The Ultimate Cheapskate by Jeff Yeager

**mikandmari** · 03-30-2008, 01:24 PM

I just finished reading this book, and was wondering if anyone else here had read it. I heard on another forum that some people were insulted by by the author's brand of humor, even to the point of returning the book.

I thought it was great. Most frugal books are so dry and bland that I use them at bedtime to help me fall asleep. Of course some of his humor is over the top, but it was obvious to me that he was joking.

I got some good tips. Of course, we're old pros around here, but the book was fun and motivating. Two thumbs up

**nodmicks** · 03-30-2008, 01:57 PM

I'm on the list to borrow this from the library. I saw another forum bash him also. I thought the excerpts on his site were good.

**Megareader** · 03-30-2008, 04:34 PM

I'm on the waiting list for this book too!

**Ebbie** · 03-30-2008, 04:43 PM

I've read this book. No, change that to I tried to read this book. It just didn't grab me like I'd hoped it would and I didn't finish it, so I'd have to say overall I was disappointed with it. I didn't mind the humour but I didn't really connect with it either, and I believe there is some mild swearing in there as well. There seems to be fewer frugal books coming out these days (compared to the 90s, or it seems to me) so I was really looking forward to reading a new one. Like another poster mentioned, I'm pretty blackbelt at this point, so I wasn't really looking for new tips but I like reading a good frugal books to keep me motivated. This one didn't do it for me.

**kaykwilts** · 03-30-2008, 06:30 PM

Just what did he say in the book that was insulting?

**my4littlebuffaloes** · 03-30-2008, 07:16 PM

He does swear some in the book and is pretty straight forward, which some people don't like. I really liked the book, and while I didn't get a whole lot of new ideas, it did give me some new food for thought. I really like his idea of finishing in a starter home, and not moving up in house over the years. Moving is so expensive!

**AstarB1** · 03-30-2008, 08:56 PM

I'm also reading this book at the moment. I'm about halfway through and I LOVE it! I think it's unique in that it's a book about frugality, but it's more about attitude, rather than practical tips - although it has some of these, too. Plus the humour makes it fun to read!!! But, I guess everyone has a different sense of humour.

I like it so much that a) I bought it (after checking it out several times while at the book store) and b) I'm on a waiting list to borrow the audio version from the library to listen to it.

**ravenmaniac** · 03-30-2008, 09:06 PM

Wow, I'm going to have to read this book. I love it when something stirs up a difference in opinions.

**mikandmari** · 03-31-2008, 07:57 PM

Kay, some of his humor revolves around sex, mainly poking fun at himself growing up. He does cuss a little. It's the stuff I'm used to, living with an ironworker...

Ebbie is right, not as many good frugal books these days. But, I have an idea that with the recession looming over us, this will change.

**kaykwilts** · 04-01-2008, 09:08 AM

Originally Posted by mikandmari

Ebbie is right, not as many good frugal books these days. But, I have an idea that with the recession looming over us, this will change.

Yes, we will probably see a renewed interest in the frugal books already in print like the classic Tightwad Gazette series. Most likely see more books come in print and more people visiting frugal sites such as this one.