The Handy Personal Finance Answer Book

November 15, 2011

Investment banker Tucci (The Handy Geography Answer Book) provides answers to questions from "What is a bond?" to "Do people spend more money on overdraft fees or vegetables during the course of a year?" Accessible and easy to use, the book divides questions into topics and subtopics among nine different chapters, covering basic banking, investments, loans, insurance, taxes, planning your financial future, and how to survive a financial crisis. Some of the facts discussed are interesting, such as the origin of the term blue-chip stock (from the color of the highest-valued chips in some card games), and the further reading listed in the back matter is useful. BOTTOM LINE While this title is factually accurate, it does not add new insights and lacks the depth and personal touches of other works. Still, it will appeal to beginners in personal finance, and it is a good reference for those who want unencumbered basics.--Dawn Lowe-Wincentsen, Oregon Inst. of Technology Lib., Portland

Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2011
Tucci is chief operating officer and partner at iwerk inc., an innovative software developer and IT services corporation, based in Michigan. In The Handy Geography Answer Book, he offered answers to more than 1,000 questions on physical, economic, political, and cultural geography. He continues in the same format with this latest offering, breaking down the basics of money and finance into a simple question-and-answer format. Subjects include the origin of money, how to manage checking accounts, online banking, credit cards, stocks and bonds, retirement accounts, real estate, health insurance, taxes, personal budgeting, long-term health care, and bankruptcy. Although not a book anyone would read cover to cover, the format provides an easy way to find answers to many of those vexing financial issues that most people will encounter at various stages of life. There is nothing new here for those even moderately experienced in financial affairs, but it would make an excellent reference guide for the complete novice.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)