Money Sucks! Money Strategies for Real Life [Paperback]

Miryam Gordon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 12, 2006

Did anyone teach you to balance your checkbook? Do you know what identity theft is and ways to keep safe? Do you know your credit score? If your answer to any or all of those questions is "No" then this slim volume of easy-t-understand explanations and information is for you! Sure, there are bigger, heavier books crammed with information, facts, and tips. But you haven't read them, have you? You still need to know the information. Maybe you've already gotten into some bad money habits and don't know how to fix them. It sucks to have to keep receipts and balance checkbooks and make budgets, but when you do, you'll gain mastery over your financial situation and will learn this simple rule: Planning = Power = Savings = Financial Health.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Money Sucks is full of straightforward, practical tips for the financially clueless. While many older adults could learn from these financial tips - I didn't know I should be careful about giving my birth date out to inquiring minds - the book is especially helpful for younger adults. Even 16-year-olds have checking accounts, debit cards, and borrow money from their parents for cars, vacations, and prom dates. Now they can learn why it's smart to balance your checkbook, keep track of receipts and due dates for bills, and to know the perils of runaway credit card use. It helps that the book is written with a splash of humor, some fun drawings, and is easy to read.

Identity theft is a huge problem today, and this book offers advice on how to monitor your credit rating, protect private information from getting into the wrong hands, and resist the lure of no interest/easy payment options for buying high-priced items. And who among us did not have trouble filling out our income tax withholding form at our first job? Even the other employees - and sometimes the managers - didn't know how to advise us on how to fill in the blanks. Money Sucks gives you a step by step explanation so that you will never again have trouble choosing your options.

It's important to learn all you can before you leave the protection of your parents' home. And I recommend that before you earn your first paycheck you read Money Sucks because someday the money you earn - and may lose - will be your own. --YoMama, March 13, 2008 on Amazon

The tag line for this terrific little book captures the essence of Gordon's message: Money Strategies for Real Life. Personal finances can be scary especially for young people newly (or nearly) headed out on their own, or for anyone that finds themselves in over their heads. The logical progression and simple clarity offered in these pages calms the nerves and brings the heart back to a normal rhythm. If you're anxious about any part of personal money management, or know someone who is, hope has arrived! --Leo Muller, Executive Director, CHOICES

Another name for this book could be 'an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.' The best way to avoid bankruptcy is to stay out of trouble in the first place. This book is a great starting point for doing that; follow the tips, learn to budget, pay attention to your money and avoid credit cards and payday loans!! --Ruth Nelson, Bankruptcy Attorney, Seattle, WA --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

From the Back Cover

Did anyone teach you to balance your checkbook? Do you know what identity theft is and ways to keep safe? Do you know your credit score?

If your answer to any or all of those questions is "No" then this slim volume of easy-to-understand explanations and information is for you! Sure, there are bigger, heavier books crammed with information and facts and tips. But you haven't read them, have you? You still need to know the information. Maybe you've already gotten into some bad money habits and don't know how to fix them.

It sucks to have to keep receipts and balance checkbooks and make budgets, but when you do, you'll gain mastery over your financial situation and will learn this simple rule:

Planning = Power = Savings = Financial Health

"When my daughters and I read this book, we all learned things that we needed to know. They loved the cartoons and the clear explanations and I loved giving them this great book. Every young adult should know what's in this book." Karen Bergman, educator

"This book gave me important information that will help me keep track of my money. I learned about credit and how to stay out of debt." Peter Hodges, student

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 71 pages
• Publisher: Green Elms Press; 1st edition (April 12, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0977905802
• ISBN-13: 978-0977905805
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,834,574 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Money doesn't suck when you know how to handle it, and "Money Sucks" shows you how., March 13, 2008

By 

YoMama (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Money Sucks! Money Strategies for Real Life (Paperback)

"Money Sucks" is full of straightforward, practical tips for the financially clueless. While many older adults could learn from these financial tips - I didn't know I should be careful about giving my birthdate out to inquiring minds - the book is especially helpful for younger adults. Even 16-year-olds have checking accounts, debit cards, and borrow money from their parents for cars, vacations, and prom dates. Now they can learn why it's smart to balance your checkbook, keep track of receipts and due dates for bills, and to know the perils of runaway credit card use. It helps that the book is written with a splash of humor, some fun drawings, and is easy to read.

Identity theft is a huge problem today, and this book offers advice on how to monitor your credit rating, protect private information from getting into the wrong hands, and resist the lure of no interest/easy payment options for buying high-priced items. And who among us did not have trouble filling out our income tax withholding form at our first job? Even the other employees - and sometimes the managers - didn't know how to advise us on how to fill in the blanks. "Money Sucks" give you a step by step explanation so that you will never again have trouble choosing your options.

It's important to learn all you can before you leave the protection of your parents' home. 50 Ways to Leave Your Mother And I recommend that before you earn your first paycheck you read "Money Sucks" because someday the money you earn - and may lose - will be your own.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Seven copies for seven children!, November 1, 2007

By 

Ms. Wright (WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Money Sucks! Money Strategies for Real Life (Paperback)

As the mother of seven children, I am thankful for this book! It is packed with the wisdom that every parent should instill in their child for life-long success - in a convenient, fun package!

Ms. Gordon's book should be a part of every high school's Economics curriculum and every family's library.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars De-mystifying money management, January 25, 2011

By 

Frances J. Fisher - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Money Sucks! Money Strategies for Real Life (Paperback)

Miryam has presented the basics of money management clearly, concisely, and simply - oh, and light heartedly too - with those great cartoons. The cartoons add an element of levity that helps to take the heaviness out of a heavy subject. Well done! A useful resource for beginners, for parents of teens, teachers, for anyone wanting to be more effective with their money management.