Overview

Sixty-two percent of Americans can't cover a $500 emergency expense. The average household credit card balance is $15,000. Almost a third of these Americans have no retirement savings. Don't be these adults. Despite this obvious evidence of financial ignorance, only twenty states require high school students to take a personal money management course. If you aren't in these twenty states, you must seek out the information on your own. Fortunately, Shawn Finn makes it easier than ever to receive a crash course in financial planning. His short, practical guide will get you up to speed on money-saving habits and the basics of America's many financial systems. He teaches you how to do the following: Establish health insurance Create a cash reserve Understand your first pay stub Form a realistic budget Set up employee benefits Avoid/Eliminate credit card debt Begin investing File your first tax return Buy new/used or lease a car Save for a down payment or rent Plan for your future As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER(TM) practitioner, Finn has seen thousands of situations during his fourteen years on the financial front lines. He understands the traps recent graduates often fall into. With Finn's help, prepare for life in the real world without the consequences of costly financial mistakes.