Books

Predictably Irrational

When it comes to making decisions in our lives, we think we’re in control. We think we’re making smart, rational choices. But are we? In a series of illuminating, often surprising experiments outlined in his book, “Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions,” MIT behavioral economist Dan Ariely refutes the common assumption that we behave in fundamentally rational ways. Blending everyday experience with…  More About: Predictably Irrational

How YOU Can Profit from Credit Cards

Curtis Arnold, founder of Cardratings.com, passes along techniques he has used to escape credit card debt, “creatively finance” his wedding, car, and home purchases, and earn thousands in credit card “perks” every year. Along the way, he offers advice targeted to young consumers who are being aggressively targeted by credit card marketers; retirees facing credit discrimination; Americans recovering from bankruptcy or other debt…  More About: How YOU Can Profit from Credit Cards

The Common Cents Money Management Workbook

In an age of information overload, many simply don’t have the time, knowledge or organizational skills to create a simple, functional system for managing personal finances.

Now in its fifth edition, “The Budget Kit: The Common Cents Money Management Workbook “is a best-seller that has helped hundreds of thousands of people across America develop effective budgets and gain financial freedom.

Even…  More About: The Common Cents Money Management Workbook

The Truth About Avoiding Scams

Scams have always been with us, and they always will be - except now, technology makes scammers’ jobs even easier, enabling them to reach out from anywhere around the world, and take advantage of more people than ever before. No matter how smart you think you are, you can easily become a victim: in fact, scammers have discovered that educated, sophisticated individuals are among their…  More About: The Truth About Avoiding Scams

10 Excellent Reasons Not to Hate Taxes

“Taxes are what we pay for a civilized society."—Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.

This short, snappy handbook countersthe anti-tax, anti-government rhetoric that permeates our culture and reminds us why taxes lie at the heart of a functioning democracy.

Paying taxes is something almost everyone loves to hate. 10 Excellent Reasons Not to Hate Taxes makes the case for thinking…  More About: 10 Excellent Reasons Not to Hate Taxes

House Lust

Blending social commentary with reporting, House Lust is a funny and disturbing portrait of the behaviors that drove the greatest real estate boom in history—and its eventual bust.

Owning a home has long been considered the fulfillment of the American Dream. But in the last decade, as the real estate market boomed, Americans’ fascination with homes turned into a frenzy. Shelter has been…  More About: House Lust

Gotcha Capitalism

You didn’t fill up the rental car with gas? Gotcha! Gas costs $7 a gallon here. Your bank balance fell to $999.99 for one day? Gotcha! That’ll be $12.
You miss one payment on that 18-month same-as-cash loan? Gotcha! That’ll be $512 extra. You’re one day late on that electric bill? Gotcha! All your credit cards now have a 29.99% interest rate.

…  More About: Gotcha Capitalism

Your Money and Your Brain

While there are many books that describe the mistakes investors make, but this one draws on the latest scientific research to explain why smart people can be so dumb about money—and how they can do better. In this book subtitled “How the New Science of Neuroeconomics Can Help Make You Rich,” Money magazine writer Jason Zweig explains what goes on inside our brains when we…  More About: Your Money and Your Brain

The Kid’s ROTH IRA Handbook

Roth Individual Retirement Accounts were created in 1997. They are named for the late Republican Senator William Roth Jr. Roth IRAs are different from traditional IRAs. Roth IRAs are funded with after-tax contributions, so there is no allowable tax deduction. However, retired individuals do not have to pay taxes when they take distributions from a Roth IRA, providing lifelong tax protection of the earnings in…  More About: The Kid’s ROTH IRA Handbook

Isn’t It Their Turn to Pick Up the Check?

This book addresses “Dealing with All of the Trickiest Money Problems Between Family and Friends—From Serial Borrowers to Serious Cheapskates.” Your next-door neighbor’s two-year-old broke your most expensive vase, and your neighbor hasn’t offered to replace it. Your best friend expects you to shop at the boutique she just opened, though her very pricey clothes look terrible on you. And your sister says she needs…  More About: Isn’t It Their Turn to Pick Up the Check?

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