King Arthur Movie Tristan

title: TheSmartestWay to Save, Why You Can't Save Money and What to Do About It

authors: Heidi E. Clingen, Samuel K. Freshman

genre: self-help/non-fiction

published: 2008

pages: 217

first line: We live in the richest country in the world, but many Americans are just living "month to month."

source: review copy

rated: 3 out of 5

TheSmartestWay to Save, Why You Can't Save Money and What to Do About It is your guidebook for surviving the recession. Your money is hard to make, but easy to spend. You know you need to save to pay for your home, send your kids to college, and retire. But so many people drown in a sea of toxic debt and feel powerless to overcome destructive, compulsive spending. This concise, readable manual will help you spend less, save more, overcome bad habits, and conquer debt. It is filled with hundreds of practical, doable tips that you can apply to your daily life, regardless of your age or finances. Authors Samuel K. Freshman and Heidi Clingen have two different perspectives, but their stories come together to encourage you to embrace your economic situation with enthusiasm. Their straight talk is engaging and compassionate and will make a genuine difference in your wallet--and your future!

The concise guide is packed with pointers to help all ages and incomes keep resolutions to:


-batten down the hatches for the rainy days looming on the horizon


-rescue themselves from drowning in a sea of toxic debt


-spend more time with loved ones and spend money on what really matters


-save money on clothes, gas, cars, food, parties, and more


-get started on the road to financial independence





TheSmartestWay to Save, Why You Can't Save Money and What to Do About It is a great resource for anyone who is looking for advice or motivation for saving money.

"Its not how much you make, its how much you keep"

The authors touch on the factors that make us spend too much money in the first place to what we can do to change our spending habits to tips for saving money for the long haul.

Do you own your possessions? Or do your possessions own you?
Do you fill your life with things that have real value for you and truly enrich your life? Or are your possessions stealing the time and affection that you should give your loved ones?

Your relationships with your friends and loved ones should be your top priorities.

p. 5

There is some sound advice within these pages and this is a helpful book, I finished it in one day. The book is written in three major parts.
1. Your Money And You
2. Your Money and Others
3. Your Money and the World.

The authors touch on things like frugal party planning, vacations and gift giving. One good point they made was the topic of gift cards as gifts. Such as the fees involved with gift cards and how gift cards are usually put inside our wallets and forgotten about.

'Gift cards are designed to sit in your wallet and serve as a constant advertisement of that store'

p.82

The authors discuss why it is that we overspend our hard earned money in the first place. Media and peer pressure to fit in or impress others are topics that are brought up. They also touch on strategies to pay off toxic debt, such as credit cards and loans. I liked the sections on budgeting and prioritizing. They suggest taking it one day at a time, and being realistic when it comes to saving. There's even a section on protecting yourself from different types of internet scams that are created to steal your money.




I recommend this one to anyone looking for a few ideas on saving money and for those who are in a need of a little motivation to get them to start saving a bit more.

When you establish the habit of saving, you will be able to start investing what you have saved. There are many dreams that you thought were out of reach, but they are obtainable under a good investment plan.

What do you need to improve your career and your earning capacity? Plan ahead to create a legacy for your loved ones that lasts for future generations.

p.183