Talking Money: Everything You Need to Know about Your Finances and Your Future

Today everyone is talking about money: how to spend it, how to save it, and how to invest it. But how much of this wall-to-wall money talk really makes sense? And how much of it has anything to do with you? Now America's best known and most trusted personal finance expert brings her down-to-earth style to a book for real people with real issues about money. Jean Chatzky wants you to grab a cup of coffee, pull up a chair, and start . . . TALKING MONEY The bad news is that many of us just don't get money--or our own financial situations. The good news, says Jean, is that there is very little about money that can't be explained in terms of sixth-grade math and plain English. In the pages of this refreshing and informative book, she helps you bring clarity and sanity to your financial life. Here Jean uses her personal experience and professional knowledge to explain everything from credit to equity, bond funds to college savings plans. And always, Jean not only gives you the facts, she shows you how to start making choices that are just right for you and your family. Learn to: Manage your money--and stop letting it manage you Accurately track your expenses and discover where you can realistically save Start communicating clearly with your partner about money Get the best deals on everything from air fares to mortgages Plan for college and retirement by really understanding the principles of investment, and investing in the right places Calculate how much insurance you need--and don't need Transfer money to your children and avoid estate taxes. When it comes to money talk, getting started is the hardest step of all. This book guides you into the world of finance--your finance--with the friendly expertise that sets Jean Chatzky apart from all other financial writers today. The result: By the time you've finished TALKING MONEY, you'll really know what you're talking about--and the extra money in your pocket will speak for itself.