'Mom' offers good advice

And maybe she should be telling young people to set aside 20 percent. Many financial experts encourage young people to save 10 percent of what they earn in a 401(k). Though she gives good tips on budgeting, Malone does skip over the idea of 401(k)s.

Rather than saying, "Don't feel pressured," she might have said it is actually possible for a young person to contribute 10 percent to a savings plan and another 10 percent to a religion or charity.

Malone does talk about the importance of volunteering, however. When she talks about responsibility she reminds young people to be reliable and trustworthy — and to give back to the world. If you are a mom, this is probably something you've said yourself.

In the end there may be a reason why your children need a book to remind them of what you said when they weren't listening. By the time they turn 18, they may have started to tune you out. Maybe they'll be more appreciative of your advice if it comes in book form Malone.

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