Review of Money Skills for Teens Decoded

[Jennifer Wilson 95]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Money Skills for Teens Decoded" by Ryan Zein.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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We work for money, try to save it, and try to share it. But it still never feels like enough. In school, we are taught algebra and geometry, but what about budgeting and compound interest? What would happen if daily budgeting became a habit in middle school or high school?

Ryan Zein tackles these finance issues in a fun, clear manner in his book Money Skills for Teens Decoded: Easy Steps to Master How to Budget, Save, and Invest to Build Wealth and Avoid Debt (What They Don't Teach You in School). Throughout the book, Zein attempts to connect with teens, using modern phrasing and comparisons to describe difficult or unknown financial terms. Each chapter breaks down the big idea into steps. Some chapters have checklists that encourage students to pause and work through some of the ideas right then.

Zein doesn't stop with the basics of budgeting and saving. Topics such as stocks, starting your own business and building a good credit score all get attention. With real-life examples and actionable steps, Zein presents a complete picture of finances, from earning money and saving to building credit and making a plan for large purchases. He even tackles the idea of building a sustainable financial future, not just for yourself, but for future generations.

This book was carefully planned and managed to break down the big financial ideas into smaller, more actionable pieces. I rate this book a 4 out of 5. I read the Kindle version and found a few errors and an oddly placed review request between chapters 4 and 5. The author is very familiar with all the financial language, and a few times slipped into the standard language, which felt a little jarring after the rest of the book was trying so hard to be uncomplicated. Terms like 'Zero-Based Budgeting' and phrases like 'it's time to get the necessary permits and licenses' sound good, but what is zero-based budgeting, and where do I get permits? State? City? Federal? If the author fixed the few errors and ensured the terms were better explained throughout the entire book, I could increase the rating.

As is, this book is great for an introduction to the big, wide world of finances. It is well-written and provides a good foundation for anyone wanting to know how to manage their finances. Teens and adults could benefit from this quick read.

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Money Skills for Teens Decoded
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[Kibet Hillary]

One of the most overlooked issues in our modern education system is, indeed, the whole issue of financial literacy, more so the specifics. The book title is captivating, and I am glad the author employs language that teens will find relatable.
Thanks for this review, @Jennifer Wilson 95.

[ExploraTrendz]

The book's title is very attention-grabbing, and it seems to me that the book truly delivers on its premise. It is very important that we increasingly have access to content that connects reality with people, especially young people who need to learn how life works and all the financial aspects that shape our daily lives.