I think that it depends on the type of student. My DH works in the mortgage business, and sees people often who have not established any credit due to using the Dave Ramsey system. So while it is good at keeping one out of debt and able to pay their bills, it IMHO does not go far enough or offer enough concrete information about how the credit system works and how to build and keep a good credit score. Millionaire next door is a great book, but more of a philosophy of financial behavior book than a technical book on how things work. I suggest asking your banker or financial advisor what they recommend.

Sounds wonderful! I'm glad you enjoyed your dinner party. See, if your ever worried about a dinner party again, just put those chocolatinis on the menu! I should have mentioned martinis when you were worried. A friend of mine was having a dinner party and made a big batch of appletinis to go with the appetizers. They were such a hit she made a couple more batches. At 9:00 she realized that she had never started dinner, and wasn't actually sure she was capable of cooking at that point, so she made more appletinis and had her husband call for pizza. All the guests spent the night sleeping on various chairs, couches or the floor. They thought is was they best party ever.

Thank you all so much for your ideas and kind words-- but you know how it goes. The blessings go both ways. The kids (all of them-- not just the older ones) are generous with their time and love to share themselves with me too. It's not the same as it was when they were young -- or as often-- but I cherish what each of them brings to my life. I love the idea to give them good knives. It make such a difference and I remember how giddy when I was (in my 30s) when I *finally* got a really good knife. My then bf and I fought over who would be the sous chef! LOL I also love the panini maker because it goes a long way on a low budget. You can throw in a little spinach, a little cheese, tomato, pesto, whatever and have a delicious meal. I like the breville which is definitely a splurge they'd not make for themselves. I am pretty set on getting a good cast iron dutch oven or stew pot for my nephew. He uses only cast iron pans and he's asked for a good soup/stew pan. It's also a way to make the budget go far-- my gosh, I lived on soup when I was in grad school. Sephora is also a great idea for the girls--SO great, in fact, that we've done that for birthdays or breakups or just because (pedicure, lunch and sephora!) :) I will check with them to give them the option for money or a present but in the meantime, I am developing a plan for a different kitchen/cooking package for each. I think they'll prefer presents and that way, I'll be prepared. Now onto the tweens!

I heartily second Grelobe's suggestion of The Book Thief. It's a wonderful book and one of my favorites, even if it is classified as YA literature. For the girls, you might want to check into the series of books by Stephanie Meyer. The first book is called Twilight, followed by New Moon and Eclipse. I haven't had the opportunity to read them yet, but my 15-year-old daughter absolutely loves them. When I bought the newest one, even the cashier was raving about how much she liked the series and how compulsively readable the books are. She also said that the day the book was released, there was a line of teens at the door, waiting for the bookstore to open so they could purchase a copy. My daughter also likes the series by Scott Westerfield: Pretties, Uglies, Specials, and Extras. I haven't read these either, but they seem to be popular with teens.