Financial literacy deserves equal billing alongside the “three R’s” in our high schools to prepare our next generation for a lifelong journey of earning, saving, spending, and investing money. This book provides the perspective and tools young adults (and everyone else!) will need to succeed on this journey and it encourages everyone to use money as a tool to achieve real purpose in their lives.

With decades of professional experience in the investment industry, the author has coached many teens and early career professionals through the same fundamental financial struggles covered here. Key lessons include: pursuing education and experience to enhance earnings; budgeting to save rather than spend; avoiding debt by planning for emergencies; and investing early and often to compound real wealth using the power of time.

Brief introductions to important investment themes including macroeconomics, fixed income, equities, and private markets serve as a launch pad for further exploration. The QR code accesses Excel-based working files for compound returns forecasting, debt amortization projections, and a customizable budget template for your use.

This book is the best gift before that first job, should be on every summer reading list, and given as a perfect graduation gift to inspire the next generation with financial fluency for the rest of their lives. .