Millennial Apocalyp$e by Zane E. Brown and Dr. Donalee Brown

Combining financial savvy and psychological insight, authors Zane E. Brown and Dr. Donalee Brown present a compelling and timely argument for increased financial preparation in Millennial Apocalyp$e: Why You and Other Millennials Are Tracking Toward Financial Disaster and How You Can Avoid It.

The book deftly explores the economic power that millennials could hold in the demographic spread of society, and recognizes the unique position in history they represent – a pre- and post-Internet generation with a strange blend of psychological characteristics from both sides of that watershed. The focus is cutting-edge contemporary and offers a perspective that includes relevant and recent events, from global pandemics and bank runs to hot Buzzfeed articles and advice from modern-day celebrities and financial icons, without seeming like out-of-touch adults trying to give advice to a younger generation.

However, this isn’t always the case, as the book can be a bit reliant on generalizations, seeming to focus on guiding millennial readers back onto the highway of capitalism, retirement, and status quo financial planning, which may not necessarily be welcomed. While the book addresses issues unique to Millennials in terms of wage gaps, student loans, and other issues that are currently out of control, there is a subtle element of scolding that may turn off some readers.

Still, the structure of the book flows well, and the chapters are intuitively ordered and easy to follow, while the real-life examples and anecdotal parables of investment failures are especially compelling, and persuasive. Offering a pragmatic elbow nudge towards financial stability, Millennial Apocalyp$e may not always speak well to its audience, but it offers an eye-opening and potentially life-changing guide for a generation who may not be effectively planning for the future.