Money for Beginners

An informative introduction to the world of money, covering everything from bank accounts, earning and borrowing to government spending, taxes and inflation. With bright, infographic pictures, a detailed glossary and links to specially selected websites where you can visit a virtual bank, see money from around the world and more.Chapters in this book include:- What is money?- How money moves- Money around the world- Money customsHow money worksWhat makes cash, banknotes and anything else count as money? And why do we all trust it?The story of moneyMoney has existed long before the first coins were made, and over the centuries it has taken on many unusual forms. How did it all come about?In the bankAlmost every adult has a bank account – but why? What do banks actually do? Are there any alternatives? And was it really the banks’ fault that the world suffered a financial meltdown in 2008?Earning and borrowingDon’t have any money? No problem! Almost anyone can get hold of some money, by working for it, or borrowing from someone who has it.Spending, growing and givingSome people spend everything they have very quickly. Others prefer to save up. If you have some money to spare, you should give it away to charity – shouldn’t you?Governments and moneyTaxes, deficits, inflation, deflation, quantitative easing – what does it all mean, and who’s in charge?Big questionsHow to be a billionaire, how to buy happiness, how to make the world a fairer place – and other important questions that nobody knows the answers to – yet.What next?

Author Biography

Matthew Oldham writes books for Usborne about all sorts of subjects, including history, science and Planet Earth. Before he did this, he studied English at university and worked for the BBC where he made funny radio programmes. He lives in London and spends his weekends visiting its many museums and exploring different parts of the city.