From Booklist
Common sense dictates that to save money you must, as Gelb advises, "spend less than you earn." Introductory chapters offer budgetary advice just this basic. Many tips might seem obvious--for instance, shopping around for the lowest fees on checking accounts, loans, credit cards, and all bank transactions. More detailed guidance does follow, however, with explanations of record-keeping systems for tracking and assessing financial activity. When to spend money is as important as when not to, so along with pointing out unnecessary spending, Gelb lists priority spending areas. Gelb's strategy for using a checkbook as a device for financial planning will probably make sense to anyone willing to keep meticulous records, analyze entries, and make changes accordingly. In lieu of that, readers may be motivated by the many other money-saving ideas meriting consideration. Alice Joyce
