How to Ruin Your Financial Life

Stein delivers a practical message in his own brand of wry, dry humor. Maybe money can't buy happiness, he writes,""but it sure gives a good impression of a long-term lease."" And so, by pointing out the myriad ways too many people wreck their financial status, he illustrates how to attain a life in which--even if you're not a billionaire--money doesn't keep you up at night. Running through a series of 55""tips"" (such as""as soon as you've succeeded in maxing out your credit cards... get new ones!"" and""put all your eggs in one basket--that is, your company's 401(k)--'cause only sissies diversify""), Stein backs into explanations for why these oft-practiced habits are so damaging, and stupid. This probably isn't the only financial planning book one should read, but it is entertaining--and it's a surefire shot of reality for anyone heading down the well-worn path to financial ruin.