It seems like every week I get at least one note in my inbox asking me about personal finance books and a suggestion for which one to buy.
Well … The other day somebody asked me to recommend a personal finance book they could give to their 20-something son. Without hesitation I told them to pick up a copy of Control Your Cash: Making Money Make Sense by Greg McFarlane and Betty Kincaid.
Now before I go any further, for those of you who think I am shilling this book simply to make a quick buck, you’re wrong. I receive no affiliate commissions or other advertisement revenue for linking to this book. That is because I think Control Your Cash is the best basic, no-nonsense, personal finance book I have ever read.
Control Your Cash covers everything you need to know about the basics of personal finance, from banking accounts, credit scores and budgeting to taxes, securities and investing. In between it lays out, in clear and concise terms, how to go about buying a house and an automobile.
Most importantly, the book is smartly written and very entertaining. Truth be told, I use the book as my personal finance bible; it is a terrific reference book that you can go back to again and again.
If I was forced to pick my favorite chapter in Control Your Cash it would be the one on how to buy a new car. One of the quickest ways to blow a big chunk of money — short of dropping a big stack of hundies at the craps table on a “hard way” bet — is to be unprepared when you walk into a car dealership with the intent of buying an automobile. I guarantee you the folks who have read Control Your Cash will have no such worries.
Photo Credit: Mill City Publishing
I bought two copies a couple of years ago, one for my son and one to keep around to remind myself of the basics of personal finance. I wasn’t sure if he was reading it, until he laid out a plan for buying a used car and budgeting for it and a future home purchase. I was surprised when he said ” I figured you and the ‘Control Your Cash’ guy would approve’.”
I was quite proud. I recommend this to any young person starting out, and to anyone that needs a refresher course.
went on amazon.com to see about getting this book – lowest price was $41 for a used one, $101 for new one. guess i’ll be keeping my eyes peeled for one at the yard sales.
I just checked Amazon; they’re currently offering used paperbacks from $19, and Kindle downloads for $5.
And you can always find a link to buy a digital version of the book direct from Greg’s website:
http://www.controlyourcash.com/blog/
I just checked and Kindle d/l was $6.99 and a paperback was $37.43. Used paperbacks were $20.25. I guess you have more pull at Amazon…..
David
Kindle is $5 after credits. Cheapest used book is currently $20.25.
Those used book prices will fluctuate from day to day as they get sold. I always buy used books; the premium for the new books ain’t worth it, IMO.
This is my first time visiting here and i am truly impressed. I just read all of your most popular articles and they were awesome. I love it!
I think I just found a new book that I’ll have to read.
Could not agree more with you that buying a new car – or even a used car – is such an easy way to spend your hard earned money – especially on a depreciating asset.
My favorite book (so far) that I’ve read is called “The Behavior Gap” by Carl Richards. It’s also a super easy to read.
Best,most influential money book i ever read was The Millionnaire Next Door.
My favorite book is the Richest Man in Babylon. I also love the Wealthy Barber and Millionaire Next Door.
I have read a bunch of PF books, but never Control Your Cash. I will have to give this a read.