Financial-future

This book purports to be elementary and easy to understand. It also claims to introduce the reader to global finance. In fact, it does neither particularly well.

The language is unnecessarily ponderous and unclear, which is a shame. Finance doesn't need to be so academic, boring and confusing. The author does little to welcome neophytes into the financial world, and a lack of interesting visuals and examples doesn't help matters.

Furthermore, much of the book's focus is on generic markets (stocks, futures, etc.), rather than on global (overseas) markets. And so there isn't enough attention to the characteristics and peculiarities of foreign markets. Similarly, the major topics of global finance, that one might reasonably expect to be the meat of such a titled book, are mostly left to just one chapter (Global Finance) of 24 pages!

The book just doesn't fit the bill of a good introduction to global finance.

This book is a must have for everyone interested in getting their financial houses in order. Both of these women spoke at a networking brunch I attended in San Francisco on Mar.6'04. I bought the book (yes, it is signed by both of them) and started reading it on my way home. This book is full of tips on clearing your debt, ways to supplement your income, how to save your money, steps to help you understand your spending habits, information to help you understand investing and your investment options, planning for retirement...I could go on. I've been sharing information with friends everyday, so I'm going to just get them their own books!

Is retirement looming in your future with a big question mark? Do you still need to do more financial planning for this event? Are you on the verge of bankruptcy? Do you need to learn more about investing? Do you want to create more wealth? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, then you should read GIRL, MAKE YOUR MONEY GROW! This is a true sister-to-sister conversation about using what you already have to build your nest egg--you. Glinda Bridgforth and Gail Perry-Mason tell us that we are our biggest assets and then they show us how to harness our talents and skills to be more productive financially. They state, "Be willing to invest in yourself, and graciously receive and enjoy boundless dividends for life."

Bridgforth and Perry-Mason should be applauded for their efforts to educate and arm African-American women with the tools necessary to attain more income. The plan they've outlined and presented is straightforward, logical and concise. They have even provided testimonials from those who have tried their plan and they themselves have included their own personal stories for inspiration. This book is awesome. All women should know the secrets within the pages of this novel. It takes the mystery out of investing. For those of you struggling with your finances or those that simply want to increase your net worth, read this book; it will change your outlook on how to increase your income and motivate you to begin now.

Reviewed by Brenda M. Lisbon
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

the end of the I met Mr. Spitz several years ago when he spoke at a Vanderbilt Alumni Reunion in Louisville. He explained his book, which I purchased, and I was able to use his philosophies in setting up investments for hundreds of injured people. I still quote parts of the book verbatim to this very day.

I recently purchased several copies of the book to give to people who work in our office. It is one of the best investment philosophy books ever written.

Don McNay...

I met the author twice when he spoke to a small group. I liked Bill's thought process and bought the book about eight years ago. I still have it, well marked and well used. Bill explained his purpose in writing the book as showing individual investors how to apply the same principles of investing and investment management that he applied as Treasurer of Vanderbilt. There he selected and provided oversight over a number of portfolio managers who managed portions of the Vanderbilt endowment. Bill shows how an individual can do the same thing by investing in a diversified group of mutual funds.

Bill carefully explains the elements of an investment portfolio (U.S. stocks, small cap stocks, bonds, real estate, etc.) and suggests several allocations between the elements. One unique aspect of his advice is that every portfolio should have a real estate component. His discussion convinced me and real estate investment trusts are now an important part of my retirement portfolio.

This is a well written quide for the individual investor who seeks a well thought out plan for investing.

Spitz, Treasurer of Vanderbilt University, spells out in simple terms, how to invest in 5 or 6 classes of mutual funds to match the level of risk for your stage of life. He shows how to analyse your level of risk and makes a few assumptions about future growth potential and creates a plan for financial security that the reader can follow and practise without the need for stock brokers or other expensive financial advisors. Easy to read and understand.