{"product_id":"financial-literacy-essentials-for-dummies-isbn-9781394326167","title":"Financial Literacy Essentials For Dummies","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eYour to-the-point guide on the essentials of managing your finances\u003c\/b\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe first step in becoming a better personal financial manager is understanding the pillars of personal finance. \u003ci\u003eFinancial Literacy Essentials For Dummies\u003c\/i\u003e is your cheat sheet on understanding how to better manage your finances. Distilled down to the essentials, this book makes it easy for anyone to learn the basics of managing money. You won't be able to escape life's many expenses, but with this book, you can get a grip on smart spending, saving, investing, and beyond. Start by creating a realistic budget for your situation and make a plan for achieving your goals. Money doesn't have to be scary with this Essentials guide. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eGet quick-and-easy explanations budgeting, savings accounts, and debt\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eUnderstand how much you can really afford to spend, and learn to spend smarter\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eMake a plan for getting out of debt—or avoid getting into debt in the first place\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eEnsure that you have enough of a buffer to deal with unexpected expenses\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cp\u003eNeed easy-to-understand information to help get your finances on track? \u003ci\u003eFinancial Literacy Essentials For Dummies\u003c\/i\u003e is the guide for you. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eIntroduction 1\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAbout This Book 1\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFoolish Assumptions 1\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIcons Used in This Book 2\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhere to Go from Here 2\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 1: Introduction to Financial Literacy 3\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat Is Financial Literacy, Anyway? 3\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBudgeting and transaction accounts 4\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInvesting 4\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInsurance 4\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhy It Matters: The Power of Knowing Your Money Stuff 5\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIdentifying hurdles to financial success 5\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnderstanding your personal and emotional hurdles 6\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDeveloping good financial habits 7\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHow to Avoid the “Oops, I Bought a Timeshare” Scenario 7\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAssessing free financial content online 8\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eProtecting yourself from supposed financial gurus 9\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConsidering the influence of advertising 11\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePreventing Common Money Mistakes 12\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 2: Budgeting Basics 15\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCreating a Budget 15\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTracking Expenses: From Lattes to Rent 16\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTracking spending the “low-tech” way 17\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTracking your spending on “free” websites and apps 21\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting a handle on overspending 23\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFiguring Out Your Savings Rate 25\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCalculating Your Financial Net Worth 28\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAdding up your financial assets 28\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSubtracting your financial liabilities 29\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCrunching your numbers 30\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInterpreting your net worth results 31\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEmergency Funds: Because Life Throws Curveballs 31\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePreparing financially for the unexpected 32\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAssessing your resources 33\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSurveying societal safety nets 36\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTable of Contents iii\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 3: Saving Like a Pro 41\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSavings Accounts 101: Where to Stash Your Cash 41\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting Help from Technology: Let Robots Do the Work 43\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAssessing financial software 43\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnderstanding how apps can benefit and harm your bottom line 44\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eManaging your money with software and apps 46\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 4: Debt Demystified 53\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGood Debt versus Bad Debt 53\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConsuming your way to bad debt 54\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRecognizing bad debt overload 54\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAssessing good debt: Can you get too much? 56\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eManaging Debt: Good, Bad, and Unexpected 56\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlanning for educational expenses 57\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUsing credit cards strategically 58\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAnticipating medical bills 58\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStrategies for Debt Repayment 59\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUsing savings to reduce your consumer debt 59\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDecreasing debt when you lack savings 61\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eReducing your credit card’s interest rate 62\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTurning to credit counseling agencies 66\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFiling bankruptcy 67\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eStopping the Spending\/Consumer Debt Cycle 72\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eResisting the credit temptation 72\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIdentifying and treating a compulsion 73\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 5: Investment Strategies 75\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnderstanding Investment Vehicles 75\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eReducing risk with bonds 75\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInvesting in stocks 77\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChecking out mutual funds and exchange-traded funds 81\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDeciding whether real-estate investing is for you 89\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBuilding wealth through small business investing 93\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAre You a Daredevil or a Safety Net Enthusiast? 94\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRealizing risks 94\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eManaging risks 96\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMaking sense of returns 97\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMatching risk-taking to your investment goals 98\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDiversification: Not Just a Fancy Word for Variety 99\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAllocating your assets 100\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAllocating money for the long term 101\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eResisting the urge to trade 102\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInvesting lump sums via dollar-cost averaging 103\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 6: Credit Scores and Reports: The Magic Numbers 105\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhy Your Credit Report and Credit Score Matter 105\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMaking Sense of Credit Reports 106\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eObtaining your credit reports 107\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eReviewing your credit reports 107\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFixing credit-report errors 107\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting Your Credit Score 108\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInterpreting your credit score 109\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnderstanding how your FICO score is calculated 110\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eImproving your FICO score 112\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTracking credit inquiries 112\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat FICO scores ignore 113\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGaining insight from rejections 114\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBoosting Your Credit Rating 114\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 7: Financial Goals and Dreams 117\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSetting Financial Goals 117\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSaving on a Car 118\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSaving for a Home 120\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnderstanding mortgage essentials 120\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBudgeting for monthly expenses 121\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGrasping the tax benefits of homeownership 122\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConsidering closing costs 124\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAccumulating the down payment 124\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlanning for College Costs 128\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSetting realistic savings goals 128\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnderstanding the expected family contribution 129\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinding financial aid and other resources 130\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSaving and investing: Long-term strategies 131\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSaving strategies for late starters 132\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDeveloping a Retirement Plan 133\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFiguring out what portion of income you need 134\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEyeing the components of your retirement plan 135\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCrunching the numbers 137\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMaking the numbers work 139\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDealing with excess money 140\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInvesting in retirement accounts when you’re young 140\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 8: Protecting Your Assets with Insurance 147\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eProtecting Your Castle (and Your Pokémon Collection) 148\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInsuring your home 148\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eInsuring your car 150\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eProtecting against mega-liability: Umbrella insurance 151\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAssessing Your Need for Life Insurance 152\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDetermining how much life insurance you need 153\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eReviewing your current life coverage 154\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFiguring out what type to buy 156\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChoosing where to buy life insurance 157\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eProtecting Your Employment Income: Disability Insurance 158\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIdentifying needed disability coverage 160\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eShopping for disability coverage 161\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnderstanding Long-Term Care 161\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNaming the types of long-term care 162\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePredicting who will need long-term care 164\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlanning to pay for LTC 164\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eEstate Planning: Passing the Torch to Future You 165\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWills, living wills, and medical powers of attorney 165\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAvoiding probate through living trusts 166\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eReducing estate taxes 167\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 9: Making Tax-Wise Personal Finance Decisions 169\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eConsidering Taxes in Your Financial Planning 170\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAvoiding Common Tax Mistakes 171\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eSeeking advice after a major decision 171\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFailing to withhold enough taxes 172\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOverlooking legitimate deductions 172\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePassing up retirement accounts 173\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIgnoring tax considerations when investing 173\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot buying a home 173\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAllowing your political views to distort your decision making 174\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIgnoring the financial aid (tax) system 174\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNeglecting the timing of events you can control 174\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNot using tax advisors effectively 176\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eUnderstanding Why People Make Bad Tax Decisions 177\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eGetting bad advice 177\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMisleading advertising 178\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFollowing advice from websites and publications 178\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eOverspending 178\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFinancial illiteracy 179\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eChapter 10: Ten Questions to Ask Financial Advisors 181\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat Portion of Your Income Comes from Clients’ Fees versus Commissions? 181\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat Portion of Client Fees Is for Money Management versus Hourly Planning? 183\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat Is Your Hourly Fee? 183\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDo You Perform Tax or Legal Services? 183\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhat Work Experience and Education Qualifies You to Be a Financial Planner? 184\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDo You Carry Liability Insurance? 184\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eCan You Provide References from Similar Clients? 185\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWill You Provide Specific Strategies and Product Recommendations? 185\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eHow Is Implementation Handled? 186\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndex 187\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEric Tyson\u003c\/b\u003e is a veteran financial counselor who has dedicated his life to helping people achieve financial success. He is the author of bestselling titles including \u003ci\u003ePersonal Finance For Dummies\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eInvesting For Dummies\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eInvesting in Your 20s \u0026amp; 30s For Dummies\u003c\/i\u003e, and \u003ci\u003ePersonal Finance in Your 20s \u0026amp; 30s For Dummies\u003c\/i\u003e. This book includes insight from Eric’s expert co-authors: Ray Brown and Robert S. Griswold MSBA CRE CPM (\u003ci\u003eHome Buying Kit For Dummies\u003c\/i\u003e), Bob Carlson (\u003ci\u003ePersonal Finance After 50 For Dummies\u003c\/i\u003e), and Margaret Atkins Munro EA (\u003ci\u003eTaxes For Dummies\u003c\/i\u003e).   \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eInvest in yourself by becoming financially literate\u003c\/b\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGetting smart about money is the first step in managing your own finances successfully. This book boils the art of personal finance down to the essential concepts everyone needs to know. Get a handle on budgeting, saving, managing debt, investing, and protecting your assets. You’ll also get great advice on how to set and pursue financial goals so you can spend less time pondering money stuff and more time on enjoying your earnings. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eInside… \u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDefining financial literacy\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eSaving for a rainy day\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eStaying out of debt\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eInsuring your assets\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eGetting a financial advisor\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eInvesting your money\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eReducing your tax bill\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eSetting reachable goals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"For Dummies","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47989210415333,"sku":"NP9781394326167","price":16.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1842\/7735\/files\/9781394326167.jpg?v=1761783221","url":"https:\/\/k12savings.com\/es\/products\/financial-literacy-essentials-for-dummies-isbn-9781394326167","provider":"K12savings","version":"1.0","type":"link"}