Re-post - Good Book Suggestions

[bigpappa1]

I saw this thread posted below but it didn't seem to get much traction. I'm looking for a good financial guide book or something to help me get some fundamentals. I'm not swimming in debt and I make decent money. I don't want to be rich either and I really don't need to hear how I should have a 401K or whatever. I need COMMON SENSE money advice so I can get an idea of what is a good amount to save and spend. I like to spend money, I like to buy things, it's part of my personality and it isn't going anywhere. I've lived check to check for years and now I'm getting married and I need to start socking money away. However, as I like to spend money I need to allow myself a certain amount to basically blow on whatever I want per week otherwise I just won't enjoy my life. Even if it's only $20, I know from dieting and training that it's better to manage personality traits and preferences rather than try to restructure a person's brain.

All that being said, does anyone know of a good book that can help me get a feel for how to look at my debt and bills and then work within a reasonable life style while putting enough money away that I can feel responsible?

[Floriafi]

I'm glad you did this repost. My post was pretty lazy. It seems that you and I are in the same boat. I just want to have all my bills paid, money stashed in savings and food in the fridge but have that allowance of cash to literally blow on whatever it is us 25yearolds do

[lorraineb]

Some basic books that are good to get a general feel of personal finance:

The Millionaire Next Door - Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko

The Wealthy Barber – David Chilton

All Your Worth – Elizabeth Warren

Your Money or Your Life – Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin

The Only Investment Book You'll Ever Need – Andrew Tobias

Total Money Makeover – Dave Ramsey

Debt Proof Living - Mary Hunt

One Up on Wall St. – Peter Lynch

The Motley Fool Personal Finance Workbook

[smk]

try these authors - carl Richards, larry swedroe and manisha thakor for the ladies...they are long on the common sense aspect...

[Folio Explorer]

I recommend "Personal Finance for Dummies" by Eric Tyson and "How to Invest $50-$5,000" by Nancy Dunnan. However, I suspect the investing book is more appropriate after you've saved an emergency fund that covers a few months of expenses. There is another books I like, but I forget the title - it is about personal finance for young adults. Good luck!

[snafu]

Big: Fundamentals are a couple of basic rules like live below your means. Pay yourself first by putting 10% of everything you make/win/get into a savings a/c until you accumulate 1st an emergency fund and 2nd sufficient to start an automatic investment plan. Spend no more than 50% of net income on needs. Those are the basics like rent, utilities, food, insurance, clothes. That leaves 40% for 'wants' like car/operation/maintenance [oil change/tires/repairs], entertainment, cell phone, cable, internet/sports/gym - whatever floats your boat.

If you already have debt what are you willing to do it get it paid down? Would you work overtime, get a part time job, walk dogs, deliver pizza, lower your standard of living/lifestyle for the SHORT term?
If you live in an apartment you can't afford, what changes are you prepared to make? Bring in a roomie or move to a more affordable location, or share situation?
If you drive a car you can't afford or payments exceeding 36 months, consider selling it and buying something older but still reliable. It take research and may not result in ride image you desire - short term.

On the other side of the equation, are you leaving free money on the table because you are not capturing the sums offered free by your employer in their retirement plan?

If your 1st priority is to clear old debt, there are experienced folks most on Discussion thread who help. They need your figures, each debt total, interest rate and monthly payment + basic monthly expenses [rent/mortgage, utilities, food etc].

My issue with books is that it's too easy to put it down and go out to dinner to forget it.

[thesimplemoneyblog]

For beginners, "The Motley Fool Investment Guide for Teens: 8 Steps to Having More Money Than Your Parents Ever Dreamed Of" is a great start toward understanding the basics of saving money and starting to invest.

[karenjcarlson]

Book advice

I enjoyed the Motley Fool book for teens as well. I also recommend the Idiot's Guide to Personal Finance and anything by Liz Weston.