Starred review from April 15, 2023
Grades 9-12 *Starred Review* Anat, a first-generation Filipina American and a self-described financial activist, offers a comprehensive and very entertaining personal finance guide. Confronted with her own debt, she was ultimately able to save enough money to stop working and travel for a year; here she simplifies concepts, eschewing the typical "male, pale, and stale" financial advice in favor of a conversational tone, writing "finance-ese in a way I could understand." In addition to covering the basics (financial habits, aka "Your Money Story," as well as budgeting, bank accounts, savings, debt, credit, student loans, and investing), she explores topics not often mentioned in other finance books, such as the financial impact of systemic inequity that exists for Black and brown folks, advice for the undocumented, mutual aid funds, land tax, and socially responsible investing. This is not a guide that's meant to be read straight through but dipped into for topics of interest (there's no index, but a descriptive table of contents will help guide browsers). Even readers under 18 will benefit from the advice here, since they can get custodial financial accounts. Reading prompts at the end of each chapter, illustrations, footnotes, a glossary, and expert advice help round things out. A refreshing, honest, useful tell-it-like-it-is financial guide.

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September 29, 2023

Gr 9 Up-Anat, daughter of immigrants who grappled with financial challenges, offers a relatable perspective as the first in her family to attend college. Penned as an engaging, informal, first-person narrative, the text addresses the specific concerns of BIPOC teenage girls, providing them with tools to navigate their financial journey. The content covers a spectrum of financial aspects, from practical advice on saving, spending, banking, investing, and taxes, to thought-provoking discussions on giving back and the costs of borrowing for college. Additionally, it provides insights, such as ways to reward oneself while managing debt and increasing savings. The book delves into societal issues such as wealth disparity, income inequality, and the complexities of capitalism. These discussions add depth to the financial advice provided, fostering a well-rounded understanding of the current economic landscape. Each topic features a relatable "textspert"-a financial expert whose advice is delivered via text messages. This approach not only makes the information accessible, but also keeps readers engaged. The user-friendly layout, featuring illustrations, charts, footnotes, and a glossary ensures that complex financial concepts are comprehensible. The inclusion of references to current events, social media trends, and colloquial language adds contemporary appeal, but may quickly date the book. VERDICT This much-needed financial manual would serve as good addition to a high school library, a reference tool for a personal finance class, or as a graduation gift.-Lynne Stover

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Starred review from February 15, 2023
A reassuring guide to financial literacy, including reducing anxiety, getting out of debt, saving, and perhaps even changing the world. The author of this empowering resource grew up as the daughter of immigrants from the Philippines with limited financial means and was the first in her family to attend college. Anat explains that she had little financial knowledge and carried a lot of shame around the state of her finances, so she undertook a course of self-study to unlock the secrets of money management. This book is the result of her hard-earned knowledge: She not only became debt-free, but even amassed enough savings to stop working for a year and travel. Chapters on budgeting, bank accounts, taxes, credit cards, student loans, and investing convey crucial information in clear prose that is also engaging, using the latest slang and pop-culture references. Advice from experts is included in the form of chatty exchanges in text bubbles. Before diving into the nuts and bolts, the author invites readers to spend time reflecting on what she calls their Money Story--an important step in unpacking the deeper feelings that drive money-related behaviors. The last chapter focuses on ethical choices regarding spending and donating. The book simplifies complex matters so that actionable steps genuinely feel possible. Valuably, it also focuses on the specific questions and concerns of marginalized communities. Final art not seen. An outstanding personal finance book that reads like a fun conversation with a smart friend. (glossary) (Nonfiction. 13-18)

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