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Why Didn't They Teach Me This in School?: 99 Personal Money Management Principles to Live By
Bestselling 5 Star Graduation Gift for both College and High School grads! Why do high schools and colleges require students to take courses in English, math and science, yet have absolutely no requirements for students to learn about personal money management?Why Didn't They Teach Me This in School? 99 Personal Money Management Lessons to Live By was initially developed by the author to pass on to his five children as they entered adulthood. As it developed, the author realized that personal money management skills were rarely taught in high schools, colleges and even in MBA programs. Unfortunately, books on the subject tend to be complicated, lengthy reads. The book includes eight important lessons focusing on 99 principles that will quickly and memorably enhance any individual's money management acumen. Unlike many of the personal money management books out there, this book is a quick, easily digested read that focuses more on the qualitative side than the quantitative side of personal money management. The principles are not from a text book. Rather, they are practical principles learned by the author as he navigated through his financial life. Many are unorthodox in order to be memorable and provoke deeper thought by the reader.Not only an excellent graduation gift for high school and college students but also a great read for any adult!
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 6, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 238 reviews
September 2, 2017
Quick review for a very quick read. Literally, there are 99 tips in this book with relation to personal finance and the author delves into each notation with precise and somewhat helpful advice. I'll admit what made me pick up this book was a combination of different things - the promise of a quick read, the expansion on personal financial management, and the quirky title. (True, there are many people that ask why people aren't taught money management through their schooling, regardless of level.)
The book is divided into several sections:
1. Life Lesson
2. Budgeting and Saving Lesson
3. Spending Lesson
4. Debt and Credit Card Lesson
5. Investing Lesson
6. Housing Lesson
7. Quick Tips
There were definitely many helpful tips in each section to peruse - I though the "Spending", "Debt and Credit Card," "Investing" and "Quick Tips" were the most helpful and practical, though some state the obvious. (i.e. "Debt is Bad", but the author gives the rationale that this bears repeating because of how many will give advice on how it is helpful to carry debt - which he notes is not true.) It's a quick read, and there are things that are useful to pick up for each topic and section given in the narrative.
Yet, I was really bothered by the assumptions and blanket statements made throughout this book, which prompts me to say there are much better, more inclusive narratives on personal finance than this, despite some turns of useful/practical advice. Such assumptions could be found - for example - in the "Life Lesson" section - such directions don't necessarily translate to everyone's lifestyles or practices. (i.e. "Marrying well" isn't an option if there are single people who wish to stay single or live in a lifelong partnership. Also...gender assumptions when it comes to relationships and money - not cool at all.) The "soapbox" comments are one too many, judgmental, and tangential, they detract from the overarching value of the narrative.
Overall, I don't regret the quick read, but it's not a narrative I would return to when there are other turns of literature that are more thorough, thoughtful, and informative.
Overall score: 2/5 stars.
The book is divided into several sections:
1. Life Lesson
2. Budgeting and Saving Lesson
3. Spending Lesson
4. Debt and Credit Card Lesson
5. Investing Lesson
6. Housing Lesson
7. Quick Tips
There were definitely many helpful tips in each section to peruse - I though the "Spending", "Debt and Credit Card," "Investing" and "Quick Tips" were the most helpful and practical, though some state the obvious. (i.e. "Debt is Bad", but the author gives the rationale that this bears repeating because of how many will give advice on how it is helpful to carry debt - which he notes is not true.) It's a quick read, and there are things that are useful to pick up for each topic and section given in the narrative.
Yet, I was really bothered by the assumptions and blanket statements made throughout this book, which prompts me to say there are much better, more inclusive narratives on personal finance than this, despite some turns of useful/practical advice. Such assumptions could be found - for example - in the "Life Lesson" section - such directions don't necessarily translate to everyone's lifestyles or practices. (i.e. "Marrying well" isn't an option if there are single people who wish to stay single or live in a lifelong partnership. Also...gender assumptions when it comes to relationships and money - not cool at all.) The "soapbox" comments are one too many, judgmental, and tangential, they detract from the overarching value of the narrative.
Overall, I don't regret the quick read, but it's not a narrative I would return to when there are other turns of literature that are more thorough, thoughtful, and informative.
Overall score: 2/5 stars.
July 26, 2017
basic but straight to the point and very practical.
Has a lots of "tips" that are, i have to say it, common sense but it's good to hear them again once in a while - especially if you're trying to get out of debt.
That's not my case. But i'm no better : i'm a broke student. While most of my highschool friends are getting a job and going on vacations, while most of my classmates are financially fully looked after by their parents, i have to be really cautious with my expenses so that they fit in my budget, put every single dollar to work and save whatever i can.
When i talk with my peers, i look stingy because i don't have the same lifestyle as them, i feel frustrated also... so when i read this type of books, it gives me a reminder that i'm doing the right thing and that i'm being financially responsible. I know that i can't afford to waste money and i refuse to take a loan to live a lifestyle that i can't pay for in cash.
Anyway, back to the book, there was lot of tips specific to the US (the whole investment part, the one about credit cards,...) and some i know i won't use for a very long time (home investment, car payments,...) but it's good to have heard them at least once now, it'll be useful later.
It felt a bit redundant on some part : the ones about saving, and the ones about not buying random/expensive stuff. I was particularly bored when reading the part about shopping carefully because i never buy on impulse and i very seldom buy high tickets items.
Mostly, i loved tip 13 : develop a written budget and evaluate it every month.
I used to do it when i first moved to uni, but then got lazy.
I had a negative balance earlier this year so I created a new excel sheet (it gave me headaches, cold sweats and took me a week end) but it was worth it. By making minor changes in my habits, i was back within budget and increased my savings.
One tip i never heard anywhere before was the : "live an emergency month every january" where you act as if you have no income, leading to review your priorities. I don't think i'll ever do something like that (mostly because every month is an emergency month for me...) but that's interesting to see what other people do to stay on track.
My top 5 money management habits :
-pay everything in cash or debit. (i'm surprised anything else is even allowed in foreign countries)
-make your budget sheet and check it either bi weekly or monthly (it's hard at first, but then it takes you only a couple of minutes each month to know your financial health).
-shopping isn't a hobby. don't buy stuff to make you feel better. don't buy stuff because you're bored. don't fall for marketing strategies. "deals and bargains" are never in your favor.
-save up. i do 2 types of saving : "long term/emergency" that i keep for later but would spend if there's a sudden, unexpected major problem (health, car, family,...) and "short term/personal use" that i have something in mind for (next vacation, new laptop, car check up,...)
-learn about finance on a micro and a macro level. teach yourself, don't be the puppet of anyone. be knowledgeable, be responsible.
Has a lots of "tips" that are, i have to say it, common sense but it's good to hear them again once in a while - especially if you're trying to get out of debt.
That's not my case. But i'm no better : i'm a broke student. While most of my highschool friends are getting a job and going on vacations, while most of my classmates are financially fully looked after by their parents, i have to be really cautious with my expenses so that they fit in my budget, put every single dollar to work and save whatever i can.
When i talk with my peers, i look stingy because i don't have the same lifestyle as them, i feel frustrated also... so when i read this type of books, it gives me a reminder that i'm doing the right thing and that i'm being financially responsible. I know that i can't afford to waste money and i refuse to take a loan to live a lifestyle that i can't pay for in cash.
Anyway, back to the book, there was lot of tips specific to the US (the whole investment part, the one about credit cards,...) and some i know i won't use for a very long time (home investment, car payments,...) but it's good to have heard them at least once now, it'll be useful later.
It felt a bit redundant on some part : the ones about saving, and the ones about not buying random/expensive stuff. I was particularly bored when reading the part about shopping carefully because i never buy on impulse and i very seldom buy high tickets items.
Mostly, i loved tip 13 : develop a written budget and evaluate it every month.
I used to do it when i first moved to uni, but then got lazy.
I had a negative balance earlier this year so I created a new excel sheet (it gave me headaches, cold sweats and took me a week end) but it was worth it. By making minor changes in my habits, i was back within budget and increased my savings.
One tip i never heard anywhere before was the : "live an emergency month every january" where you act as if you have no income, leading to review your priorities. I don't think i'll ever do something like that (mostly because every month is an emergency month for me...) but that's interesting to see what other people do to stay on track.
My top 5 money management habits :
-pay everything in cash or debit. (i'm surprised anything else is even allowed in foreign countries)
-make your budget sheet and check it either bi weekly or monthly (it's hard at first, but then it takes you only a couple of minutes each month to know your financial health).
-shopping isn't a hobby. don't buy stuff to make you feel better. don't buy stuff because you're bored. don't fall for marketing strategies. "deals and bargains" are never in your favor.
-save up. i do 2 types of saving : "long term/emergency" that i keep for later but would spend if there's a sudden, unexpected major problem (health, car, family,...) and "short term/personal use" that i have something in mind for (next vacation, new laptop, car check up,...)
-learn about finance on a micro and a macro level. teach yourself, don't be the puppet of anyone. be knowledgeable, be responsible.
December 3, 2021
This book is definitely the things we should be taught about money management in school. Personally from my experience at my high school, I got taught absolutely nothing about money management so this book was great at helping me to understand some of the ways to save myself a hell of a lot of money in the future. This is definitely the book that all of us young adults, and even adults need.
April 17, 2021
This was a good reminder of some tips that I should follow to manage my money better, especially after reading "Your Money or Your Life".
August 28, 2023
3.5 star rating
Clear and concise pointers to money management. But not inclusive and wide ranging enough. This assumed a lot within a white heterosexual blue collar setup, I guess just within the Author's perspective.
Clear and concise pointers to money management. But not inclusive and wide ranging enough. This assumed a lot within a white heterosexual blue collar setup, I guess just within the Author's perspective.
August 23, 2022
Very U.S. focused but other than that really insightful
October 25, 2022
Helpful if you’re using money for the first time in your life. Would give to a child or an alien, not to an adult
July 31, 2018
Good book on financial planning. Regret this information is not taught in schools as told by the author.
One principle which I will implement in my life is the 30% hra mentioned. It makes a lot sense. A good starting place for financial literacy.
One principle which I will implement in my life is the 30% hra mentioned. It makes a lot sense. A good starting place for financial literacy.
Read
June 19, 2022A laundry list of many financial best practices. The following are some which resonated:
-Live within your means- don't fall in debt in a bid to keep up with the Joneses.
-Keep track of your budget.
-Invest in index/mutual funds and long term (tried-and-tested) schemes rather than 'gimmicky' get rich quick schemes.
-Don't directly go for buying a house, rent a place until you can afford your own house.
-Make sure the mortgage payments including taxes form less than 28% of your income.
-Don't directly go for a very expensive house.
-Make sure mortgage ends in max 15 years.
-Select mortgage with minimum interest rates- duh!
-Invest in health, car and home insurance- those are important.
-If you are young (in twenties), maybe go for life insurance.
-Live within your means- don't fall in debt in a bid to keep up with the Joneses.
-Keep track of your budget.
-Invest in index/mutual funds and long term (tried-and-tested) schemes rather than 'gimmicky' get rich quick schemes.
-Don't directly go for buying a house, rent a place until you can afford your own house.
-Make sure the mortgage payments including taxes form less than 28% of your income.
-Don't directly go for a very expensive house.
-Make sure mortgage ends in max 15 years.
-Select mortgage with minimum interest rates- duh!
-Invest in health, car and home insurance- those are important.
-If you are young (in twenties), maybe go for life insurance.
October 18, 2017
I was expecting some really amazing info in this book but there wasn't anything which I didn't know before. Maybe because this book was written while keeping American's spending habit in mind. For someone like me, who's an Indian, the tips mentioned in the book are what we are brought up with.
February 23, 2021
Quick read. Very basic but much needed advice and tips that at least put you in the mindset of starting to ask the right questions and paying attention to important details
August 13, 2017
2.5 stars. This isn't a *terrible* book but there is better to be found. My BF bought this with a copy of Adulting, based on Amazon recommendations, as a gift for someone we know. I decided to read both before giving them. I definitely recommend Adulting, but not so much this book.
There is good information and it is an easy read. However, the author has strong biases that come through right from the beginning. The book literally starts out with tips about getting married and having kids. That is not everyone's path...
I'll admit, I wrote in this book before giving it to the intended recipient. I just could not leave some of the tips without comment. For example, "have a maximum of only one credit card." As often as my main card has been replaced for possible fraud, this would leave me without a credit card for two weeks at a time. Then he says just use a debit card. Um, they don't have the same protections as a credit card, and a decent credit card will have some rewards that debit cards don't have.
He also has a bias against financial advisors, thinks they are all investment managers, and that even though most are not crooks, they aren't worthwhile since a few have been. That's like saying it's not worth hiring a personal trainer because that one guy didn't work...
There are several more examples of less importance, but I don't think this is a great companion to the Adulting book since that author is writing for a young audience and she herself is young and more careful to say when things might not apply, and this author makes himself sound like he's yelling "get off my lawn" every day.
There is good information and it is an easy read. However, the author has strong biases that come through right from the beginning. The book literally starts out with tips about getting married and having kids. That is not everyone's path...
I'll admit, I wrote in this book before giving it to the intended recipient. I just could not leave some of the tips without comment. For example, "have a maximum of only one credit card." As often as my main card has been replaced for possible fraud, this would leave me without a credit card for two weeks at a time. Then he says just use a debit card. Um, they don't have the same protections as a credit card, and a decent credit card will have some rewards that debit cards don't have.
He also has a bias against financial advisors, thinks they are all investment managers, and that even though most are not crooks, they aren't worthwhile since a few have been. That's like saying it's not worth hiring a personal trainer because that one guy didn't work...
There are several more examples of less importance, but I don't think this is a great companion to the Adulting book since that author is writing for a young audience and she herself is young and more careful to say when things might not apply, and this author makes himself sound like he's yelling "get off my lawn" every day.
July 22, 2020
A lot of his tips seem like pretty general knowledge, but it’s good to be reminded of them for the future. I can see myself definitely looking back at this book for reference when I’m starting to manage my own money in college.
October 3, 2020
Although I don’t agree with the author on all things, I do practice more than a few. IMO Common sense advice that may not be as common as most of us think. Will I recommend this book to the teenager looking for finance books in my life? No
3 stars
3 stars
April 3, 2025
Read for my personal finance class, is definitely outdated in todays society, but does have some tips that’s are still useful. Easy read, did provide some helpful information and took little more than two hours to read.
July 20, 2025
-3 stars for an overly preachy life lesson masquerading as financial advice. Wow, this was awful. I read some aloud to my husband and he asked me to stop because it was so bad.
February 3, 2021
A quick read of tips that can help in personal finance. A straightforward way and very easy to understand and learn some ideas for managing money. recommended..
December 18, 2024
Great common sense advice.
August 23, 2022
Amazing tips from Cary
January 10, 2021
After reading Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad Poor Dad, I was interested to educate myself financially and make money work for me. However, Kiyosaki offered limited practical advise that can be applied to the smallest of everyday decisions. This book provided those practical habits that I can build on. They were rational, unemotional, and can be applied to everyday aspects of life. The best ones I will carry into my life include
- Always use CASH when spending
- Marry someone who is as dedicated as you are towards practicing financial literacy (Divorces cost a lot too)
- Think about having children very carefully, they are huge liabilities
- Take into account maintenance costs (cost of ownership)
- Do a monthly fiscal
- Develop the habit of doing a monthly budget (more money must come in than come out, Balance)
- Account for an Emergency Fund and Savings in your monthly budget
- Save/Invest 50% of your salary increase
- Never initially account for bonuses unless you have the actual already (invest 90%, spend 10%)
- Focus on your own financial integrity. Never compare with what other people have. They’re probably spending more than they should
- Spend on the things you will actually use and be passionate about. Cut down on the others that you are not that into.
- Don’t give in to impulse during a sale. Do you really need it? Is it something you will still buy at full price?
- STOP and think about it for 1 month if you really do need it.
- Negotiate before spending. Let them know that you have other options.
- Keep your receipts
- Buy a used car or last year’s model if you’re buying a new one
- Buy a house only once you can afford it. Rent gives you more mobility when starting out
- Use only 1 credit card if you have to
- Never loan (house, car). You’ll end up paying more from what is actually worth.
- Avoid get rich quick schemes. Invest in small and accumulative steps.
- Time in the market > Timing the market
- Rent should cost only up to 25% of your salary
- Rent until until affordable for you to buy
- Get insurances that have higher deductibles. Teaches you to use insurance only in the most costly of accidents
- Always use CASH when spending
- Marry someone who is as dedicated as you are towards practicing financial literacy (Divorces cost a lot too)
- Think about having children very carefully, they are huge liabilities
- Take into account maintenance costs (cost of ownership)
- Do a monthly fiscal
- Develop the habit of doing a monthly budget (more money must come in than come out, Balance)
- Account for an Emergency Fund and Savings in your monthly budget
- Save/Invest 50% of your salary increase
- Never initially account for bonuses unless you have the actual already (invest 90%, spend 10%)
- Focus on your own financial integrity. Never compare with what other people have. They’re probably spending more than they should
- Spend on the things you will actually use and be passionate about. Cut down on the others that you are not that into.
- Don’t give in to impulse during a sale. Do you really need it? Is it something you will still buy at full price?
- STOP and think about it for 1 month if you really do need it.
- Negotiate before spending. Let them know that you have other options.
- Keep your receipts
- Buy a used car or last year’s model if you’re buying a new one
- Buy a house only once you can afford it. Rent gives you more mobility when starting out
- Use only 1 credit card if you have to
- Never loan (house, car). You’ll end up paying more from what is actually worth.
- Avoid get rich quick schemes. Invest in small and accumulative steps.
- Time in the market > Timing the market
- Rent should cost only up to 25% of your salary
- Rent until until affordable for you to buy
- Get insurances that have higher deductibles. Teaches you to use insurance only in the most costly of accidents
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2019
Cary Siegel first wrote the lessons that he shares in this book for his five teenager children, with the goal of teaching them how to live a sound financial life. I'm glad that he chose to expand his audience beyond his family circle because this book have precious lessons that I intend to apply to my life.
The book is well written and an easy read. As the subtitle makes clear, it is 99 lessons about personal finance. The lessons are usually short and direct, but touch a broad range of issues. There is some repetition of ideas, so probably the book could go well with just 75 or 80 principles, but I don't this these numbers sound so well as 99. Moreover, some of the lessons aren't useful for non-US residents, but most of the lessons are sound, regardless of the country you live in.
The first two lessons (n°1: Marry the financially correct person; n°2: Stay married to the financially correct person) were my favorite. But there are principles that could help to create the saving habit, such as the idea of saving at least 50% of every pay raise or 90% of every bonus.
Summing up, even though the insights could be shared in less than 99 lessons, the book is well worth the reading, and I recommend it for anybody that is beginning his work life and wants guidance in how to better use his wage for achieving financial freedom.
The book is well written and an easy read. As the subtitle makes clear, it is 99 lessons about personal finance. The lessons are usually short and direct, but touch a broad range of issues. There is some repetition of ideas, so probably the book could go well with just 75 or 80 principles, but I don't this these numbers sound so well as 99. Moreover, some of the lessons aren't useful for non-US residents, but most of the lessons are sound, regardless of the country you live in.
The first two lessons (n°1: Marry the financially correct person; n°2: Stay married to the financially correct person) were my favorite. But there are principles that could help to create the saving habit, such as the idea of saving at least 50% of every pay raise or 90% of every bonus.
Summing up, even though the insights could be shared in less than 99 lessons, the book is well worth the reading, and I recommend it for anybody that is beginning his work life and wants guidance in how to better use his wage for achieving financial freedom.
June 24, 2017
I read this book a couple of months ago and I found it again in one of my folders.
Let me start with the good parts of this book.
The structure is great, because you can just go to the table of contents and jump into one of the tips right away. Thus, reading this book is freaking easy.
As a result, it will take maximum 3-4 days to finish it.
Now, the fucking bad parts of this book.
It is awful!
I expected more from the title and the table of contents.
Instead I started reading a book with many "duhhh" moments!
The opening is really bad! The author assumes that we are getting married since chapter 1.
Like WTF, wait a second. Why do you have to dive that deep? I just started reading this book!
Most of the people that would read this book, I assume are college students, because of the title!
BUT NO! YOU ARE GETTING MARRIED, THUS GET A NICE NO EXPENSES WIFE!
The principles are fucking small. Take a look at principle 83, literally 4 lines! YES, 4!
I found myself skimming a lot of material, which I hate doing, but I just could not help myself!
Really bad book. 2 stars only because I liked 4-5 principles.
Let me start with the good parts of this book.
The structure is great, because you can just go to the table of contents and jump into one of the tips right away. Thus, reading this book is freaking easy.
As a result, it will take maximum 3-4 days to finish it.
Now, the fucking bad parts of this book.
It is awful!
I expected more from the title and the table of contents.
Instead I started reading a book with many "duhhh" moments!
The opening is really bad! The author assumes that we are getting married since chapter 1.
Like WTF, wait a second. Why do you have to dive that deep? I just started reading this book!
Most of the people that would read this book, I assume are college students, because of the title!
BUT NO! YOU ARE GETTING MARRIED, THUS GET A NICE NO EXPENSES WIFE!
The principles are fucking small. Take a look at principle 83, literally 4 lines! YES, 4!
I found myself skimming a lot of material, which I hate doing, but I just could not help myself!
Really bad book. 2 stars only because I liked 4-5 principles.
April 25, 2022
A wonderful book for middle-class young adults with no previous financial education. Quite straightforward and easy to read. That being said, it doesn’t offer much insight that haven’t been said before elsewhere.
If you aren’t willing to dedicate many hours of your life to educate yourself on money and freedom, this is the reading for you.
It is worth my time, because it has refreshed my memory. Full of common sense, I enjoyed the way the principles are set.
It is a one-day read that can change how people manage their cash, letting them have the foundations needed to make the best use of more advanced books.
If you aren’t willing to dedicate many hours of your life to educate yourself on money and freedom, this is the reading for you.
It is worth my time, because it has refreshed my memory. Full of common sense, I enjoyed the way the principles are set.
It is a one-day read that can change how people manage their cash, letting them have the foundations needed to make the best use of more advanced books.
June 26, 2016
amazing book talk about money and how to manage it and other hacks to bypass debt situation and a lot of advice to warn you about sequences of the credit card and and how to save hundreds of dollars by simple tips and his private strategy over all his years of experience in managing his own money all that in just one little book you can finish it in one or two sessions i really love the book it teach me a lot and tech what my parents didn't teach me i think everyone need this book :) thanks for reading
February 12, 2017
Lots of practical tips, tricks, and advice to help you live a financially responsible and stress-free life. A lot of it is basic common sense, but it helps to demystify the general principles of personal finance written out and described in a tangible way that is easy to implement. It's a quick, easy read that I would recommend to anyone looking for a simple guide.
June 27, 2022
This book has a lot of great tips about how to save money. It is not another “get rich quick” books, but one that teaches about small life changes that can lead to financial freedom. My one major criticism is that I wish there were a little bit more references on how to get technology involved in these tips such as app suggestions. Overall 3.5-4 stars
July 21, 2020
This book is as basic as your highschool crush. 99 points regarding personal finance but goes into little detail on any of them. I'd recommend using your time reading something more comprehensive. Or maybe you can use this book as a gateway to more finance books. You do you man.
July 4, 2022
Useful but very basic advice, it is a short book so it was more of a refresher of things everybody should remember. I think this book would be great to give to older teenagers, I myself would have loved to read such a book at that age.
November 14, 2018
Some of the principles were noteworthy, and others I felt like weren’t stellar. For the most part, things I will definitely be conscious of in my future.
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