Shop, Save, Share

I loved the Tightwad books, and this updated edition of Shop, Save, and Share by Ellie Kay is equally good, but written in an even more fun-to-read and witty style. I've found the book to offer great savings tips that are realistic and practical without a great deal of extra effort, because if it's going to take a lot of time to do--(at least for me)--it's not going to get done! I recently enjoyed hearing Ellie (in a very warm and charming manner) give good advice on the Money Matters radio program, so I also got and would recommend her latest book, A Women's Guide to Family Finances.

As a mom to 2 teenage boys (and a husband who counts in the teenager category most of the time)my grocery bill is astronomical! Ellie's book is jam packed with practical, easy to implement ideas that saved me money the first week after reading it. Last night I shopped the Walgreen circular (something I would have never done before taking Ellie's advice) for toilet paper, paper towels, laundry soap, softner, toothpaste, peanuts, and my favorite lipstick that was buy one/get one free - yahoo! I saved $37 on $80's worth of items. I wish I had read her book 10 years ago. My grocery bill is down and my ability to share with others is up. It doesn't get much better than that. Thanks, Ellie for sharing with us!

This is GREAT stuff! It's also a reminder that some of life's most important lessons should be earned the earliest. I wish I had started out with this book, because it's useful, specific suggestions would have enriched my life-literally. Buying this book is one of the best returns-on-investment a person could make. A great gift for all ages-newlyweds to seasoned couples, these money-saving tips will work for anyone. Further, Ellie's emphasis on sharing is simply part of what it takes to be a healthy, fulfilled human being. Ellie's an hilarious writer-but weaves her stories with lessons that will be remembered. This one should read more than once!

I've purchased hard copy editions of other money savings books and after buying Shop, Save and Share, I feel I paid too much for those other books! Ellie's book is a trade paperback that is so full of great information that I felt I was getting a bargain in buying the book. I ordered copies for my friends birthdays and for family members because I think that anyone will enjoy Ellie's humor as well as her practical advice on how to save money. This isn't one of those books you'll want to pass around to friends--let them get their own reference copy. I have to save my copy to refer back to after I've gone to the store. I cut my grocery bill in half the first time I went to the store! I've lowered monthly expenses around the house by just twisting a few knobs and modifying some appliance settings. I've even been challenged to share some of our (free) groceries with our local womens shelter. I just want to know when Ellie is going to write another book!

This book changed my life. My husband and I were having the same fights over and over again. It was all about the dreaded topic of money. He thought I didn't try hard enough and I thought he spent money foolishly. Then we got Shop, Save and Share. It was a quick read and really challenged us to make some drastic changes. We realized we truly could cut corners in ways that weren't too painful. It truly wasn't that difficult to shave hundreds of dollars off our monthly food budget and simplify other areas of our lives. We have found we have lots of (free) groceries to pass along to other people who need them. By reaching out to others, we've taken the focus off of ourselves and our (former) problems. My husband really appreciates the teamwork philosophy. Our marriage is better than it has been in a long time and we don't argue about money all the time. Thank you, Ellie, for making a difference in our lives by writing this book. I hope you sell a million copies and I hope that those children you support in India can one day meet you--you are one incredible lady!