Why Didn't They Teach Me This in School?: 99 Personal Money Management Principles to Live By

I teach an Intro. to Finance class for college students and have used this book for 3 semesters now. Students love the book and on post-course surveys consistently rate it as one of their favorite parts of the class. It is easy to read, affordable, and has excellent basic finance recommendations for folks that are just starting out on their own. I do not agree with everything Siegel has to say and I think culturally his perspective is that of a wealthy white guy, but his 99 principles are overall, good solid advice for anyone learning to manage their own money, and a good starting point for students to discuss finances in general. The topics he discusses are ones that many of us as adults have probably experienced either good or bad, but for young adults they have not even thought about most of these topics.

My husband and I were drowning in debt five years ago. We'd graduated from college with student loan debt, credit card debt, car loan debt - you name it - we had it. We were a real mess. Five years ago we decided to get real about our money and dig ourselves out of the dysfunction we were living in. I spent an entire weekend researching financial books. I bought a handful for us, and we read them aloud to one another each evening. These books really made a difference in our lives. We saw ourselves. We identified our mistakes. We resolved to change our course. Five years later we have zero debt, and were able to buy our first new car entirely with cash. It was a tearful moment for me. I'm still buying and reading a couple of financial books every year. I enjoyed Siegel's book. It was easily digestible, we read through it together over a week's time, and it was full of very useful information - particularly for those who are younger. Great book at a fair price. We enjoyed it.

For my son to read and think about his finances. I thought the book was very informative.

As an educator, I largely build my classroom library around student interests and student recommendations. Surprisingly, and in recent years, students have become interested in two surprising subjects; religion/philosophy, and business/finances. Several of my students this year have become interested in Catholicism as many are participating in Catholic Confirmation. As such, I am so glad to have connected with a local parish that recommended this book to me for students/teens with financial inquiries. I don't incorporate this text into my curriculum, but I am happy I could foster a love of learning, reading, and introspection within my students by acknowledging their reading interests and preparing them for the future. Happy to have this book as part of our financial sense and self-help section amongst the others.

As a Florida high school Personal Finance and Marketing teacher who tries to prepare his student with "common sense" strategies for a solid financial life, I was thrilled to come across Cary Siegel's book. The vast majority of information is what I believe in and teach to my students. My wife and I live below our means, carry no credit card debt (but love the cash back reward), have paid off the house mortgage, and been investing successfully in mutual funds for 30 years. There are 99 Principles, such as those stated above, covered in this easily understood book. The information is concise, with topics covered within two pages. This is a plus for many readers, especially those from the Millennial Generation! Some Principles stated are "enough said", while others need further research and explanation. That is the beauty of using it as supplemental reading in my classes. I can expand on topics and answer questions that come up from student reading. For other readers, they will need to Google those topics in question and further their education through more detailed books, magazines or websites. At least the "finance light bulb" went off! Check out the Table of Contents to see the 99 Principles. A person truly interested in making sound personal financial decisions in life will take away a good blueprint for doing so. As I've told my students; making wise financial decisions allows you to keep more of your money and create options and opportunities in life, something more and more of our citizens are left without. A great book for teens, young adults, or adults dipping their toes in the personal finance water who might be intimidated by most financial tomes.

I appreciate the book and its purpose but some of his points are just plain silly. I knew what to expect but its nice to have a refresher sometimes. He mentioned that the book is for his kids and truthfully, it is just that. A man who doesn't necessarily know what he's talking about on all points and passing it on to his family. For instance, he says stay away from credit cards (especially if you're in college). Pay for everything with cash or debit card. Then he says if you must have one, only have one. I feel like this is terrible advice. He should explain the benefits of responsible usage and building credit early. For one, you get free money with every purchase, bonuses, and special promotions earning you more money. For example, i got $70 worth of books for free within this order all because i got accepted by Amazon and have solid credit. Hell, with my other card bonuses and cash back, that money is in a savings account. Oh yeah and im a college student! What's more? Using credit cards instead of debit protects your personal bank account in the event of fraud. You also have more buyer protections under a credit card etc. Even when you're out traveling, you need a credit card. As you can see, his idea about credit kinda pissed me off. Another thing he said is there is no such thing as a free checking account... where has he been? Last but not least, this guy said the surest and best way to make money is through hard work and a job. Serious head scratcher. Millionaires are mostly entrepreneurs and investors that lived below their means. All in all, this book could have been a bit more deeper. With an excellent name like "Why didn't they teach me that in school" you'd expect more. Some things are mentioned and not really explained if at all. I would not let my kids read this book alone but rather something like "The Millionaire Next Door" or something simpler like "My College Finance" by J.L. Thompson which is the book responsible for my deep interest in finances which led to other things. Other than that, the book isn't bad just some crucial inaccuracies that annoyed me.

This is the first book I have read which allows the reader to actually learn personal money management skills. It is a must read. The layout makes this book exceptional and easy to learn from. I would like to address one of the reviewers; "Excellent book - the reviewer who said it was written for men not women is way off base. I am female and find it perfect for me. If she read the entire book, she would realize the writer is writing in his voice thus sometimes refers to "she" or "her" when referring to a spouse (the chapter she refers to talks about is "marry the financially right person"). I don't see where he is in any way trying to offend women - he appears to be trying to help both sexes and does so in an easily understood manner. Furthermore, he doesn't advise people not to have a credit card (except in college - where he offers good advice in that situation). In fact, he advises to use only one credit card and pay that off every month. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Mine is that this is a book that offers excellent personal money management advice in a simple, non-biased manner."

Bought as a gift. Read parts- not in 100% agreement with all the advice- not bad advice but gives more simplistic answers. Perhaps a good place to start for a young adult

The book was easy, direct and engaging to read. It held my attention well & the end of the book melted my heart. This book was a great introduction book, very insightful & valuable.

To follow such excellent advice and be able to control ourselves money wise, I would have made enough financially to buy a house and a good vehicle. WOW!!! I am truly amazed at his tactics and experience!!!

Interesting read. A book ti gift to your children or grandchildren.

The content of the book itself is okay. Easy to follow, simple to read and apply in real life. The problem that made me mad is about a print. It is too irrational to print such big letters on a single page and leave so many pages partially blanc and empty. The book could be much more concise and compressed if it has been printed respecting the environment. IMHO it is extremely hazardous for our Planet to waste a paper resource that easily and silly. So, I am looking forward that typography in Poland i.e. Amazon Fulfillment Poland Sp. z o.o. in Wroclaw will apply considerable changes and smart improvements! p.s. Perhaps, purchase it as a second-hand book. Cheers, Taras