WINNER 2013 INDEPENDENT PUBLISHER LIVING NOW BOOK AWARD GOLD MEDAL for the best new book in Finance/Budgeting. Do you have a credit card? Roughly 70% of adults in the U.S. do. In fact, Americans average 3.5 credit cards per person - that's a lot of plastic Even with all that buying power in their wallets, most consumers have no idea the ways that they use (or misuse) their credit cards can affect their health, their relationships, and their credit scores. Many factors go into mounting credit card debt: impulse shopping, health emergencies, the loss of a job, marriage, divorce, a death in the family. With this debt comes stress, arguments, loss of sleep, inability to pay other bills, worry, health problems, crumbling relationships... Does any of this sound familiar? Increasing credit card debt and a lack of knowledge about how credit cards really work have created a new social phenomenon called "The Plastic Effect." And if you have a credit card, The Plastic Effect can affect YOU. In this new book, internationally recognized credit card expert, Polly A. Bauer, CPCS and attorney Stephen Lesavich, PhD, JD, have selected 25 of the most common urban legends influencing the use and misuse of credit cards. The authors, as business leaders and credit card users, walk you through these urban legends about how credit cards are used and misused, explaining what is true and what is likely to cause you trouble. You'll get access to resources and additional information about each urban legend, tips from industry experts, and guidance that will help you use your credit cards more intelligently and effectively. You'll also learn how to understand your credit reports, improve your credit score and manage your debt in a way that puts the power back in YOUR hands. In short, this book will help you break free of The Plastic Effect.

"This book is easily one of the best and most readable investment primers I've come across during my 45 years in the business. It's a great way to learn about basic investment concepts and how they can be applied to almost anyone's situation. - William B. Frels, CFA Chairman and CEO, Mairs and Power "Dean Junkans has been a key thought leader for us on investment strategy and asset allocation for many years. Now everyone can benefit from his well thought out views on investing. The Anatomy of Investing is a terrific resource for anyone interested in learning more about the foundation of successful investing. Ignore the promises made by those who advocate the home run trades to riches approach. This book will equip the reader with the understanding and right tools to build a sound and diversified investment decision making approach which has been the hallmark of the industry's best money managers." - Jay Welker, Executive VP and Head of the Wealth Management Group Wells Fargo "Using the anatomy analogy, Junkans is able to clearly explain serious investment truths in a creative and entertaining way to the benefit of novices and pros. This is excellent teaching from a real leader in the investment profession." - Kevin D. Freeman, CFA, CEO Freeman Global Investment Counsel co-author of Investing in Separate Accounts "The Anatomy of Investing is a full-bodied tour of the ins and outs of planning for one's financial future and avoiding the vast number of pitfalls that face individual investors every day. Uncluttered by finance-speak and thoughtfully organized, Dean brings to his subject a wealth of experience and practical advice. From beginning to end, it's clear that he cares deeply about both his subject and the everyday investors he's trying to help." - Tony Carideo, CFA, President, The Carideo Group, Inc. Publisher's website: http://sbpra.com/DeanAJunkans

This intriguing book shows how to successfully expatriate one's funds, assets, and even oneself and one's family, for safety, profit, privacy, and an inexpensive, better life. The idea of moving to a new country has always been of interest to adventurous beings who relish the notion of basking in a beautiful place where one can live like a king for dimes on the dollar. The dream is achievable, but only if you first safely move your assets. That is what Freedom Without Borders: How to Invest, Expatriate, and Retire Overseas for Personal and Financial Success is all about. Written for anyone seriously concerned about strategies for protecting assets, as well as lifestyle, this comprehensive guide covers everything one needs to know to do that successfully outside of the United States. The book focuses on personal finance considerations for those contemplating moving or investing abroad, rather than on culture aspects of such a decision. It presents specific alternatives for finding-and shifting assets to-an ideal haven, showing readers how to protect personal wealth even as they discover a freer, more peaceful way to live, invest, and/or retire. Profiles of over two dozen popular and potential expat havens An expat haven tax guide Sources for medical and travel insurance A list of important contacts An appendix of statistics, charts, and tables Suggested reading

Do terms like "stock market volatility," "bond bubble," "hyperinflation," "government debt," "unemployment," "low interest rates," "rising tax rates," "disappearing company pension plans," "nursing home care," and "the uncertainty of Social Security and Medicare," make you feel stress-free and happy? More than likely, they make you feel full of stress and unhappy. That's why it's crucial to learn the simple steps that can lead to a stress-free, happy retirement, no matter what the economy has in store. This book will lead you through simple yet powerful concepts that, if applied, could lead to a more stable, happy retirement.