Budgeting and Saving

The Banker's Secret
By Mark Eisenson


One of the most frequently asked questions we get from our readers has to do with completely paying off one's home mortgage.

How high a priority is it? Should it be completed before I begin my long-term investing program? What about the tax considerations? What if I plan on moving soon? When should I prepay and when should I refinance?

It has been our position that the sooner you can retire your home mortgage, the better. And we've frequently mentioned the benefits of prepaying. As Eisenson makes clear, prepayments are not additional costs. They are advances, payments that would have to be paid shortly in any event.

By routinely advancing a few dollars whenever you can, you'll ultimately save a small fortune in interest without having spent one cent extra. This book shows you—step by step, using easy-to-read charts—exactly how to build up your net worth by saving on interest costs and ultimately keeping much more of your money in your own pocket.

 

Crisis Control in the New Millennium

By Larry Burkett

As the new millennium approaches, are you and your family prepared for what could be a major bump in American's road to prosperity? Although the U.S. infrastructure may be strong enough to minimize the consequence of the sporadic, localized interruptions due to the Y2K bug, the world's economy has the potential of suffering a huge hit in the event of a catastrophe.

In Crisis Control in the New Millennium, Larry examines the impact of the new millennium and identifies key principles that can help shore up your family's finances, irrespective of what's forthcoming in the economy.

 

Debt-Free Living

By Larry Burkett

With credit so easily obtained today, countless couples find themselves facing debts they can't handle. Each month theymust decide which bills to let slide in attempt to catch up to others. Monthly payments become larger than monthly income. "Borrowing is permitted in Scripture," says author Larry Burkett. But he also points out that most people fail to understand the biblical principles concerning debt and borrowing.

This book is designed to help individuals understand the origin of most financial troubles. Debt-Free Living provides a means to escape the "debt cycle." Trace through the true-to-life experiences of several marriages on the brink of ruin. As you follow each couple through financial counseling, the biblical principles for breaking out of the debt cycle emerge.

In addition, it provides a layman's guide to consumer rights with summaries of federal codes covering credit agencies, credit reports, debt collection agencies, and bankruptcy.

This paperback addition also comes with a free companion audio CD!

 

The Financially Challenged

By Wilson J. Humber

In The Financially Challenged, Wilson Humber offers practical steps to steer clear of—or emerge from—financial disaster. Each chapter is packed with principles that will help you move beyond your financial challenges by learning to:

• Adjust your habits and attitudes, viewing your income, possessions, giving, and savings from a biblical perspective—and cut costs dramatically

• Save money on your two largest expenses: housing and transportation

• Become totally and permanently debt-free in three years or less

• Save your money the right way and harness the awesome power of compound interest

• Retire financially secure

• Stretch your paycheck 15 percent or more

• And much more

This book is a survival guide that not only outlines short-term solutions but generates long-term results.

 

The Financially Confident Woman

By Mary Hunt

Unemployed and $100,000 in debt, Mary Hunt had to give up credit cards or face financial ruin. In The Financially Confident Woman, she gives you the chance to learn from her mistakes.

As she shares the story of her long journey back from the brink of financial disaster, Mary explains how to avoid hidden dangers of credit cards, and shows you how it's never too late to turn bad financial habits around.

 

First Comes Love, Then Comes Money

By Roger Gibson

From Roger Gibson's first (now) humorous story of spending decisions in the early days of his marriage to Kari, he explores several aspects of the money pitfalls in marriage, including:

• debt management

• investing

• principles of being an effective manager

• discovering your money personality

• and balancing the differing spending habits of spouses.

A good nuts and bolts book for learning to avoid crippling confrontations.

 

Free and Clear
By Howard Dayton

Overwhelmed with debt? There is hope and freedom for you no matter how big your problem. Skyrocketing debt has crippled and divided millions in this age of rampant credit, interest-only mortgages, and record loan defaults. The way out from under debt burdens is not a declaration of bankruptcy, but surrender to the Word of God. Becoming debt-free may seem an impossible dream for many, but it is actually an attainable goal according to Howard Dayton, president of Crown Financial Ministries. He overcame his own struggle with debt by applying God's principles to managing his finances, principles he lays out in this practical, encouraging, never-give-up book.

 

Invest in Yourself

By Marc Eisenson, Gerri Detweiler, and Nancy Castleman

Simplification is one of the major trends in this country. People are looking for ways to successfully balance their personal finances, work, and family life. Invest in Yourself addresses these concerns and provides the perfect mix of down-to-earth philosophy, financial strategies, and money saving tips all designed to lead to a happier and more productive life.

While other personal finance books tend to focus on living frugally, this book explains ways to lead a richer life by only spending money on what's important. The authors, consumer advocates, have formulated a six-step program designed to help readers assess their needs and wants, and eventually lead them to creating the life they desire. The book also offers helpful tips on such timely financial topics as lowering credit card fees, reducing long distance phone service, prepaying mortgages, and negotiating flex time at work.

 

Itsdeductible: Tax Year 2004 Workbook

By Intuit, Jeff A. Schnepper

Anyone who gives clothing or household objects to charities and itemizes their tax return can benefit from ItsDeductible™ - the only book available that determines the fair-market value of commonly donated items. It is updated annually, with 75 percent of the valuations changed for this year's edition.

Although millions of people deduct such donations on their returns, most underestimate the value of their items. With categories for clothing, jewelry, baby supplies, toys, small appliances, tools, sporting goods, and more, this "comprehensive and detailed" workbook (The Wall Street Journal) will increase the user's tax savings by an average of $500. In addition to assessing noncash donations, readers can also easily track monetary and property donations, out-of-pocket expenses, and mileage expenses incurred while driving on behalf of a charity.

 

Living Well on One Income: In a Two-Income World

By Cynthia Yates

Cynthia Yates shows readers how to enjoy life more but spend less–on one income. She presents ten habits that help readers:

• maintain the right attitude: a cheerful heart

• discover their creative genius

• live within their means.

Abundant personal stories, amusing anecdotes, and practical ideas demonstrate strategic ways for readers to:

• dazzle guests with fun but economical meals

• put pizzazz in their palace and pocket the change

• give gifts from their heart that don't empty their wallet.

With this invitation to a life of "one–income living with flair," readers will develop a system that will help them to celebrate life, to fill their lives with beauty, to be content, and to bring glory to God.

 

The Medical Bill Survival Guide: What You Need to Know
Before You Pay a Dime

By Pat Palmer

Ready for a real medical horror story? Nine out of ten medical bills contain errors. The average error per patient is $1,300. And the total yearly overcharge nationwide is a staggering $10 billion. Counting on your insurance to pick up the slack? Don't even think about it.

Now a leading consumer advocate for patients everywhere gives you the knowledge you need to fight back. The Medical Bill Survival Guide will help you get back what's yours-and make sure you'll never have to spend an extra, unnecessary dime on the care you deserve, ever again. Discover:

• What hospitals don't want you to know-and how not knowing can cost you a fortune
• The unbreakable code of medical-bill language-and how to shatter it
• Excessive, duplicate, hidden, and undocumented charges-and how to bust them all
• What insurance companies mean by usual, reasonable, and customary treatments-and how to reverse your claim denials
• The patient's financial bill of rights-ten common courtesies worth fighting for.

For years, doctors have urged us to take control of our own health care through preventive measures like exercise, diet, and right living. Now, it's time we took control of our health care finances-through preventive measures like due diligence and common sense. Assuming responsibility for the accuracy of your medical bill is right living too.

 

Money Before Marriage

By Larry Burkett

Before you say your vows, disarm two sure threats to your wedded bliss: money mismanagement and poor communication. This financial workbook for engaged couples is an invaluable guide based on the author's decades of intense Bible study and experience counseling hundreds of couples in financial trouble.

In the Money Before Marriage workbook, you will learn to:

• Apply to your marriage what God's Word says about finances
• Understand your personality profile and that of your future mate
• Discover the practical aspects of managing your personal finances
• Answer the tough questions relating to debt, credit card use, life insurance needs, and separate bank accounts
• Prepare your new family's first spending plan.

 

Saving Money Any Way You Can

By Mike Yorkey

They say money doesn't grow on trees, but tell that to the super shoppers in this book. Full of advice and engaging stories from consumers just like you, Saving Money Any Way You Can takes the mystery out of s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g your dollars.

Now they—and the numerous families interviewed for this book—say they spend less but enjoy it. Saving Money Any Way You Can shows you how to spend less with tried-and-true tips on:

• How you can save dollars by using (not abusing) credit cards rather than cash.
• Ways to deflate the pressure on your kids to wear designer clothing.
• Maximizing your grocery dollars so you don't have to scrimp on food.
• Creative and effective ways to put aside money for your child's college education.

 

Taming the Money Monster

By Ron Blue

Don't let money rule your life. Taming the Money Monster offers expert advice to help you manage your money wisely and find real financial freedom. From Focus on the Family and Ron Blue, this is a practical, hands-on guide:

"For those who are committed to overcoming indebtedness, Blue's book is a helpful, biblically-based, step-by-step primer that points the way to financial freedom." —Moody Magazine

"Should be required reading for all...who may find that the joy is being squeezed out of their lives because of money problems." —A Christian Woman

"Filled with down-to-earth advice, from straight-from-the-shoulder facts, figures, and no-nonsense financial advice...this is incredibly frank and nearly indispensible book. You will turn it again and again—use it as your ever present 'personal money manager.'" —Guideposts

 

The Ultimate Credit Handbook

By Gerri Detweiler

Master the secrets of good credit and find out how to turn a credit rejection into an acceptance. You will learn how to get through credit catastrophes and how to fix your credit if it has already been damaged.

You will also find out:

• How the credit bureaus rate you

• How to improve your credit

• How to correct credit bureau errors that can wreck havoc on your financial life

You will be armed with information to help you battle credit card fraud, bank foul-ups, and merchandising rip-offs. This book can help you take control of your credit.

"The last word for anyone who has gone into debt..."
—Linda F. Golodner, President, The National Consumers League

 

What Car Dealers Don't Want You to Know

By Mark Eskeldson

Written by a trusted automotive authority with two decades of experience, this book evens the playing field for showroom-bound readers, offering everything they need to know about extended warranty rip-offs, the pros and cons of using auto brokers and car-buying services, the optimum time of the year to buy a vehicle, and more.

In this new edition of the consumer guide to car buying, the author cites a recent undercover investigation to show how dealers use deceptive sales practices to trick shoppers into paying outrageous overcharges. The book details every scam - from "dealer's cost" surcharges to leasing rip-offs - in use today. This book is unique in its consumer protection information and insights from car dealers, attorneys, and victims.

 

Women Leaving the Workplace

By Larry Burkett

Outside influences are wreaking havoc on family values. Now is the time for mothers to find a way to spend more time with their children. Two-income families outweigh single-income families three to one. Home-based businesses are becoming the trend. Larry Burkett gives insightful, practical counsel on how to survive the cutback from two incomes to one.

Larry thoughtfully deals with a wide range of topics.

• Preparing to live on one income
• Developing and living on a budget
• Dealing with the lack of self-esteem
• Coping with an unsupportive spouse
• Creating income while staying at home
• Being willing to make sacrifices
• Homeschooling the children
• Reentering the work force

Women who have made the transition from marketplace to home share honest, personal accounts of victories, setbacks, fears, and joys.

If you desire to be a stay-at-home mom but fear financial disaster, Women Leaving the Workplace will help guide you in the right direction.

 

Working At Home

By Lindsey O'Connor

Starting a business at home is one way of adding extra income to help ease the battle-of-the-budget. Lindsey O'Connor's book will help you decide if a home business is realistic for you. She includes:

• Godly principles on which to build your business

• Ways to keep work from invading your home-life

• Insights into mastering your time

• Ideas for home businesses

• Steps for getting started

• Pitfalls to avoid

• And more.

I like this writer's sensitivity to maintaining a balance between work and parenting. This book is a good place to start if you're considering a home business.

 

The World's Easiest Guide to Finances

By Larry Burkett

Maybe personal finances aren't exactly your cup of tea. Maybe you'd rather attend a paint drying contest than look for ways to cut your budget. Maybe you'd rather volunteer for exploratory dental surgery than explore methods of scaling back your spending.

Now there is an easy and comprehensive guide that even a beginner can understand. Suddenly it's easy to put all your finances back together...which will make your future look a lot better. It also includes a helpful CD-ROM with the Simple Budget Calculator and the Debt Eliminator to help you apply the principles discussed in the book.