Generation Earn: The Young Professional's Guide to Spending, Investing, and Giving Back

Young people have a serious PR problem, argues U.S. News & World Report finance columnist Palmer. According to the media, the youngest slacker generation is wallowing in credit card debt, rolling in unnecessary luxury goods, and living in their parents' basements—or are they? The truth, it turns out, is quite a bit cheerier. Only one in three college students has a credit card, and the average amount owed is only $495. But these young whippersnappers coming of age in a recession could still use some solid advice, and Palmer is here to help. She gives a comprehensive overview of the basics of financial literacy, including defining financial goals, weighing a traditional job vs. entrepreneurship, saving for retirement, voluntary simplicity, the effect that marriage and children can have on your finances, and how to prioritize charitable giving even on a tight budget. Though her advice is solid and her message of embracing sustainability and thriftiness sound, the tone is dry and the content familiar—it's been done better, by others, and Millennials searching for inspired money advice would be better off looking elsewhere. (Nov.)