Fixing the Racial Wealth Gap

I've spent most of my life as a financial journalist. I've also served as an informal financial advisor to many of my African American friends and colleagues over the years. And I've become passionate about financial literacy. Whenever a new employee walked in the door, I would make sure that they were signed up for the company 401(k). I would pull them aside and explain the free money thing -- when a company matches your contributions (as most companies do) to a retirement plan and if you aren't signed up, you are passing up free money. I got so frustrated with a veteran reporter who was married with young children and never signed up for his 401(k) that I literally walked him up to the HR department and turned him over to the benefits coordinator. I grew frustrated with the human resources department that would only give new employees an 800 number and tell them to call in to get signed up for their 401(k) that I complained to the publisher that the company was not giving young employees any guidance on something that could have a huge impact on their lives. *** FINALLY, here is a practical guide for how you can build wealth. I reveal what we have been mission -- how to build wealth for future generations. Nineteen reader-friendly, illustrated chapters include: * Why a budget is crucial; * It's not hard to be a 401(k) millionaire; *and, don't let your children (or other family members) ruin your finances. My advice will make you Blacker, financially speaking.