Girls Just Want to Have Funds: How to Spruce Up Your Money and Invest Like a Pro

Amazon

Compared with sex and the end-of-season clearance rack, perhaps stocks and debt instruments are "boring abstractions," as Susannah Goodman acknowledges. But the former consumer advocate and daughter of Jerry Goodman, the host of TV's Adam Smith's Money World, is able to draw a clear connection between these boring abstractions and that "awesome house with plenty of windows, three dogs, three children, and one husband." Girls Just Want to Have Funds is her sassy but sensible, Oprah-style primer on financial planning for females.

The book, it must be said, may set off alarm bells in women who don't need their finance feminized. But if you're not allergic to makeup metaphors and a strong dose of we-dumb-gals clichés, Goodman will prove money matters are understandable and help you formulate a simple plan for getting your financial house in order.

Goodman starts off with the three things everyone must do to start building a "personal financial empire": save early, get a retirement plan, and open a Roth IRA. By the end, Goodman has explained how inflation shrinks money sitting in a checking account, where stocks and mutual funds come from, and how bonds work (and what those ratings mean). Also covered are how to think about immediate vs. long-term financial goals, how to cope with tax-time travails, what to do if you're interested in socially responsible investing (for those sporting ovaries and a concern about the environment), and why the stock market has mood swings. Clear examples, multiple-choice questions, and a lot of cheerleading make these concepts go down easily. You won't be investing like Warren Buffett after reading this book, despite what the author says, but if you're starting out as a Little Miss Muffet about money matters, you'll exit this book with your fear of finance tamed and under control. --Nina Mehta

Book Description

Author Susannah Goodmans smart and sassy investment guide reviews the basics, from stocks and bonds to mutual funds and money markets. Goodmans common sense approach assures women that they already know more than they think about smart investing. Its as easy and important as shopping for the perfect little black dress.

Customer Reviews:

Basic Info - bland.......2007-02-17

This book was recommended in an online financial column, so I foolishly bought before doing an through review myself. I found the book to be very basic in information - it would be good for a true beginner in personal finance with no idea of what a mutual fund is, but it was very below my level. I'm sorry I wasted the money - this was a library book all the way.

I'm a GUY and I enjoyed and got a lot out of this book.......2003-07-20

I borrowed this book upon the recommendation of a close friend (who is a girl) who was also recently interested in getting a financial life. I saw it and it's bright pink back cover and thought, "what the hell am I getting into." But I never judge a book by it's cover or it's girly title, so I went ahead and started to read it.

I've been reading it for the past day and have not been able to put it down. Guys: If you can get past a few of the girly anecdotes, and girl-talk, you can seriously learn a lot from this book. The language is easy to read and actually fun, unlike similar books on investing that I have read that have such dry language. You won't fall asleep during this read!

Good if you know NOTHING about money.......2002-12-11

I highly recommend this book for people who don't know anything at all about money. Goodman explains:
-why we need to start working on our 401(k)s early/ then different kinds of retirement plans,
-bonds, stocks, mutual funds,
-intimidating terms like small, mid and large cap,
-why even the safest investments are more valuable than leaving
money in a savings account
-Tax implications (did you know that capital gains tax can take out 20% of your investment gains? I didn't!)
-budgeting

-benefits to 401(k)like being able to borrow against it at a lower interest rate than credit cards
-how to research the company(ies) you are interested in investing in
-And then--GASP--Goodman does not suggest that she is the alpha and omega of financial investment, she suggests other places to go to continue building your understanding of personal finances
This is only an introduction to finances. Please continue to read other books, and check out websites that update frequently. Without this book I would have never understood Suze Orman's books which I feel goes on the assumption that people are already investing (and frankly are for older people who may have family, houses and life insurance plans).
If you are an expert and understand 401ks and how to read financial reports you don't need this book. Yes the book is overly cheesy and uses way too many girly analogies, however the explanations were crystal clear and effective. It is amazing to me that the people who are criticizing this book can't even spell condescending. Open your minds. Those who didn't get anything from the book, didn't want to.

INVESTING CAN BE FUN.......2002-09-21

I love this book for its light wit and easy reading style on a usually dry and boring subject. I'm 24 and I must say that this book really speaks to young women, fresh out of college and ready to get going on building their nest eggs. Too simplistic for a seasoned investor but perfect as a stocking stuffer for that new college graduate. If I got anything out of this book, its to recommend to all my friends to max out their 401Ks!

This book is THE place to start!.......2002-07-30

I'll admit to some skepticism when my friend recommended that I read the book. I'd been interested in 'getting rich', of course, but as much as I love money, I assumed money was pretty much a dry subject.

The first thing I read in the book is something that will stick with me until the day I die: "Start putting money away NOW-- as early as possible -- before you have a clue about anything else."

This is advice that anyone can give you, of course, and it's just common sense, but Susannah Blake Goodman doesn't just issue advice; she tells the reader WHY it's so important to follow the advice. Her stories explain in clear, concise detail what happens and how it happens. Her instruction is simple without being dumbed-down.

The title suggests that this is a book for girls, but I didn't find much in the book that would make it SOLELY for women. Sure, there's some feminist ponderings about why women typically aren't as money-savvy as men, but that is kept to a minimum.

The book itself makes a dry subject come alive, and I strongly recommend this book for ANYONE, regardless of age or gender. In fact, I not only bought a copy for myself (after reading half of my friend's copy), but I also purchased a copy for 2 of my friends and for my mother.

After reading this book, I won't claim to be an expert, but I'm comfortable enough that I can discuss money and investing with some very finance-minded friends and acquaintances and I can hold my own in a discussion. Most importantly, the book has taught me which questions to ask and what to do with the answers. It's a great stepping-stone and the lessons I learned from this book have given me a sound enough knowledge base to continue learning about the subject without feeling overwhelmed.

Book Description

The real estate industry has been severely affected by recent developments in international capital markets. There has been a decline in real estate investment trust (REIT) share prices, and a decline in capital available for real estate ventures. These setbacks have coincided with serious financial problems of very large hedge funds and other institutional investors in the market for commercial mortgage-backed securities.
This volume collects the revised papers first presented at a conference hosted by New York University's Salomon Center on the impact of globalization on real estate business cycles. To this end, the conference offered new insights into the implications of U.S. and global real estate cycles on real estate securities including REITs and mortgage-backed securities as well as direct real estate investment. The most important insight is that the amplitude and frequency of the cycles differ from place to place and time to time. To the extent that this implies that real estate markets around the world are not yet fully integrated, there are opportunities for global investors. There are also risks; the markets are becoming more correlated, most particularly in periods of crisis. Indeed, the relative immaturity of the Thai real estate market contributed significantly to the extent and severity of the Asian financial crisis of 1997. To exploit these opportunities and to manage the resulting risk, portfolio managers need to develop new data sources and empirical procedures designed to maximize the information content of the data that is available. The lack of high quality data emerges as the central and most pressing issue, not only from a portfolio management context, but also from the standpoint of public policy.

Book Description

Polymer Yearbooks provide reviews of Japanese and Russian polymer science not otherwise readily available in English. An essential desk reference of general interest to polymer scientists, they contain reviews covering topics in polymer synthesis, degradation, renewable polymer sources, drug release, thermodynamics of polymers under shear, etc. The books also contain lists of recent publications in polymer science and a compilation of dissertation abstracts. Names and addresses of research annuals in polymer science and their editors are listed, together with useful information such as standard abbreviations and trade names. Containing summaries of useful physical, chemical, and mathematical data along with definitions of terms in polymer science, the Polymer Yearbook is a must for any practicing polymer chemist.
This volume also contains reviews on state-of-the-art Japanese research presented in the annual Spring and Fall meetings of the Japanese Polymer Science Society. The aim of

Average customer rating:

Great beach read

Don't expect oo much, and you won't be dissapointed

Fun With Unexpected Depth

Fantasy meets chick lit.

Fantastic summer reading

The Diva's Guide to Selling Your Soul
Kathleen O'Reilly
Manufacturer: Downtown Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Comic | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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Don't hate me because I'm beautiful...

Call me V. I used to be a nobody, just a girl from New Jersey who was probably going to hell anyway -- or worse, mediocrity and a size 14. Now I get whatever I desire just by casting a little spell....a flawless body, a luxury penthouse, and a Fifth Avenue shop where rich women clamor for my overpriced handbags. Even better, I have power. I can taunt my ex-husband, break hearts without guilt, and love every minute of it. My secret? I lost the one thing I never

needed in the first place: my soul. I sold it. And you'll never guess who's got it now.

She's a devil in disguise.

You know her as the dishiest gossip columnist in the city's trashiest tabloid. I call her Lucy. And our deal is this: the more clients I recruit for her Life Enrichment Program, the greater my rewards. But just between us, my fast track to heartless apathy has hit a few speed bumps -- lately, I've had the totally annoying impulse to do things that are...good. First there was rescuing a kid in the park. Then there was the date with the handsome, decent guy who wasn't even a celebrity. What's next, giving to charity or something? All I know is Lucy doesn't like it, not one little bit. And when she finds out, there will be hell to pay...

Download Description

"Don't hate me because I'm beautiful... Call me V. I used to be a nobody, just a girl from New Jersey who was probably going to hell anyway -- or worse, mediocrity and a size 14. Now I get whatever I desire just by casting a little spell....a flawless body, a luxury penthouse, and a Fifth Avenue shop where rich women clamor for my overpriced handbags. Even better, I have power. I can taunt my ex-husband, break hearts without guilt, and love every minute of it. My secret? I lost the one thing I never needed in the first place: my soul. I sold it. And you'll never guess who's got it now. She's a devil in disguise. You know her as the dishiest gossip columnist in the city's trashiest tabloid. I call her Lucy. And our deal is this: the more clients I recruit for her Life Enrichment Program, the greater my rewards. But just between us, my fast track to heartless apathy has hit a few speed bumps -- lately, I've had the totally annoying impulse to do things that are...good. First there was rescuing a kid in the park. Then there was the date with the handsome, decent guy who wasn't even a celebrity. What's next, giving to charity or something? All I know is Lucy doesn't like it, not one little bit. And when she finds out, there will be hell to pay... "

Customer Reviews:

Great beach read.......2006-09-07

I was looking for something I could read on the beach for one weekend, and I got just that.

The story is cute and interesting enough to keep me reading. It's not terribly deep and there seems to be some holes in the plot you can drive a truck through, but whatever. A good 6-hour escape.

Don't expect oo much, and you won't be dissapointed.......2005-12-22

Well it was a charming little read; fun, creative, yet hardly up-to-snuff with what I would consider intelligent writing. I liken the level of writing to just-out-of-highschool, (maybe freshman college.) I do not expect to see a "Best seller" title on this one. But again, it was a fast, fun little bit of writing. I reccomend it for perhaps taking a break from serious reading, just some mindless humor and easy-to-follow story.

Fun With Unexpected Depth.......2005-11-30

This novel is about a frumpy mouseburger who, figuring she hasn't been all that good and was probably going to hell anyway, sold her soul to the devil and a mere two years later was a fabulously wealthy fashionista. Only problem is, lately she's been having all these pesky impulses to be, well, good.

Naturally a sassily written story of a reawakening conscience is interesting. We're never asked to buy that our heroine is secretly a saint, or is likely to become one - I think the point is more that even self-centered, shallow people have consciences, even if they're not all that active, and can become better people.

I expected this to be just a fun read. It is, but there's a lot more depth to it than I expected.

Fantasy meets chick lit........2005-10-04

I read this book a while ago and I really enjoyed it.
I like books like this... with a fantasy element or twist on reality. It really makes what could have been an average book really stand out from the rest.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading. If you like chick lit, even better.

Fantastic summer reading.......2005-07-13

Designer purse maven "V" has a perfect life--a thriving business, a perfect luxury apartment, clothes, a taut, slender body (with no dieting or exercise), and any man she wants. Sounds pretty good, but for one tiny detail. She sold her soul to the devil to get all those things, joining the "Life Enrichment Program." It's sort of like selling Tupperware, except you end up in hell. V's conscience doesn't bother her at all as she merrily recruits others to sell their souls. But then one day she inadvertently does a good deed, which is definitely against the rules, and the wrath of the devil, "Lucy," is upon her. Lucy is even more perfect than V, and she writes an influential New York gossip column that she uses to reward and punish her minions. (She also punishes with fat thighs and poufy butts.)

On the same day as the good deed, V also meets a man. But he's a good man, and he believes he sees good in V. V spends a lot of time and effort trying to convince the guy she's rotten to the core, but all the while she's starting to regret selling her soul and wishing she could have that decision to make over again.

This is a wonderful book. It has all the chick-lit trappings (woman in search of money, fame, fortune, love and perfect shoes, as well as an annoying mother), but it digs deep into the psyche and forces readers to really think about ethics and morals and values and all those squirmy things. The plot takes some wonderful twists and turns, leading to a totally unexpected, but perfect, ending. The writing is lush and lively, too, so the reader can just float along without effort. Fantastic summer reading.

Average customer rating:

Diva's Guide to Selling Your Soul

Manufacturer: POCKET BOOKS (SIMO)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000GTHSOG

Customer Reviews:

A Gem.......2005-08-17

As an unrepentent Anglophile and devoted reader of anything to do with British military history, I have no idea how I could have missed this marvelous volume over all the years since its publication. Treating with the British Army during the Victorian and Edwardian eras, Farwell tells his story with clarity, sympathy, and a fair measure of entirely appropriate humor, portraying the petty prejudices and fusty foibles of the army with rich anecdotes and personal recollections. Wellington on more than one occasion referred to his men as "the scum of the earth" and they called him "that hookedy-nosed Old Bastard", but that "scum" and their successors in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries were seldom found wanting for either courage or fighting ability and were regarded by most other nations as man-for-man the best soldiers in the world. The British Army that necessarily evolved during the First World War may have emerged from that conflict better educated, better trained, and perhaps even better led than their forebears, but the blood shed in the trenches washed away many of the traditions and, for lack of a better term, charm, of the "Old Army", the qualities lovingly portrayed in this too-short work. Read this book alone or in conjunction with the equally delightful "Redcoat" by Richard Holmes which comes at the same subject from another angle and covers a broader span of time. Both are extremely well-written, uniquely informative, and "musts" for any British military library; I'm only sorry it took me so long to add Farwell's to mine.

A Good Tribute the The Widows Army.......2005-05-06

There was No British Army in the 19th Century! There was however a great collection of some real fighting Regiments that went out and made a huge portion of the world part of the largest Empire the world has seen so far. It was not until Cardwell & Wolesey that the British started to assemble an Army that could hold off the Germans at Mons in August 1914. If your interest is that you want to know a lot about the Tommy Atkins & his Officers. That and of the various ways & units he lived in and fought with then go no further. Its a fine story and worth the time.

Be Prepared--You Will Captured by "Mr. Kipling's Army".......2003-05-13

A superb book. I had a rather vacant weekend recently and fortunately this book arrived a day before. Superb, highly entertaining stories on the pre-World War I British Army covering subjects as diverse as discipline, officers, enlisted men, religion, women (there were few of them-wives, sweethearts, prostitutes), drink (there was way too much of that), the importance of regimental loyalty,-see chapter titles for a full list. This does for the British army of the later 19th century what Don Rickey's FORTY MILES A DAY ON BEANS AND HAY accomplished for the American frontier army but is far more readable and enjoyable, even though the Indian Wars period is my main area of interest and research.

One drawback to the book--there are no footnotes or bibliography so we are left guessing where Mr. Farwell culled all these wonderful stories, tidbits and insights from. The book is so readable though and I am not a tracking down sources to write something myself, so this is easily forgiven. Enjoy!

An Eccentric View of The Victorian Army.......2002-08-20

This book provides a comprehensive survey of the Victorian army during the height of the Great British Empire. Mr. Farwell is something of an expert on this period and his lucid writing is a joy to read. The book brings out the many varied living conditions that existed in the British army of that time. This is more social history than pure military fare, but don't let that discourage the perspective reader. This is not dry stuff about living conditions in the Victorian army, the book is full of amusing anedotes from actual living Victorian soldiers.

They were a peculiar lot these Soldiers of the Queen, who cherished all their old traditions. The army was extremely conservetive in outlook, from Prviate to General. The regiment was the key element which kept it all together. The British army has always been a regimental army, and this was never more so than in the 19th Century. The army proved extremly adaptive to fighting in all the varied conditions within the Empire, and while this abundance of expereince gave it a unique espirit-de-corps, it did not prepare it well to fight any European conflicts. The British only barely managed to field a few full strength Corps at the beginning of the Great War in 1914. This was in no small way due to the Reforms of Edward Cardwell who created a reserve by linking many of the single battalion regiments together in the 1880s thereby establishing some form of reserve pool of manpower. The system just managed to hold the army together, but created many animosities between time-honored regiments who disliked being linked to each other in adinistractive fashion.

The book goes to great lengths to explain the huge social gulf between officers and enlisted men. The British army was stratified to a degree that no other army of the period entertained. It was an 18th century notion which struggled on into the next century. Farwell brings out these and many other fascinating details as he illustrates the daily life of the Victorian soldier. Those interested in the period of Queen Victoria's Little Wars won't want to put this one down. Its full of fascinating tid-bits of people like Kitchener, Charles Gordon, Wolsley, Frederick Roberts and Churchill, as well as the common soldiers and officers that made up the army. Also, anyone interested in the social anatomy of an army and the society to which it belonged should also find it most rewarding. There are many such Victorian studies out there, but few address the army, which perhaps reflected the age more directly than any other English institution of the time.

Helpful.......2001-10-05

To better understand the character of the British Army and officers of the Victorian age, one needs to be fully versed on the Roman Army. Without this background, Farwell's fine book will be nothing more than anecdotal and amusing. This books is a valuable addition to the literary collections of military historians and modern military officers.

Customer Reviews:

An era-by-era approach to plagues.......2006-04-22

College-level collections strong in health references will find a powerful, lasting volume in EPIDEMICS AND PANDEMICS: THEIR IMPACTS ON HUMAN HISTORY: it takes an era-by-era historical approach to plagues from 430B.C.E. to modern times, covering events around the world from Japan and Medieval Europe to Iceland and the U.S., adds chapters on contemporary concerns, and reviews events, medical responses, unresolved historical issues, and further references for more research. Add black and white vintage illustrations and you have a powerful yet easily accessed health history reference.

Book Description

This important and accessible book surveys the history and present condition of river systems across the United States, showing how human activities have impoverished our rivers and impaired the connections between river worlds and other ecosystems.
Ellen Wohl begins by introducing the basic physical, chemical, and biological processes operating in rivers. She then addresses changes in rivers resulting from settlement and expansion, describes the growth of federal involvement in managing rivers, and examines the recent efforts to rehabilitate and conserve river ecosystems. In each chapter she focuses on a specific regional case study and describes what happens to a particular river organism—a bird, North America’s largest salamander, the paddlefish, and the American alligator—when people interfere with natural processes.

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Fairfield County Business Journal, published by Westfair Communications, Inc. on June 11, 2001. The length of the article is 673 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Norden Park has 80 acres of room for growth.(Brief Article)
Author: Ed Klein
Publication: Fairfield County Business Journal (Magazine/Journal)
Date: June 11, 2001
Publisher: Westfair Communications, Inc.
Volume: 40 Issue: 24 Page: S6

Article Type: Brief Article

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