I recently finished reading How to Money by Jean Chatzky and Kathryn Tuggle, a trailblazing personal finance guide aimed at teens and Gen Z. The moment I heard about this book, I was intrigued; I’ve always been passionate about financial literacy and how it can transform lives—especially for young adults just starting their journeys. The book is pitched as an essential tool for navigating the often confusing world of money, and as a recent college graduate, I felt drawn to see how well it could prepare younger generations for financial independence.
From the outset, I found How to Money to be visually engaging and well-organized. The authors succeed in creating an informative yet accessible text, packed with colorful illustrations and thoughtful graphics. The colorful design really elevates the reading experience and keeps it engaging for a younger audience—a plus that aligns perfectly with the sentiments shared by readers like E.M.B., who mentioned how it prompted their high school student to start saving money.
The content itself covers a wide range of topics essential for anyone looking to build a solid financial foundation. From budgeting basics to the importance of investing and navigating college loans, the book truly equips readers with tools they will actually use in real life. I appreciated the hands-on approach that invites readers to engage by creating a budget, understanding their first paycheck, and even tackling that initial credit card application. The strengths here are clear; many readers emphasize its effectiveness as a teaching tool, particularly in educational settings like the financial literacy course cited by Veronica Wadsworth, who describes it as “textbook material.”
However, while I found much to praise, there were moments when the book felt a tad generalized. Justin B.’s critique resonated with me; he observed that while the book is indeed a quick read, some information felt like a review of what one might find in common finance blogs. I couldn’t help but agree that for someone who has dipped their toes into finance, some segments might not reveal anything new. Moreover, some readers, like Caroline L., expressed a wish they had this book during their teenage years but acknowledged its wealth of accessible advice.
Another potential drawback is that certain definitions within the text were somewhat distracting. While financial terminology is expertly woven into discussions, it sometimes disrupted the flow of reading for me. A more immersive storytelling or contextualized approach might have been beneficial here. I can see how younger readers might appreciate a simplified focus on these terms, but I wondered if integrating them seamlessly into narrative examples could serve them better.
Despite these minor criticisms, I found How to Money to be largely effective and genuinely useful. The real-time testimonials sprinkled throughout—interviews with CEOs and activists—added a layer of relatability that is essential for today’s young readers. I noticed that quite a few readers, including Madame Toure, found the mix of personal anecdotes and practical advice well-organized and a joy to read. It pulls at the right emotional strings while imparting invaluable lessons about financial responsibility.
In terms of gifting, I can see why this book was highly recommended; it serves as a thoughtful present, particularly during graduation seasons or any rite of passage. Jim Edwards’s idea of gifting cash in the book’s chapters is both creative and practical—a fun way to encourage saving while providing immediate financial literacy.
In summary, How to Money did not disappoint! This book is a must-read for anyone in the 12-18 age bracket, especially for those newly entering adulthood and facing financial decisions for the first time. While it might feel too basic for those already well-versed in financial matters, its beautiful presentation and practical advice make it a worthwhile addition to anyone’s bookshelf. I wholeheartedly recommend it to parents, educators, and, of course, adolescents who are ready to become more confident in their financial lives.
Overall, I’d rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars for its engaging style, depth of content, and immediate relevance to young adults today. If you’re looking to empower a teenager or young adult with the tools to navigate their financial future confidently, this book will surely guide them well!