Book excerpt: Like a phone call to a parent without the lecture, this common-sense reference book strives to answer the multitude of questions that will arise for the young adult moving out on his/her own for the first time. It begins with advice and information relating to renting an apartment such as leases, security deposits and insurance but also touches on the practical matters of cleaning, ironing, and cooking. Beyond renting issues, readers will learn the importance of saving and investing and why starting those habits early is the means to achieving financial security. The book describes the pitfalls of credit cards and lists strategies to improve credit scores. Even diverse topics such as safety, emergency planning, manners, and healthy eating are covered to give a young adult quick, easy-to-find answers to so many of adulthood's questions.