From the Publisher
"Money Out Loud belongs in every classroom, every new grad gift list, and in my opinion, every bookshelf no matter your age. Berna has a way of breaking down financial concepts that speaks to the inner kid and grown-up in all of us. You'll definitely want to buy two copies: One for someone you want to inspire, and one for yourself, so you can start (or restart) your financial journey together." — Tiffany Aliche, New York Times bestselling author of Get Good With Money
"Berna Anat has captured the humanity of personal finance, proving that money doesn't have to be a heartless and dusty affair. This book will speak to a new generation of wealth builders, including those who belong to communities of color that have long been ignored by the financial industry." — Delyanne Barros, host of CNN’s Diversifying
"Berna Anat is everybody's fun, money savvy auntie, helping you shake your imposter syndrome and hype yourself up. A true supporter of women and BIPOC, she blends sass with savings, and charisma with career, to help make money fun again." — Vivian Tu, Founder and CEO of Your Rich BFF
"Money Out Loud has an answer to every question a beginner has wondered about money, and how to use it to make a better life and world.” — Nayda Okamoto, cofounder of August and author of Period Power
"An empowering guide to financial literacy that goes beyond budgeting to exploring the unspoken stories about money: shame, trauma, inequities, and more. With compassion and ample humor, Anat offers a pathway to rewrite our money stories and ultimately heal our relationship to money." — Michelle MiJung Kim, award-winning author of The Wake Up: Closing the Gap Between Good Intentions and Real Change.
"A reassuring guide to financial literacy, including reducing anxiety, getting out of debt, saving, and perhaps even changing the world. An outstanding personal finance book that reads like a fun conversation with a smart friend." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"In addition to covering the basics (financial habits, aka “Your Money Story," budgeting, bank accounts, savings, debt, credit, student loans, investing, and financial activism), [Anat] explores topics not often mentioned in other finance books, such as the financial impact of systemic inequity that exists for Black and brown folks, advice for the undocumented, mutual aid funds, land tax, and socially responsible investing. A refreshing, honest, useful tell-it-like-it-is financial guide." — Booklist (starred review)
School Library Journal
09/29/2023
Gr 9 Up—Anat, daughter of immigrants who grappled with financial challenges, offers a relatable perspective as the first in her family to attend college. Penned as an engaging, informal, first-person narrative, the text addresses the specific concerns of BIPOC teenage girls, providing them with tools to navigate their financial journey. The content covers a spectrum of financial aspects, from practical advice on saving, spending, banking, investing, and taxes, to thought-provoking discussions on giving back and the costs of borrowing for college. Additionally, it provides insights, such as ways to reward oneself while managing debt and increasing savings. The book delves into societal issues such as wealth disparity, income inequality, and the complexities of capitalism. These discussions add depth to the financial advice provided, fostering a well-rounded understanding of the current economic landscape. Each topic features a relatable "textspert"—a financial expert whose advice is delivered via text messages. This approach not only makes the information accessible, but also keeps readers engaged. The user-friendly layout, featuring illustrations, charts, footnotes, and a glossary ensures that complex financial concepts are comprehensible. The inclusion of references to current events, social media trends, and colloquial language adds contemporary appeal, but may quickly date the book. VERDICT This much-needed financial manual would serve as good addition to a high school library, a reference tool for a personal finance class, or as a graduation gift.—Lynne Stover
Kirkus Reviews
★ 2023-01-25
A reassuring guide to financial literacy, including reducing anxiety, getting out of debt, saving, and perhaps even changing the world.
The author of this empowering resource grew up as the daughter of immigrants from the Philippines with limited financial means and was the first in her family to attend college. Anat explains that she had little financial knowledge and carried a lot of shame around the state of her finances, so she undertook a course of self-study to unlock the secrets of money management. This book is the result of her hard-earned knowledge: She not only became debt-free, but even amassed enough savings to stop working for a year and travel. Chapters on budgeting, bank accounts, taxes, credit cards, student loans, and investing convey crucial information in clear prose that is also engaging, using the latest slang and pop-culture references. Advice from experts is included in the form of chatty exchanges in text bubbles. Before diving into the nuts and bolts, the author invites readers to spend time reflecting on what she calls their Money Story—an important step in unpacking the deeper feelings that drive money-related behaviors. The last chapter focuses on ethical choices regarding spending and donating. The book simplifies complex matters so that actionable steps genuinely feel possible. Valuably, it also focuses on the specific questions and concerns of marginalized communities. Final art not seen.
An outstanding personal finance book that reads like a fun conversation with a smart friend. (glossary) (Nonfiction. 13-18)
