Get a Financial Life by Kobliner, Beth -- Read -- Imperial Library of Trantor

Index

Cover Dedication Introduction Chapter 1: Crib Notes Chapter 2: Taking Stock of Your Financial Life

Putting a Price Tag on Your Goals Learning How to Reach Your Goals Where Does Your Money Go? Three Financial Rules of Thumb Getting Your Financial Life in Order Keeping Track of Money Coming In and Going Out

Chapter 3: Dealing with Debt

Four Pointers for Anyone with Debt of Any Kind Credit Cards Student Loans Car Loans Credit Scores and Credit Reports Identity Theft If You’re in Serious Debt When to Consider Bankruptcy

Chapter 4: Basic Banking

A Bank by Any Other Name What to Look for in a Bank Managing Your Checking Account Using the ATM Wisely Internet-Only Banks What to Do with Your Savings Joint Versus Separate Accounts A Warning About Bank-Sold Investments

Chapter 5: All You Really Need to Know About Investing

Two Pointers for New Investors Fund Fundamentals Money Market Funds A Word About Inflation Stock Funds Bond Funds The Right Mix of Investments Investment Fees Really Matter My Favorite Low-Cost Funds Socially Responsible Investing Do I Need a Financial Advisor?

Chapter 6: Living the Good Life in 2070

What Are Retirement Savings Plans, Anyway? How Your Retirement Savings Grow Contributing to Your 401(k) Contributing to an IRA Getting at the Money in Your 401(k) or IRA If You Really Need It Inflation and Taxation Retirement Plan FAQs If You’re Self-Employed

Chapter 7: Oh, Give Me a Home

What Every Renter Needs to Know Should You Rent or Buy? What Lenders Look For The Real Costs of Owning a Home Special Programs for Home Buyers If You Don’t Qualify for a Mortgage Shopping for a Mortgage Making the Process Go Smoothly

Chapter 8: Insurance: What You Need and What You Don’t

Getting the Best Deal Checking Out Credentials Making the Most of Your Employer’s Plans Health Insurance Car Insurance Disability Insurance Home Insurance Life Insurance Insurance You Probably Don’t Need

Chapter 9: How to Make Your Life Less Taxing

Why Is Your Paycheck So Small? The Taxes You Pay Figuring Out Your Tax Rate Filing Your Tax Return Maximizing Your Tax Breaks Deductions for the Self-Employed Getting Your Tax Life in Order Do You Need a Tax Preparer?

Chapter 10: Making the Most of Military Benefits

Education Perks Financial Assistance with Your Home Protecting Your Health and Your Assets Help Paying Off Your Debt Support for Your Family Guidance on Legal, Tax, and Personal Finance Matters Securing Your Savings

Further Reading Special Acknowledgments Acknowledgments About the Author Index Copyright