Students have to understand the basics before tackling subjects like chemistry and physics. A similar principle applies to money management; knowing key mathematical formulas can help unlock the secrets of investing. And with hard-earned savings at risk, mastering the "mathematics of money" is a timely subject for finance books. Here are some different approaches:
MONEY RULESJuliette Fairley. Prentice Hall Press, $16 paper (200p) ISBN 0-7352-0236-2Breezy and conversational, Fairley (Cliffs Notes Investing in Mutual Funds), a contributor to USA Today, Investor's Business Daily, etc., walks readers through key financial decisions like renting apartments, choosing stocks and applying for mortgages. She gives sound, if perfunctory, investing know-how about certificates of deposit (CDs), for example, but in discussing CDs' terms and minimum deposit, she ignores the steep penalties for early withdrawals. Strongest on consumer topics (vacations; saving on purchases), Fairley covers so many subjects that some receive short shrift. Others seem extraneous: budding entrepreneurs seeking angel financing already know how to balance their checkbooks. Still, this is quick, solid instruction on managing personal finances. Includes CD-ROM not seen by PW; charts. (Oct. 2)
