Customer Reviews

Saving Money Any Way You Can: How to Become a Frugal Family

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4 star:		(1)
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2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I think so often we old-timers in the frugality movement get so used to our frugal ways, we forget how "odd" and "weird" the choices we make can seem to others who are still caught up in the buy/spend/buy mentality. Yorkey's book offers an approach that won't shock any readers who may be new to the idea of living frugally ("What?!! You want me to NOT buy my kids designer jeans?? How SHOCKING!"). Of course, most people aren't that extreme, but I think this is a really good book for newbies to frugal living, or as a gift to give to your non-frugal friends who are starting to wonder how to cut back a little here and there without sacrificing their middle-class "sensibilities." Yorkey is a religious man (I believe he works for, or used to work for, Focus on the Family), so there is some emphasis on the spiritual aspect of living frugally. But I think most readers won't be too offended by his treatment of the topic (unless they're adamantly set against any passing mention of topics such as prayer, etc.). All in all, I found it a worthwhile book to read and I'm glad I have it on my shelf to lend to friends just starting down the path to a frugal life.

Many families are living on limited budgets today---whether due to stagnant wages, corporate lay-offs or choosing to live on one income to have a parent home full-time with young children. This book offers practical ideas to stretch the family paycheck. The suggestions make sense and they work! Easy-to-read and practical, this book belongs on the shelf of every frugal (or frugal-wanna-be) family.

I enjoyed some of the information, but I had been spoiled by reading The Tightwad Gazette first, mostly because her information is excellent no matter where you live, whereas Mike Yorkey's information is mostly directed to American stores. That I found very disappointing. This book was good, but I enjoyed The Tightwad Gazette (III) much better, mostly because I am a stay at home mom and was interested in the advice Amy had to offer. If you live in the States, and can take advantage of his information on store sales, then you will find this helpful. If you live anywhere else, save your money and get the Tightwad Gazette. He also gave tips on where to eat in restaurants to save money, but if you are truly trying to be frugal, restaurants are not an option. Again, not a lot of info on the home itself, a lot on insurance, investing, travel, medicare,coupons and warehouse clubs(in the U.S.)

Some decent advice, some so-so, some not so hot. I finished it, but it was tough. I'm not a Christian, not into prayer, and didn't appreciate the "pray first" advice. I wish I could have been warned that I'd get bible quotes before purchasing. Overall, it totally neglects the Internet as a way to save. Recommends you keep your auto insurance deductible at $500 (even though he also says not to report an accident under $2,000). I mean, if you're paying for the under $2,000 accident anyway, why carry a lower deductible? He goes on to say that a $1,000 deductible only saves $40 or $50 on avg. Do you know how hard "couponers" work for $40 or $50 savings? Nope, I wasn't impressed

I found this book very helpful and use it as a reference often. I would recommend it to anyone needing practical advice on how to save money.