by Texas Homesteader ~
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Many people aspire to improve things at the beginning of the year. They may look at aspects of the prior year and vow to do better this year.
Of course this often includes becoming physically healthier or learning a new skill. Or it could be to reach for a more fulfilling job or even to make the plunge into self employment.
But almost always there’s a critical eye cast on our finances from the previous 365. Questions bounce in our heads “How could I do better this year? Save more? Spend less? Be more mindful with my hard-earned dollars?”
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Everyone has their favorite way to save, maybe cutting back on frivolous purchases or cooking more meals from scratch. Perhaps going out to eat less often and brown-bagging it at the office more. Maybe dropping the thermostat temps or turning off those unused lights.
The internet is full of various ideas on ways to cut back.
But sometimes you need more help. Sometimes you need a step-by-step manual of sorts to help you weed through what works for others and how those steps might actually work for you too.
The book store is full of financial help books. But which ones do you choose? Here are some of my favorites that I have in my own bookshelf:
* The Complete Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczyn
I think Amy must be the First Lady of home economics and I’m pretty sure I’m not alone in that sentiment. She published small newsletters from May 1990 to December 1996 about saving money in your home.
They were so enormously successful that she published a book & included some of her newsletters in it. That book did so well she added more of her newsletters and writings in a second book. When that book did well she published yet a third.
My favorite is “The COMPLETE Tightwad Gazette”. It’s a combination of all three books combined into one must-have manual. And it’s by far my favorite go-to inspiration for saving money in the home.
Her writing is humorous so it’s a fun read and she offers so many practical tips for reusing, repurposing and saving money. Give this one a try, you WON’T be sorry.
* Your Money Or Your Life by Vicki Robin
I actually have an older version of this book and absolutely loved it.
But the updated version includes updated resources and examples that are more relevant to today. In it you’ll be inspired to get out of debt and start savings.
You can learn to recognize your yearning for excessive material possessions. And most importantly of all, learn to live very well for less money than you ever thought possible.
You’ll learn to resolve conflicts between values and lifestyle and live a more environmentally friendly way.
The description of this book says: “In Your Money or Your Life, Vicki Robin shows readers how to gain control of their money and finally begin to make a life, rather than just make a living” and that’s something that really appeals to me!
* The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
My favorite Ramsey quote is:
“If you will live like no one else, later you can live like no one else“
This is a great book to help you sit back & draw up a plan for getting out of debt, planning for your retirement, etc.
Dave Ramsey is a huge name in personal finance and this no-nonsense book is favored reading for me.
So there ya go – the top 3 favorite personal finance books in my bookshelf. What are some of your faves?
~TxH~
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…and many MORE!
See ALL Our Frugality Articles
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We all can use some tips for saving money! I’m always trying to save money. Thank you for sharing at Your Inspired Design Link Party.
I haven’t heard about any of those authors but reading your review of them make my curiosity arise. Any tips on saving money are more than welcome!
My all-time favorite is The Tightwad Gazette, Pili. Amy is the QUEEN of no-nonsense household savings. You won’t read any investment advice in her book, it’s all about thinking outside the box in your own home. Love her! ~TxH~
Do you think the Tightwad Gazette would have useful tips for those living outside of the US? Just that often I find that I read things such as couponing, using ingredients or meal ideas that aren’t appropriate or available in Australia. Maybe it isn’t the best financial decision but we’ve booked a cruise for our family of seven this October. I want to save more money to pay it off quicker but am struggling. Most of our expenses goes on accommodation and food. We pay a mortgage so that is really non negotiable and our family have such varied dietary needs that I find it impossible to cut our grocery bill significantly. Red meat here in Australia is getting out of reach for even middle income families. $30 plus for a roast or rump steak. We haven’t eaten steak for about 2 months now. Chicken seems to be the cheapest protein available at the moment.
Yes Therese, The Tightwad Gazette is all about how to do more with less in any household. I don’t do couponing myself, but I love making do with what I have and The Tightwad Gazette gives tips on how to do just that. Hands down, this book has been most valuable to me in all the household finance books in our library! Give it a try, you won’t be sorry. ~TxH~
Dave Ramsey is a genius!
I love Dave, of course! I also liked Mary Hunt’s Debt Proof Your Life and The Millionaire Next Door.
These all sound like great books! I love when books on serious topics incorporate humor thus making for easier reading. Thanks for sharing at What’d You Do This a Weekend? 🙂
I love The Tightwad Gazette, and Dave Ramsey is simply wonderful. We have his homeschool course for our teens and it is so much fun that they really enjoy learning about finance.
How about Mary Hunt? She’s also quite inspiring. I just read and reviewed her book The Financially Confident Woman, and she has written others too.
I have never heard of these books but I am going to take a look now. Thanks for sharing at Good Morning Mondays. Blessings
Tightwad’s sounds interesting and kind of fun! I’ve recently been thinking about Dave R’s book ~ as a single mom, I have to get my financial ducks in a row! Thanks for linking to Merry Monday! We’re always glad to have you join our party. I enjoy your posts, alway! Julia
Thanks for the great list of resources. According to my husband, I need them. 🙂
I hadn’t heard of most of these!
Stopping by from the Linky party. Love that you shared your favorite finance books. It’s always good to hear reviews on a book before getting one.
The Tightwad Gazette is an incredible resource to have for saving money tips! I also have read Dave Ramsey’s book, but had not heard of the other one. Will check our local library to read it! Saving money is always near and dear to my heart!
Great list! I have only read the first one but am now interested in the other two! Thanks for sharing these wonderful resources on the Art of Home-Making Mondays! 🙂
Thumbs up for The tightwad Gazette — I have several volumes. I also have The Total Money Makeover– though I’ve not gotten out of debt I strive to set his steps into place– when it comes to us– I’m the nerd. But I face opposition in the home/ finance areas.
It’s really a challenge when the decision-makers of the home are not on the same financial page. We all have the right to our own financial mindset but it’s an uphill climb to be the only one pulling the wagon that represents your financial freedom. Good for you for keeping your hand firmly gripped on that wagon’s handle. 🙂 ~TxH~
You know– I have to remember our opposition is what attracts us– so, me being logical I have to remind the free spirited hubby of “our same page objectives” ! He brings the fun to the mix– when I’m stressed!
There are so many good books that you can pick up at the library but make sure you are ready for the almost 1000 pages of the Tightwad Gazette because it is a handful even if it is filled with great ideas. I found lots of books in the same section that I got out too. The more reading whether blogs or books, you can figure other ways to cut back. Thanks for the great recommendations!!
Tightwad Gazette is my fave because it’s more of a household hacks kinda book. She published each volume separately if those are easier to handle, heft wise. But I’ve got the complete works and I absolutely love them. ~TxH~
I am excited to look into the total money makeover! I am trying to save up money this semester so that I can take classes this summer at my local community college! Thanks for the great resource!
Jenny Marie
I haven’t read any of them, where have I been? I think I will have to make a trip to the library and see if they have the Tightwad Gazette. It seems everyone really liked it. We are always cutting back but always can use more suggestions 🙂
I LOVE The Tightwad Gazette – my absolute fave. Your Money or Your Life was a great read, more geared at steps to take to achieve financial security. It’s very eye opening because he gives you an entirely different way of looking at expenses – I recommend it too Teresa! ~TxH~
Have had the complete Tightwad Gazette series since they came out. I have always and still do gain a lot of information and recipes out of them. I would like to read the book “Your Money or Your Life”. Thanks for sharing.