Book review of PERSONAL FINANCE FOR TEENS: WORKBOOK

by RW TALBOT (Author)

Updated at: 10/01/2025

"Personal Finance for Teens: Workbook (Ages 13-18)" empowers teenagers to take control of their financial future. Recognizing a gap in financial literacy education, this workbook provides practical, engaging strategies for teens of all experience levels. From budgeting and saving to understanding credit scores and identifying financial scams, the book covers essential topics in a relatable way. Learn proven methods to grow savings, explore opportunities for earning money, and navigate the digital financial landscape. With real-life examples, checklists, and tools, this isn't just theory; it's a hands-on guide to building a strong financial foundation, setting teens up for long-term success and financial freedom.

4.5 / 22 ratings

Review PERSONAL FINANCE FOR TEENS

I found "Personal Finance for Teens: Workbook (Ages 13-18)" to be a surprisingly engaging and practical resource. While I wasn't expecting a workbook on personal finance to be exciting, this one manages to achieve a balance between informative content and interactive exercises that keep things interesting. The author clearly understands the challenges of teaching teens about money – the inherent distraction, the immediate gratification mindset, and the general lack of interest many have in such "adult" topics. They cleverly address these issues by presenting the information in a relatable and accessible way, using real-life examples and scenarios that resonate with young people.

The five-step plan to financial literacy is a particularly strong element, providing a clear framework for teens to follow. I also appreciated the focus on modern tools and techniques, including discussions on online jobs and navigating the digital financial landscape – things that weren't even a consideration when I was a teenager! The inclusion of sections on avoiding scams and understanding credit scores is crucial, equipping teens with the knowledge to make smart and safe financial decisions from the start. This isn't just about learning to budget; it's about equipping them to navigate the complexities of the modern financial world.

The workbook format is a huge plus. The interactive exercises and checklists encourage active participation, making the learning process more dynamic than a standard textbook. While some reviewers mentioned that certain concepts could benefit from more in-depth explanations, I believe the balance between accessibility and depth is well-struck for its target audience. It’s a great jumping-off point, stimulating curiosity and encouraging further exploration of specific topics.

However, I do think the book's effectiveness will depend greatly on the individual teenager. For those already showing an inclination towards financial responsibility, this workbook will be a valuable tool to consolidate and expand their knowledge. For others, whose primary focus is on immediate spending, the success might hinge on parental involvement and consistent reinforcement of the concepts presented within the book. Simply handing it to a teenager and expecting results probably won't be enough. It needs to be a collaborative effort, perhaps used as a springboard for family discussions about money management and future planning.

Overall, "Personal Finance for Teens" is a valuable resource. It tackles a crucial subject matter with creativity and practicality. While it might not transform every financially-unaware teen into a savvy investor overnight, it provides a solid foundation and the tools necessary to cultivate good financial habits from an early age. It's a worthwhile investment in a young person's future – a future that will be significantly impacted by their financial literacy. I would recommend it as a supplementary resource to supplement what's taught (or not taught) in school and as a starting point for families to begin open conversations about money.

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