Halloween Book Review: 'Zombie Economics'

Are your finances in rough shape? Are they devouring you? If so, you need some serious tools to help you fight the "apocalypse of financial doom." If you are ready to build up a financial arsenal, the book Zombie Economics by Lisa Desjardins and Rick Emerson might be just the thing. 

Zombie Economics provides you with the tools to help you get your finances in order. The book is set up in an interesting and engaging manner, allowing you to take control of your finances.

I like that the book starts with a prologue titled, "No One Is Coming To Save You." It encourages you to take control of your own finances and accept responsibility for fixing your situation. From there, the book progresses to helping you figure out your current situation.

The book will show you how to find your true income -- and discover your true spending habits. Before you can take action, you have to know where you stand.

Once you know where you stand, Desjardins and Emerson take you through the steps you need to follow to get back on the right financial track. The steps probably sound familiar: Save money. Pay down debt. Watch out for scams. The book also takes an interesting look at how your physical fitness can actually be a financial asset, helping you avoid costly health problems down the road.

The authors also encourage you to face the reality that maybe you should remain in the job you hate for a little longer -- at least until you are firm financial footing. There is no "follow your bliss, and the money will come" advice in this book. Just practical, real-world tips that will give you a taste of what you really need to do. There is also a chapter that can help you determine whether or not bankruptcy is the right course for you.

Zombie Economics is entertaining and helpful. Even though you might think the advice is tired, the presentation is not. Plus, the book is loaded with helpful worksheets that can help you organize your efforts, and take you, step by step, through exercises that will put on the right track.

If you are look for a basic, easy (and fun) to read handbook for fixing your finances, Zombie Finances is a great choice.