Talking Money: Everything You Need to Know about Your Finances and Your Future

A Today Show contributor and editor for Money magazine, Chatzky walks amateurs through basic decisions like choosing a mortgage, investing for retirement or college, and buying insurance, all in a conversational tone. Some advice is boilerplate (e.g., ""When you invest your money, do it in a way that minimizes your tax rate""), but her case studies, clear overviews of financial options and practical tips make it all go down easily. Chatzky's high profile on TV and her five-city author tour and radio satellite tour should quickly land this one on bestseller lists. (Jan.)