Managing Your Money and Finances

Learning how to save and invest for the future may seem complicated, but this volume simplifies this topic into manageable, understandable bits. While working and earning a salary may be best-known means of increasing wealth, other types of investments are discussed as well. This approachable guide goes through banking basics like opening an account, compounding interest, making deposits, using debit and credit cards, and how to budget. Readers also learn about planning for retirement, analyzing stocks, and a variety of investment types.

Learning careful money management does far more than allow young people to pay bills, save for emergencies, and meet long-term goals like home ownership. Using a budget also provides for a better quality of life. This easy-to-follow guide helps readers learn how to craft a budget that accounts for earnings, spending, and short-term and long-term savings goals. Concise directions thoughtfully guide readers through the processes of setting up a weekly expense records, making monthly budgets, using budgeting tools, setting financial goals, evaluating and adjusting budgets, and practicing wise savings and spending habits.

Earning money at a job for the first time is an exciting step on the road to adulthood. Taking the steps necessary to getting that job and learning how to function as an employee make this a valuable experience. Teens soon realize that their paychecks may quickly disappear when spent on new technology, clothing, entertainment, and other things. This informative volume guides readers through finding work, understanding pay scales and benefits, and learning about hours and schedules. Advice on how to budget and save and what to expect when it comes to taxes round out what to expect from the employment process.

Most people today must borrow money to buy a car, a house, or go to college. Borrowing with credit cards is a way of life in the modern world. Readers learn how to make credit work for them instead of falling into long-term debt. This invaluable guide covers secured and unsecured credit, how to calculate interest, understanding statements, choosing the right card, fees, billing cycles, minimum payments, balance transfers, and cash advances. Readers will learn about credit scores and credit reports, whether they are a good credit risk, and how to protect their personal information.

In this online world, it's easier than ever for young people to manage their money, stay within a budget, and grow their money with smart investments. The explosion of online shopping means that it's also become easier than ever to spend that money foolishly. This lively volume helps teens to navigate the world of finances and shopping online with explanations about banking, credit, mobile payment services, and how to comparison shop and check product reviews. Step-by-step instructions, best practices, and advice on how to avoid scams and stay safe make this an invaluable guide for teens in the fast-paced digital marketplace.

A first car is a young person's ticket to independence and responsibility. A lot is involved in the process of this purchase: how to decide what to buy, what is affordable, how much may be owed in taxes, and what the insurance options are. This information-packed volume helps readers learn how to negotiate the purchase price, whether they are entitled to a warranty, and how to get a loan. Tips include the particulars of service contracts, fuel conservation, hybrid options, and how to maintain the vehicle. Smart cars, cycles, scooters, and other non-car options round out the final chapter of this informative volume.