17 Things for 17 Somethings
Five Book Reviews.
The book "The 17 Key Things for 17 Somethings" by Leonardo Mora is a guide designed to equip individuals, particularly young adults, with essential life knowledge to navigate common challenges and avoid setbacks. The author emphasizes the importance of being prepared for real-world situations, which he believes are often not taught in traditional settings The book is a concise summary of critical topics, drawing from the author's own experiences and insights from family and friends
Key areas covered in the book include:
Finances and Money: Discusses the philosophy of money, the importance of saving (e.g., 10% of income), responsible credit card use, and basic accounting practices for tax purposes, including deductible expenses in the US4444.
Contracts: Highlights the crucial skill of reading and understanding contracts thoroughly, advising readers to walk away from agreements they don't comprehend and to be aware that contracts can be modified5.
Avoiding Scams: Provides practical advice on recognizing and avoiding scams, particularly phone scams (like those impersonating the IRS) and online dating scams6.
Trusting People: Offers guidance on assessing trustworthiness, emphasizing observation of actions over words, using intuition, and having diverse social circles to protect oneself from deceit7.
Negotiation: Teaches strategies for effective negotiation, such as asking for more than desired, letting the other party state the first number, and doing thorough research8.
Mortgages and Credit Scores: Explains the basics of mortgages, including interest rates, closing costs, the role of brokers, and the process of buying a home in the US market9. It also stresses the critical importance of maintaining a good credit score in America and how to monitor it10.
Buying Cars: Offers detailed advice on purchasing cars in the US, including strategies for dealing with dealerships, understanding pricing (MSRP vs. invoice price), and the pros and cons of trading in a vehicle11. It also includes a personal account of buying a Tesla online as a contrasting experience12.
Privacy: Emphasizes the importance of safeguarding personal information, especially in light of data privacy laws like GDPR, and advises caution against sharing unnecessary details over the phone or on social media13.
Job Interviewing: Provides insights into job interviewing skills, including preparing for salary discussions and negotiating benefits14.
Strengths of the book include:
Practical and Actionable Advice: The book offers concrete, real-world advice on a variety of essential life skills, making it highly practical for readers
Experiential Learning: The author frequently draws on personal experiences and observations to illustrate points, which adds credibility and makes the advice relatable
Broad Scope of Topics: It covers a wide range of crucial subjects, from financial literacy and legal awareness to interpersonal skills and consumer protection, providing a well-rounded foundation for young adults17.
Emphasis on Preparedness: A core strength is its focus on proactive learning and preparation to avoid future pitfalls and setbacks
Clear and Direct Language: The book uses straightforward language, making complex topics accessible to a general audience.
Focus on US Market (for some topics): For topics like mortgages, credit scores, and car buying, the book provides specific and useful information relevant to the US market
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