Teen Guide to Adulting: Gaining Financial Independence

Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr., justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, once declared, "Taxes are what we pay for civilized society." The Internal Revenue Service includes the statement on a web page of inspirational and entertaining quotes on taxes, a subject about which many teens lack practical knowledge. This engaging volume explains the many types of taxes, some of which young adults may already pay, and describes how taxes fund essential local, state, and federal services. It offers a solid grounding of taxes that can help prepare teens for financial independence and provides practical guidance, including how to file personal income tax returns.

A home is often the most expensive purchase a person makes in his or her lifetime. Whether it's a single-family house or a unit in a condominium or co-op building, the total price is usually far more than what most people can pay at once. Many people cover the cost by borrowing money from a bank or lender through a mortgage loan. This detailed and informative resource clearly describes the process of taking out a mortgage, the various components of such a loan, the responsibilities of the borrower, and the benefits and potential pitfalls of borrowing.

Often young people assume that, because they are healthy, they can do without health insurance. Then, an unexpected accident or illness happens and they are left with a mountain of medical bills they cannot pay. This volume explains exactly what health insurance does for people, and the types of health care plans, including private, group, and government plans, and their similarities and differences. It discusses the various insurance needs at different stages of life, health care affordability, and the factors to consider when choosing a health care plan. Universal health care is also examined.

This authoritative and comprehensive resource provides readers with an extensive and compelling look at the world of stocks. Through an accessible narrative, readers learn how they can begin stock investing as teens and young adults. From why companies engage in equity financing to how speculators gain from "buy low, sell high," readers further explore this multifaceted investment tool. The narrative also explains dividends, bull and bear markets, brokerage accounts and what stockbrokers do, price-to-earnings ratio, and bid price, among other concepts. Readers glean valuable insight about stocks and various investment philosophies.

In today's high-tech, fast-paced world, the job market is incredibly competitive. Searching for even part-time summer work, much less the perfect job, can be time-consuming and challenging. Fortunately, this book has readers covered, with practical tips for honing in-person networking skills and using a variety of reputable online resources to find the positions most suited for their passions and skills. They'll learn how to craft superstar resumes and polished cover letters. Preparing for and acing the job interview is inspirationally explained. Using this resource, readers can confidently begin their journey toward a fulfilling career.

When students leave school and obtain their first job, they will be faced with the issue of investing in retirement accounts such as 401(k)s and IRAs. They're expected to make decisions on a subject of which they lack knowledge. This illuminating guide provides readers with an understanding of the nature of investing for retirement and the advantages of starting early. It clearly explains some of the types of investments such as annuities, money market accounts, mutual funds, and stocks, and it explains various retirement plans. It offers tips on the best ways to approach investing for retirement accounts to help readers secure their future.