We're in the money! Many things come with instructions. Unfortunately, money isn't one of them. Most people learn how to use it-or lose it-by trial and error. Dollars & Sense is a basic operating instruction manual for money that will teach readers about the history of money, the way our American economy works, and how to make important decisions about personal finance. From skulls, sheep, and shells as barter in ancient civilizations to credit, interest, and collateral of our modern day economics, money-and all its glorious uses and cantankerous troubles-is explained in this concise and entertaining volume. Learn about how to make money, how to budget your money, how the government manages (or mismanages!) money, and how to be rich without even trying. Money is sometimes your friend and sometimes your enemy, but in this day and age, we all have to learn to get along with it. An engaging and approachable guide for kids tackling how to responsibly manage their money. Included are sidebars, time lines, diagrams, a glossary, and further resources, as well as information on related topics such as the Great Recession and sequestration.