Why should I care?

Ho hum, this stuff is so boring! Why should I care? Why do I need to know this anyway? Too bad the investment world didn't come up with terms like basic body lotion investments, risky red lipstick stocks, or your average hold everything handbag balanced fund. Then maybe investments might make sense. As boring as it may seem, having a good understanding of your finances gives you the same sense of security as that handsome hunk of a boyfriend with his arms wrapped tight around you.  From the day you leave your parent's house until the day you turn 100 and every step in between, your finances will have a huge impact on your life.

What choices will you make?

Will you run up massive credit card debt buying 150 pairs of spectacular shoes you just had to have, only to find you can't pay more than the minimum payment every month? That option means you pay a huge amount of interest thereby keeping credit card companies in business and leaving you broke. Will you marry that handsome hunk of a boyfriend and let him handle the finances until you find out he has a gambling problem, ran off with your best friend, or just isn't very good at it?  That option leaves you vulnerable, in the dark, and uneducated. After all, it's your future, isn't it?  Maybe you'll just hand your hard earned money over to Mr. Slick Stockbroker hoping he knows what he's doing. He could take advantage of you in a second by putting you in high cost investments, having a much riskier plan than your comfort level, or just flat out running off with your money.

The point is you don't need to be an expert, but you do need to have goals, a plan, and know what you own. Take charge of your life, don't let someone take charge of you.

P.S.  If you know you won't have the money to pay off those shoes when the bill comes, here's a novel idea - don't buy them! Trust me, I have a shoe fetish - I know how hard it is. You can do it; there'll be another cute pair next month too. Save your money until you can afford them.