I just finished reading David Bach's "Smart couples finish Rich." Overall, it looks and feels like many other general personal finance books.
Pro's
-He uses personal values to motivate financial goals and fiscal responsibility. I like it because it make finance more personal. Your mom can tell you to clean your room, but you aren't going to be motivated to do even if it is your best interest. Likewise, people can tell you you need to save for retirement because it's in your best interest, but linking it to a personal value will motivate you more.
-Compelling (if sometimes dated) graphs and tables to show examples of investment growth.
-Easy to use "worksheets" to help you follow through with his advice.
-All around solid investment advice.
-An interesting final chapter on how to get a raise from your work place in just 9 weeks. Too bad my salary is government mandated.
Con's
-Too many trademarks. Value Circle(TM) my ass.
-His grandma stories don't really do it for me
-It reads pretty much like an individual personal finance book, but with the occasional "You should check with/include your spouse on this" admonition.
-If you think you're going to get 12% out of the stock market over 40 years (pg 117, top), you're in for a surprise. To be fair, he uses muliple examples with varying rates, but this is the rate he quotes. Later on I think he quotes a lesser rate for historical market performance.
In summary, a good book for individuals and couples just starting to get a grip on their financial life. It is also a good reminder for people who have read these types of books to make sure your insurance coverage and will is up to date.
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