If you need a smart woman's guide to making and keeping money, this brilliant book could help!
Being a personal finance writer, I often receive unsolicited copies of financial books from publishers' publicity teams. Although I try to at least 'speed read' each book, most end up on my bookshelf without public comment. However, occasionally, I spot a book which looks promising and request a review copy from the publisher.
This month, my chosen book is Love is Not Enough: A Smart Woman's Guide to Making (and Keeping) Money by Merryn Somerset Webb, the smart, sassy editor of MoneyWeek magazine.
Initially, I was curious to see how this book stood up against A Girl's Best Friend Is Her Money, which was written by two of my former Foolish colleagues, Jane Mack and Jasmine Birtles (published 2002; now out of print.)
I'm delighted to confirm that Merryn has hit the jackpot, because she's written a book which is witty, entertaining, informative and intelligent without being patronising or difficult to get to grips with. Over an introduction, four sections, 53 money-saving tips and a final checklist, Merryn lays out a plan to turn fiscal fantasy into reality, showing that female financial fitness is far preferable to waiting for Prince Charming to come to the rescue! Here's how the book unfolds:
Section 1: Finding the Money (maximising your income; spend less, have more; debt)
Section 2: Using the Money (saving; investing; pensions; buying a house)
Section 3: Sharing the Money (marriage; children; divorce)
Section 4: Beyond the Money (leading a happier life)
As we've pointed out countless times here at Fool.co.uk, female finances are very different to male money matters, partly because women earn less than men, take time out from their careers to raise children and care for older relatives, and retire on much smaller pensions than men enjoy. Hence, because women have different financial priorities to men, they really do need specialised advice in order to overcome the gender divide.
One thing that strikes me about this book is just how well it does its job while maintaining a sense of humour. As a jaded old hack, it's not often that I come across financial guidance which really strikes me as being genuinely inspiring or innovative. Indeed, despite the 'girly' illustrations, I lapped up this lifestyle guide -- in fact, I consumed it in a single sitting, which is a rare event for me.
So, if you're a woman who would like to face your future with greater confidence, or a man who thinks that a female relative would benefit from taking charge of her money, then buy this decidedly Foolish book today. As Merryn says,
"Money may not buy you love, but it certainly helps with life's other little luxuries!"
More:Will Your Home Be A Good Pension? | This Crocodile Nation
