I was reminded of a recent Christmas I shared with my best friend, Abby. We'd both recently graduated college, living on our own, working and scrimping as you are wont to do in your early 20s.

So instead of buying the usual ridiculous gifts we had for years (yes, she did receive a sparkly tiara one year. And she loved it!), we bought each other this book, Suze Orman's The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous & Broke.

Yes, Orman does look slightly scary, in a Duran Duran music video kind of way. But she provides useful advice on paying down your credit card debt in a smart manner, negotiating lower interest rates and building up enviable credit in a rough time of your life.

It didn't fix all my problems, but I still use it as a resource -- and it's a lot cheaper than hiring a personal accountant.

Of course, this book is more appropriate for the young'uns. Anybody out there have their own finance books they turn to on the road to financial stability?

I'm sure we're all interested in learning more about this market that seems to be changing everyday.