TV analysts and cash managers could have you believe your finances are enormously complicated, and if you don’t follow their guidance, you’ll result in the poorhouse.

They’re wrong.

When College or university of Chicago teacher Harold Pollack interviewed Helaine Olen, an award-winning financial journalist and the author from the bestselling Pound Foolish, he made an off­hand suggestion: all you need to know approximately managing your money could fit with an index card. To show his point, he grabbed a 4′ x 6′ credit card, scribbled down a summary of rules, and submitted a picture of the card online. The post went viral.

Now, Pollack groups up with Olen to describe why the 10 simple rules from the index card outperform more difficult financial strategies. Inside is an easy-to-follow action plan that works in memories and bad, providing you the tools, understanding, and confidence to assume control of your economic life.