Includes index.

Part 1 Getting the Most for Your Money 1 -- 1 Grab Good Financial Planning by the Tail 3 -- 2 Managing the Debt Monster 11 -- 3 Shop 'Til You Drop--It Really Pays Off! 25 -- 4 Getting Out of the Money Jungle 33 -- Part 2 Secrets to Simple, Savvy Investing 49 -- 5 Why You Need Wall Street 51 -- 6 Secrets of the Investing Rich 71 -- 7 Investing Safely with Uncle Sam 81 -- Part 3 Banking Fundamentals 93 -- 8 Top Money-Making Secrets Your Friendly Banker Won't Tell You 95 -- 9 Interest Rates 101 105 -- 10 How to Get the Best Deal on a Checking Account 115 -- 11 Savings and CD Accounts: Beating the Averages 133 -- 12 Ugly Bank Fees and How to Avoid Them 141 -- 13 When It's Time to Kiss Your Banker Goodbye 149 -- 14 Parking Your Money: Broker or Credit Union? 155 -- 15 Booting Up and Banking On It 161 -- Part 4 Credit and Loans: Getting Money When You Need It 167 -- 16 How Strong Is Your Credit Rating? 169 -- 17 Right Credit Card for You 185 -- 18 To Lease or Not to Lease 199 -- 19 Mortgage Shopping: Let's Make a Deal 213 -- 20 Biggest Advantages--and Dangers--of Home Equity Loans 233 -- 21 Getting Out from Under Debt 243 -- Part 5 Biggest Secrets to Retiring with Enough Money 257 -- 22 You're Never Too Young to Think About Retiring 259 -- 23 Maximizing Your 401(k) Benefits 271 -- Part 6 Getting a Handle on the Rest of Your Money Life 277 -- 24 You, Your Employer, and Your Paycheck 279 -- 25 Getting the Right Insurance Coverage for Your Needs 289 -- 26 Tackling Your Taxes 307.