Useful Books

Did you ever want to read about financial or tax issues but didn't know where to begin? Here are some books that you might find helpful.

Money is about spending, saving and investing. Here are some basic financial guides:

  • 7 MONEY MANTRAS FOR A RICHER LIFE by Michelle Singletary.
    Many money books promise you painless fantasy wealth. Michelle Singletary's aim is to help you live well with the money you have.
  • PERSONAL FINANCE FOR DUMMIES By Eric Tyson.
    This is the first of Eric Tyson's very readable books that will give you an overview to your financial life. If you like this one, you can go on to his INVESTING FOR DUMMIES and MUTUAL FUNDS FOR DUMMIES.
  • THE RANDOM WALK GUIDE TO INVESTING by Burton Malkiel.
    Conciseness is the key. Burton Malkiel gives ten useful and accessible rules for financial success.

Money is about how you live your life and how you approach the very subject of money itself.

  • YOUR MONEY OR YOUR LIFE by Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin.
    Isn't there more to life than just earning money? This book will help you think about the relationship of money to how you want to live your life.
  • THE SEVEN STAGES OF MONEY MATURITY by George Kinder.
    This author is one of the founders of the life planning movement which sees financial planning as more than about dollars and cents. The book aims to help you understand the spirit and value of money in your life.

Two basic tax guides, one free, one not, are:

  • YOUR FEDERAL INCOME TAX For Individuals
    The Internal Revenue Service annually updates Publication 17 to answer questions on taxation for individual taxpayers. You can call 1 800 829 3676 or go to your local IRS and get a copy of Publication 17 for free.
  • JK LASSER'S YOUR INCOME TAX
    When you go into your bookstore around tax time to look for a tax guide, you'll see piles of different popular tax books. Many of them are good. I have found this the one I like best for answers to many basic tax issues.