I Know Nothing About Personal Finance!

[Frugal]

I would read Amy Dacyszyn's Frugal Gazette, from the late '80s and early '90s. She inspired me when I got my start couponing and learning to save money on a tight budget. Her series of Tightwad books have lots of tips to save money. There are also a lot of websites out there you can find that give you tips on saving money.

[Ima saver]

The wealthy barber is an easy read for a newcomer.

[bjl584]

bjl584: Im already learning by just browsing a couple of forums! A question for you though. How much do the editions to the dummy books mater? For instance I have one of the many dummies books on investing but its from 5 years ago. How much would that information have changed?

cypher1: Luckily, my parents are taking care of college for me completely. All I take care of is books, school supplies and transportation. I never really made a budget. I always put most of my paycheck into my savings. Then when it comes time to buy books and supplies, I take what ever is needed out. In this case I would like to learn to make a budget so I can plan ahead just like my parents when my children go to college someday. I would also like to look into investment chooses too; I'm a little afraid of it being a little over my head though.

The editions probably aren't going to make or break you. The information in the older versions is still relevant. At least to get you started. Use caution with some of the more in depth subject matter when you advance to that level. Subjects concerning legal matters like wills and trusts may be dated, as laws may have changed.

[Kueen]

Wow! Thank you for all your support!

I know have a wonderful list of books that I am currently reading! Even more wonderfull most of the suggestions you gave me are in my local library! You guys will probably be hearing from me later on for other questions!

I couldn't thank you guys enough!

[zetta]

In general, older editions of books should be fine (outside of laws that change like trusts and estate planning.) Books are the place to learn general principles -- and these do not get outdated over a period of years.

Here are books I've found useful to learn about investing, and the main topic covered. I've placed them in the order I would recommend reading them. You can click on my Booknotes catagory in my blog to read my summaries of numbers 1, 2, and 7.

1. All Your Worth (getting your basic financial picture in order so you have money available to invest)
2. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Rich (helps with goal setting)
3. Bogleheads Guide to Investing (explains mutual funds and the indexing strategy)
4. http://investingessentials.blogspot.com/ An online book about implementing the Bogleheads strategy,
5. The Intelligent Asset Allocator (how to structure your portfolio)
6. Morningstar Guide to Mutual Funds (how to analyze and pick funds)
7. Common Sense on Mutual Funds by John C. Bogle (highly technical analysis of index investing)

[florent]

Young and ready to learn...

Way to go for already thinking about this! I am sure most your age are not having this same process. Give yourself a pat on the back.

How to learn more?
READ READ READ. Good idea to get on here! Read enough to develop your own opinions.
Ask people. Find someone who knows more than you do. Ask for suggestions.
Find someone that is a good role model. Model their behavior.

Do something every day to increase your financial knowledge. Whether it's reading an article, voting in a poll, talking to a friend, watching a program, reading a book. Just make a great habit of it!

Keep learning and share with others as you go. There's more than enough info to go around!