clients ask for advice? What should we be looking to invest our money in? What does the Roth mean? How much insurance do we need? How do we plan for retirement? Should we be making gifts to our children's college fund? Many times I am not able to spend as much time, during the tax season as my client will need to absorb the information provided then begin working on the plan. This book allows my clients the time to understand the basics of financial planning. Know the time requirements on both them and myself to become effective. This is a wonderful starting point. I often recommend books that I have read on financial planning, but this was the first time that I not only have recommended the book I went out and purchased over a dozen additional copies. I have given them out not just to Smart Women, but young couples, and those looking toward retirement. The information is sound. It's easy to understand. If the steps are followed they will make any client Finish Rich.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome, highly recommend
Review: I had tried asking others regarding finances but it was the usual in one ear out the other. Learning, hearing and asking questions about finances can be a confusing and frustrating task. I decided to give this book a shot and I was pleasantly pleased. Everything was spelled out in the simplest terms and explained thoroughly. I can now discuss financial matters with the best of them. This book also pushed me to take those first steps to financial freedom without my old fears.
I also enjoyed the fact that the book discusses how our values are also important and made me think about more than just dollars and cents, but also about what I want out of my life. I highly recommend this book and also the "Smart Couples Finish Rich". You'll be surprised how much you didn't know!!!
Rating:
Summary: Every Woman Should Read this Book!
Review: I just finished this book last week. The information given in this book is priceless and I recommend it to everyone. I am getting married in 3 months and will be giving a copy to each of my bridesmaids. Not just a finance book, it teaches you how to add value to your life and set realistic goals for the future, both immediate and long term. I also purchased Smart Couples Finish Rich to read with my fiancé.
This is a MUST read to everyone.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome, highly recommend
Review: I picked up this book because I like to read as much as I can about investing. I thought I knew it all--but learned a ton from this book. This book is for every single woman out there. Being financially literate is as important as having good health. It is vital to get finances in order and this book explains how, is easy to followm and Bach makes the topic of money and saving a lot of fun. A must have in your library.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent book...Easy to follow tips!!
Review: I'm in my mid-20s and I've read alot of financial planning book in my life. This one is the best that I've read! It does not have a lot of jumbo-mumbo that other authors are putting out!
Bach puts his advices in plain/simple terms. And its very easy to follow! I've read the book over and over again and I'd recommend it to anyone!
Buy this book now! You won't regret it!
Rating:
Summary: I'm FINALLY motivated to put my financial house in order
Review: I'm turning 40 next year, and I've done a fair share of reading/research on retirement planning -- not a lot, mind you, but a fair bit. Much of it was dry, boring, or just plain incomprehensible. As a result, my savings and investing were haphazard (at best), and my record keeping was, frankly, pathetic.
"Smart Women Finish Rich" has motivated me like nothing else has. I don't know if it's because it's easier to understand and doesn't through a lot of jargon around, or if it's because Bach is so personable and seems genuinely interested in his readers.
What really lit the fire underneath me though were the various charts he had illuminating the value of compounded interest, using time to your advantage, etc. Now, this is something we all "know" at the intellectual level, but the way he presented it was enough to get me off my rear and working on putting my financial house in order.
In the past several days, I have set up my filing system, reviewed my IRA account, requested and reviewed my credit report, opened an account for my "emergency fund" and scheduled automatic deposits, and made a plan for paying down credit card debt. In the next week I'll get the ball rolling to contribute to my employer's 401(k) and get estate planning done for myself and my husband.
I can't say enough good things about how this book has helped me put my financial priorities in order. The reduction in my anxiety level over money is amazing. Well worth it!
Rating:
Summary: The BEST Personal Finance Book Out There. PERIOD.
Review: I've read about 90 books on personal finance, frugality, etc., in the past year. This is THE BEST. PERIOD. Bach doesn't tell you how to get rich. He talks to you, coaches you, cajoles you to figure out what's really important to you. And then he tells you how to fund those important goals. I've never seen such a beautiful blend of coaching and advice. After reading the couples version of this book, I got my husband to read it, and then we held a "Finance Night" in which we did all the exercises, talked them through, went over our budgets, insurance coverage, etc., and then came up with a 10-step action plan. This book motivated us to do all that! I've since read the version for women and am getting copies for every one in both our families for Christmas. I personally can't remember the specific financial advice Bach gives. Personally, I think financial strategies need to change as events and circumstances change. I don't need a book for specific strategies. I needed a book to help me figure out very specifically what we wanted out of life, and get me motivated to move in that direction! And that's what this book did.
Rating:
Summary: Must be read by all women!!!
Review: This book should be required reading for all women in their early twenties!!! It is amazing how little we are taught as women about our finances and few women express financial independence as a life goal, but it is so important! This book doesn't talk down to the first-time investor or financial planner, but instead shows you how to make better decisions about your finances and work toward your goals of buying a car, a house, taking a trip, and/ or retiring well.
Rating:
Summary: Enjoyed it
Review: This book was very inspiring adn got me to a head start. The information is very realistic and could helpl someone out alot.
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