DAILY PILOT

Published Sunday, May 13, 2007

CHECK IT OUT:
Financial planning can begin at your local public library

By Mary Ellen Bowman

• "The Little Book of Common Sense Investing: The Only Way to Guarantee Your Fair Share of Market Returns" by John C. Bogle: "Bogleheads" will delight in the latest entry in the "Little Book" series by this widely admired Vanguard Group Funds Founder. The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg News have nothing but wonderful words for the consistent advice detailed here, especially the slow-but-steady-wins-the-race thinking exemplified by a liking for low-cost index funds.
  
• "Women and Money" by Suze Orman: Guru Suze addresses the relationship between women and financial paralysis through exploration of the psychological behaviors that inhibit change. In her strongest advocacy of women's financial education to date, she proposes practical solutions for handling money to promote personal happiness and peace of mind.
  
• "Jim Cramer's Mad Money: Watch TV, Get Rich" by James J. Cramer with Cliff Mason: Cramer presents successful television and radio programs that monitor stocks, offer advice on callers' personal portfolios and explore the details of researching companies for wise investment. With the assistance of co-author Mason, organized chapters offer help for various topics in these pages, with the proviso to watch and listen to his shows in order to keep up-to-date.
  
• "America's Cheapest Family Gets You Right on the Money: Your Guide to Living Better, Spending Less, and Cashing in on Your Dreams" by Steve Economides: Aptly named Economides, along with co-author wife Annette, proposes a live-within-your-budget mantra and frugal economic style that reflects individual family values and personal responsibility for finances. This presents a good way to simplify your life and minimize your possessions.
  
• "The Undercover Economist: Exposing Why the Rich Are Rich, the Poor Are Poor — and Why You Can Never Buy a Decent Used Car!" by Tim Harford: More of an economic history and consumer education manual than an investment resource, this tongue-in-cheek book gives the reader perspective on where one finds oneself financially and proposes solutions for less-than-perfect circumstances. Published by Oxford University Press, this book delivers solid advice for the perplexed.
  
• "Mommy Millionaire: How I Turned My Kitchen Table Idea into a Million Dollars and How You Can Too!" by Kim Lavine: Mommy and tireless entrepreneur Lavine is the creator of the Wuvit, a microwavable and freezable pillow designed to soothe tummy aches and ease kiddies into bedtime slumber or frozen relief for little bumps. This is her story about belief in oneself and one's abilities to overcome financial difficulties.
  
  Last but not least!
  
  What if you have been putting off saving, investing, planning and generally thinking about your carefree golden years?
  
  Not to worry. The library has the book for you.
  
  
• "Start Late, Finish Rich: A No-Fail Plan for Achieving Financial Freedom at Any Age" by David Bach: Bach shares his secrets and offers hope for individuals who haven't saved for retirement. Financial security can be achieved at any age or any position in life, so long as the principles of spending less, saving more and making more money are applied.