Book Review: Money Saving Mom's Budget

Over the past month or so, I've listened to an audiobook a couple times.  The Money Saving Mom's Budget, by Crystal Paine, is the book that got this much attention from me.

I truly appreciate Crystal's blog -- The Money Saving Mom -- and I typically visit it at least 3-4 times a week.  So I was intrigued by the idea of her book.


The publisher had this to say:

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

My response?

It's been at least a dozen years since I've really read much on thrift, budgeting, making do on less, and that sort of thing.  That means I'm not really sure what else is out there right now. What I do know is that compared to the books I have read, this is imminently practical and quite common sense in nature.  She doesn't come up with outlandish ways to save six cents.  And she gives baby steps.

I particularly liked her phrasing about 'telling your money where to go' when discussing having a budget.

For someone who is fairly new to budgeting, financial goal setting, and general frugal living, I would highly recommend this book.  Having it as an audiobook means being able to listen in the car, or while doing dishes, or while chopping veggies -- and that is a huge plus.  The audio also comes with some pdf files, which I (of course) managed to delete when I was trying to clean up my hard drive.


For moms more like me -- those who have been living a penny-pinching lifestyle for a decade or two -- I still recommend this title, but with some reservations.  I found the book to be motivating and inspiring, but I can't say I truly learned anything new.  The vast majority of tips for cutting your grocery spending (with or without coupons) are things I'm either already doing or things I have tried but found unworkable for our situation.

So for the sake of tips and hints, I didn't find -- or expect to find -- this to be fabulous for ME, but for inspiration and motivation, oh, yeah.  Very nice.

~~~~~~~

"What I love about the audio edition of The Money Saving Mom'®s Budget is that I can listen to it on the go - on my run, in the car, or while I'm folding laundry. AND ... I love that it comes with the downloadable workshets. I am able to work through those while listeing to Crystal speak. So helpful. Perfect for my busy schedule." --Anne, blogger (and reformed budget breaker!)

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 Cyrstal 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 advicde and her husband will be joining her to share how the prinicples 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!

Disclaimer:  I received this book through LitFuse Blog Tour.  No other compensation was received.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own.