Smart Couples Finish Rich

March 5, 2001
Bach, author of the bestselling Smart Women Finish Rich and host of a popular PBS series, offers his advice on how couples can keep their financial lives in sync. Familiar financial strategies on routine concerns, such as investments, retirement and insurance, form the bulk of the book. However, Bach's work does distinguish itself in one critical area: Bach believes that all couples (gay and straight, married and unmarried) need to identify values as well as goals as their first step toward achieving financial security. As he explains, values have to do with "being" (e.g., security, health, spirituality, fun), while goals are related to "doing" and "having" (e.g., playing golf regularly, taking frequent vacations, retiring with a million dollars). Moreover, he avers, not only is money management an issue that couples should plan and work on together, it is one that they should talk about, in a positive way, all the time. For example, Bach firmly believes that all couples need to be aware of their spending (what he calls the "latt factor," or being more conscious of the regular little purchases they make each day) in order to make positive changes in their financial lives. Agent, Jan Miller. (On-sale date: Mar. 6) Forecast: Given Bach's previous success and the support of a five-city author tour and 22-city radio satellite tour, this book will quickly move toward bestseller lists, though its ho-hum approach doesn't mark it as a future evergreen paperback.

The author of SMART WOMEN FINISH RICH taps his experience and perky personality to help couples manage their money. He covers spending, investing, and the habits you need to do both wisely and speaks with wisdom about the importance of clarifying personal values before starting a financial plan. By focusing on who they are, instead of what they do or what they have, a couple can tap into a powerful force that will guide their activities to be consistent with what they believe. With many clever questions and challenges, this is a delightful resource that will really make you think about where you and your partner are going financially. T.W. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine

September 15, 2005
Bach ("The Automatic Millionaire") now makes his money management tips even more accessible through these two new collections. "Smart Couples Finish Rich" targets the number one reason for divorce in America: fighting about money. In keeping with his now familiar no-nonsense, motivational style, Bach covers a combination of strategies aimed at helping couples navigate the complexities of joint finance, e.g., stopping banks and insurance companies from ripping you off and funding your retirement. While the material is certainly not new and the information is of value to all couples, younger people with time on their side will find these tips more useful. In "Smart Women Finish Rich", the author reminds listeners that how you manage money is more important than how much you earn, and he sums up his timely advice into seven steps, among them learning the facts and myths about money, putting money where your values are, and discovering where you stand financially and where you want to go. Bach's savvy connection to the common interests of working women will help relate these important financial tools to listeners determined to achieve financial independence and long-term security. Both programs are narrated by Bach in a dynamic, spirited style. Highly recommended. -Dale Farris, Groves, TX

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