The Wall Street Journal Guide to Starting Your Financial Life

By Karen Blumenthal

Your Road to Lifelong Financial Independence It's about time you felt empowered to better manage your money because-in tough economic times more than ever-your financial freedom depends on making smart choices. But it's hard to know where to begin, especially when you're just starting out. And of course, it only gets more complicated as you go through life: How do you establish good credit? Do you buy or rent? What kinds of health coverage do you really need? How do you actually stay afloat in an uncertain market? "The Wall Street Journal Guide to Starting Your Financial Life" gets you off on the right financial foot, from tackling everyday choices like cell-phone plans and pet ownership to big decisions such as smart investment strategies and buying a car or a house. You'll learn: - How to open your first checking and savings accounts, get your first credit card, and establish good credit- The ins and outs of starting a job, including information about taxes, choosing health insurance options, and saving for retirement - How to budget for big purchases and expenses, such as paying off student loans, buying a car, and affording your housing- Strategies for buying the little things you want and need without going broke - The basics of investing, how to manage an inheritance, and the documents you need to protect your assets This valuable resource puts you in the driver's seat, so you will be in control of your money and on your way to achieving lifelong financial independence across any economic terrain.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 030740708X
• ISBN13: 9780307407085
• Release Date: April 2009
• Publisher: Three Rivers Press (CA)
• Length: 316 Pages
• Weight: 1.03 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.2" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

A must-read for those taking-off in life

I would recommend this excellent (reference) book to all those who are in the process of getting out of the "pre-life" into the "real life", and by that I mean those who are leaving school and either continuing to college, armed forces, or the job market. It is a book to keep and refer to from time to time as "real life" develops from it beginnings to settlement into a career, family, and wealth-building years. I would say this book should be in the hands of all high school seniors (and it may now be used by teachers of economics or similar courses in high schools and colleges)..... this book, and a good motivating teacher, can do wonders to those kids who are interested in and paying attention to the business of life.... and even for others who are late bloomers (maturity not always come at the same time for all), it can help understand how to best go about earning and spending money.

Rob's review

This book was a good overview of learning about finances and starting your financial life. The book was easy to comprehend and a quick read. I recommend it to anyone interested in delving more into the world of finance. RSB

The perfect primer for a young persons financial life

I bought this book for my soon-to-be-graduating from college son. Wow, Ms. Blumenthal hits everything from insurance to apartment leases to buying a car. Phil found it most helpful. This book would make a great text for a freshman-level personal finance class. I heartily recommend it.

Guide to Starting Your Financial Life

Wife and children are reading their personal copy of this book (which I provided). Pretty basic -- but exatly what is needed.