Personal-finance

If you are planning to open a 529, you need to get this book. I found it well worth the price, and after using it was comfortable with opening a 529, and which one to use. He also has a great website at savingforcollege.com

Saving for their children's higher education is a daunting task for most American families. State-sponsored savings programs referred to as "529 plans" provide Federal (and often State) tax advantages to many savers, but parents need to evaluate all the options. Furthermore, a burgeoning array of 529 plans makes the decision of how to save for college more confusing than ever. Enter author Joseph Hurley, who presents all the key issues in deciding whether and how to choose a 529 account in a straightforward, reasonably easy-to-read style. He lets you know what questions to ask, and then provides the answers when possible.

The first section of the book provides an explanation of 529 plans, including their history and benefits; an overview of how they work and what to look for in a 529 plan; comparison with other means of saving for higher education; and income tax, financial aid, and estate planning issues. The second section of the book provides a description of each state's plans, using a common format that answers the most basic of his "what to look for in a 529 plan" checklist. Contacts to get further information from each state are also included.

Much of this information is available on the author's excellent "saving for college" web site. This book will be most helpful to you if you want to learn a lot about 529 plans without scrolling through screen after screen of information (i.e., if you'd rather curl up with a book than stare at a screen). For looking up specific bits of information, the web site may be all you need.

A very comprehensive look at saving vehicles for college
education for your children or grandkids. Well written
and a very balanced discussion of the adv/disadv of each
type of investment consideration to include the 529s for
various States but also Roth IRAs, Saving Bonds, etc.

The author's web site is also of much value.

No doubt, a very useful guide to methods of financing a college education. Also check out "WEST POINT", by Norman Thomas Remick, which clues you in about West Point, the college at which everyone is there on full scholarship paid by the government.

This book unlocks the secrets of saving for college like the 401k plan did for saving for retirement. A real must for all families to understand. Makes a great present.

This book should be read by anyone planning to send a child to college.After reading this book, I started college savings accounts for my daughterin New York and New Hampshire. This is definitely the "sleeper" tax break which everyone should know about. Forget the pitiful Education IRA. The 529 plans are where it's at!!

While this book is acceptable, like other reviewers I found it a bit over-emotional and feel Amy Dacyzycn's tightwad books are MUCH better. This reads a bit like a Heloise book, lots of scattered tips, some are good, some are obvious. Half the book is spent talking about credit cards. Yes, credit cards can be evil, but it all depends on the person using them. Overall, I was not very impressed with this book, and I'm glad I got it out of the library.

I read this book and like the other people who made reviews, I found that too many chapters were taken up with credit card advice. I also didn't particularly like the format of the book. You had to read chapters upon chapters to find any useful information rather than in point format. Some of the information was useful, but I think Miserly Moms and The Tightwad Gazette's are much better.

I have to admit, I don't understand the other reviews, but then again I'm not into dumpster diving or making things from dryer lint. I'm looking for advice from someone who's been there and done that! Mary Hunt is that person. Her slogan of "Bringing Dignity to the Art of Living Within Your Means" says it best. I loved this book, and her updated and combined book "Complete Cheapskate" brings us into the new century!

This is a direct approach to the life of retirement

This mutual fund book was one of the best I have read yet. As a young professional this guide is geared towards the investor who has a long-term goal, for me its a comfortable retirement. I like the way that Chand only selects the best funds that have consistent above-average performance, long manager tenure, low risk, low fees and wide availablilty. Great Buy!

A great book. The methodology made a lot of sense to me and who can argue with funds with good track records and low fees, low risk, and long manager tenure. Definitely helped me pick a couple of funds for my investments.