Map Your Financial Future: Starting the Right Path in Your Teens and Twenties

Patrick A. Lyons
Texas Lyons Den Press (2006)
ISBN 1411686772
Reviewed by Regan Windsor for Reader Views (9/06)

In our society of immediate gratification and “buy now, pay later” philosophies there could not be a better time for a book based on financial responsibility.  With teens and young adults inundated with the pressure of keeping up with their friends and neighbors, the marketing tactics of low payment options, and a general lack of knowledge about the complexity of financial decisions, we are witnessing an insurmountable amount of debt. Add to this the impact of the vicious cycle of credit card debt, the importance of saving for retirement as well as emergencies that arise, and the many financial decision we are faced with on a daily basis and you can soon relate to the intense stress finances cause many people both young and old.

Patrick Lyons has done a fabulous job to summarize and enlighten readers on the many financial issues facing society today.  His book provides a quick and simple lesson in budgeting, a comparison of banks and credit unions, the importance and implications of credit and identity theft, business and financial basics (including writing resumes and business plans), the tough choices surrounding renting vs. owning in regards to both homes and vehicles, and the importance of incorporating investing and retirement planning early in life.

“Map Your Financial Future” should be a textbook in high school and university courses as required reading!!  With the ever-changing financial world it adds value for all ages with a comprehensive resources section listing websites and addresses for a variety of finance and job related organizations, descriptions of the latest scams, and an important section outlining how to protect oneself from the fast growing problem of identity theft. Patrick Lyons has managed to turn a complex and often overwhelming subject into an easy-to-read, comprehensive format for all to reference, learn, and enjoy!

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