Miserly Moms: Living on One Income in a Two-Income Economy Review

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(More customer reviews)I first read this book a few years ago when I was working full-time and thinking about becoming a stay-at-home-mom. After reading this book and putting some of the advice into practice, I cut thousands of dollars from our spending annually. For example, I used to spend $150 a week on groceries for a family of 3 (at that time). We now have 4 people in our family, and spend about $70 a week! THAT'S $3,100 A YEAR SAVED just on groceries.
Her analogy on what it costs to work as opposed to staying at home went a little overboard. But generally, her message that most American families CAN afford to live off one income came across loud and clear -- and, having been through the transition myself, I couldn't agree more!
Having led a similar lifestyle as Ms. McCoy's prior to quitting the work force, I could absolutely relate to her struggles and determination to spend less, so therefore I "heard" the advice she was giving. If you put into practice just a little of what is in this book (especially in attitde towards money and cutting on groceries), you will save thousands per year.
A previous review speaks to the fact that this book contains much information that is in other books on this subject. True, but basically they're all the same (just like workout videos!). The personality of the author and your ability to relate to their particular situation is what determines if you like the book and their advice. I personally thought Ms. McCoy was smart, determined, and had conviction, so I admired her.
I highly recommend this book to beginners!

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Jonni McCoy and her family are proof that you live on one income. The McCoys made a successful transition from two incomes to one while living in one of the most expensive parts of America: the San Francisco Bay Area.Her Miserly Guidelines will help you save thousands of dollars a year on everything from groceries to electricity to insurance and household cleaners--as well as reveal the hidden costs of holding a job and common money wasters. Her practical, proven cost-saving techniques, strategies, tips, and recipes will help you live frugally without feeling deprived.

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Amazing Insider Secrets: 1703 Money Saving Tips Review

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(More customer reviews)This book contains does contain information that many people are already are aware of, but it also has a good bit of stuff that most people haven't heard of or is not widely known. I like the tips that show the reader how to use items around the house as problem solvers versus having to purchase a new product. This is certainly a great book to have around the house or to give as a gift. By showing me how to use what I already have on hand, it has saved me money and shown me several ways to save even more. It's kind of like having all the best tips and tricks from grandmas all over the world in one book :)

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Save hundreds of dollars by just following the secret tips found in this handy reference guide filled with tips and "confidential advice" that come straight from the mouths of knowledgeable insiders. Most of us have been victims of misinformation or withheld information. Amazing Insider Secrets will give you the facts that will make you the smartest, sharpest consumer on the block. The secrets range from how to slash your food costs to crucial appliance-care instructions that belong in every owner's manual. You'll be amazed at how enlightening and simple these remedies and professional solutions are: *Dealing with stress? No need to buy an expensive drug—try basil tea. Fresh basil is easy to find in any supermarket. *Fake the cream in sauces: Use nonfat condensed milk instead of heavy cream; you get the creaminess without the fat and calories—and save money. *Seeing spots: Spray an ink spot with hairspray then launder, or sprinkle baby powder on an oil stain, let the powder absorb the oil then brush it off. *Don't buy plants retail. Divide perennials with friends and neighbors, or watch for a local garden club to hold a plant sale. Learn easy, low-cost solutions to problems around the house, common lawn care mistakes, must-have kitchen items to have on hand, and many more handy tips that will keep your life running smoothly, prevent huge repair bills, and save you time and hassle.

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Laundry: The Home Comforts Book of Caring for Clothes and Linens Review

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(More customer reviews)"Home Comforts" has been so helpful and authoritative that I preordered "Laundry" as soon as it was announced. I was very disappointed to find that it consisted almost entirely of material taken from her previous book. If Cheryl Mendelson feels that she needs to revise "Home Comforts", she should go over the entire book and bring out a second edition.
If you already have "Home Comforts", you don't need to buy "Laundry"; and if you don't have "Home Comforts", you need to buy it. But I see little reason to buy "Laundry". I am returning my copy.

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For Cheryl Mendelson laundering is the best part of housekeeping. It's full of physical pleasures -- the look of favorite clothes restored to freshness and beauty, the tactile satisfaction of crisp linens in beautifully folded stacks. Good laundering preserves things you love and protects your pocket book. It doesn't take much time or effort. What it takes is knowledge, and Laundry is the comprehensive, entertaining, and inspiring new book on the art of laundering. Culled from the bestselling Home Comforts, with revised and updated information and a new introduction, Laundry is an indispensable guide to caring for all the cloth in one's home: from kitchen rags to bedding, hand-washables, and baby clothes to vintage linens. Mendelson offers detailed guidance on when to disregard labels, removing stains, making environmentally informed choices, sewing, and storing clothing and fabrics. A much-needed antidote to the standard-issue how-to manual, Laundry celebrates the satisfactions of ironing, folding, and caring for clothes and linens. Both pragmatic and eloquent, Mendelson provides beginning and veteran homemakers with a seamless combination of reliable instruction, time-tested advice, and fascinating personal narrative. As a farm girl in Pennsylvania, Mendelson -- who is a philosopher, lawyer, and professor, as well as a homemaker, wife, and mother -- received a classic domestic education from her grandmothers, aunts, and mother. Laundry combines the best of the traditional lore they taught her with the latest in technical and scientific information. Writing with infectious love and respect for her subject, Mendelson is sure to instill in readers a newfound affection and appreciation for the art of laundering.--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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The Busy Mom's Guide to Simple Living : Creative Ideas And Practical Ways for Making the Most Out of What You Have Review

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(More customer reviews)This book included ideas such as everyone taking their baths in a wading pool outside to save on water and electricity! It also had many ideas on how to spend a lot of money on vitamins and bread mixers and wheat grinders. Great if you really like to do those things though not exactly some- thing that would simplify life for a busy mom!

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In this sensible volume, Jackie Wellwood offers creative and practical ideas for freeing your time and resources, establishing the priorities God wants you to have, and making more room in your life for what really matters.

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Miserly Moms: Living Well on Less in a Tough Economy Review

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(More customer reviews)I was kind of leery when I first began reading Miserly Moms Living Well on Less in a Tough Economy by Jonni McCoy and published by Bethany House because I wasn't sure if a family who has two children and who has a lot of other differences compared to our family would be able to help me with ideas on living frugally. I was proven wrong and again taught not to assume or judge a book or an author by it's cover. This book is indeed a great help no matter the size of your family.
As gas prices go back up, food prices continue to climb and trying to make sure we have enough money for a house payment, one van payment, electricity, water, food, etc I try to find ways to cut corners. For my family, food is one way we look to cut corners and I have been already been doing a lot of scratch baking and freezing. It's amazing how one can stretch a $1.55 (on 'sale' at Aldi's) bag of flour! So that was one thing I concentrated on this book, the food. Also by cutting out cable and satellite *GASP* and not having a cell phone *GASP AGAIN** we don't live like most Americans.
Jonni McCoy offers Eleven Miserly Guidelines that are easy to implement and keep with it. Some of these I had already been doing such as not shopping at the same store, making and freezing food, making meals from scratch, etc but she offers other ideas for taking it further. She gives idea for baby care including whether to use disposable or cloth diapers, making your own baby food (we save on this by my nursing for however long the baby wants and not starting solids until 7 or 8 months when the baby can generally some of the foods I make for everyone else). There is also a section for working moms, although she does advocate for mom's who stay home she knows this isn't always a possibility for all moms.
The section on clothing was the one section I disagreed with as she said she she figures out how many outfits her family needs each month or two and tries to find the best deals for the items needed. I couldn't imagine being able to buy new clothing or even buying clothing at thrift stores every couple months - it's not in our budget. So that to me was a bit much, but I don't have an issue with my clothes not being the latest fashion either.
Overall, I was very impressed with the ideas in the book and she has included several recipes. I made the taco seasoning, I hate buying the store bought seasoning with all the MSG and other junk, so I made the recipe in her book and it was GREAT! My husband said he liked it better than the store bought as well. It had more taste and definitely more healthy and cost effective (it makes 12 servings). There are many more recipes and ideas for "pre-packaged" convenience foods to make at home - like baking mixes you can use for biscuits and pancakes. If you'd like to learn how to save money I would definitely suggest you get this book!

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With gas and food prices soaring, there's more need than ever before for Jonni McCoy's Miserly Moms. Jonni shares the money-saving strategies that allowed her family to transition from two incomes to one. These practical, proven strategies, tips, and recipes will help anyone live frugally without feeling deprived. Real-life examples show how anyone can learn to live more carefully and reach their financial goals. Now in its fourth edition, Miserly Moms is packed with even more ways to reduce a family's expenses and expose hidden living costs.

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