"A completely revised and updated fourth edition of the New York Times bestseller, designed to guide younger adults through the world of personal finance. More than ever before, people in their twenties and thirties need help getting their financial lives in order. And who could blame them? These so-called millennials have come of age in the wake of the worst economic crisis in memory, and are now trying to get by in its aftermath. They owe record levels of student loan debt, face sky-high rents, and struggle to live on a budget in an uncertain economy. It's time for them to get a financial life" -- Provided by publisher.

Chapter 1:Crib notes: A cheat sheet for time-pressed readers who need help now -- Chapter 2: Taking stock of your financial life: Figuring out where you are and where you want to go. -- Putting a price tag on your goals ; -- Learning how to reach your goals ; -- Where does your money go? ; -- Three financial rules of thumb ; -- Getting your financial life in order ; -- Keeping track of money coming in and going out -- Chapter 3: Dealing with debt: Finding the cheapest loans and getting yourself out of hock. -- Four pointers for anyone with debt of any kind ; -- Credit cards ; Student loans ; -- Car loans ; -- Credit scores and credit reports ; -- Identity theft ; -- If you're in serious debt ; -- When to consider bankruptcy -- Chapter 4: Basic banking: How to keep your costs low and your money safe. -- A bank by any other name ; -- What to look for in a bank ; -- Managing your checking account ; -- Using the ATM wisely ; -- Internet-only banks ; -- What to do with your savings ; -- Join versus separate accounts ; -- A warning about bank-sold investments -- Chapter 5: All you really need to know about investing: It's time to have some fun(ds). -- Two pointers for new investors ; -- Fund fundamentals ; -- Money market funds ; -- A word about inflation ; -- Stock funds ; -- Bond funds ; -- The right mix of investments ; -- Investment fees really matter ; -- My favorite low-cost funds ; -- Socially responsible investing ; -- Do I need a financial advisor? -- Chapter 6: Living the good life in 2070: Think it's crazy to start saving now for retirement? It's crazy not to. -- What are retirement savings plans anyway? ; -- How your retirement savings grow ; -- Contributing to your 401(k) ; -- Contributing to an IRA ; -- Getting at the money in your 401(k) or IRA if you really need it ; -- Inflation and taxation ; -- Retirement plan FAQs ; -- If you're self-employed -- Chapter 7: Oh, give me a home: Advice on affording a place of your own. -- What every renter needs to know ; -- Should you rent or buy? ; -- What lenders look for ; -- The real costs of owning a home ; -- Special programs for home buyers ; -- If you don't quality for a mortgage ; -- Shopping for a mortgage ; -- Making the process go smoothly -- Chapter 8: Insurance: what you need and what you don't: Finding the right polcies and skipping coverage you can do without. -- Getting the best deal ; -- Checking out credentials ; -- Making the most of your employer's plans ; -- Health insurance ; -- Car insurance ; -- Disability insurance ; -- Home insurance ; -- LIfe insurance ; -- Insurance you probably don't need -- Chapter 9: How to make your life less taxing: -- Put more money in your pocket and less in Uncle Sam's. -- Why is your paycheck so small? ; -- The taxes you pay ; -- Figuring out your tax range ; -- Filing your tax return ; -- Maximizing your tax breaks ; -- Deductions for the self-employed ; -- Getting your tax life in order ; -- Do you need a tax preparer? -- Chapter 10: Making the most of military benefits: Know what you deserve if you serve. -- Education perks ; -- Financial assistance with your home; -- Protecting your health and your assets ; -- Help paying off your debt ; -- Support for your family ; -- Guidance on legal, tax, and personal finance matters ; -- Securing your savings.