Frugal Families: Making the Most of Your Hard-Earned Money

I read all of the reviews posted on this page...even the old ones from 1999. I was hesitant to buy the book based on the few bad reviews, but I loved it! The old reviews must be based on an earlier version. This version I bought is very new. It was packed with helpful information, loads of websites, holiday help ideas, pets, kids, etc. It is WELL worth the price.

In true miserly fashion, Jonni McCoy makes saving money a trill and an adventure in Frugal Families. Whereas Mrs. McCoy?s previous books (Miserly Moms and Miserly Meals) have focused on how a mom or a person can save money, Frugal Families is a compilation of how an entire family can get into a lifestyle of frugality. I especially enjoy this, as it?s easy for one person (the mom) to do what she can to pinch pennies; but it?s refreshing to see that life-long learning and behavior is possible with our children. Additionally, Frugal Families offers an extensive resource collection at the end of each chapter, in case you want to look for more information on various topics.Jonni?s book is a great inspiration to those of us who do not use coupons. It details ways to save money in practically every manner of family living. Need window treatments? No problem! There is an entire chapter devoted to beautifying your house on a budget. Thinking about taking a family vacation? Make sure you read Chapter Six, complete with toll-free phone numbers and hotel alternatives. There is even a chapter on how you should budget your money, and how to work at paying down your financial obligations so that you can live a debt-free (and stress-free) life! But, don?t stop there! Once you learn how to live more frugally, then you need to read the next section on how to save more of your money and how to invest it wisely. There are many uncertains in life today, especially with job insecurities, economic recessions and the threats facing the international fronts. But, when you are in control of your money ? and you make living frugally a part of your life, you are able to feel in control of your financial well-being. By doing this, your turn the tables on uncertainty and take your money back into your hands. To do this, make sure you take the time to read Frugal Families, it?ll give you many options to taking the stress out of your family finances.

Now in an updated and expanded second edition, Frugal Families by Jonni McCoy is a thoroughly "user friendly" budget-conscious guide to saving expenses when celebrating the holidays, while on vacation, when taking care of pets, when buying insurance and cars, and much, much more. Featuring a wealth of simple ways to make money at home and teach financial responsibility to kids, as well as being a highly practical resource to cutting costs without scrimping on fun and simple pleasures, Frugal Families is confidently recommended for anyone seeking to make the most of their financial resources while thoroughly enjoying all aspects of family life.

For families trying to survive on one income in a two income economy, this book is a must. The set of both of McCoy's books should be in every home's frugal living library. I especially appreciated the sections on teaching kids financial responsibility and saving money on pet care. With three kids and four pets, those were topics I needed information about--and quickly! I think a set of McCoy's two books (Miserly Moms and Frugal Families) would make a welcome gift for new parents or even newlyweds. A great way to help them get started on the right track financially.

I wish I had this book 20 years ago when I started my family, it would have saved me thousands of dollars over the years. As a budget and debt counselor, I will recommend this book to all my clients. Additionally, I plan on giving it to any couples I know who are getting married. This book is truly a one of a kind resource with help for the family in over a dozen areas. I will keep this book within easy reach so I can access the hundreds of phone numbers, addresses and E-Mail addresses frequently. Using just one of the hundreds of tips will more than recoup the cost of the book. Personally, I found help with the life insurance tips and the auto maintenance tips. It is a tremendously valuable resource and a very well written book.