MONEY OUT LOUD

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.