America's Cheapest Family Gets You Right on the Money: Your Guide to Living Better, Spending Less, and Cashing in on Your Dreams by Steve Economides, Annette Economides
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Book Reviews of America's Cheapest Family Gets You Right on the Money: Your Guide to Living Better, Spending Less, and Cashing in on Your Dreams
Book Review: NOT the cheapest family
Summary: 1 Stars
The whole idea that this family is the cheapest is pure bull. My family spends less than they do, and we do not economize or do without anything. How do we do it? Simple - we have one child not five. They put their money into having children instead of buying things, but they buy just as much as a smaller family that does not economize. Their lifestyle is worse for the environment and creates even more consumption because their children will continue consuming after they are gone.Book Review: America's Cheapest Family
Summary: 3 Stars
The interview I saw and the book are pretty close to how I expected it to read. The book was more a how-to but not all that up-to-date either. Some of their suggestions are relevant to the geographical location of this family. However, I live in San Jose, CA and I must tell you many of these techniques and costs simply do not apply out here on the west coast. Still there was enough information that I could utilize it to streamline my expenses.Book Review: America's Cheapest Family
Summary: 3 Stars
While I did like the book, I found it was very similar to Dave Ramsey's book, " The Total Money Makeover." So, it was just okay for me, I enjoyed Dave's book more.
If I hadn't read the above mentioned first, I think I would have really enjoyed this book.
Book Review: A Good General Guide
Summary: 4 Stars
Interestly, reviewers of books on thrift tend to be very harsh critics. The targets are either censured for being 'too extreme' by one side, or not 'original' enough by the frugal elite. In reality, most Americans are fiscal (and often literal) gluttons, many of whom are eager to latch on to any bit of reasonable advice to cut their spending.
'America's Cheapest Family' fits the bill in this regard. While I agree with another reviewer who described their lifestyle as somewhat 'draconian', I appreciate many of the examples they provided, particularly the chapter on buying a used car. The authors give a great list of questions and things to look for when dealing with a for-sale-by-owner transaction.
At the end of the day, being frugal boils down to spending less. Period. It's really not rocket science. Books like 'America's Cheapest Family' provide motivation, inspiration, and a few handy tips.
Book Review: Wow
Summary: 5 Stars
Not only is this a great book, but I really admire this family. There is so much useful information in this book, if it doesn't apply to you, it will give you ideas. For instance, I have no storage space in my small apartment, so it is impossible for me to shop a month at a time. I adapted their advice to plan ahead only for two weeks, which I have enough storage space for. Thank you for writing such a great book.