First Budget Smarts

VOYA - Kevin Beach

First Budget Smarts discusses ways for teenagers to budget, including advice on how to earn and manage money, spend conservatively, and save for the future. Careful credit card use, access to online consumer protection services, avoidance of fees, and creating a savings account are covered in a clear, down-to-earth style. The author also is an expert in the field. Each volume in this series makes use of vivid, colorful graphics, lots of photographs, sample forms, a clear text, and provides up-to-date information that includes use of the Internet. Other book topics in the series include apartment, job, credit, bank account, investment, and car smarts. Life skills manuals are always a valuable addition to the young adult collection and this one is well-presented. Reviewer: Kevin Beach

School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up—Offering practical information and advice, these titles will be useful additions. The writing is accessible and directed at readers who know how to spend money but not how to spend it wisely. Complicated topics such as creating and managing a budget, credit scores, and negotiating a high-ticket item like a car are explained in everyday language. Common pitfalls such as spending beyond one's means are outlined, and suggestions on how to avoid or solve them are included in each book. Examples are clearly aimed at teens and their lifestyle. In Credit Cards, readers learn what happens if they do not pay the balance on their card each month. First Car Smarts describes the hidden and often overlooked costs of car ownership. First Job Smarts contains information on income tax and saving and investing. The last title includes examples of several budgets, each with common expenses such as music downloads, pizza, and gas. The books are heavily illustrated with large, clear, up-to-date photographs of teens.—Wendy Woodfill, Hennepin County Library, Minnetonka, MN