Saturday, May 23, 2009

Book Review Time!




I can't say I've ever really written a book review in my entire life, but recently I was lucky enough to receive a copy of a really great read for all you frugalists out there. I kinda feel like I'm in high school again.


10,001 Ways to Live Large on a Small Budget was written collaboratively by the writers of Wise Bread, a personal finance web site that has a blog of endless tips and life hacks, as well as links to online deals and forums for readers.


Right now the book is on Amazon for only $10 and some change. That's nothing compared to how much I can see it saving me.


I am less than halfway through the book and there are literally, so many good items in it that I can't remember them all.


Over the years, I've read everything from Rich Dad Poor Dad to Millionaire Next Door, and I still have yet to finish Your Money Or Your Life. They are all very good publications for big picture ideas, but there are some advantages 10,001 Ways to Live Large On A Small Budget kicks those other books' asses.


1) It was written by not one or two people, but TWENTY. These folks all come from many different walks of life. They are different sexes, races, ages, and live in different parts of the country, I'm basically getting valuable money saving advice from twenty people. How cool is that?


2) It's super practical. Saving money in every area of your life from travel to household items. So far one of my favorite tips is a recipe for how to make astringent. Currently I use the Body Shop's Tea Trea Oil line. Each bottle is $11 and lasts just over a month. What caught me about the recipe is that it calls for tea trea oil, which can be purchased cheaply online. I'm dying to try it. I'm guessing each bottle of homemade astringent would cost about $3 or $4. If I go through 12 bottles per year, that's $132 versus $48.


Which price would you rather pay for something that's essentially the same?


3) There is something for everyone. Maybe you don't use astringent, but want to save on grocery shopping. There are good secrets to saving at the check out.


I've been a frugalist and money saving maniac for quite some time. I CVS. I clip coupons and use my Entertainment book. And so far I have learned quite a bit of useful information from Wise Bread bloggers.


I give the book 5/5 stars.