Personal Finance

Part 1 Planning Your Personal Finances

1 Personal Finance Basics and the Time Value of Money

Appendix: The Time Value of Money

2 Financial Aspects of Career Planning

Appendix: Resumes, Cover Letters, and Interviews

3 Money Management Strategy: Financial Statements and Budgeting

4 Planning Your Tax Strategy

Part 2 Managing Your Personal Finances

5 Financial Services: Savings Plans and Payment Accounts

6 Introduction to Consumer Credit

7 Choosing a Source of Credit: The Costs of Credit Alternatives

Part 3 Making Your Purchasing Decisions

8 Consumer Purchasing Strategies and Legal Protection

9 The Housing Decision: Factors and Finances

Part 4 Insuring Your Resources

10 Property and Motor Vehicle Insurance

11 Health, Disability, and Long-Term Care Insurance

12 Life Insurance

Part 5 Investing Your Financial Resources

13 Investing Fundamentals

14 Investing in Stocks

15 Investing in Bonds

16 Investing in Mutual Funds

17 Investing in Real Estate and Other Investment Alternatives

Part 6 Controlling Your Financial Future

18 Starting Early: Retirement Planning

19 Estate Planning

Appendixes

Appendix A: Financial Planners and Other Financial Planning Information Sources

Appendix B: Consumer Agencies and Organizations

Appendix C: Daily Spending Diary

Endnotes

Photo Credits

Index

Personal Financial Planner