Books/tools that aid in frugality

**AspiringToBeFrugal** · 10-07-2009, 06:15 PM

My mom recently gave me a copy of "Miserly Moms", a book she picked up at her library's book sale and I have to say, I am renewing my dedication to frugality! It's a few years old but the guidelines Jonni McCoy (the author) suggests are sound and I am working on adopting them into our everyday life. I've also picked up her "Miserly Meals" cookbook from our local library. In the process of finding that one on the shelf I came across four more books that can be helpful in saving our small family money!!! (Not to mention the Complete TWG book my mom gave me last Christmas which is put to GREAT use in our house!)

In addition to these things, I'm working on starting a pricebook so that will help immensely.

What tools or books do you find have helped you save $$?

**Grainlady** · 10-07-2009, 08:23 PM

The library has been a great source of information for me over the years, as it is today; but I'd have to say The Tightwad Gazette books by Amy Dacyczyn are the ones in my personal library I go back through all the time (if for nothing other than inspiration). It was because of these books I started a Price Book, and have kept it going off and on since 1993.

I go back to those dreadful Jimmy Carter days (late 70's early 80's) and the "misery index" - unemployment PLUS inflation, energy crisis, gas shortages, toilet paper shortage..... So once I went through one of these fiscal fiascoes, much as my parents went through the Great Depression, I learned to STAY frugal. It was necessary to BE frugal when you're a young couple with a couple young children and aren't earning a whole lot. But we have always continued to be frugal even though the income has gone up substantially - always looking to finance our retirement, not get a loan for a new boat, camper, and other assorted things we found weren't necessary.

I have files filled with magazine clippings on everything frugal I've accumulated over the years. Need a good Christmas idea, decorating idea, knitting project, homemade mix, how-to instructions.... Mind you, this was WAY before the computer provided so many options.

Books I still use from the Carter Days:

Movable Insulation - by William K. Langdon

Better Homes and Gardens Energy-Saving Projects You Can Build

**redmaples** · 10-07-2009, 08:32 PM

I used to listen to the program Money Matters on Christian radio with Larry Burkett. That's what got me started being more frugally minded. They often had guests on to speak about topics such as living within our means. That's where I first heard the concept of living below your means.

**Incognito** · 10-07-2009, 08:53 PM

One of the books that aids me in frugality is my chequebook.
I just take a look at the balance, and suddenly everything is clear to me. In regards to spending, my course of action is immediately redefined.

As for tools...a pencil or pen, a piece of paper, a calculator.

It's all so simple...yet so profound.

**ravenmaniac** · 10-07-2009, 09:24 PM

I have both Miserly Moms and The Complete Tightwad Gazette. I refer to them often.

**Jeanna** · 10-08-2009, 09:56 AM

All the books mentioned are good books when it comes to frugal living. I also have few more books that I refer to regularly The first one is call Cheaper and Better it out of print now but comes from a PBS series from the same name. The next one is Homemade by Readers Digest, my dog loves the recipe for dog treats in this book. The next one is Better Basics For The Home, it is book of recipes for more natural living. The last one I will mention is Carla Emerys Book on Country Living. Even if you don't raise a garden or animals it has a lot of great recipes and advice in it.
The tools I think help is paper and pencils. You need to plan things out, take notes, figure out if homemade is cheaper than store bought, etc.
Anyway, the main thing is just keep on keeping on and if you make a mistake just learn from it and move on. I sure have learned a lot over the years. LOL

**Judi Dial** · 10-08-2009, 10:45 AM

I do many of the things listed and know the books too. But my favorite book that is NOT listed is Judith Klinger's Food Inflation Fighter's Handbook. The numbers are completely out of date, but the principals are sound.

Also, I still refer to:

Barbara Salsbury- Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half
One of the first multiple stores, shop the sales only ideas.

Judi

**Rippin508** · 10-08-2009, 12:57 PM

Check out this site:

http://astore.amazon.com/frugalvillage-20

**tracyq** · 10-12-2009, 12:54 PM

Great resources, thanks! I found lots of them right at my library! For 25 cents a piece to request them, I will make that up by what I learn! :-)
Tracy Q.

**Luckybustert** · 10-12-2009, 01:57 PM

Originally Posted by Sheriff.Hunter080703

Check out this site:

http://astore.amazon.com/frugalvillage-20

Lots of great books there - I'll be checking my library for them too!

**missmanny** · 10-13-2009, 09:36 PM

I highly advocate listening to the Dave Ramsey Show on Pod cast, we have it on the ipod and listen to it in the car on the week ends as we are driving here and there.

quite often the calls prompt us to have a discussion about a topic that we had previously never had before, this debate then enables us to work better together in financial management.

**missmanny** · 10-13-2009, 09:38 PM

Also I will second the tightwad gazette, I have my copy of the complete tightwad gazette at home with notes scribbled all over it, it is a daily resource of mine.

I also really like Gail Vaz Oxlade and til debt do us part (TV show) and her book a woman of independant means. (BTW she has a new book comming out soon - debt free forever)

**lilyrose** · 10-14-2009, 09:56 AM

The internet!! For the following reasons:

1. Here, or course.
2. sites that match sales with coupons
3. comparison shopping
4. other sites with frugal ideas
5. etc, etc, etc

**MomToTwoBoys** · 10-14-2009, 03:43 PM

I actually have my own book on frugality that I'm having published. Not to toot my own horn or anything because it's still awaiting an agent, but I find that my own common sense really helps. It's amazing what you can do with it.