I did learn some things about investing and IRAs, but sometimes the author is very condescending. An example is in a chapter on how to save money on your cellphone: "Last but not least, be safe with your cellphone, especially when driving, and don't hold your cellphone to your ear when talking because of long-term concerns about the radiation emitted from these phones." Okay, sure, I won't hold the phone up to my ear when I use it--wait, huh? What does any of this have to do with finance anyway? And, often, the advice given about finance is logical, but impractical. Take this example in a chapter about getting health insurance: "If you have a preexisting condition [that is making it difficult to get health insurance on your own], find a job with an employer whose health insurer doesn't require a medical exam." Oh, sure, just let me up and do that in these uncertain economic times. On a positive note, the chapter on Roth IRAs was useful. It gave me a general overview of the whole process in layman's terms--something even the "experts" at my bank were unable to do.

If you are pretty sure that you are doing everything right and have a good grip on your finances, this book will help reassure you that you are well on your way to financial success. If, however, you are like most of the country and struggling with an ever-increasing cost of living in spite of a downturn in economic growth, this book will most likely leave you with a sense of hopelessness.

In short, this is a book for kids who are financially fresh and unmarred, blinking in the sunlight of an optimistic future full of possibility. Ah, it must be nice. ( )