I admit it—I don’t have much interest in my family’s finances. I am glad to know we are debt free, and I am very frugal, but as far as the details and planning are concerned, I am happy to leave them all to my husband. Because my husband majored in finance and enjoys paying attention to all things money related, this works out fine for us. But, what if…
I am sure you can think of many reasons why a wife should be aware of her family’s economic situation. And truly, it is irresponsible that I (and many, many other women) ignore these details and leave them completely in my husband’s hands. This fact was made even more clear to me when I read What If Your Prince Falls Off His Horse?: The Married Woman’s Primer on Financial Planning
As I mentioned, these topics don’t really interest me, and my brain often gets fuzzy when I try to comprehend them. Ms. Cohan’s book, however, captured my attention by helping me realize the importance of these issues and explaining them in a clear and candid way. At the end of each chapter, she even includes a checklist with steps you can take to better understand your family’s situation and questions to ask your husband. I appreciated her simple and direct approach.
I won’t ever be the money guru at our house, but I do plan to use this book as a tool so that I can gain a better understanding of where we are and where we are going. Although I don’t plan to take over our money matters any time soon, the reality is that I may have to at some point. I don’t want to be completely ignorant if that time comes unexpectedly. If you think you could improve your own understanding of financial issues, be sure to read What If Your Prince Falls Off His Horse?
Lauren is a wife, a mother of two, and an avid reader. She blogs at Baseballs and Bows.
You can also check out Lauren’s review of Dance with Me, Daddy at 5 Minutes for Mom, a Zonderkidz book perfect for Father’s Day. There are a few giveaway copies up for grabs, so check it out.
I’m with you on my interest in finances — happy to leave them to my husband! I agree whole heartedly that it’s important to know how to deal with them myself but I seriously lack motivation.
I appreciate you reviewing this book. The title made me wonder what this one was all about!
I love taking care of our finances – and my hubby has a finance degree! lol! I like figuring out how to maximize our income and watching our savings grow. That last part is really fun! My hubby knows the big picture of our finances but I take care of the details. After 12 years, it works for us.
Lauren–I wasn’t sure what to make of this book either, but your review is intriguing.
Like Stephanie, I handle our bill-paying (but don’t LOVE it), even though my husband has a finance degree. However, he handles all the other money stuff.
I’ve read this book and think it’s terrific. I do pay the bills in our house (my husband is a banker) and it’s good to know what I need to know! I loved how the author kept my interest. Bravo Ms. Cohan!
I work in financial planning and there are many times when someone will ask, “what’s a good starter book that will not talk over my head?”. Well, this one is it.
In today’s economy, both partners to a household need to understand the finances, whether they find it interesting or not. Its a necessity.
The way that Jody writes is very conversational, making it all the more approachable.
Thank you Jody, for providing yet another resource that won’t be boring or intimidating!