Budgeting Basics

College grads newly living on their own and working in that first big job can easily wind up facing every grownup's nightmare—insurmountable debt—if they lack proper budgeting skills. Budgeting Basics features realistic scenarios, practical step-by-step guidelines, and sensible solutions to common pitfalls as it follows the (mis)adventures of “Rachel” (whose paycheck is disappearing way too fast). Rachel regularly meets with a financial advisor friend for a money makeover aimed at helping her to create a workable household budget, set financial goals, and plan for fiscal emergencies. Along with basic budgeting, viewers will learn relevant vocabulary (such as “take-home pay” or “flexible costs”), as well as briefly look at the subjects of taxes, retirement, savings, and charitable contributions. While the acting is a little wooden, the information is both solid and creatively presented. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (E. Gieschen)