Resources

While we can give you a lot of basic information to get you started, these books and sites go into more detail, and are worth checking out if you're really interested in having power over your money:

www.kiplinger.com Chock full of calculators and the latest info on loans, taxes, and investment tools.

www.ihatefinancialplanning.com
Their slogan is "I Love Money, I Hate Planning", and they may sound cute, but their advice is rock-solid. Lots of easily-digestible info and pats on the back for what you're already doing right.

www.myfico.com The company that invented the credit score shows you what's in yours and why it matters. Also find information about how to see your credit reports from the three major reporting firms.

www.aaii.org
Nonprofit in Chicago which teaches folks how to be informed investors.

www.newroadmap.org
Money management information for the progressive activist.

www.investopedia.com
Exactly what it sounds like--an encyclopedia on investing. You'll finally know what an alligator spread is! There's also lots of other information, plus tutorials and tests.

Get a Financial Life: Personal Finance in your Twenties and Thirties
Beth Kobliner
Get a Financial Life explains common financial terms and concepts, how to save and invest on virtually any income, and how to pay off debt efficiently--especially credit cards and student loans.

Girls Just Want to Have Funds: How to Spruce up your Money Life and Invest Like a Pro
Susannah Blake Goodman
Girls uses examples from financial advisers' experiences, as well as engaging, funny straight talk from those advisers, to make "building your empire" simple.

Your Money or Your Life: Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence
Joe Dominguez + Vicki Robin
A 9-step plan for taking charge of your finance in order to make your dreams come true, with a lefty slant. Very simple and readable, and easier for folks with a progressive bent to take than some of the slicker, more corporate-sounding books.

Socially Responsible Investing: Making a Difference and Making Money
Amy Domini
Very well-written guide to investing successfully without contributing to the coffers of companies who commit human-rights abuses and environmental crimes. Domini is a highly respected Wall Street visionary (named by Barron's one of the 25 most influential people of the century) and founder of Domini Social Investments.

Gay Money: Your Personal Guide to Same-Sex Strategies for Financial Security, Strength, and Success
Per Larson
Straightforward, simple explanations of the money opportunities and problems that gay, lesbian and bisexual folks and how to deal with them in a way that will maximize your financial potential. Goes decade by decade through one's life, which is a cool way to organize a financial management book--but don't feel bad if you're not "on track." You will be soon enough if you follow the tips.

Cut Your Spending the Lazy Way
Leslie Haggin
Fun, encouraging, easy read with simple ideas for saving money and staying within your budget, plus good chapters on buying a car and taking out student loans. Occasionally a little condescending, but mostly worth it.

Personal Finance for Dummies
Eric Tyson, MBA
Packed with information and ideas, explanations and definitions. Easy to use as a reference book.

The Black Woman's Guide to Financial Independence
Cheryl D. Broussard
Pretty basic information, but good for getting started, and the writing is friendly and warm. Begins with an interesting "case studies" chapter, which is helpful.

Slash Your Debt: Save Money and Secure Your Future
Very short, simple book dedicated to explaining debt-payoff strategies, from aggressive to laid-back (but mostly aggressive). Also full of tips and tricks for improving your credit if you've had trouble with it in the past. Very good chapter on figuring out your "money personality."

The Busy Woman's Guide to Financial Freedom
Vickie L. Bajtelsmit
Great chapters on buying a car, buying a house, and planning for your retirement.

Sex, Money & Power
Linda Barbanel, M.S.W., C.S.W.
Money problems are one of the number-one issues that couples deal with. Barbanel lays out some simple ways to assess your ideas and feelings about financial planning, as well as ways to talk about those ideas and feelings within your relationships. (You'll also begin to figure out where you got those ideas about money.) A little heterocentric, but still very helpful, especially for developing self-awareness about your money habits.

Money Rules
Juliette Fairley
Kind of corporate, and you have to get over being called a "Gen-Xer"--especially if you're not--every couple of pages, but well worth getting over these two minor irritations. Great chapters on giving to nonprofit organizations, money and dating, and getting start-up money for your business. Clear explanations of terms and simple plans for saving and investing. Also comes with a CD-ROM that will let you figure out how to pay off your debt and build a nest egg.

Gay Finances in a Straight World: A Comprehensive Financial Planning Handbook
Peter M. Berkery, Jr. + Gregory A. Diggins
Includes the basics on investing, but is especially helpful when it comes to understanding taxes, preparing for your retirement, and planning for emergencies. A must-read if you're combining finances with your partner.

The Tightwad Gazette: Promoting Thrift as a Viable Alternative Lifestyle
Amy Dacyczyn, a.k.a. The Frugal Zealot
If you want to raise six kids on one income, this is the book for you. Actually, though, it has good, if sometimes odd, ideas for saving money. Particularly helpful with lowering your grocery bills.

Contact Info.

Student Credit & Money Management Services
Iowa Memorial Union
Room 203
Iowa City, IA 52242

319-335-3239

money-management
@uiowa.edu