The Money Game – Ian Dobson

The Money Game: A practical guide to personal finance for teens and young adults

Ready to feel confident about your personal finances? The Money Game is a guide to personal finance for kids, teens, and young adults. It uses both video game and board game analogies to simplify and explain complex financial concepts and strategies – to make it more relatable and entertaining! The book tackles three age groups building on top of each other: 12-16 (Beginner), 16-18 (Intermediate), and 18-22+ (Advanced). Each part addresses only the relevant financial considerations for that age so as to not overwhelm or confuse. The topics for each age group are based on what I personally found I needed to know (or wish I knew) at that specific age. At the end of each part are practical “quests” that I highly recommend you complete to apply the topics discussed and gain invaluable real-world experience.

A message to parents: Looking for a book to help your kids learn personal financial skills? Although I am certainly biased, I think this is the one for you. I wrote this book with the intent to present only the most important skills needed, when needed, and in a way that maintains their attention. If your child is within the ages mentioned above, then I am confident they will find value in this book.

A message to teens and young adults If you are a teenager or a young adult eager to become competent in your personal finances, I applaud you! I’ve written this book with you in mind! Being 26 years old when I wrote the book, I am close enough in age to understand what skills are needed and what worked or didn’t work for me personally. If you like video games or board games like me, then I think you’ll find this book much more interesting to read than most finance books. I use many analogies and references where possible to simplify the content (and maybe even make you chuckle).

Level up with these financial skills!

Money-making ideas!
How to get your first job!
How to start budgeting to control your finances!
How to start investing in 5 easy steps!
Understand credit and when to use it!
Do your own taxes and learn how to save big bucks!
Buying your first car smartly!
Understanding and picking the right insurance for yourself!
Renting vs buying a home!
How to buy your first home!
And more…

This book is a great read and a wonderful conversation starter with our kids. At first, our son was reluctant to start it, however, after finally picking it up, he is now the one who brings it up with us in conversation. Mr. Dobson did an amazing job writing something that engages kids, but is still deep enough that my wife and I learn something almost every time we pick it up. We highly recommend reading this with your kids, or with your parents, or just on your own!

J. Goodman

Amazon Reviewer

As a homeschooling mom, The Money Game has been (and will continue to be) such a valuable resource. Teaching my kids about personal finance is something I wanted to prioritize, but I found myself feeling overwhelmed. I love that the author breaks down the lessons by different age groups and presents the topics in an engaging format. The "quests" at the end of each section make it easy to begin taking action steps and implement what they are learning.

B. O'Brien

Amazon Reviewer

As a parent, I can say that I've never encountered a better book on finances aimed at young people. This book covers what was once taught in high school personal finance classes but now is mostly skipped. Too many young people stumble into adulthood without the essential knowledge of how the money game works. Dobson’s book beautifully lays out all the essentials in an approachable and comprehensive package. The tone is light-hearted and informative. The layout is professional yet playful. He even frames the concepts around the appropriate age to introduce the financial concept. Younger kids get a chapter on the basics of income and expense, while the older ages get cashflow, credit vs debit, taxes and eventually investing. I’m planning to use this book as a teaching guide for my children. What a great resource to help me walk my kids through the complicated world of Franklins, Hamiltons, Lincolns and Washingtons.

B. Pearman

Amazon Reviewer