The Smart Cookies' Guide to Making More Dough

Starred review from August 11, 2008
In 2006, a group of 20-something women saw an episode of Oprah
that featured financial experts offering advice on paying down debt. Though all five were outwardly confident in their careers and goals, they were secretly drowning financially; between them, they had a combined $35,000 in credit card debt and barely any savings. Inspired by what they'd seen, they started a money group and took responsibility for educating themselves about spending (and saving) habits, goals and investments. Within a year they made great strides: they'd added thousands to retirement accounts, paid off more than $15,000 in credit card debt, saved more than $15,000 and had all bought or were well on their way to buying homes. The enterprising authors address the nitty-gritty of goal-setting, negotiations for raises, debt management and mortgages, and their plainspoken, encouraging style and helpful breakdown of information make this the perfect gift for recent grads—or anyone who needs convincing that financial health is attainable.