Longtime radio talk show hosts and authors Ken and Daria Dolan set out to write an indispensable book specifically addressing today's financial issues. These include the difficulties faced by the spouses of people who died on September 11, as well as the struggles of investors who lost their life savings in the slumping stock market. "Be prepared for anything.... We've all learned the hard way that we must
be ready for the unthinkable." Although the chapter "Preparing for the Unexpected" offers specific and unique tips on insurance, tax, benefits and other coping strategies for widows as well as the recently unemployed, most of the book contains information on insurance, retirement, debt, investing and estate planning that can be found in any number of personal finance titles. Most of the Dolans' advice—lock in a low mortgage rate, avoid debt, buy bonds with staggered interest rates, etc.—isn't new. Still, the book does offer friendly, colloquial advice, as the Dolans discuss their own spending, who balances the checkbook and how they've coped with various life events. The sidebars (labeled "Dolan Ah-Ha!" and "Dolan Bottom Line") and lists of helpful Web sites and books break up the text and boil down big ideas. While useful, this will best serve neophytes and isn't essential reading for people already comfortable with handling their finances. Agent, George Greenfield. (Jan. 2)
Forecast:A
Today Show appearance, author tour, national ads and the authors' photo on the book jacket will rev up New Year's resolution sales.
