The Missing Semester

by Matt Kabala, Gene Natali Jr.

Choices we make every day have financial consequences--in some cases, BIG financial consequences. Understanding these critical decisions requires understanding their long-term effects. The Missing Semester provides a short course on the essentials for making wise financial decisions and gaining financial freedom. Although designed with the recent college graduate in mind, The Missing Semester is relevant to a much wider audience. Those who bypassed college, or who are already in the working world, may better relate to some of the topics discussed. For those still in college or high school, this is a chance to get a head-start on peers and an independent life. The Missing Semester is based on the principle of ownership--ownership of your financial future. It begins with the premise that your financial future is your responsibility, and that you cannot plan for or expect help. The book shows how to build a strong financial foundation, prepare for the unexpected, and confront challenges.

Genres: Nonfiction, Finance, Personal Finance, Education

102 pages, Paperback

First published May 14, 2012

Reviews

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and helpful read. The Missing Semester had some information I already knew and also lots that I didn't. I think that some recommendations were a little outdated (it was written in 2012), but overall, very sound advice.

This book got me thinking about how much liquid savings I should have, how much is acceptable to spend on housing, practical advice for taking out a car loan, the basics of investing, and most of all, how to be frugal through all of this.

In fact, my one qualm with this book is that it maybe promotes frugality a little too much. As a person who already spends extremely cautiously, sometimes too cautiously, I found myself wishing for more advice on how to strike a balanced between responsibility and spending rather than taking drastic measures.

But I recognize this book's intended audience is recent grads with lots of debt. I'm blessed and thankful that this isn't my situation, and so I can forgive this book for promoting drastic action!

[Kate DiCicco · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was by far, the most conversation fin lot book I have read. I recommend this for anyone that feels overwhelmed by how to invest, budget, etc. The chapters are short and sweet but dense with wisdom.

My only criticism is that I wish the sources were more substantial. I hope they write an update for the post COVID landscape!

[Reggie Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read to get started with financial knowledge

A very easy read with very good financial advice. It can easily be finished in a day. It’s especially good for high school or college students

[Margaret Kasik · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very brief, only 65 pages long

[Amalek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read

I would have loved more information but nonetheless it was a good read. I would recommend reading when your desperate for financial information.

[Emily Pryor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very similar to Dave Ramsey IMO but prefer Dave’s FPU classes/program bc it’s more in depth.

[morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

read this for personal finance LOL

[Jon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book covering many of the basics. Very simple good for younger people

[Hailee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to reinforce the importance of being financially literate and introduce how to be smart when making financial decisions.
A very quick read that every high school student should be required to read.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was lots of good information in this book, aimed at recent grads. I hope that my son will read it!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good information presented in easy to understand language for the target audience. Every high school student should read this and keep it for reference.

[Marc Demichele · Rating 4 out of 5]

good starting point .

[Christopher Ramos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to understand, great to read

I really enjoyed the book and it points out many of the habits that leave people in a cycle of debt and never making any wealth.

[Carnegie Mellon University Alumni Association]

Eugene Natali, Jr. (TPR 2007), Co-Author

From the co-author:
2013 EIFLE (Excellence in Financial Literacy Education) Book of the Year - Adult, General Awarded by: the Institute For Financial Literacy. About the Award: The EIFLE Awards were established in 2007 and have since become one of the most prestigious and sought after awards in the industry. Each year, the Institute for Financial Literacy presents EIFLE Awards to individuals and organizations that have shown exceptional innovation,dedication and commitment to the field of financial literacy education. About the Book: Designed with the recent high school or college graduate in mind, The Missing Semester provides a short course on the essentials for making wise financial decisions and gaining financial freedom.