Book Corner: Learning financial literacy with How to Money-Your Ultimate Visual Guide to the Basics of Finance by Jean Chatzky, Kathryn Tuggle and the Hermoney Team

Whether you are a young person (ages 16-26) trying to understand and manage your personal finances for the first or a parent looking for a guide to start talking about money with your kid (whatever their age) we highly recommend How to Money: Your Ultimate Visual Guide to the Basics of Finance by Jean Chatzky, Kathryn Tuggle and the Hermoney Team. This easy to read and follow guide breaks down managing your money into 5 helpful sections: Earn It, Manage It, Use It, Get Schooled and Look to the Future. The chapters cover everything from starting your own business, to understanding different types of banks and accounts, to helping you understand credit, to learning how to invest, to managing your spending, to understanding how college figures into earning money, and to planning financially for the future.

We love the engaging info graphics that help explain information that otherwise would feel dry, dense and intimidating, the playful tone of the writing and the great brief, 2 pages interviews with prominent women business and political leaders about their financial journeys. Two of the best questions in the interviews are “ What’s The Biggest Money Mistake You Have Made?” and “What Is the Smartest Money Move You Ever Made?” All of the interviewees have amazing practical advice to give young people about thinking about their careers, believing in themselves and negotiating salaries. We love the way the authors put options in front of the reader without pushing them through a particular door. The one thing we want to flag is that all the interviewees are amazing women—if you or your young person feel like it’s personally important to hear the perspective of male or non-binary leaders we recommend supplementing the book with those perspective from other sources.

There is so little instruction in personal financial literacy happening at the high school, college and young professional level. Lacking an understanding of money matters jeopardizes our young people’s chance for financial independence.

This book is a great gift to give to a young person in your life who needs a place to start understanding how money is made and managed. We strongly encourage you to add it to their bookshelf and to yours!

Reach out to us at What Comes Next for a free consultation. Learn how, if you are a young person, we can help you start thinking about your finances or if you are a parent, start guiding you through these vital conversations with your child.