Budgeting and Financial Decision-Making

This program in the Personal Finance Essentials series—aimed at young people who are just becoming financially independent—covers a variety of topics, including planning and sticking to a budget, consumer rights, buying auto and/or health insurance, deciding whether to purchase or lease a car, buying versus renting a home, protecting wireless communications, avoiding identity theft, and recognizing scams. Combining live-action vignettes, animation, and talking-head commentary, the program offers solid information and advice, ranging from general tips (don't open e-mail from strangers) to fairly detailed scenarios. For example, renting a house for $1,000 a month (including utilities) is compared to buying a $200,000 house with a 30-year fixed mortgage at a 5 percent interest rate, taking into account overall monthly expenses and interest payments. A very traditional-looking educational series—likely to work best in the classroom in small doses (aided by easy access to individual chapters)—other titles include Checking Accounts and Everyday Banking; Credit, Borrowing, and Debt; Saving and Investing; and Taxes and Tax Benefits. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (M. Puffer-Rothenberg)