College Financing Information for Teens

This volume is intended to help teens and their families make good choices about financing postsecondary education. Unfortunately, it misses its mark. The content arrangement is disorderly and perplexing, with small pieces of financial information scattered throughout chapters that otherwise do not deal with finances and would be better suited to a resource addressing the selection of college programs. Adding to this confusion is a lack of clarity regarding the intended audience. Though the book is touted to teens, the narrative frequently switches—without explanation or warning—to addressing their parents. Much of the content is incomprehensible to anyone not already comfortable with investment and education tax outcomes, and solid, practical advice regarding credit cards, budgeting, personal finance, thrifty living, and finding side income is given only brief consideration. Aside from an extensive section detailing federal financial aid and a guide to scholarships, little actionable information is provided.