A Girl Needs Cash: How to Take Charge of Your Financial Life

Perry, who ran a municipal investment banking firm that underwrote bonds for major projects in such cities as San Francisco and Chicago, now runs Take Charge Financial!, which advises individuals. Here, helped by freelancer Barclay, she presents a wealth of clearly written money-management advice. Perry asserts that the inability of many women to manage their money stems from a belief in the ""white knight myth,"" which encourages them to rely on a husband or lover to make financial decisions for them. To sober up such starry-eyed dreamers, she points out that 90% of all U.S. women will be without a partner for some portion of their lives (whether they be divorced, widowed or currently looking for a partner) and then offers a variety of investment options designed to maximize long-term financial security. Perry also relates experiences she has had with women who overcame their psychological resistance to taking financial responsibility for themselves. Although some of her suggestions are debatable (she is not fond of bond investing), her overall approach will be helpful to women trying their financial wings. (Jan.)