Wouldn’t it be nice to have a simple, trusted guidebook for the many financial dilemmas we often face? I’m not talking about an A-to-Z tome on all things financial and legal. Just something that would offer basic tips to get you started.

Well, I’ve found just such a book. It’s “Your Little Legal Companion: Helpful Advice for Life’s Big Events” written by editors at Nolo. This is my choice for the Color of Money Book Club selection for August.

“Your Little Legal Companion” is 200 pages, but it’s small enough to slip into a handbag. And the advice is affordable at $9.95.

This book is a departure from Nolo’s typical comprehensively written titles such as “The Executor’s Guide: Settling a Loved One’s Estate or Trust,” “Divorce & Money: How to Make the Best Financial Decisions During Divorce” or “How to Write a Business Plan.”

Instead, “Your Little Legal Companion” reads more like David Letterman’s top 10 list.

“We wanted to publish a book with little bits of wisdom,” said Tamara Traeder, acquisitions editor at Nolo.

The editors, all of whom are attorneys, cover 50 life situations, including starting a new job, buying a car, quitting a job, buying a dog, starting a business, investing, your legal rights when moving in with your lover and surviving bankruptcy. Their counsel is humorously written with lots of fun facts. You’ll find just enough information to set you in the right financial direction.

Nolo published “Your Little Legal Companion” to celebrate its 35-year history of providing legal self-help books to consumers.

“Almost everything we do has a legal aspect to it,” Traeder said.

Now that’s the truth. In the case of this book, knowing a little bit can go a long way.

If you are interested in discussing this month’s book selection, join me online at www.washingtonpost.com at noon Aug. 31.