Bad with Money

December 1, 2018

Journalist, actress, and LGBTQ activist Dunn (host, Bad with Money podcast; coauthor, I Hate Everyone But You) sets out to disrupt the complicated world of personal finance with this fresh take on money management. In this work based on her podcast, Dunn describes being raised by parents who weren't good with money and thus never taught her how to manage it. The author spent years accumulating student loans and credit card debt in the pursuit of her career. Looking back, she's now able to impart sage advice to those who haven't yet faced the same choices. Never claiming to have a degree in finance, Dunn provides a holistic (and refreshingly non-cis-white male) approach to money matters, exploring topics such as income, relationships, emotional health, marriage, health care, class, education, credit, and taxes. Eschewing worksheets or lofty savings goals, Dunn succeeds in removing the stigmas surrounding money and saving for the future with research, anecdotal stories, and unapologetic opinions. VERDICT A helpful money guide for twenty- to thirtysomethings, feminist or queer readers looking for better advice than what their parents gave (or maybe didn't give) them.--Jennifer Clifton, Indiana State Lib., Indianapolis

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from December 1, 2018
Dunn (I Hate Everyone but You, 2017) weaves together memoir, social commentary, and financial advice in a humorous self-help book for anyone white-knuckling it towards economic independence. Chapter topics range from the emotional (how to disengage from bad money habits learned during childhood, seeking mental-health treatment when issues influence poor financial decisions, how to talk about money in a new romantic relationship) to the practical (finding a second job or side hustle, rebuilding your credit score, identifying a budgeting method that works for you). This book also addresses financial issues specific to the LGBTQIA community with care and consideration, like planning a queer wedding or financing in vitro fertilization. Best of all, readers can breathe a sigh of relief: Dunn may be a master of snark, but her biting commentary punches up. She doesn't condemn bad fiscal decisions but rather offers manageable how-tos for getting yourself out of a bad situation and planning for the future.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)