Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Created by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago in 2002, Money Smart Week is a public awareness campaign designed to help consumers better manage their personal finances. This is achieved through the collaboration and coordinated effort of thousands of organizations across the country including businesses, financial institutions, schools, libraries, not-for-profits, government agencies and the media. Here are some books to get you started on your money smart journey!

 

Smart Money, Smart Kids by Dave Ramsey and Rachel Cruze

Parents can learn how to raise money-smart kids in a debt-filled world. Teach your children starting with the basics like working, spending, saving, and giving, and moving into more challenging issues like avoiding debt for life and paying cash for college.

 

Miss Independent by Nicole Lapin

You’ve worked hard for your money and now it’s time for your money to work for you! Growing your money significantly doesn’t require starting with a lot of money. It requires a little bit of knowledge about taking smart risks and as much time as possible to take advantage of the glorious power of compound interest, which Einstein refers to as the eighth wonder of the world. From automating your savings to easy, no-stress investing strategies, Nicole will teach you how to take your financial knowledge and portfolio to the next level and start you on your journey to your ultimate destination: true financial independence.

 

The Dumb Things Smart People do with Their Money by Jill Schlesinger

After decades working as a Wall Street trader, investment adviser, and money expert for CBS, Jill Schlesinger reveals thirteen costly mistakes you’re probably making right now with your money without even knowing it. By breaking bad habits and following Jill’s pragmatic and accessible rules for managing your finances, you can save tens, even hundreds of thousands of dollars, not to mention avoid countless sleepless nights. 

 

The Teen Money Manual by Kara McGuire

Provides a comprehensive guide for teenagers to saving, spending, and earning money, and includes information on starting a business, preparing for interviews, opening a bank account, and purchasing car and property insurance.

 

How to Money by Jean Sherman Chatzky and Kathryn Tuggle

You need to know how to manage money to know how to manage life–but most of us don’t! This illustrated guidebook breaks down the basics of money-how to earn it, manage it, and use it-giving you all the tools you need to take charge and be fearless with personal finance. How to Money will teach you the basics of creating a budget (and sticking to it), scoring that first job (and what that paystub means), navigating student loans (and avoiding student debt), getting that first credit card (and what “credit” is), and investing like a pro (and why it’s important!). 

 

Make Your Kid a Money Genius (Even if You’re Not) by Beth Kobliner

A guide showing parents how to teach their children (from toddlers to young adults) to manage money in a smart way. Many of us think we can have the ‘money talk’ when our kids are old enough to get it, but research shows that even preschoolers can understand basic money concepts, and a study from Cambridge University confirmed that basic money habits are formed by the age of seven. 

 

Jen Pace Dickenson is the Youth Services Librarian for Polk County Public Libraries. For information about the library’s resources, programs, and other services, visit polklibrary.org or call (828) 894-8721.