Talking about money sucks -- but so does being broke. Financial journalist Nicole Lapin lays out a 12-step plan in which she shares her experiences -- mistakes and all -- of getting her own finances in order. She talks to you not like a lecturer but as your friend. And even though money is typically an "off-limits" conversation, nothing is off-limits here. Lapin rethinks every piece of financial "wisdom" you've ever heard and puts her own fresh, sassy spin on it. Sure, there are some hard-and-fast rules about finance, but when it comes to your money, the only person who can tell you how to spend it is you. Should you invest in a 401(k)? Maybe not. Should you splurge on that morning latte? Likely yes. Instead of focusing on nickel-and-diming yourself, Nicole's advice focuses on investing in yourself so you don't have to stress over the little things. But, in order to do that you have to be able to speak the language of money. The sooner you can join the conversation, the sooner you can live the life you want.