A Little Reading...Great Budgeting Books

Love to read? Love to save money? Need to save money? These are four books that were key in getting us through our schooling and four births on a teacher's salary with no debt. Very inspiring and practical material!

The Complete Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczyn. This is the definitive tome on all things cheap- how to make soap last, feed your family on less than $200 a month, have a family yearly clothing budget of under $100 (and she has five kids!), grow a garden and pay off your mortgage.


The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley. This book might sound a bit cheesy, but it is actually a very insightful book about the lives of millionaires- people with a million liquid bucks in the bank. The two authors tracked millionaire behavior for twenty years and then published their findings. For example, most millionaries buy suits at Sears for under $70; most of their wives were school teachers, and almost all of them are business owners. Very fascinating. It also debunks the lifestyles of the seemingly wealthy and gives you the courage to live a frugal lifestyle.


The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. This is probably the book that has had the greatest impact on our financial lives, hands down. We implemented his baby steps and are financially free because of it. No gimmicks, no funky investing. Just old fashioned hard work, long hours, saving and financial freedom.


The Super Red Racer by Dave Ramsey. Our favorite in a series of money books for children, this one teaches how to work hard and save up. Our other favorite is Careless at the Carnival.

A Little Reading...If You Loved Harry Potter

Here are some books we've read lately on the recommendation of our high school librarian. If you loved Harry Potter, then you might like:


The Magic Thief. A three tome work about grade 4-40 level. This means that although great for child at or above a fourth grade level, adults will find it compelling. The story is about Conn, a young street urchin/pick pocket who unwittingly pickpockets a wizard. He gets much more than he bargained for! Akin to A Little Princess, Sarah Prineas masterfully creates a character that is true to life, endearing, but not hokey. My seven year old (and I) loved this.


100 Cupboards. Two works in the series completed; grade 5 and above level. A young Henry, whose parents have been kidnapped, is sent to Kansas to live with an uncle. In his attic bedroom he uncovers 100 magic cupboards; where do they lead? Where did they come from? N.D. Wilson's descriptions of Kansas, a landscape that reflects Henry's lonely struggle are masterfully woven with the adventures through the cupboards that follow around and in Henry.


The Roar. A little more gritty and akin to The Hunger Games, The Roar is a Jr. High and above level book. Mika is young boy on an Earth that has been destroyed by an animal plague; in the process his sister has been kidnapped and is presumed dead. Mika must harness is new internal powers to fight the government that is enslaving the world through control of its children. A page-turner from page one like The Host or Ender's Game.

A Little Reading... Madeleine L'Engle

by Erin

I love to read, always have. And I love it when I come across a book that really inspires me. It may be the writing, the ideas, the story, but it is always the words. Over the years I have come to appreciate language, the art of words. Some books deepen that appreciation. Some authors are so good at making it all come together in just the right way. Madeleine L’Engle is one of those authors. And her book “A Circle of Quiet,” is one of those books. It’s one of those books that made me feel like I was part of a conversation between two old friends. It made me feel connected, like perhaps I’m not the only one that worries about being a good mom and a good wife and sometimes fails miserably at both.

(Photo: Been Caught Reading)

A Little Reading... Book List

By Erin B.

It’s the beginning of a new year, a new decade. It seems to have sparked a fire. As I’ve been roaming around the blogosphere I’ve noticed that people seem to be more intent on their New Year’s resolutions. The same standards apply, lose 20 pounds, exercise, take a class, change the world, etc., but this time they really mean it, 2010 will be the year. Included in all of these resolute resolutions are goals about wanting to read more, and not just read, but READ. So, I thought this apropos for our first great reads post, BBC’s book list. If you are looking to keep that New Year’s resolution, broaden your horizons, or just pull yourself out of the vampire rut, here is the answer ladies.

I’ll be starting with The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. Where will you start?

1 Pride and Prejudice
2 The Lord of the Rings
3 Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
4 Harry Potter series - JK Rowling
5 To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
6 The Bible
7 Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte
8 Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell
9 His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman
10 Great Expectations - Charles Dickens
The other 90...