Uncommon Cents: Benjamin Franklin's Secrets for Achieving Personal Financial Success

It's back in print!! My wife and I read and have tried to follow the advice in this entertaining and useful book. (We've read a lot of books on money management, but we think this one has the most practical ideas). We even had each of our teenagers read it through (with a small bribe!) -it was a good introduction to the real world of money they could understand. They were drawn more to the cartoons and quotes, and the stories of doctors and school teachers and their money problems.... Ben Franklin happens to be one of our heroes and we found that this book is based on the principles he followed, enabling him to retire when he was only 42. We especially appreciated what they call the "Spending Window.' It seems to have changed the way we look at our money and has solved a few disagreements on what to buy next. That was refreshing. The book teaches the foundational principles of saving, spending and investing.... We gave it to a few newly-married couples, and have heard back from some of them so far, who also said they really liked it and hoped to implement some of its ideas.

I have been a student of personal finance for many years (Charles Givens, and others) spent over a thousand dollars on what is good information, too. However, the biggest bang for the buck has to be Uncommon Cents. What they do in 114 pages is concise, entertaining, loaded with cartoons, and right on! The plan to get out of debt works, a personal testimonial, and the financial myths timeless. Highly recommended reading!

This is a must read book. It explains in such a simple format as to how to control your expeditures and curb instant gratification. I first bought it in 1990, and now I have bought a number of copies as presents for friends - and even my accountant. I highly endorse this publication. It is the best financial planning advice.

If you can still get this book, try. This should be a text book that is used in all high schools and by parents giving their children/young adults a very simple and pragmatic way of dealing with and understanding their finances. Although life and finances can get much more complicated, if everyone started out with this book and practiced its teachings, maybe we would do a better job at controlling debt and curb the need for instant gratification.

It is a real shame that this book is out of print. I was hoping to pass on copies of this book to college graduates of relatives and friends. This book provides a no-nonsense guide to getting control of your personal finances. No fancy terms or "systems" - just simple, practical, guidance. This book will show you how to establish a budget in a practical manner and discuss the basics of trying to live within your means.Other personal finance books from here would include Charles Given's book "Wealth Without Risk" (particularly the sections on insurance and managing credit card debt - some of the advice is a little agressive, but you'll get an education), and Peter Lynch's "One Up On Wall Street" (for those who have saved some money to invest).