Chapter 1
The Key to Getting Ahead
A Budget Helps You Get What You Want
Wants and Needs
Goals are the Foundation of Any Financial Plan
Simple Steps to Setting Your Goals
Contents
"As long as we have hope, we have direction, the energy to move and the map to move by, we have a hundred alternatives, a thousand paths, and an infinity of dreams.” Author Unknown
Chapter 2
Developing a Budget to Get What You Want
Calculating Gross and Net Income
Fixed, Flexible, and Variable Expenses
Your Budget Form
Savings and the Time Value of Money
Chapter 3
Financial Tools to Help You
Cash, Money Orders, Checks, and Debit Cards
Comparison Shopping and Coupon Clipping
Maintaining Accurate Financial Records
Chapter 4
Credit Can Enhance Your Life
Types of Credit Available to You
Secured and Unsecured Loans
The Cost of Credit
What You Need to Know About Credit Cards
Chapter 5
Your Credit Score—A Number to Know
Information on Your Credit Report
Getting a Copy of Your Credit Report
Disputing an Error on Your Credit Report
How Your Credit Score Affects You
Chapter 6
What You Need to Know About Contracts
Signing a Lease
Rental Leases, Utilities, Cell Phones, and Furniture
Choosing the Right Insurance
Chapter 7
Consumer Laws to Protect You
Resources for Help
Writing a Complaint
Seven Laws to Protect You
Chapter 8
What to Do When Things Go Wrong
Warning Signs of Financial Trouble
Taking Action to Correct the Situation
Choosing and Working with a Credit Counselor