There are more than 5,400 timeshare resorts in destinations as diverse as England and Africa, Orlando and Shanghai. More than 3 million North Americans own timeshares around the world. Is timeshare ownership for you? Packed with information for current and prospective owners, this guide points out the plusses and the pitfalls and lets you in on the smartest ways to buy, sell, or swap timeshares. It covers: Questions to ask yourself Questions to ask timeshare sales representatives An overview of the types of timeshare ownership An update on variations on traditional timeshare vacations Financing, maintenance fees, assessments, and other economic considerations Like every For Dummies travel guide, Timeshare vacations For Dummies includes: Down-to-earth trip-planning advice What to look for—and what to look out for Which options best fit your budget and your vacation style Handy Post-it Flags to mark your favorite pages

Thinking about owning a second home? Whether you want a relaxing getaway spot, a future retirement home, or just a place to rent out for profit, having a second home has always been a good investment. But how will you know where to look, how to invest, and what you need to avoid? Second Homes For Dummies gives you the tools you need to handle the entire second-home buying process from concept to completion! This book covers the bases and the basics of buying a second home, presenting all information in a logical and modular format so you can find just what you need on the subjects that interest you. You’ll find out everything you need to know to: Determine whether or not a second home is right for you Maximize your options for a second home Search for a home and find the money to pay for it Rent out your home for profit Renovate and maintain it to ensure its growing value Make your second home your primary home Look for and purchase a home in another country Also provided are a list of the best places in the world to buy a home, ways to improve your home and make it first rate, and rules that you should talk about with your guests. With Second Homes For Dummies, you can make your dream of having a second home come true!

Buying timeshares doesnt have to be complicated. But you do need to know more about them before purchasing indiscriminately. If you dont educate yourself, you could end up paying too much for a property that you dont really enjoy. Even if you are happy with your choice, you may find it difficult to rent, exchange, or sell your unit when the time comes for you to enjoy a new version of paradise. Fortunately, this guidebook takes away the mystery from buying, exchanging, renting, and disposing of timeshares. Youll find out everything you need to know, including: how to avoid scams and save money on timeshares; how to get the most enjoyment out of your stay; how to exchange timeshares in order to experience new destinations; how to escape unwanted ownership commitments. Written by a pro who makes it a point to enjoy all corners of the globe, this guidebook provides the definitive answers youll need to select the vacation spots that youll enjoy the most and that will maintain their value the best.

The most trustworthy source of information available today on savings and investments, taxes, money management, home ownership and many other personal finance topics.

A leading consumer advocate reveals how to protect your money, time, and integrity from corrupt businesses Once upon a time store prices were simple and fair, businesses stood behind their products with guarantees free of fine print and loopholes, and companies genuinely seemed to care about their valued customers—but those days are long gone. In this groundbreaking exposé, consumer advocate Christopher Elliot reveals the broken relationship between American consumers and businesses and explains how companies came to believe that fooling their customers was a viable, and profitable, business plan. Scammed explores how companies control information to mislead, distort the truth, and even outright lie to their consumers. Exposes the various ways companies have led their war against information—from seductive ads, disingenuous fine print, and unconventional promotions that involve seeding discussion forums and blogs with company-friendly comments Offers consumers insider knowledge of the system, reasonable expectations, and a clear understanding of the games businesses play Christopher Elliott is one of the nation's foremost consumer advocates Protect yourself, your time, and your money from the predators of the consumer world. Armed with knowledge, readers will become far more discerning and every business's worst nightmare.

Do the terms personal finance or money management drudge up feelings of inadequacy, confusion, discomfort or fear in you? Personal Finance Workbook For Dummies helps you calm your negative feelings and get your financial house in order at the same time. And, you'll be amazed how easy it is to get on the road to financial fitness. From spending and saving to investing wisely, this hands-on workbook walks you through a private financial counseling session and shows you how to assess your situation and manage your money. You'll learn how to use credit wisely, plan for large expenses, determine your insurance needs, and make smarter financial decisions. Plus, the featured worksheets and checklists help you manage your day-to-day spending and plan for a robust financial future. Discover how to: Take stock of your financial history and determine your net worth Build a personal financial plan that meets your saving and investing goals Develop good spending habits and get out of debt—without budgeting Explore your dreams, grow your wealth, and protect your assets Get the most out of your money Minimize your taxes Plan for big-ticket purchases Pay for your kids' college tuition Ensure a comfortable retirement Leave a substantial estate for your heirs The easy-to-follow exercises in Personal Finance Workbook for Dummies take the drudgery and pain out of managing your money. Order this time- and money-saving guide now; it'll brighten your financial future and your mood.

Vacation ownership is becoming a mainstream travel product. Continued growth based on number of units sold and an increasing number of international brands has placed this segment in a very strong position. As the market continues to grow there is an increasing demand for clear and engaging sources of information on the key issues and components of vacation ownership, from both hospitality management students and the public. This book updates hospitality students in this vacation sector, provides the key background information, explanation of the growth, the components to vacation ownership management and an overview of opportunities in vacation ownership management. Timeshare Management provides the understanding of the financing, marketing, sales, management, and human resource issues surrounding the subject - vital to any hospitality and tourism student.