Rating: 
Summary: A good book!
Review: This is a great book for people who want to save money...hands down.
Who cares if you disagree with the author's method of parenting? This book is not about that! It is so sad that people seem to think, that in order for kids to be happy, they need only brand new clothes and toys! I seem to be the only person pointing out that the author of this book sews things for her kids (instead of lazily buying them), makes very cool snacks for their lunch boxes, reads to them, and seems like a mother dedicated to teaching her kids ethics. I think the people who call Amy Dacyzyn abusive are just trying to cover up their own guilt for not paying enough attention to their kids. I babysit young children, and let me tell you, all of them have more toys and Gap clothing than they could ever need. And most of them are disrespectful and selfish, how can I put this nicely, well, brats. I am worried about how some of them will turn out.
Sorry for lecturing, but I really feel this book is a great one, written by a smart and ethical woman.
Rating:
Summary: We are not alone! Fun, useful read!
Review: What fun - and so helpful too! Being the only tightwads in our families, my husband and I are commonly displayed as the freaks that mutating genes can spawn. This book has been a comfort, a giggle and an inpsiration. I took it to work to read on breaks and I often had to retrieve it from co-worker's desks. Found so many things that we had not even thought of - and I love the graphs - Mrs. Dacyczyn does the math for you! We have read it cover to cover. I normally sell back my books (after I buy them used!)- this I will keep for reference.
Rating:
Summary: This book is hands down the best guide for saving money
Review: I checked this book out at the library and couldn't put it down. I had to buy it and now I consult it regularly for ideas and inpiration. A must for every frugal library.I have saved a tremendous amount of money and have been able to achieve several financial goals in a very short time. I have purchased a much better home than I thought was possible and just paid cash for my next car. It has really helped me focus on spending my money on the things that are the most important to me and reduce or even eliminate spending on the rest. The funny thing is that my life seems more enriched instead of deprived. Not only did this book demonstrate great ideas on how to save money, but also inspired me to look for new ways to save money that suit my lifestyle. The money saving ideas range from great ways for everyone to save money to the extreme. Obviously, not every tip is for everyone. Everyone has their own comfort level and financial situation, but just pick and choose the ideas that work for you and leave the rest.
Rating:
Summary: Yes some ideas are extreme but very helpful OVERALL!
Review: Though some of the ideas presented in the book are somewhat extreme in a way that I think it would take a degree of discipline and passion, I still find this book extremely helpful. It would make us realize that by putting a little thinking and creativity we can save money, time and other resources. But we must bear in mind that it's definitely okay to be frugal but not at the expense of other people (if you know what I mean). I am amazed how some of the people in the book managed to save so much. What I mean is that theory without practice is useless. I find a number of idea in the book somewhat 'challenging' in that sense. I would recommend this book to others and...challenge ourselves to get the most of what we could do.
Rating:
Summary: Tightwad Gazette
Review: THE BEST book to have if you want to save money. Many of the more recent money savings books have many of Amy's tips and thoughts on being thrifty. I reference to this book often when I have something I want to save money on such as cooking, cleaning, or fixing something.
Rating:
Summary: What a nifty book!
Review: This book is crammed packed with super ideas to help the adverage family not only save money but get out of debt as well. While some of the ideas are a bit extreem, others are true gems that you will wish you thought of sooner.
Rating:
Summary: Best and most complete frugality book out there!
Review: I've had this book for a little more than two years. It is excellent. I've bought and read more than a few frugality books, but The Complete Tightwad Gazette is the one I keep coming back to. I've since given away the other books. Amy's advice is spiced with a very liberal dose of humor, which is really needed - so many people get depressed when the issue of money and bills comes up! I especially like her advice on setting up a budget. Mary Hunt's system of in-house checking seemed just too complicated to me, even when reading about it. Yes, some of Amy's advice is way extreme. She even admits that herself. I wouldn't dumpster dive myself, but if I saw something clean sitting out in the alley by the dumpster (not in it) that might be something else. I know I take advantage of other dumpster divers to get rid of stuff I don't want. I live in Chicago, and setting stuff you don't want out in the alley is an accepted way to get rid of it. Her advice on groceries and a price diary have saved me a lot of money. I'm learning to eat more meatless and it isn't killing me. I *like* dry milk. I was used to drinking skim already, so it didn't take much to get used to. The thing to remember is that mixed dry milk has to be *very cold* to taste the best. It's really a plus for me since I'm a single and would often not even use up a half-gallon before it spoiled. Now I mix up a quart at a time, and there's no waste. I'm learning my frugality now, as a single, not after I've gotten married. My goal is similar to Amy's: have lots of kids and be a stay-at-home-mom. I don't want a pre-1900 farmhouse (with attached barn!), since I prefer city life. This book is especially helpful in an expensive city like Chicago. Any single frugal men (30ish) out there?
Rating:
Summary: I Never Even Thought of That!!
Review: I love this book! I read the first volume that I checked out from the library (wouldn't Amy be proud)! When I discovered there was a compilation, I ran for the used section on Amazon.com. There are just way too many things in here that I want to incorporate into my household that I had to have my own copy. SOMETIMES, she can be a bit preachy and judgemental (I don't agree with everything she says), but this tone only pops up every now and then. Overall a great source of ideas!
Rating: 
Summary: you've got to be kidding.....
Review: It seems as if the author is obssessed with saving every penny and some of it is completely ridiculous. Dumpster diving? That's just gross, there's a fine balance between wanting to live well and going too far with money. I don't really care if it "helps the environment", I care about the environment but I'll only go so far. It's like she makes the reader feel guilty if they want to buy something new, and I do feel sorry for her kids. This seems like a book for the lower middle class, and the working class, and there's nothing wrong with that. While I'm not rich myself, I believe that she is going too far. Some ideas are quite good but others are just ridiculous. It's just not the way to live. Some people are obssessed with making enough money, others like her are obssessed with saving every penny. And while I think that its good to be financially stable, there should be a balance and the author has failed to find it. A better book would be, "Money, Possessions and Eternity by Randy Alcorn."
Rating:
Summary: I Love These Books
Review: I purchased all three of these books at once at a local thrift store I thought I would skim thru them and pick up a few ideas from time to time. I started reading and couldn't stop. I read all three books from cover to cover in three days and at the end found myself craving more. Not only did I pick up some great recipies along the way but I have managed to cut our grocery bill in half by using some of her great advice. The people that have said the children were obviously deprived and on borderline abused are just crazy. The fact that they have grown up with both of their parents at home and not out killing themselves in dead end jobs to make enough money to buy them the latest ... pair sneakers speaks volumes to me about the love and dedication she has for her family. Amy, if you ever happen to read this, I'm begging give us a book 4!!!
| 
