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Pound Foolish: Exposing the Dark Site of the Personal Finance Industry

byHelaine Olen

Journalist Helaine Olen investigates the American personal-finance industry and its promise that individual discipline can overcome stagnant wages, rising costs, insecure employment, and an inadequate safety net. She examines financial gurus, investment products, debt advice, retirement planning, and the marketing of empowerment, showing where guidance becomes misleading or self-serving. The book does not dismiss the value of prudent habits, but argues that budgeting tips cannot solve structural economic problems. Olen calls for greater transparency and a more honest conversation about the limits of personal responsibility in an economy that transfers risk to households.

Publisher

Portfolio

Publication date

2012

Format

Print edition

Pages

298

ISBN

9781591844891