Contents
“As long as we have hope, we have direction, the energy to move and the map to move by, we have a hundred alternatives, a thousand paths, and an infinity of dreams.”
– Author Unknown
Chapter 1
The Key to Getting Ahead
- A Budget Helps You Get What You Want
- Wants and Needs
- Goals are the Foundation of Any Financial Plan
- Simple Steps to Setting Your Goals
Chapter 2
Developing a Budget to Get What You Want:
- Calculating Gross and Net Income
- Fixed, Flexible, and Variable Expenses
- Your Budget Form
- Savings and the Time Value of Money
Chapter 3
Financial Tools to Help You
- Cash, Money Orders, Checks, and Debit Cards
- Comparison Shopping and Coupon Clipping
- Maintaining Accurate Financial Records
Chapter 4
Credit Can Enhance Your Life
- Types of Credit Available to You
- Secured and Unsecured Loans
- The Cost of Credit
- What You Need to Know About Credit Cards
Chapter 5
Your Credit Score—A Number to Know
- Information on Your Credit Report
- Getting a Copy of Your Credit Report
- Disputing an Error on Your Credit Report
- How Your Credit Score Affects You
Chapter 6
What You Need to Know About Contracts
- Signing a Lease
- Rental Leases, Utilities, Cell Phones, and Furniture
- Choosing the Right Insurance
Chapter 7
Consumer Laws to Protect You
- Resources for Help
- Writing a Complaint
- Seven Laws to Protect You
Chapter 8
What to Do When Things Go Wrong
- Warning Signs of Financial Trouble
- Taking Action to Correct the Situation
- Choosing and Working with a Credit Counselor