Let's face it, life costs money. But understanding how it all works shouldn't have to be complicated.
Life Costs Money – Now What? is a practical, easy-to-follow guide designed to help teenagers and young adults navigate everyday money decisions.
From earning your first pay cheque to saving, budgeting, buying your first car and understanding credit, this book breaks down the financial basics into simple, everyday language.
No confusing jargon. No boring finance lectures. Just real-life money lessons, practical examples and a little humour along the way.
Why I Wrote This Book
After more than 20 years working in finance and business, I've seen how many people reach adulthood without being taught the basics of managing money.
As a mum, I wanted to give my son something practical that he could turn to as he started making his own financial decisions.
But I also knew he wouldn't be the only one who could benefit.
So I took the knowledge I've gained throughout my career and turned it into a book that makes finance easier to understand, without making it feel like another school textbook.
My hope is that it helps young people feel more confident asking questions, understanding their options and making informed decisions about their money.
Because understanding money gives you more confidence to make life's bigger decisions.
What's Inside?
The book explores practical money topics that young people are likely to encounter as they become more independent.
Understanding your first job and pay
Budgeting and managing everyday expenses
Saving money and setting goals
Buying and running your first car
Moving out of home and understanding living costs
Credit scores, borrowing and debt
Understanding the basics of investing
Preparing for bigger financial decisions
What to do when money gets a little tight
Throughout the book, you'll find examples, checklists and practical activities to help put what you've learned into action.
Who Is This Book For?
Teenagers and young adults (approximately 14 years and older)
Whether you're preparing for your first job, learning to manage your own money or starting to make bigger financial decisions, this book is designed to help you get started.
Parents and grandparents
Looking for a practical gift that could help a young person build confidence with money? This book offers an approachable way to introduce important financial concepts and start conversations about money.
Anyone wanting to understand the basics
You don't have to be a teenager to benefit from learning about money. If you've never been taught the financial basics, this book is a great place to start.
Free Money Tools & Downloads
Learning about money is one thing. Putting it into practice is where the real progress happens!
To help you get started, we've created free downloadable resources to use alongside the book.
Savings & Money Planning Resources
Practical worksheets to help you set savings goals, understand your first pay and plan for expenses such as buying and running a car.
Keep Learning With Your Finance Lounge
Your money education doesn't have to stop when you finish the book.
Your Finance Lounge is here to help make everyday finance easier to understand through:
Free financial education articles
Podcasts and YouTube episodes
Online courses
Practical money tools and resources
One-on-one money education and coaching
About the Author
Teressa Fisk
Teressa is an award-winning Australian finance broker, financial educator
and founder of Your Finance Broker and Your Finance Lounge.
With more than 20 years of experience in finance and business, she's
passionate about making financial education accessible, practical and easy to
understand.
As a mum, Teressa understands the importance of helping young people develop
financial confidence before they're faced with life's bigger money decisions.
Life Costs Money – Now What? brings together her professional knowledge,
personal experience and a little cheeky humour to help the next generation
build a brighter money future.
Ready to Get Started?
Understanding money is a skill you can build, one small step at a time.
Whether you're buying the book for yourself or gifting it to someone who's just starting their financial journey, Life Costs Money – Now What? is here to help.
Life Costs Money
Now What?
A practical guide to understanding money, making smarter choices and building confidence with your finances.
