All the information you need to manage your money wisely in one great guideLooking to expand your knowledge of money management? This all-in-one resource is the tool you need. From dealing with debt and setting financial goals to starting a small business and planning your estate, this indispensable desk reference is bursting with sound financial advice. Our Canadian financial experts offer the insight you need for making first-class money-management decisions.
Setting financial goals determine your money personality and set a financial course that works for you
Getting yourself out of debt tackle credit problems and expense issues to set yourself on the right path
Buying and selling a home get the home of your dreams for the best price and sell your house easily and profitably
Understanding investing essentials explore your options to make the most of your money
Building wealth through stocks, bonds, and mutual funds buy the most profitable investment vehicles no matter what the economic climate
Planning your retirement build your RRSPs to enjoy a comfortable retirement free from money worries
Readying your estate ensure that your estate is properly managed and safe from taxes
Starting a small business set out on an entrepreneurial adventure with everything you need to be successful
"An indispensable reference guide."
Mike Gillespie, Canwest News Service
Open the book and find:
How to manage your money to meet your goals
Budget tips to help you save more
How to reduce the taxes you pay
Expert tips on buying your perfect home
The best investments for your personality and goals
How to build a diversified portfolio
The scoop on how much you'll need to retire comfortably
Essential information on estate planning
What you need to succeed in small business
Introduction 1Book I: Taking Stock of Your Financial Situation 7
Chapter 1: Your Financial Snapshot 9
Chapter 2: Setting Financial Goals 23
Chapter 3: Distinguishing Needs from Wants 33
Chapter 4: Saving Smartly 43
Chapter 5: Spending Wisely 49
Book II: Money Management Basics 59
Chapter 1: Getting Credit (Where Credit Is Due) 61
Chapter 2: Getting Into Debt 69
Chapter 3: Getting Out of Debt 85
Chapter 4: Budgeting and Record Keeping 113
Chapter 5: Planning for the Inevitable: Taxes 137
Book III: Home Sweet, Home Free 145
Chapter 1: Deciding to Buy 147
Chapter 2: Discovering Your Perfect Home 173
Chapter 3: Getting the Home You Want 201
Chapter 4: Deciding to Sell 221
Chapter 5: Preparing to Sell Your Home 243
Chapter 6: Sealing the Deal 261
Book IV: Investment Fundamentals 289
Chapter 1: Setting Realistic Goals and Expectations 291
Chapter 2: Your Savings Choices: Savings Accounts, Tiered Accounts, and GICs 299
Chapter 3: Stocks, Bonds, Mutual Funds, and Real Estate 305
Chapter 4: Monitoring Your Progress 327
Chapter 5: Becoming an Effective Investor 337
Book V: Making Your Investments Work for You 345
Chapter 1: Buying Mutual Funds 347
Chapter 2: Types of Mutual Funds 373
Chapter 3: The Essentials of Stock Investing 395
Chapter 4: Before You Get Started with Stocks 413
Chapter 5: Buying and Selling Stocks 433
Chapter 6: Investing in Bonds 447
Chapter 7: Screening Mutual Funds Online 459
Chapter 8: Internet Stock Screening 467
Chapter 9: Valuing Bonds Online 475
Book VI: Somewhere over the Rainbow: Retirement Planning 485
Chapter 1: Getting Started with Your RRSP 487
Chapter 2: What to Expect from Your RRSP 503
Chapter 3: Your RRSP Strategy 513
Chapter 4: Withdrawing Money from Your RRSP 529
Chapter 5: The Time Has Come to Cash In! 537
Book VII: Estate Planning 553
Chapter 1: Estate-Planning Basics 555
Chapter 2: The Taxman Cometh: Taxes and Your Estate 563
Chapter 3: Creating an Estate Plan 585
Chapter 4: Reading and Understanding a Will 617
Chapter 5: Power of Attorney and Your Living Will 633
Book VIII: Taking Care of Business 649
Chapter 1: Show Me the Money: Sourcing Financing for Your Business 651
Chapter 2: So Long and Thanks for All the Cash 671
Chapter 3: Paying Your Dues: All about Taxes 689
Chapter 4: Close Encounters with Accounting 707
Chapter 5: When Your Business Springs a Leak 723
Appendix A: Your Personal RRSP Planner 733
Appendix B: Prepare to Meet Your Lawyer 735
Appendix C: Instructions for Your Executor 747
Appendix D: Inventory for Your Executor753
Appendix E: Sample Business Plan 759
Index 781
