MoneySavingMomWith the recent downturn in the economy, many families are finding it difficult to stretch their dollars. The price of food has gone up, the price of gas is ridiculously high, and it just seems at every turn someone else is taking a “dip” into your pocket. This seems to be a new trend in our world. Do you feel like you just can’t keep up?

Recently I was given the opportunity to review a book being released on Jan. 10th, 2012 on Amazon. The book is called, “Money Saving Mom’s Budget,” by Crystal Paine. Given the state of the economy, I was extremely excited to get my hands on this book.  For many families the economy has forced them to downsize and live within the their means.   This book is certainly a tool that I would recommend for this very task.

In my lifetime I have read a TON of books on budgeting. You name it, and I’ve probably read it. They have been long, boring and often filled with so much information you just want to give up. This book is NOTHING like this, in fact I read it all in one sitting. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a busy single mom. I just don’t have time to read long winded books. This book follows my favorite rule of all K.I.S.S., Keep It Simple Silly!!!  Crystal gets to the point and does so in a way that makes you feel like you can conquer a “livable” budget.

If you are new to budgeting, or you are a budgeting pro, you will want to read this book.

Crystal walks you through the following areas:

  • Set big goals and break them down into bite-sized pieces.
  • Streamline your life and cut the clutter.
  • Set up a realistic, workable budget.
  • Take the cash-only challenge.
  • Use coupons.
  • Never pay retail.
  • Choose contentment.

Crystal takes you through these steps easily, and it is not overwhelming. As you follow the steps, you can’t help but be encouraged. The one part I was NOT expecting to be in the book, is all about CLUTTER! At first I thought, ” what does clutter have to do with budgeting?”, butshe hits the nail on the head when she talks about this being the first step in getting on the path to a better budget. She also teaches you how to use coupons, how to budget your time and my favorite how to NEVER pay retail! The book even includes forms to help you along the way!

The last chapter, on Contentment, is one that I was happy to find. It struck a cord with me, that as we go down this path of being on a budget and making hard changes in our life we all have the ability to CHOOSE Contentment. We all can either choose to make the best out of our situations, or sulk over them. The last sentence in the book says it all,

 It’s all about perspective. Choose to bloom where you’re planted – even if it seems like its among thorns!

Even Dave Ramsey, New York Times bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio talk show host gives it glowing reviews:

“Crystal Paine does it all as an entrepreneur, wife, and mom—and that means she knows all about finding room in a home budget! From reducing clutter to finding amazing coupon deals outside the grocery aisle, The Money Saving Mom®’s Budget will help you make dollars and sense of your life
again.”

The book was a complete pleasure to read. Not only have I used it as reference, I’m in the process of re-reading the entire thing again. My copy is written in, book marked and a little rough around the edges and I’ve only had it for a couple of weeks! This one is a keeper. The price is right too!!
You won’t have to pay some HUGE amount of money to grab this must have book like you do with other Budget books or programs. Pre-Order price for the paperback version is $11.09 through Amazon. Kindle Fans can grab it too on Pre-Order for just $9.99! What is even more exciting is that Crystal has decided to donate all the profits from the book to her favorite charity, Compassion International–an organization that helps to feed and clothe needy children around the globe.

Gallery Books provided me with a review copy of this book. The opinions expressed here are 100 percent my own and were not edited by the publisher, author(s), or their affiliates.

It’s a Giveaway!!!

One lucky Coupon Frugality reader is going to get their very own copy of “The Money Saving Mom’s Budget”.

The Winner will be selected at random on Jan. 7th, 2012 at 1pm MST.
I want to be sure to give everyone a chance to win a great new “start” to the new year with this book!

The book will be sent to the winner after its release on Jan. 10th
If you are the winner, you must respond to my email within 48 hours.

How to Enter:
Everyone gets a FREE entry to the drawing. Simply leave your name and email.

You can get extra entries if you:

  • Like Coupon Frugality on Facebook
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(if you already do these things, just mark it!!!)

Good Luck Everyone!!

Entries for this Contest are now closed.