Review: The Easy to Follow Financial Guide for 2013 and beyond
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 01 3, 2013
"I have enough money to last me the rest of my life unless I buy something." -Jackie MasonIf you find yourself in this situation you're going to want to read this book. Written in a to the point style with all the fat trimmed off, author Steve Swanson brings his wealth of banking and budgeting experience in the form of this book "Everyone Can Be A Millionaire...How to Create Wealth Over Time"What I loved about this book is the practicality. I didn't have to wade through a bunch of technical jargon to know exactly what to do, nor was I bored to tears with a bunch of data from research. The writing spoke to me like a friend would and helped me see exactly where and how I could become financially stable.What's interesting for me is the new perspective I gained as it relates to debt. One of the key things that Steve pointed out is that we have to pay ourselves...First. For me paying myself always meant paying bills...strange I know but that was my systematic thinking."Everyone Can Be A Millionaire...How to Create Wealth Over Time," is a `do it yourself' guide to debt reduction. The author explains to you the best type of debt, which debt falls into an accelerated debt payment plan and most importantly the best strategies to maximize your 401(k) based on your mortgage goals.At the close of 2012 I had set three goals for the coming year and they were:1. Make more money2. Save some money3. Spend some moneySimple I know but that's it; I just believe that things are easier in three's. The first part of that plan has already been set in motion but the second and third; well they were just vague. For example, how much was I going to save? I figured 10%, nice round figure right? Well the problem with that is prior to reading this book there was no plan for that 10% like there was no; this is for an emergency fund; which by the way Steve points out as the most critical plan in any budget. And to be honest number one is easy but with no plan for number two; three would have just eaten that whole thing up.The author has included some very beneficial tools for you to use such as an excel budget sheet that has a number of expenses listed to get you started, and also his very excellent retirement calculator that can be used in excel as well. Even though you are provided with this tool; Steve recommends that that you try other online calculators as well; just to be able to draw an accurate as possible conclusion if you're finicky about that stuff, other than that I think his calculator does the job well.This is a great guide to refer to throughout the year and help keep you on track because as we all know; a budget requires dedication. If you're looking for a no nonsense; quick, easy and practical guide to budgeting, "Everyone Can Be A Millionaire...How To Create Wealth Over Time..." is definitely it.