Cheapest Family in America

I got it from the library--I enjoyed it. I especially liked the chapter on teaching kids about money, cause we have a new little one, and so all of that information was new to me.

The rest just seemed like an updated TWG to me. But don't get me wrong, I adore the TWG. She's my hero.

My thought is that I wish my library had a better selection of books (or quicker ILL's). I put in an inter-library-loan request, geez, at least a month (maybe two?) ago for this book. Did they have any spectacular ideas in there?

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While I'd normally agree with you, it also takes the same amount of time for a tried-and-true 30yo vegetarian cookbook to get here. It's just not a rush-rush kind of atmosphere. It almost bugs me that our library system has about a dozen branches, but I end up requesting 85% of the books I check out (over half of which are from a different library system).

I too just shop on amazon (with my two kids there's no way I'm cruising the bookstore), then get on the site and type/scribble my little heart out. The librarians get a kick out of me because I almost always come in with my little pink forms filled out and ready to go (they're still in the dark ages there).

Heheh...I tried to send an ILL request by email once. Because our library's website has a page about the reference desk, and how this is where you go to do ILL, and then there's an email address for sending questions to the reference desk. So I sent this email asking if I could send an ILL that way and if so, listed the book title and author I wanted. About three weeks later I got a response saying "Don't send ILL requests by email. No one checks this address. We don't know why it's on the website." That just really cracked me up. It's a great library overall, and ILL is pretty quick (when you hand-deliver your paper form) so I don't really have any complaints.

Sheezez took over 2 mos for me to get it from the library... and now im like

I dont mind reading about her family and how they cut costs...but there are not very many new 'tips' or suggestions IMO... im up to the chapter on Debt...

The book is an easy read and i do recommend it to anyone looking for ideas to cut costs...

Ill post more when im done reading, probably tomorrow.

I've been number 20 of 35 at the library forever. The status on the book order finally says "In Processing" instead of "On Order." Woohoo! But when I saw the book title, I told my fiancee, "Hey, they stole our title!!!"

OK, i finished the book this evening.... my opinions may be a bit biased..
we live in Phoenix, the same general place as the authors, however,we do not live in Scottsdale.

1. I find it ironic that a book on 'frugality' is written by residents of Scottsdale, one of the most expensive cities in Phoenix.

2. Since its a 'local' book I enjoyed reading about the families hidden secrets and local thrift store finds as well as free/low cost local events. This was the biggest PLUS for me.

3. She didnt have much new information to offer, however if i was looking for starters and basic ideas it would be helpful.

4. The book did give me a little extra push toward being frugal this week. I am planning on putting some items on Craigslist and I have a small box of items for the baby resale shoppe.

5. I will be recommending this book to several mom's around here who may be looking for the same type info, local 'hidden' thrift stores and local events.

6. My general opinion is I would not recommend purchasing the book, but it is worth the legnthy wait the libraries have.