Young people have a serious PR problem, argues U.S. News & World Report finance columnist Palmer. According to the media, the youngest slacker generation is wallowing in credit card debt, rolling in unnecessary luxury goods, and living in their parents' basements--or are they? The truth, it turns out, is quite a bit cheerier. Only one in three college students has a credit card, and the average amount owed is only . But these young whippersnappers coming of age in a recession could still use some solid advice, and Palmer is here to help. She gives a comprehensive overview of the basics of financial literacy, including defining financial goals, weighing a traditional job vs. entrepreneurship, saving for retirement, voluntary simplicity, the effect that marriage and children can have on your finances, and how to prioritize charitable giving even on a tight budget. Though her advice is solid and her message of embracing sustainability and thriftiness sound, the tone is dry and the content familiar--it's been done better, by others, and Millennials searching for inspired money advice would be better off looking elsewhere. (Nov.) (c)
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“Palmer expands lessons from her own experience into something truly helpful for a wider audience.
Generation Earn reads like a light-hearted yet sincere letter from a slightly older and wiser friend. ...a thoughtful and incredibly useful graduation or birthday gift.”
—
Better Investing, 1/1/11
“it takes you on [a] journey toward financial freedom, and offers helpful tips that you can actually put into practice.”
—Allbusiness.com, Personal Finance Corner, 10/28/10
“
Generation Earn offers real, applicable career and money advice.”
—Mediabistro blog, FishbowlDC, 10/20/10
"Kimberly Palmer, author of the new "Generation Earn: The Young Professional's Guide to Spending, Investing and Giving Back" (Ten Speed Press, October 2010) speaks of and for the next generation. Palmer writes the popular "Alpha Consumer" column for U.S. News and World Report and she's mad! She's tired of today's young professionals being referred to as "Generation Debt." Palmer points out that Generations X and Y hold more advanced degrees than any prior generation, giving them serious earning potential. ...What stands out about "Generation Earn" is that Palmer goes beyond the desperate "me, me, me" of most personal finance books. Of course, she advises young professionals on how to get their financial houses in order. That's obligatory. And she covers those fundamentals with a crisp, conversational style that makes it sink in. But then she goes beyond that and advises her generation on how to fulfill their dreams of making a difference. It's a lot easier to change the world if you have something more in your arsenal than just sweat and tears. Palmer advises on green spending, wise giving and what she calls "Nonprofit Dreamin.' Generations X and Y are often maligned, but nobody can deny that these young people often think beyond themselves. "Generation Earn" can help them put some money and muscle behind their good intentions."
—Elisabeth Leamy, Good Morning America, Consumer Correspondent, 10/18/10
"Generation Earn is aimed at young professionals, who are increasingly interested in spending smarter, investing and giving back. But the book is also excellent in its scope and even mentions ways to reduce one’s carbon footprint, such as calculating one’s footprint and offsetting in support of innovative clean energy projects. As the dust of the recession is finally settling, you might be wondering where do we go from here?
Generation Earn provides a compass and reveals paths for a better future."
—Carbonfund.org blog, 10/12/10
"This is a great book for a thoughtful college graduate. In fact, without knowing anything more than that about a graduate, this would be my first pick as a gift for graduation (perhaps coupled with
Your Money or Your Life). As with many such books, the subtitle should make it clear whether this book will have any value for you personally. Are you a young professional? If the answer is yes, this book is probably worth a look."
—The Simple Dollar blog, 10/10/10
“If you’re looking for a book that talks to your life, your money,
right now, this is it! It’s an essential guide for a rapidly changing world.”
—Carmen Wong Ulrich, personal finance expert for
The Dr. Oz Show and author of
The Real Cost of Living
“Kimberly Palmer has crafted a clear-eyed, engaging book that goes far beyond finances and careers, and gives us a roadmap for how best to conduct our lives. As my three daughters enter their twenties, this is one of the most valuable guidebooks I could give them.”
—Jeff Zaslow, coauthor of
The Last Lecture and columnist,
Wall Street Journal
“
Generation Earn shows us how to pursue our financial goals without compromising our values. The financial world—and our place in it—is changing, but Palmer’s advice will help us move ahead.”
—Farnoosh Torabi, money coach on
Bank of Mom and Dad and author of
Psych Yourself Rich
