It Pays to Talk

The authors Schwab have an extraordinary grasp of the investment field and an uncanny ability to explain it. Anna Fields's narration allows the material to speak for itself as this audio offers clear advice on saving, investing, managing risk with insurance, taxation, infirmity, investment advisors, wills and trusts, and overcoming taboos about money talk. The examples and research are excellent and will push you to get these topics on the family discussion table. The focus is the basics of family finance, and little is said about the new rules of today's volatile investment climate. A written guide to the program's contents would help an audio that many will use as a reference guide. T.W. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine


Charles Schwab and daughter Carrie offer listeners a crash course in organizing personal finances, growing investments, and planning for the unplanned in this abridged look at financial health. Read by the authors, this piece has a down-home quality as the Schwabs' talent lies with financial planning rather than performance. But considering the inaccessibility of much financial information, the Schwabs' lack of polish lends itself well to the average listener, whether they're discussing how to invest, write a will, do estate planning, hire a personal planner, or teach kids about budgeting. The broad range of topics and casual, enthusiastic reading will help any family make money matters regular conversation rather than a family taboo. H.L.S. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine