renacuajo's review
4.0
30/12/2020
Very helpful introduction to personal finance when you’re part of a generation that is constantly being blamed for “killing” industries when we’re really just trying to survive with what we’re given. Unfortunately had to take off a star because there are absolutely no resources mentioned for non-U.S. residents/citizens, so that’s a bummer, but also understandable on the author’s part.
Very helpful introduction to personal finance when you’re part of a generation that is constantly being blamed for “killing” industries when we’re really just trying to survive with what we’re given. Unfortunately had to take off a star because there are absolutely no resources mentioned for non-U.S. residents/citizens, so that’s a bummer, but also understandable on the author’s part.
kayleewrites's review
5.0
Definitely a must read for millennials
This was a great resource that helped me see my financial life laid out easily and in a way that's going to help me make the best of my situation! I definitely recommend this to everyone who ever wanted a class on how to manage money instead of what we learned in school.
This was a great resource that helped me see my financial life laid out easily and in a way that's going to help me make the best of my situation! I definitely recommend this to everyone who ever wanted a class on how to manage money instead of what we learned in school.
shelbyroo's review
3.0
Good enough to start. But not the best resource.
Quick and easy read. Author cherry picks advice based on privileged background and specific experiences, which means this book contains a lot of regurgitated information re: situation of working “good” salary job. Other resources explain financial landscape better. But if you’re a typical college grad going into an entry level 45k gig, this will do. I did appreciate the chapters on speaking with a financial planner and home buying.
Quick and easy read. Author cherry picks advice based on privileged background and specific experiences, which means this book contains a lot of regurgitated information re: situation of working “good” salary job. Other resources explain financial landscape better. But if you’re a typical college grad going into an entry level 45k gig, this will do. I did appreciate the chapters on speaking with a financial planner and home buying.
asofyetbrett's review
4.0
I wanted something that explained financial topics as if the intended reader had no experience beyond handling a basic checking account and credit card. I’ve managed to steer clear of student loans/credit card debt/poor budgeting, but I think the sections on those topics lay out pretty straightforward, actionable plans for people to resolve those issues. I was mostly reading for introductory info on retirement planning and investing, as I am a financial baby who doesn’t (or didn’t, rather!) understand a lot of investment lingo.
Like most thing written specifically for millennials, the style was a little patronizing (or maybe infantilizing) at times. Not every real-life example needed to feature social media, lattes, “FOMO”, etc.
Also a large portion of the book will only be relevant to readers who are healthy and working stable, full-time jobs for employers that offer decent benefits (with parents to fall back on if all else fails!) — that leaves a lot of millennials out. Hard to imagine those people are actually “scraping by” as the title suggests.
Still, a good starting point for people who want these topics broken all the way down.
Like most thing written specifically for millennials, the style was a little patronizing (or maybe infantilizing) at times. Not every real-life example needed to feature social media, lattes, “FOMO”, etc.
Also a large portion of the book will only be relevant to readers who are healthy and working stable, full-time jobs for employers that offer decent benefits (with parents to fall back on if all else fails!) — that leaves a lot of millennials out. Hard to imagine those people are actually “scraping by” as the title suggests.
Still, a good starting point for people who want these topics broken all the way down.
morganjd's review
3.0
I am past the points in this book, but it offers good advice for those who are just starting to handle finances on their own. Erin does a great job of using simple language which makes it easy for the readers to follower along. She also does a good job relating to readers of the targeted age group.
aellwy's review
4.0
This was a helpful overview of the U.S. personal finance landscape. Lowry is upfront about why she is making the suggestions she is and supplements gaps in her knowledge/experience with other professionals in the field. Should this be the only personal finance book/course/etc. you look into? No. But it was incredibly insightful for this #brokemillennial
apmcmullen's review
3.0
I went back and forth with this book. At times, I found helpful tips, and chapters that I'm glad to have as a reference for anything in the future I might have questions on. Other times, I read something and thought, "How in the world would this woman think this was possible to do?" One of her suggestions, when discussing overcoming student loan debt, was to move to a lower cost of living location and focus on building your career. The example she used was a woman who moved from NYC to Portland, Oregon. I'm sure this is possible for some people, but for a "broke Millennial," I don't see it as that realistic of an option? Also, where I live, higher paying jobs and lower cost of living locations aren't close, and cause a considerable amount of mental health and transportation sacrifices to obtain both. This is one example of a few where I thought the author was sometimes out of touch with her audience.
As it turns out, I have a little bit more financial knowledge than I initially thought! This book was fine. It didn't tell me too many things I didn't already know, but it was a good refresher on how basic financial systems work and, like I mentioned earlier, I'll be glad to have this on hand for reference should I have any questions about, say, investing in stock or hiring a financial planner. Now, the people who this book would really be good for (people graduating high school or entering college) aren't millennials, but the concepts in this book would probably be most beneficial to them!
As it turns out, I have a little bit more financial knowledge than I initially thought! This book was fine. It didn't tell me too many things I didn't already know, but it was a good refresher on how basic financial systems work and, like I mentioned earlier, I'll be glad to have this on hand for reference should I have any questions about, say, investing in stock or hiring a financial planner. Now, the people who this book would really be good for (people graduating high school or entering college) aren't millennials, but the concepts in this book would probably be most beneficial to them!
lleahy87's review
5.0
Good guide for anyone!
This book lays out many important financial items that everyone should be aware of and know regardless of age! Knowing these as a young person is most beneficial but everyone will learn something from this book!
This book lays out many important financial items that everyone should be aware of and know regardless of age! Knowing these as a young person is most beneficial but everyone will learn something from this book!
kristenbyers's review
3.0
This would be a good primer for someone who needs to know the basics. Turns out I already have a pretty strong financial foundation so most of this information was not new to me. I found it ironic that someone who graduated with no student loan debt had so much to say about how to pay it off. I was interested in the chapters about saving for retirement and choosing a financial planner.
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