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The Complete Idiot's Guide to Personal Finance in Your 20s and 30s
You're no idiot, of course. You're financially You pay rent, utilities, and loans all out of your own paycheck. You realize that your parents had to cut the cord sooner or later, and you're proud of how well you've adjusted. But when it comes to saving money for the long haul, you feel like an astronaut whose oxygen cord has been cut. Don't drift into a financial black hole yet! The Complete Idiot's Guide to Personal Finance in Your 20s and 30s gives you an edge so you can get through financial hardships now, invest for the future, and even afford a luxury item once in a while. In this Complete Idiot's Guide, you
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 5, 2005
18 people are currently reading
313 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 22, 2013
I better hurry up and read this before I end up out of my 30s without knowing anything about personal finance.
Much of this is tied to the times in which you read it, and this is an outdated version. I don't feel a lot better about my options.
Much of this is tied to the times in which you read it, and this is an outdated version. I don't feel a lot better about my options.
January 31, 2023
The good thing about books written for complete idiots is that they can be read very quickly. However, this one was written in 1999… not sure I needed a full chapter on Beanie Baby investing. But, hopefully I’m a bit less of an idiot now.
April 2, 2020
Very informative book about personal finance. I’m a firm believer of financial literacy being implemented in the core curriculum in secondary education requiring a 2 year course so that children can have a solid foundation of personal finance. This book goes into detail about personal finance, exploring all avenues of finance. Those avenues includes budgeting, loans, investing, buy a house, etc. this book is one of the greatest personal finance books I’ve ever read. As a 20 year old, I want to get ahead and be in control of my finances which is very important. The decisions you make with your money, will decide your future.
January 18, 2009
Solid financial advices for young people to master and keep track of your money.
My take on this: use tools. Use free tools that keep track of your life automatically for you. Mint.com (best choice), or Quicken (offline only, so it's a pain, has more features you may not need them all). Mint is slim and easy to use.
Have an online bank with auto-debit that force you to save money. It's always a good thing to have extra cash somewhere that you don't know about, but can be a life-saver in emergency cases.
Young working professionals should give this book a shot.
My take on this: use tools. Use free tools that keep track of your life automatically for you. Mint.com (best choice), or Quicken (offline only, so it's a pain, has more features you may not need them all). Mint is slim and easy to use.
Have an online bank with auto-debit that force you to save money. It's always a good thing to have extra cash somewhere that you don't know about, but can be a life-saver in emergency cases.
Young working professionals should give this book a shot.
August 4, 2009
Even I'm not this much of an idiot.
June 7, 2017
While most of this information was not new to me, I found it very refreshing. It provided wonderful tips. Just make sure to get the most up-to-date information on specifics since the book is a little dated.
July 17, 2018
She simply discusses what to do at various stages of life with regards to finance. Her discussion on investment ideas is useful. It is a little simplistic if you're already out of your 20's.
February 6, 2025
Lots of outdated information, but still great foundational thinking.
July 6, 2013
Overall I thought this book was well-written, easy to read, and contained good information. This does not tell you how to manage your finances but what different types and elements are comprised of with financial management. There's a lot of emphasis on using credit wisely, paying down credit card debt, saving for retirement, emergency funds, savings in general, other investments, home buying, etc. I like that the book does not tell you how to go about your own finances but instead gives you necessary tools to gain some knowledge of this field and figure out your own path to your personal finances. I also liked that this book is written during the recession, tells you that, tells you it'll be ok and why the recession happened, and gives a strong foundation on where to go from there (ex. interest rates aren't great but it's ok; you can still make the best of the situation).
Some critics I have is that there is not a break down of what an "ideal" budget might be (ex. 28% housing, 10% saving, 20% paying debt, etc). I believe they did not want to seem that everyone's budget should look like this but it would have been helpful to have. There are many other instances in the book that it's emphasized that this part is just a guideline/be sure to pay down credit card debt first/personal finances are personal, etc. I also found it a bit hard that the home buying section came at the end of the book. I guess the book was laid out this way because other forms of investment group a bit more nicely together. Also I wish there would have been a bit more information about when people typically start implementing different forms of investing. What I mean by this is that your 20s and 30s is a big part of your life. As someone in their late 20s who's reading this to gain a bit of insight/planning, I know saving for retirement should start as early as possible but after that and I don't have "bad debt, I'm looking at buying a house but don't have other investments in place (like stocks or both an IRA and a 401K); I found myself questioning if I was behind in finances or doing ok in my order. I know that personal finances are personal and that I'm not near the end of the target age for this book but it would be nice to have a little insight into when I might want to start thinking about these things.
Even though most financial books either contain superficial tips or information or become completely out of date due to current economic conditions, this book contains lots of useful information that focuses on foundational information that is not completely tied to current interest rates, etc.
Strengths: well-written, easy to understand, foundational knowledge without making the reader seem stupid. Easy to take information away from it.
Weaknesses: order of information isn't explained, no general timeline (ex. if you're not doing this till after x, it's ok or normally individuals focus on this in their early 30s after they established saving for retirement, housing, etc)
A very good, basic, introduction guide to personal finances. Highly recommended.
Some critics I have is that there is not a break down of what an "ideal" budget might be (ex. 28% housing, 10% saving, 20% paying debt, etc). I believe they did not want to seem that everyone's budget should look like this but it would have been helpful to have. There are many other instances in the book that it's emphasized that this part is just a guideline/be sure to pay down credit card debt first/personal finances are personal, etc. I also found it a bit hard that the home buying section came at the end of the book. I guess the book was laid out this way because other forms of investment group a bit more nicely together. Also I wish there would have been a bit more information about when people typically start implementing different forms of investing. What I mean by this is that your 20s and 30s is a big part of your life. As someone in their late 20s who's reading this to gain a bit of insight/planning, I know saving for retirement should start as early as possible but after that and I don't have "bad debt, I'm looking at buying a house but don't have other investments in place (like stocks or both an IRA and a 401K); I found myself questioning if I was behind in finances or doing ok in my order. I know that personal finances are personal and that I'm not near the end of the target age for this book but it would be nice to have a little insight into when I might want to start thinking about these things.
Even though most financial books either contain superficial tips or information or become completely out of date due to current economic conditions, this book contains lots of useful information that focuses on foundational information that is not completely tied to current interest rates, etc.
Strengths: well-written, easy to understand, foundational knowledge without making the reader seem stupid. Easy to take information away from it.
Weaknesses: order of information isn't explained, no general timeline (ex. if you're not doing this till after x, it's ok or normally individuals focus on this in their early 30s after they established saving for retirement, housing, etc)
A very good, basic, introduction guide to personal finances. Highly recommended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2017
This book was, like most of its kind, was a great starting point for someone who's young and doesn't know a lot about personal finance and retirement, but is looking to learn. It offers good, basic advice, and general information about things like investment funds, retirement accounts, insurance, home buying, savings, etc. The thing to look out for is that the book was written over 8 years ago, and so the information may not be relevant or accurate; as said though, it's a good starting point. Worth the read if your curious about your finances and financial future.
February 28, 2017
With no financial education, it's a good way to start and to plan 10 years down the road.
October 19, 2010
Ok, this book opened my eyes up to new jargon as well as offered some foolproof tips on managing finance, mortgage, insurance, etc. I didnt like it all that much because it grated on my nerves, but somehow I knew I had to finish it. Well, I had no idea what a 401k plan was before, and money markets and some other sh!t, and am aware that what I read is for the American market.
I was hoping that I could ignore the readership fact and get as much out of it as possible, and I think I did. If the book were to be marked useful, I'd give it a 7/10. But since the stars go by feelings, I say, eh.. its ok. Memorable, but grating. But helpful. Get it if you can, and read it cover to cover.. well, except the glossary.
I was hoping that I could ignore the readership fact and get as much out of it as possible, and I think I did. If the book were to be marked useful, I'd give it a 7/10. But since the stars go by feelings, I say, eh.. its ok. Memorable, but grating. But helpful. Get it if you can, and read it cover to cover.. well, except the glossary.
April 28, 2014
Though an old version (I took far too long to read this book after actually purchasing it), there are some illuminating topics. I found the complexity of the topics to vary pretty wildly-I was able to skip entire parts. Additionally, some of the information was generally out of date.
I would recommend this book generally to those looking to get a hold of their financial lives, but I would obviously recommend a more recent edition.
Good read, but it's probably not necessary for most people to read the full book.
I would recommend this book generally to those looking to get a hold of their financial lives, but I would obviously recommend a more recent edition.
Good read, but it's probably not necessary for most people to read the full book.
June 5, 2007
So far there is mostly info I already know or have already lived through, but that is no surprise considering I'm in the 30s bracket. There is some user-friendly info on how to best save and all that basic kind of stuff. I think unless you are really in a bad financial place, a higher level book would prove to be much better. The writing style is true to the title, sometimes the author speaks in a truly idiotic manner.
March 20, 2011
I got this for Christmas a few years ago. In my opinion, by mistake (to the wrong niece). However, I've been reviewing some items I'm not familiar with, while also literally highlighting basic items for my sister to pay attention to and learn about. This is what doing homework for your sibling feels like.
July 27, 2011
I think overall this is a great book... but after the first portion it didnt really add anything new or useful for me. However, being that I am in Australia, most of the information after that point wasnt really relevant. Overall, the setup of the book was very good - great for people just starting out.
February 14, 2011
Good, solid, very informative, well thought-out. My only complaint is that there is a LOT of repetition, especially in the sections on investing. I was reading the ebook version and I swear I got a hand cramp from flicking through so many consecutive sections on the same stuff.
December 17, 2011
A little bit of information about a lot of things - most of which is not applicable to me since I don't have any money, but someday it will probably be good to know! It all makes me a little sad though, how complicated everything has become.
February 27, 2020
I bought this right after I graduated from university and I’m happy that I did since it helped me establish responsible financial habits in my early 20’s. I am a spender not a saver, but this book provided me realistic strategies on saving and investing.
September 17, 2007
Because I am an idiot!
July 16, 2008
An embarrassment to my read list, but fairly useful in starting to think about financial responsibility. Yay life skills!
December 3, 2009
I didn't really read this from cover to cover, but what I did read was valuable and logical. I'll probably read it again and use it for reference.
October 30, 2011
It's a nice overview of finances. Now that I have a few things defined, I'll go deeper. I might even figure out how to become a billionaire.
Read
March 23, 2014Very basic. Most of the information is common sense.
August 9, 2015
If you are a 20-something and know NOTHING about managing your money, this is worth a read. Otherwise, pick up more advanced books.
February 10, 2016
Pretty good start for a beginner in understanding financing.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews