Getting a Grip on Your Money: A Plain & Simple Christian Guide to Managing Personal Finances, Eliminating Debt, Spending, Saving & Giving, Investing for the Future

by Wood, William C.

• ISBN13: 9780830823475
• ISBN10: 0830823476
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-05-01
• Publisher: Intervarsity Pr

Summary

Most people give up on money management for the same reason they quit dieting--it's just too hard to manage all the details, so they forget it all together. But handling your personal finances doesn't require complete budgets or technical spreadsheets.Economist William Wood says that it's better to do something imperfectly than to do nothing at all. Rather than tracking every penny, you're better off following basic, general guidelines that will help you avoid common financial pitfalls.Filled with real-world examples and illustrations, this book offers simple, practical advice for getting your finances in order, with sound help for reducing debt, spending less and saving more. Even in today's uncertain economic climate, you can invest in ways that give you stable, long-term growth. Wood provides commonsense approaches to topics like credit cards, insurance, mortgages, mutual funds and much more.Ultimately Wood reminds you that money is not only for your own benefit; good financial stewardship creates opportunities to give and provide for others. Wood's blend of financial expertise and biblical wisdom shows how Christians can honor God with their money. Whether you are starting college, buying your first home or approaching retirement, here is a sensible approach to personal finances that anybody can handle.

Table of Contents

Preface	9	(5)
About the Advice in This Book	14	(1)
Declare Victory & Admit Defeat	15	(9)
Get Control of Your Budget	24	(22)
Insurance & Banking	46	(15)
A Roof over Your Head	61	(12)
Wheels	73	(12)
The Simple Approach to Investing	85	(11)
Taxes & Other Leakages	96	(13)
Bonds & Bond Funds	109	(12)
Avoiding Investment Mistakes	121	(16)
Saving for Big-Ticket Items	137	(9)
Personal Finance for Youth	146	(15)
Retirement	161	(10)
For Those You Love	171	(8)
Epilogue: Victorious Living in a Complex World	179	(3)
Appendix l: Best Low-Cost Fund Provider	182	(2)
Appendix 2: Checklist Steps Toward Worry-Free Finances	184	(2)
Appendix 3: Choosing a Financial Adviser	186	(3)
Appendix 4: Notes on Leading Group Study	189	(2)
Index	191