9 RULES TO DOMINATE YOUR MONEY AND LEARN WHAT 67% OF ADULTS DON’T KNOW

Lewis presents a guide to helping other teens learn about money.

As the author, a high school student, states at the outset of his book, in the United States, at the time of publication, only 23 out of 50 states require financial literacy for high school students, and the numbers are similar or worse in other parts of the world. “So doesn’t it seem weird that teens are required and encouraged to learn about Physics and French II but not their personal finances?” he asks. “And that’s sad because a class on earning, investing, and spending money might be exciting for teens.” With help from his parents, Lewis, an enthusiastic straight-A student, lays out just such a class in these pages, touching on everything from inflation to compound interest to the intricacies of investing (can you afford to buy even one share of Apple? Can you afford part of one share?). To help structure these discussions, he elaborates on nine rules teens can follow to increase their financial savvy, such as, “Don’t Just ‘Save’ or ‘Hide’ Your Money; Start Making Your Money Work for You” and “Establish Clear Money Goals.” The book is attractively designed, with plenty of breaks, illustrations, and inviting sections where readers can fill out checklists and answer prompts. The result is a winningly good-natured and nonintimidating primer on basic financial understanding that will be every bit as helpful to a great many adults as it will be to the author’s fellow teens. When Lewis writes, “You now have everything you need to get started. I’m confident you’ll get whatever you’re seeking,” readers will feel the sentiment is completely genuine.

An easy, upbeat breakdown of the complexities of personal finance for young people.