Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #132040 in Books
• Published on: 1999-02
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 959 pages

Customer Reviews

So many tips!
There were 2 reasons why I decided to buy this book. Firstly, so many people seemed to be raving about it and secondly I needed to start tightening the pursestrings! This is a bizarre book that is well worth the money. It has over 900 pages of tips, and is set out in a kind of newsletter style so the subjects jump all around the place. However this is not a bad thing, I felt I never got bored as the articles are short and to the point. The author has also tested out all her theories before putting them into print. Whilst I do agree with some other reviewer's comments about some of her tips being, well, quite radical, you basically take as much (or as little) out of the book as you want and apply them to your daily life. There's a few times when (for example) prices for food are quoted which of course would not be applicable for the UK, but it is still easy to make sense and logic of what she is trying to put forward to you. She covers more subjects than you could imagine and this is one reason why I found the book so interesting. I felt my money was well spent; I tend to 'dip in' to it now and again when I feel I could be making a saving somewhere. I also believe that I will find the book of use in 20 years time. Recommended!

Buy this book now!!
I vaguely remember hearing about the tightwad gazette on TV about ten years ago. Last October I finally tracked it down. I read it within a week (not bad considering the 900+ pages and two small kids!).Whatever your financial situation this book has something to offer. For those submerged in credit card debt, or any kind of debt for that matter, there is a wealth of practical advice which, according to the many readers letters at the end of the book, has brought people back from the brink, saving marriages into the bargain.Luckily I'm not in that situation, but I really have found this book a revelation. Its made me think of the many ways I have been throwing money away for years in absurdly simple ways. (I've set about cutting my shopping bill in half and we now aim to pay off our mortgage very early.) Also what are we working for? To buy game boys and Nike trainers? Or to have a real quality of life, spend time with the people that matter the most, or do the things that really matter to us? And what values am I bringing up my children with in relation to "consumerism"? What effect is there on the environment as a result of our buy now pay later society. All these aspects are covered and loads more.I cannot recommend this book strongly enough.Its funny,thought provoking, and can definitely be life changing. I wish I hadn't waited ten years to buy it. As for me, I'm off to whip up a batch of breakfast muffins, and if I can persuade my husband to go with me we'll be dumpster diving before too long!

Essential
We bought this book fours years ago and we still refer back to it. Although it is American, with a little intelligence, everything is easily used in the UK and beyond. We have a young family and have managed to live on one income and some 'quiet' times workwise. This book made us realise that we could earn more money by saving and only buying things that we really wanted, as opposed to paying out for things that meant little to us. We reduced our food bill to twenty five pounds a week (and we live much more heathily). We also live a more environmentally sound life style - although this is not the main purpose of the book. Amy Dacyzyn has enabled us to live the life we always wanted to lead. We see our children much more, we can afford a nice house, we eat well and we have all the things we need. This is the book they should give every child in school. Never mind stocks and shares or pensions; this is the way to keep control of your life and finances.