How to Be Richer, Smarter, and Better-Looking Than Your Parents

by Zac Bissonnette

Striking out on your own for the first time is exhilarating. But in a culture full of bad advice, predatory banks, and splurge-now-pay-later temptations, it can also be extremely dangerous--leading you to make financial decisions that could hurt you for years to come. Combine this with a slumped economy, mounds of student loans, and dubious examples from reality TV stars to politicians to your own parents, and it’s no wonder so many twenty-somethings are struggling. Twenty-three-year-old Zac Bissonnette--the author of Debt-Free U--knows exactly what you’re going through. He demystifies the many traps young people fall victim to in their post-college years. He offers fresh insights on everything from job hunting to buying a car to saving for retirement that will give you a foundation for a secure, stable, and happy life. In the process, he reveals why FICO scores are overrated, online job applications are a waste of time, car loans are for suckers, and credit card rewards are a scam. With detours to discuss wine connoisseurs, Really Broke Housewives, and Lenny Dykstra, Zac shows you how to make better choices today so you can be richer, smarter (and better-looking!) for years to come.

Genres: Nonfiction, Finance, Self Help, Personal Finance, Business, Economics, Money

256 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2012

About the author

New York Times bestselling author Zac Bissonnette's most recent book is 2015’s The Great Beanie Baby Bubble: Mass Delusion and the Dark Side of Cute. He is an equity analyst at a hedge fund, and lives in New York City with his partner and a tuxedo cat named Perry Como.

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I really wish that this book was available when I graduated from college. I think I suffered a lot of financial mishaps from the time I graduated until now, that could of been avoided completely, had I been more knowledgable.

The best thing I ever did for myself financially, was listen to my economics teacher in high school, and opened up a Roth IRA when I was 16 with my very first paycheck. Ever since then I've been putting a bit of my savings in this account every year. This and contributing to my 401k at work have helped me inch closer to a healthy retirement fund.

However, I have also been trying to get out from under my credit card debt this past year. For a while, I had rely on my credit card for living expenses; before I became established (so to speak), but now that I'm making a decent paycheck, I feel happier that I'm making progress to get out from under 'the heaping mound of debt' once and for all. Once this is done, I'm only going to own one credit card and plan on not using it very much, if at all.

Oh, and then there's the mishap that still sticks to me, like a thorn in my side. My first roomate I had when I moved to Chicago, was a friend from college who wasn't financially responsible at all. Only I didn't know this until I had to disconnect our home phone line because we were being swamped with messages from debt collectors calling all hours of the day and night. Then, on top of that, she just upped and went back home unannounced, leaving me with 6 months of unpaid rent. So, I emailed her and told her how upset I was about the situation, and she ignored me completely. It wasn't until I had to contact my parents and have our family lawyer write her a nasty gram about how I'd take her to court if she didn't pay the landlord her of her part of the rent, so I could get my deposit back in order to move elsewhere, that I actaully heard from her again. Let's just say we aren't friends anymore. However, this whole scenario could of been avoided if I knew how important it was to run a credit check, before we signed a lease together.

This year, my youngest cousin graduated from high school, so I bought him a copy of this book and told him that it's a very good, down to earth read that will help him navigate through a lot of financial things, that if left unknown, could cause a lot of unnecessary stress later on in his life. My only hope is that he will read it, absorb it, and be better financially then I was at his age.

[JMM · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little dated but still amusing and full of useful information.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

No offense, Mommy. Actually I don't think I can live up to the title as I have wonderful parents on all accounts. This was a fun read for a personal finance book as the author's voice is zany and direct. He will call you out on human foibles. This book is definitely geared to a beginning investor as all the advice is in broad strokes. This would be a good book for a recent graduate. I laughed out loud when I noticed an error of information had a footnote on it. Being a nerdy librarian that checks this kind of stuff, I read the footnote where he talks directly to the reader and says he knows the information was incorrect and then puts the right info. I think he was just having fun with the reader.

[Raquel Knolle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book very quickly. I feel like it gave me a really good overview of things to expect once I graduate from college. I have yet to put the things I learned from it into practice, but I no longer feel like I am going into my adult life blind and confused about all things financial. The author did a wonderful job making the book entertaining by giving comedic examples of things that could go wrong along with a good bit of sass. Overall the book had a very good voice to it. I recommend it to people going into college or those who are about to graduate.

[Thomas Litchford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is full of good advice, some of it quite old, delivered in an irreverent style that's enjoyable to read. The most crucial part is that it is 'of our times.' That is, he knows about and acknowledges the seriously jacked up economic reality we're living in in 2012. And he shows that the old truths still apply. For example, 401ks and IRAs invested in mutual funds are a better idea than investing, say, gold.

Give this book to every college senior you know.

[Miss Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is a decent book if you're young, very new to the world of personal finance, and of a religious persuasion that has no objection to the concept of interest

i meet about one and a half of those conditions and picked it up because i am easily amused and the title caught my eye

if you would like the cliff notes version of this book here it is:

1. don't go into debt
2. no seriously, don't go into debt. you can pick up a mortgage when you purchase a house but even then don't go around trying to purchase the most expensive house on the block
3. max out your 401k and then invest only in stock market index funds (this is where the interest bit comes in)
4. bro, listen. don't go into debt. don't do it for a degree, don't do it for a car, don't do it for clothes, if you can't pay in cash then don't even look at it
5. a lot of jokes about lenny dykstra

3 stars

[Matt Ohlson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zac Bissonnette is a gifted author and it really shows in this book. He explains potentially daunting personal finance concepts in a fun and exciting way suitable for all levels of experience. His "make sure you know this before it's too late" way of conveying information is refreshing and quickly gains the trust of readers. From index funds to cheap, quality cars, he makes a compelling, data-backed argument for all of his assertions that doesn't leave the reader in doubt. Regardless of what major you are, from philosophy to finance itself, I would advise all soon-to-be college graduates to read this book before they enter the real world.

[Cass 10e · Rating 4 out of 5]

I realized pretty quickly that this book wasn’t written for me, a 35 year old woman, married for 11 years with two kids. It’s definitely one of those books you get for the kids graduating high school or college. However, I kept reading because I generally enjoyed the snappy/snarky edge to Zac’s writing and it’s not a bad idea to brush up on general financial wisdom even at my age and stage.

[Christina M. Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read back in 2012 ish. I loved this book. It was easy and funny to read. Maybe he the author sounds semi arrogant but the advice was great. Highly recommend. Especially if you’re a young adult getting ready to graduate high school. But hey, read it if you just care to change your life and are looking for some advice to do that.

[Marty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for this stage in my life, written with a humor that kept me going. And, I specifically picked it up because it lacks all the disgusting charts, graphs, and hollergraphics (as I call them) that frustrate a reading experience.

[Kourtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd give this 3.5 stars. I laughed at some parts but it was a bit dated since it came out in 2012. Still,the book is geared towards younger people and it explains a lot of financial concepts for beginners.

[Erick P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked it up as a joke but then found the writing so entertaining. I clearly was not the target demographic but I'm definitely going to recommend this book to college grads. The wit to deliver these boring topics was just right.

[Sarah Hickl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! It is very comical and helps to bring what would probably be considered less exciting topics a bit more to life! It's a great self-development/self-help book for anyone looking to read something new.

[Zehra · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of this is common sense. For those who already know the basics of finance, read this if you need a wake up call or some sort of motivation to get yourself on the right track financially.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every 20-something should read this book. I am a little late. A funny, sarcastic look at personal finance.

[Dorise · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book provides good financial and lifestyle advice for young adults starting out, and is an amusing and quick read too.

[Grace Meininger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good introduction to to finances for younger people about money management.
Yes, I've heard there are other books out there, but this is a good one with which to get started.

[Zack Frasier · Rating 1 out of 5]

My parents are dead

[Samuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, first of all, in reading this book, I mean no offense to my parents; they are smart, financially-able, good-looking people with a wealth of other positive characteristics that are even more important than these three categories (they're kind, loving, fun, and all-around great human beings). But even they repeatedly told me to take opportunities to learn more and improve upon their methods of making, spending, and saving money. As a rebellious son, I duly put off this good advice and lived much as they did--placing financial pursuits at the bottom of my priority list. As the author makes clear, however, money doesn't have to be the ultimate aim of life, but having enough money to pursue other worthwhile pursuits makes fundamental sense. It may be a slippery slope, but get over it; some amount of financial success in the way of saving and avoiding debt is integral to good health and a good life. There is power in saving money, and bondage in spending it when you don't have it.

The author straightforwardly (but with lucid language and colorful humor) proceeds to tell people (specifically--or perhaps especially--young, recent college grads) how to resist and even fight the strong cultural forces of materialism and entitlement. Instead, he offers candid advice for how to avoid debt, save/invest money, and overall live a less stressful more fulfilling life from the very start of financial independence. While I've already got the cheapskate, eat-cheap-if-at-all, avoid debt in any form, frugal mentality, I found the advice on saving money--401(k)s, Roth IRAs, Total Stock Market Index Funds--revelatory. In any event, the advice is not earth-shattering, but following his advice just might be. The math is simple, the reasoning intuitive, and the advice in convincing, but the cultural forces are strong. I would recommend this book to any recent college grad wondering how to navigate paying off student debt, buy a car, or start a savings account that will amount to something. There is a lot more broad-ranging yet less thorough advice offered (covering just about everything you can think of facing financially in your 20s and 30s).

[Specialk · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has me torn.

I grabbed it to read mostly because a) financial advice is never a bad thing (as long as you can recognize the good from the bad) and b) because someone who looks as smarmy on the cover than has the audacity to title his book as such has to at least be good for a laugh.

And it was - but mostly because Zac writes how I talk (with a large amount of sarcasm, disdain and assumption that others are stupid). But there lies the problem - this book was written for stupid people, but not in a language they can understand. I learned pretty much zero from this book - I have no debt, have a sizable sum in both my savings and chequings, and do not make car payments. My goals for my financial future involve either buying a house or pursuing a masters degree - the house I'll mortgage, but the degree would be paid in cash. I have friends I want to recommend the book to - but would they get it? Or would they think Zac was serious when he states that calling creditors to renegotiate interests rates should not be undertaken while sober?

It's great for complete morons in the money arena. But as long as they understand written sarcasm and disdain when they see it. And that they understand Zac isn't making fun of them (well, maybe a little), but simply trying to help them see the better path. If you pay your credit card bills each month, have enough savings to float your you broke your leg and couldn't work for a couple months - you probably don't need this book.

However, if you graduated with an English degree, but don't want to teach, and have decided to go back to school because that means you don't have to start paying off your student loans, but somehow still manage to get bottle service with your Amex while working part time at McDonalds...read it. It will hopefully be a gateway into more useful financial books.

[Suzanne LaPierre · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to be Richer, Smarter, and Better-Looking than Your Parents is aimed at young adults in their late teens through early twenties, ideally those graduating from college and starting their independence. The beauty of this book is that it makes stodgy common sense advice seem hip and slightly subversive. It is penned by the young author of Debt-free U: How I Paid for an Outstanding College Education without Loans, Scholarships, or Mooching off My Parents. In this book, Bisonette continues his campaign against debt by advising young adults to “drive a crappy old car,” avoid temptation in the form of credit cards and luxury items, put money into a Roth IRA early and save for something with lasting value such as the down payment on a home. He explains why credit unions are preferable to banks and why no-load index funds are a good investment. Not exactly sexy material, but the author writes in a fun, humorous tone includes many interesting anecdotes and resources so that it is actually a pleasure to read. He even includes his Gmail address and offers to help young people out with their resumes. There are not too many personal finance books that are laugh-out-loud funny, but this is one of them.

[Scott Fabel · Rating 3 out of 5]

It seems to me that nearly all financial advice books are about the same. I'm not even sure why I continue to read them. Zac Bisonnette's book looked like a fresh take on the same old ideas at first, but it wasn't really. It was the same take on the same old ideas. With one exception (the advice on investing), it was information that I had heard before. In fact, instead of presenting much new information, the author cites a variety of works from other books. So, if you want to have several books' content compiled into one, this book might be for you. Honestly, the author provides some great advice; however, it is really geared toward university students (or recent university graduates). I believe that this advice sometimes falls on deaf ears, yet young people would be so much better off if they listened. It is my hope that the catchy title (which I do truly love as a book title) will entice more young people to read the book and set themselves up to actually becoming richer, smarter, and better looking than their parents.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually, my parents are pretty great, so it wasn't the title of this book that sucked me in. I read this because often times I lack common sense, but in reading this I'm glad I was proven right with regards to finance.

Bissonette isn't dispensing any earth-shattering tips here, but it's all very sound and logical and definitely worth hearing more than once. My dad has been telling me essentially the same things for years.

Debt is bad, which everyone should know already but some people clearly don't. Saving is good.

This book won't really tell you how to be richer in the short term, but no one can do that. For young people interested in solid financial habits and information, this book is a funny and helpful read. Bissonette's sass is perfect and entertaining while still sounding trustworthy. Despite his age, he knows his stuff.

[Andrew Mutch · Rating 3 out of 5]

This isn't a bad book on personal finance. I found it a bit flip and disjointed in its presentation. But the author's target audience is younger and less experienced in the ways of personal finance and so this may be the author's way of keeping them engaged. The best part of the book is the section on investing for your retirement. Where it lags is in its lack of coherent focus as you work your way through it. Still, much of the advice is sound and if this is the introduction for young people to personal finance, the book provides a lot of references to more reading where they can expand on what they learn from this book.

[Tamica Penn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredible book and I definitely recommend this book to every one! This is perfect for anyone just starting out in college, just graduated college, or even a 50 year old! There are a ton of lessons to be learned, and even if it might be too late for you there is valuable information to be passed down to your children or those you know. I have to admit that some of the information in the book my parents have been trying to instill in me, but it is different when the author, at the time it was written, is the same age as me! Zac makes the book very relatable to his reader and gets straight to the point. A great read, and a book that I will definitely hold on to!

[Jenn Wells · Rating 3 out of 5]

I went back and forth on this one. There's definitely good advice and it was nice to hear financial advice with a basis in psychology and based on research instead of just the most logical thing to do (since we often don't do the logical thing). The author was very much in favor of purchasing in cash and avoiding debt, which isn't necessarily your standard financial advice. But the heavy sarcasm and repeatedly saying everyone who valued material possessions should see a psychiatrist got a little old. I got the point he was making but it just felt a little belabored, "If you don't see things my way, you're crazy!"

[Austin J Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the best personal finance book that I have read so far! His advice on credit cards, shopping and much more helped me to understand the world of finance better and be aware of the tricks that many use to get you to do something. It was such a great read that in my English class, I wrote about it in a personal literacy narrative because of the information I got from the book can help anyone achieve their financial dreams by following the author's advice. Recommended for anyone who wants to do better financially.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't feel like I learned very much from this book at all. Maybe I'm just not in the right mindset or the right stage in my life right now, but a lot of the information in this book did not seem to apply to me. This is strange, considering I am in the young age group that he's addressing. I liked his writing style somewhat, which is snappy and fun. However, I think he needed to expand upon his points more, rather than filling in the book with fluffy statistics that barely backed up his points.

[Jeni · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always great when you read a financial book and realize you're doing at least some things right. This was a nice easy read with solid and understandable advice, and this is coming from a former English major, who at times when there's too much money/math, I'll just automatically tune out. At times I thought he quoted too many other sources and should've just stuck to his advice rather than seeking validation or disagreeing with other financial gurus, but I get what he was doing. Overall, I liked his sarcastic tone and sound money sense.

[Robert Gelin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been recently looking for some personal finance books or books with general tips on how to maneuver through the terrifically dense world of finance specifically as a young adult. This book was fantastic in that regard, it has excellent tips and resources for people who are just starting adult life and are faced with managing their money responsibly without having ever been formally educated on what that exactly entails. To top it all off Bissonnette has excellent humor, I found myself reaching for a highlighter and chuckling often.


Read it.

Especially if you're between 20-27.