This jargon-free resource explains the who, what, why, and where of contemporary personal finance in simple, easy-to-grasp language, covering the key people, events, terms, tools, policies, and products that make up modern money management. The ideal roadmap to 21st-century financial literacy, this layman's encyclopedia discusses ideas, concepts, events, and people that inform money management and personal finance. It explains the intricacies of things like investing, saving, debt, credit, and mortgages, and it drills down into complexities like the difference between 401(k) and 403(b) retirement plans. Entries invite the reader to explore common financial topics, such as seeking credit counseling, using credit cards, buying a home, and choosing insurance. Issues such as identity theft, derivatives, and taxes are explored as well. The unique work is topically organized with contributions from both academics and financial professionals. Entries are augmented by entertaining sidebar anecdotes and a glossary, and there is a useful feature that connects readers to online sources, enabling them to keep up with this fast-changing field. A one-stop resource ideal for individuals seeking to understand personal finance, this book will also prove valuable to students taking courses in finance and economics. All readers will come away better equipped to profit from money management and more skilled at making smart financial decisions. Supplies accessible, comprehensive financial information that explains complex topics in simple language Shows the relationship between personal finance and everyday life, from renting an apartment to saving for retirement Answers a wide variety of personal finance questions Provides a resource suitable for both personal and scholarly use

Understand personal finance and put your money to work! Is your money working to increase your wealth? If not, it's time to take stock of your financial situation. Personal Finance For Dummies, 8th Edition offers time-tested financial tips and advice on how to continue to grow your financial assets in light of the changing market and economic conditions. A new breed of fiscal consciousness has arisen'and it's high time for you to join the movement by taking control over your financial life. This relevant text guides you through major financial subject areas, such as budgeting, saving, getting out of debt, making timely investment choices, and planning for the future. By looking at all aspects of your financial wellbeing, you can pinpoint the areas in which you need to change your strategy, and can identify how you can use the assets you have to continue to grow and protect your wealth. Personal finance is an important topic, as your financial wellbeing has an integral impact on so many aspects of your life. Taking the pulse of your finances every now and then is critical to ensuring that you're on the right track'and to identifying the areas in which you can improve your financial strategies. Explore time-tested financial tips and advice that help improve your financial wellbeing Consider how different aspects of your financial life work with and against one another, and how to bring them into alignment to enhance your overall financial situation Discover updated recommendations and strategies that account for changing market and economic conditions Look at your financial situation from a new perspective, and understand what you can do to improve it Personal Finance For Dummies, 8th Edition shows you how to take stock of your financial situation and put your money to work.

Winner of the American Society of Journalists and Authors' 2016 Outstanding Book Award in the Self-Help category Praise for Author's Last Book: "Confessions of a Credit Junkie is presented in a conversational tone, without confusion, techno-speak complexity or excessive industry jargon. The book breaks through delusion and naiveté and can, given a chance, inspire even the most wide-eyed spender to avoid the pit of debt that snared Harzog and so very many others. --Creditcardinsider.com If you're in credit-card debt and you're tired of being told that all you need to do is give up your daily latte--and cut up all your credit cards--this is the book for you. Former credit junkie Beverly Harzog racked up thousands of dollars in credit-card debt during a decade of overspending. When she decided she wanted to break free from debt, she found that conventional advice about personal finance didn't work for her. So, Beverly created her own unique debt escape plan and succeeded in paying off more than $20,000 in credit card debt in two years. In The Debt Escape Plan, you'll find easy-to-follow advice, often laced with a touch of Southern humor, to help you conquer--and stay out of--credit-card debt. In this much-needed book, you'll learn: Why a one-size-fits-all approach to credit card debt doesn't work. How to use the Money Personality Quiz to customize your own debt escape plan. The nine biggest debt mistakes and how to overcome them. Seven secrets for giving your credit score a quick boost. how to overcome the hardships of medical bills. How to debt-proof your future so this never happens to you again!

Military Finances is essential reading for any soldier, veteran, or military family member concerned with their financial future. Members of the military often have a tough time handling their finances, whether it be while serving active duty or when returning to civilian life; and our uncertain economy and job market only magnify those issues. Many serving in the military are young, with little or no training in financial affairs, and face frequent deployments and relocations--all of which can wreak havoc on a person's finances. This book provides a one-stop guide to navigating the many financial questions facing today's military in all phases of service: -Active duty -Preparing for transition or retirement -And post-military lives and careers It covers general financial planning along with many specific aspects of money management vital to military members and their families, proving an indispensable and informative resource for those who fight to defend our freedoms every day, and have for generations.