Contents at a Glance
Introduction ................................................................ 1
Book I: Taking Charge of Your Finances......................... 7
Chapter 1: Assessing Where You Are Financially .......................................................... 9
Chapter 2: Improving Your Relationship with Money ................................................ 27
Chapter 3: Building and Sticking to a Budget ............................................................... 45
Chapter 4: Cutting Spending and Boosting Income .................................................... 61
Chapter 5: Fixing Up Your Credit Report...................................................................... 81
Book II: Managing Home and Personal Finances .......... 97
Chapter 1: Running a Money-Smart Household ........................................................... 99
Chapter 2: Home Ownership and Choosing the Right Mortgage ............................. 123
Chapter 3: Avoiding Foreclosure ................................................................................. 139
Chapter 4: Keeping a Lid on Medical Costs ................................................................ 153
Chapter 5: Using the Internet to Help Manage Your Finances ................................. 177
Book III: Dealing with Debt ...................................... 189
Chapter 1: Tackling What You Owe ............................................................................. 191
Chapter 2: Understanding How Credit Works ............................................................ 203
Chapter 3: Consolidating Your Debts .......................................................................... 215
Chapter 4: Negotiating with Creditors and Getting Help .......................................... 227
Chapter 5: Considering Bankruptcy ............................................................................ 247
Book IV: Saving and Investing .................................. 265
Chapter 1: Becoming a Saver........................................................................................ 267
Chapter 2: Investing in Stocks, Bonds, and Mutual Funds ....................................... 281
Chapter 3: Saving for Retirement ................................................................................. 301
Chapter 4: Saving for College ....................................................................................... 319
Chapter 5: Working with an Online Broker................................................................. 333
Book V: Protecting Your Money and Assets ................ 347
Chapter 1: Combating Identity Theft ........................................................................... 349
Chapter 2: Online Banking ............................................................................................ 369
Chapter 3: Homeowner's Insurance ............................................................................ 381
