Bankers and speculators build castles in the air but when they come crashing down ordinary people have to pick up the tab. How we've made such a mess of our money system is explained, from the earliest banks right through to 'collateralized debt obligations'. Suggests the framework for a fairer financial world: the practical ideas, steps and real-life examples. Part of four-title relaunch of the NoNonsense series with new cover designs, layout and logo. Completely revised and updated. A vital new title designed to do two things. Firstly, to create a better understanding of money and the mechanisms that surround it (history of money, interest and regulation, consumer and investment banking, derivatives etc). Secondly, to encourage ordinary people to take a more active interest in financial affairs (whether personal, corporate or government-backed) and to join together to call for radical reforms required to prevent further crisis.