Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Book review: The Money Saving Mom's Budget


When I was given an opportunity to review a free copy of Crystal Paine's new book, The Money Saving Mom's Budget, I quickly accepted. I've known Crystal as a personal friend since we both were teenagers, and can vouch for the fact that she truly does practice what she preaches about frugal, simple living. I've been following her blog for years, and was eager to see what her book is like.

I definitely wasn't disappointed! The solid financial and lifestyle principles set forth in Crystal's blog posts are carried over into the book, but it is much more than a lazy re-hashing of blog posts! She managed to find a lot of great new ideas to include, and everything is laid out in a organized, logical way. Appendixes and worksheets are included - and to my delight the audio version doesn't have to miss out on these (a PDF of the files is included).

One point that really stood out to me is Crystal's assertion that a cluttered, disorganized life will also struggle financially. I have found this to be so true in my own life, and in observing others! Taking even a little time to remain at least moderately organized, and fighting against the clutter takeover, can go a LONG way in saving money. If I can find items I already own (and they aren't ruined from being thrown around in a pile of junk), I don't have to go out and buy duplicates. If I keep track of when bills are due and when library books or rental movies need to be returned, I won't have to pay out extra in late fees. If I know what food I have in my pantry and fridge and use it (including leftovers) before it spoils, my grocery budget can be much lower. And the list goes on!

The Money Saving Mom's Budget is full of simple, practical wisdom just like this. I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone, including young people who aren't living on their own yet. These principles of financial and lifestyle responsibility are something we all need to learn and implement into our lives!


More info about the book:

Crystal Paine, who has helped busy women everywhere take control of their finances, presents her most effective strategies designed for families of all sizes and income levels

With hundreds of inspiring “why didn’t I think of that?” TIPS, plus WORKSHEETS, Paine breaks down your goals into easy, manageable steps so you can:

• Achieve a complete financial makeover
• Set up a realistic budget
• Never pay retail
• Slash your grocery bill
• Organize your time & your home
• Use coupons wisely
• Pay with cash only
• Live simply
• Become debt free
• Choose contentment
• Make every dollar count

About Crystal Paine:

Crystal Paine is a wife and homeschooling mom to three young children who has been writing on topics related to frugality for the last five years—and living a frugal, simple, and debt-free life since she was born. Her blog, MoneySavingMom.com, is one of the top personal finance blogs on the web averaging over four million pageviews per month. Crystal has contributed to articles in Woman's Day magazine and All You magazine, as well as being mentioned on National Public Radio and CNN.com, in USA Weekend, and Real Simple magazine and numerous other local newspapers and radio and television stations. MoneySavingMom.com


Info about an online event Crystal is doing tomorrow:


Celebrate with Crystal by entering her iPad2 Giveaway (a GREAT tool to keep track of your budget!) and RSVPing to the Live Webcast Event on 4/5!



One savvy winner will receive:
  • A Brand new iPad2
  • The Money Saving Mom's Budget by Crystal Paine, audio edition

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 4/4/12. Winner will be announced at The Money Saving Mom's Live Webcast Event on 4/5. Crystal will be hosting an evening of chat, laughter and encouragement - bring your friends! She'll share tips and advice and her husband will be joining her to share how the
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Blog Post:principles Crystal outlines in her book have dramatically impacted their family life. She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and much more!


So grab your copy of The Money Saving Mom®'s Budget and join Crystal and friends on the evening of April 5th for an evening of fun of learning, sharing and encouragement.


Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 5th!


Want more info about the MSM?



Click here!