The Complete Cheapskate: How to Get Out of Debt, Stay Out, and Break Free from Money Worries Forever

by Mary Hunt

In need of a Money Makeover?

Let America's most popular cheapskate show you how to go from financial chaos to freedom and security--painlessly and in less time than you ever imagined.

Mary Hunt has helped thousands live a debt-free life with her popular newsletter, "The Cheapskate Monthly." In The Complete Cheapskate , Mary puts all the very best money advice she has in one place. Becoming a classy, dignified cheapskate is not all that difficult, and Mary shows how with her user-friendly principles of saving, restraint, and living debt-free.

This book will teach you how
- Create--and stick to--a monthly spending plan
- Live well off 80% of your income
- Climb out--and stay out--of debt's hole
- Stretch every dollar to its absolute maximum
- Manage savings and investments
- Lower bills on clothes, food, and gifts without lowering living standards
- Live within a financial plan that includes a margin for fun and spontaneity

With hundreds of tips on cutting expenses, The Complete Cheapskate is the indispensable guide for people ready to regain control of their finances, relieve the stress money has created, and prepare for their future.

Genres: Nonfiction, Finance, Personal Finance, Money

208 pages, Paperback

First published February 15, 1997

Reviews

[Kressel Housman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wholeheartedly agree with the philosophy of this book. . . and don't think I can apply it to my life. The philosophy is "Buy what you need, want what you have," which is sensible, but I just can't see saving 10% of every paycheck and living on the remaining 80%. (10% goes to maaser, or as the author phrases it, "tithes.") I especially can't see it if I'm committed to paying off my credit cards at the same time, which I am. So I figure I'll vary the author's advice somewhat. I'll stick to a credit card regimen just as she prescribes, but only when I make a dent in my debt can I do such wise things as putting away money for emergencies, car repairs, etc. At that time, I'll probably re-read the book. So all in all, it's a book to grow with. I think it was worth the four bucks I spent at Amazon.

[Alyssa Skinner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Goodness! This book is pretty old (not much younger than I am, in fact) but a lot of the advice in it is still applicable today. I have a tiny monthly paycheck, so I'm already pretty smart about saving money, but this book was very helpful, and I imagine that it would be even more helpful with a larger family, and more expenses/debt. It explains comprehensive ways to approach debt, tithing, and so much more, and I am thinking about advising more of my friends and family to read it.

[Michael Tildsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book that provides step by step advice for getting out of debt and taking control of your life. I knew a lot of this information from other sources, but there are some unique highlights and tips here that I hadn’t heard before. Great read.

[Chelsea Perez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the principals and ideas in this book! I wish there was an updated version though because nobody uses checkbooks and the like anymore... we all use debit cards. But the principals and ideas still apply for today.

[Sebastian Arias · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!! Great for anyone trying to get their finances in order. The author explains in detail how to save money and live below your means. I will probably read this again due to how detailed and informative it was.

[Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book! It's encouraged me to continue doing what I already knew and gave me some good ideas of things I hadn't thought of. 4 stars because some of it is pretty outdated.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in the late 90's, but still relevant. Quite a bit about checks and I haven't written a check in years, but still a good read.

[Helena · Rating 4 out of 5]

A personal finance book that teaches you how to save money and live happily on what you have.

[Lynette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book because I felt like the author is speaking to me! More than just how to pinch pennies, this book gives an outline for a strong financial foundation too.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

It took me 10 months to finish a 200 page book, if that gives you any idea. You can do just as well (if not better) researching budgeting and savings tips online.