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: This is a must read!
Review: I also picked this book up by accident at a local book store. I saw the title and thought that maybe this book would help me get my financial life in order. I am 20 years old and thought that the best time to start was now. I was hesitant to invest and save for retirement, but after reading this book, I'm glad that I have started putting money away. Mr. Bach explains terms in a way that are easy to understand. I was intimidated by words and phrases like '401(k)' and 'money market accounts'. After reading this book, I feel like I have a much better understanding of these concepts and can put my new found knowledge to good use in securing my financial future. This is a must read for anyone who is looking to better understand the investment world and start saving smartly. It is a great book for women, but it can also be shared with your male relatives and acquaintances. It is just an all around great book!
Rating:
Summary: Knowledge Is Powerful!
Review: I am single with no children. My finanical goals since the death of my father(no life insurance policy)were to insure and secure my finanical future. After graduating from dental hygiene school, with limited knowledge of the investment world (medical, disability, & life insurances), I obtained a finanical advisor to set-up the forementioned policies. After which I shared the information with my sister-in-law and several other people who all said it was no need for me to have life insurance. I replied with the same reason I gave my advisor---"I want to take out a life insurance now at age 27 so when I get married and have children the policy wouldn't cost as much."Had I read SMART WOMEN FINISH RICH before I met with an advisor I would have known that my money would have been better invested in a Roth IRA (self-employed)as opposed to life insurance. As well as the other red flags of a least than best advisor. I just finished reading the book yesterday and I have already implemented several(of many) suggestions. And I am looking forward to spending the rest of my life free of finanical worries and having fun doing so.
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: AN AMAZING BOOK
Review: I LOVED this book, It really helped me put my financial and future life in order. I am 33 and am a model and have been sort of investing in my future but wasn't sure if I was on the right track. I had tried to read many other books on financial success and ask financial advisors my questions but was always confused and thought the books were a snore. I picked up Davids book at a bookstore and literally could not put it down. It was so insightful, and easy to read, it has many real life instances that we as women can relate to and helps you understand in plain english how to make the most of your life. I know now what to do with my investments and how to make the most of my financial and personal life. I have bought this book for many friends and family, they all love it and are on their way to retiring rich!!!!
Whether you are married or single you as a woman should know everything about your finances and this is a great and easy way to get started on the right track!! It is hard to explain how many ways this book can help your life, its just the best book you could ever read for your present and future wellbeing!!!
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: 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.
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