Announcing 'From Ramen to Riches' Book

When you finished high school or college, did you feel like you knew how to successfully manage your money? For many, the answer to that question is, "No." That certainly was the case for Jim Wood, author of the new book, "From Ramen to Riches: Building Wealth in Your 20s." Despite a well-paying job, the author had managed to spend everything he'd earned in the five years after college.

Wood had his financial epiphany at age 26 while meeting with a mortgage banker. After reviewing the loan application, the banker looked up and said, "You mean to tell me you've been employed as a software engineer for five years and your net worth is $500?" These are not the words you want to hear from your banker when you're looking to borrow a large sum of money.

That meeting with the banker motivated Wood to finally get serious about managing and investing his money. Now in his early 50s, the author is debt free, owns a house free and clear, and has built a retirement portfolio that will comfortably sustain him and his wife in the coming years.

The oldest of nine children, the author is a natural coach, teacher and mentor. His mission is to share his passion for personal finance by increasing financial literacy, especially for those aged 18 to 30 who can most benefit from this knowledge. He retired from his corporate job at age 47 after 25 years in high tech, where he held positions as software engineer and information technology manager.

Wood's interest in financial literacy is what motivated him to write the book. "We're sending young adults into the working world expecting them to be experts on managing their money," said Wood. "They're suddenly asked to manage credit cards, finance purchases, balance budgets, and make retirement investment selections. Yet many have not had the benefit of educational guidance in these subjects. Having been in that situation and successfully managed through it, I wanted to help people in their 20s avoid the financial mistakes I made during that same period in my life."

From Ramen to Riches: Building Wealth in Your 20s is written from one consumer to another in a breezy, humorous, and conversational style. It describes a common-sense approach to spending, saving, and investing your money. Those wishing to sidestep the stress and anxiety that comes with debt and being financially out of control will find that From Ramen to Riches: Building Wealth in Your 20s will give them a great start to building wealth for the long term.