Refinery29 Money Diaries

September 1, 2018

What if you could peek into the spending habits of other women everywhere, from San Francisco to New York, making anywhere from minimum wage to six figures? This is the premise of Refinery29 (R29) work and money director Stanberry's book based on the R29 website's popular recurring series. Nine diaries offer a seven-day snapshot of women's spending habits. Every expense is itemized, from avocado toast to 401k contributions, as well as the rationale behind the purchases. As a bonus in this print edition, educational snippets are interspersed among the entries, as well as a money saving challenge. Topics covered include student loans, buying a house, and how to find a side hustle. The diarists have varied backgrounds, and the advice, in the form of interviews, essays, and step-by-step instructions, is mostly geared toward readers ages 25-40. VERDICT The addictively voyeuristic yet introspective nature of these diaries is sure to help women everywhere better understand their spending and saving behaviors.--Jennifer Clifton, Indiana State Lib., Indianapolis

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2018
Stanberry is the Work & Money director at Refinery29, which includes the addictive online Refinery29 Money Diaries, in which young women track their spending for seven days and share the results. Refinery29 Money Diaries the book expands on that theme, offering clear, sensible advice on getting into financial shape. It does not exactly break new ground as it addresses debt, emergency savings, and retirement, but it is written in a style that encourages the reader not to freak out, but also not to put financial planning off. Arguing that women are still not socialized to talk about money, and that the gender pay gap makes it essential that they do, Stanberry begins by identifying how much money you actually make versus how much you spend. Her most valuable tips include how to start the power-of-attorney conversation with your parents and the breakdown of various retirement funds. And, of course, sample the digital Refinery29 Money Diaries. The audience is definitely millennial professional women (there is no directive for budgets, but there is one for a money mantra), and they will be well-served.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)