America's Cheapest Family

I admit to picking up this book on an impulse, which wouldn't do well with their guiding principles. However, I find that reading books like this is inspiring and keeps me thinking along the right (for me) lines, even if I don't particularly learn anything new.

If you haven't read many "stay out of debt, live simply, save for a rainy day, and spend only what you've already saved" books, this could be a great start for you. If you just need some inspiration that reminds you that you're not the only one trying to have a good life on a limited income, with little or no debt, this is also a good one.

It's less full of detailed "Use your butter wrappers to grease your cookies sheets" type ideas and more full of "Save x amount for medical, x amount of home improvement" and that kind of thing. It had a great chapter on taking vacations without going into debt as well as a concrete plan on educating your children on earning, saving, and spending money with a plan.

For me, too often these types of books are filled with Christian rhetoric. Why do only Christian frugal types seem to get books published? This book had a short chapter at the end explaining a bit about their beliefs but not overly filled with zealot-like advice. It was easy to skim and didn't intrude on the great advice contained within the rest of the book.

If you just need some inspiration, check this out of the library. If you're overwhelmed with debt and need some real hard-core advice, buy this and review it often. Then go find some other books that tell you some concrete ideas.