This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.
I was really excited to receive “Money Secrets of the Amish,” by Lorilee Craker, who is the author of eleven books including New York Times bestseller “Through the Storm” with Lynne Spears (Britney Spears’ mother). Win my copy below.
The title tickled my curiosity about the Amish way of life. How frugal are they?
Like me, Craker wanted to learn more about the Amish after hearing they were thriving during the recession on NPR. Being a Mennonite and a journalist, she wanted to know more as her own financial situation tightened. Craker writes:
In contrast to my paranoia about being overleveraged and underfunded, the Amish were at peace, unruffled, and rich in contentment. As I dug deeper, I realized that these Plain people could teach me a thing or two about money, and what I could do, not only to hold on for dear life during this recession, but to actually thrive.
In the 224-page book, Craker learns about the money decisions Amish people live by and pass down. She interviews several people about their savvy spending habits. She’ll teach you tips for secondhand shopping, saving for a rainy day, and more. My favorite chapter in the book is about talking to children about money to show them self control and delayed gratification. The book is an easy read as it’s not a traditional financial book.
To win my review copy, let me know how the recession changed your financial situation. Can’t wait to read the book? Buy it on Amazon for $10.87 (orig. $15.99). Comment by Thursday Oct. 20, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. EST to be eligible to win. The winner will be announced Friday!
October 18th, 2011 at 6:14 am
I try to spend less at the grocery store by using coupons and don’t eat out. I can’t believe how much stuff has gone up in price!
October 18th, 2011 at 8:25 am
Hello BB,
It’s so funny that you make mention of “Money Secrets of the Amish”. I just bought it on Saturday. I am a big reader of financial books. I am learning how to pay off my debt and get my finances in order so any financial book that can teach me how to do it quick and painless is wonderful. I started reading this book as I was standing in the aisle and after getting through the first chapter found I needed to buy it. Not that I needed another book in my already overloaded bookshelf.
I read your blog every day and I love it. Keep up the great work.
Tanya, Boston, MA
October 18th, 2011 at 8:28 am
The recession caused me to take a hard look at where my money was going and the things I was purchasing. I practice much more delayed gratification, get most of my books from the library, and am using coupons so much more!
October 18th, 2011 at 8:29 am
The recession has made it difficult for me to pay down my debt at the rate I was able to in previous years. It is very disappointing to say the least. But at least I still have my job even though my employer has had funding cuts we are still kicking. This book sounds like it will be a peek into the live of the Amish. Thanks for offering us your review copy. Mrs. Accountability
October 18th, 2011 at 8:32 am
I just recently graduated from College in Dec 2010, and with this recession, I am having a hard time getting a job!! I landed an internship, but even then the company was unable to hire me, because of low revenues. So Its now October 2011 and I am still job searching daily.. Many applications, and no bites. We are running through our emergency savings, thats how the recession has effected us.. No savings. Just spending..
October 18th, 2011 at 8:34 am
Fortunately, my husband and I didn’t have to deal with job losses during the recession but, like everyone else, we’ve been trying to cut back on non-necessities (especially since the price of all the essentials seems to keep rising!) and put a little more money away just in case.
October 18th, 2011 at 8:36 am
I many ways we have been blessed with less. We lost the home we raised our 7 children in…due to my becoming disabled and no longer being able to contribute to paying the mortgage.
This led to becoming renters. It was a boon! We are good tenants as we are used to doing our own repairs and yet the fact that the responsibility not being ours alone, we discovered new found joy in the simple aspects of caring for a home. We were forced to downsize and discovered how much we had been “owned” by all our belongings! We now can and preserve in earnest and plant our own veggies in addition to wild harvesting berries and other fruit.
Times are still tough…but we are tougher!
October 18th, 2011 at 8:38 am
The recession has run my husbands business nearly into the ground. I am working 2 jobs just to make ends meat. A recent agreement to divorce has me searching for more ways to save – not only on purchases but to possibly get some stored in the bank! Would love to read how the Amish do it.
October 18th, 2011 at 8:55 am
My husband’s salary was cut by 20%…and it wasn’t large to begin with. We are now struggling to make ends meet for our 4 kids. I would LOVE to have this books. I use coupons faithfully but there has to be more that I can do.
October 18th, 2011 at 9:00 am
Before we were in the recession, I thought we were being frugal. That is until I saw prices go up in the grocery stores, and retail stores. My husband and I don’t eat out more than once a month, and never go to movies, choosing instead the once in a while DVD. As for clothing, we buy at Goodwill for my husband’s work pants and I wait til my birthday rolls around and whatever money or gift cards I accumulate I use to buy what I need. At the same time, we don’t have health insurance so we try to put some money away for emergencies and hope that we don’t get sick enough to require hospitalization. Pretty risky, huh? That’s the way it has to be. And we have 2 14 year old cars that are still hanging on and we are praying that one of them doesn’t die on us, in which case we will have to live with one car and drive the other to work because buying another used car is now out of the question. Wow, I’m tired just from writing all this!
October 18th, 2011 at 9:02 am
I lost my job at the end of last year, so we have had to do a complete turn around on the finances! I need help!
October 18th, 2011 at 9:02 am
I am having the hardest time finding a job & living in a small town doesn’t help. So we had to drastically cut spending everywhere. We no longer eat out at all, even if we take the rare day trip we pack food in a cooler to take with us. We also no longer buy clothes monthly, if we need something right away like new shoes we check thrift stores or craigslist. Now we are trying to focus on saving money but it seems almost impossible at this point but we are trying!
October 18th, 2011 at 9:10 am
I have been frugal for as long as I can remember, but my husband is the one that I see changing his ways. I have always preached to him that every penny matters. Now that we are down to one income from three, I find him looking for deals and he is finally listening to me regarding savings. I hope it lasts after we start making money again.
October 18th, 2011 at 9:12 am
We quit buying meat, its way too expensive, unless it is on sale, like chicken always is. We also now buy more store brands unless we can get it cheaper with coupons. We quit drinking coffee. We still buy store brand pop on sale. Make alot of homemade lemonade and koolaid. Thank God I did my Christmas shopping early, because I am done. I will hit the after Christmas sales and Black friday for things I will need next year. I found out today that I was turned down for a job so that is depressing, But there is always a silver lining somewhere.
October 18th, 2011 at 9:13 am
Not many changes. I have never been a big spender. I have always wanted to try canning, so I would have to say that would be my change.
October 18th, 2011 at 9:17 am
This sounds cool. I have always been fascinated with the Amish. I am a huge couponer, even before it was fashionable. So, I have not changed my spending much.
October 18th, 2011 at 9:19 am
Oh and by the way, I used to work with 2 Amish women. In my dept. I never had time for breakfast, but I never worried about going hungry, because every morning, one of them, Karen, would bring in fresh baked Cinnamon Rolls for our table. And at lunch one of them would always have me a treat. They were the best people I have ever known. At Chistmas she made me a cloth doll that little kids carry in church to play with so they dont get bored and it doesnt make any noise if it falls. It is so pretty and I loved it so much she made me a matching one in a different color. They are made of pillowcases and have embroidery. I still have mine up for display. I wish I knew what they are called. I am going to try to contact her to see if I can get one for a special gift for my neice for her baby shower! I sure miss Karen and Donna.
October 18th, 2011 at 9:19 am
My wife and I try to grow as much as we can and she has a mulch pile that provides the soil for the garden.
October 18th, 2011 at 9:25 am
We bought a freezer and have stocked up on some sweet deals on meat. Last year we bought some Prime Rib on sale for 3.29 lb and we filled that freezer. Best meat I have ever had and when we cook that meal it makes us forget about the hard times.
October 18th, 2011 at 9:29 am
The recession caused my husband to be laid off several times and then ultimately to start his own small business. We are so thankful that he was able to do this, but miss the benefits that come with a job. We are hopeful that this will turn out to be better than working for someone else!
October 18th, 2011 at 9:38 am
I have begun a small business where I sew and sell items at the local Farmer’s Market. I have discovered a new skill, and am having lots of fun.
Lemonade out of lemons!
October 18th, 2011 at 9:42 am
My husband was downsized, so we are now dependent on my salary. We decided to downsize our home as well, and moved into a smaller house. We found that we are happier than before because we are living frugally, eating mindfully, enjoying the simpler things in life. Now if we could just sell our “old” home!!
October 18th, 2011 at 9:48 am
I was planning to move to nc. after living in fl to help my aging parents for 10 yrs.. after my dad passed I wanted to sell my home but couldn’t because it was worth nothing. My mom came with me and we both rented out our houses. now we are living in an apartment which is wherid to both of us. We rent books from the library. try not to waste food, started walking and doing things that cost less. I go to ollies. I don’t buy anything unless its on sale. I comparison shop, buy clothes at goodwill and salvation army. wed is 50% day for clothes.I check out the reviews to get cheaper makeup. get my moms meds for 90 days,get my facials, massage on groupon or other bargain sites.
I repaiir things and I like the idea of being frugal. I love reading about saving money am going to switch to credit unions.
October 18th, 2011 at 11:02 am
It affected us very much. My husband has a landscape company, and this last summer, 2011 he hardly got any calls and when he did they wanted to pay for parts on not labor. Others in this field were also affected. He is now a truck driver.
October 18th, 2011 at 11:15 am
I think we can learn a lot about contentment from those that don’t have as much material wealth! I would love to gain insight to how they make it all work.
October 18th, 2011 at 11:37 am
As someone who took early retirement at age 55 with plans to continue working parttime til 62 (next month) I have watched my IRA retirement fund slowly go down the tubes. I have had to work “parttime” jobs full time. I plan my menus off the grocery store sale bills and shop for larger quantities. Then I cook and freeze – saving money and time. I also plan all my car trips for errands before I start and just make a big circle around town trying to save gas.
October 18th, 2011 at 11:41 am
I have learned from the recession that less is more and to use things up and wear them out. I am now taking baby steps toward a comfortable minimalism by selling or donating all of the items we have not been using. If something comes into my house, something must also go out. Space and experiences are more important than things. Acquiring new items is no longer the huge timer waster it once was!
October 18th, 2011 at 11:46 am
I’ve definitely felt the pressure to cook more of my food from scratch, and buy bulk items like rice and flour. I know it’s saved me money not to go out to lunch during the week, and it’s been helping my waistline!
October 18th, 2011 at 1:29 pm
I lost my job and now am trying to figure out small secrets just to spend as little as possible!
October 18th, 2011 at 1:58 pm
The recession changed me, and my lifestyle, because I do nails. I have for over twenty years, and most blogs and articles about saving money encourage people to quit having manicures and pedicures, and consider them a luxury. So, I found myself without the income I’ve had for years, and as a single parent, every dime was accounted for, so to speak. I had to have help with my rent from my parents, for the first time in my life, and it was hard to “break up,” with some of my good clients. I have made games out of saving money, putting away five dollar bills, for example, and have survived. I try to learn more about money all the time, like how to save more of it, cook my own meals, wear lots of second hand clothing, and do with out television, so I can have internet! I would love to have new reading material, especially something that educates me about another way of life.
October 18th, 2011 at 3:36 pm
I switched to a vegetarian life style; read the grocery ads each week for sale items on my master grocery list…
October 18th, 2011 at 3:54 pm
It has affected my job prospects the most. I have recently graduated with my PhD and, even with several publications, finding a job has been very difficult. We’ve definitely had to adjust our budget for groceries, eating out, and shopping in the past year.
October 18th, 2011 at 4:54 pm
I was fortunate enough to retire, but I still help my two sons to pay their student loans.
I also grew up with the Amish and marveled at how they paid cash for everything, even health care. They banded together when a family had the unfortunate circumstance of an accident and they all paid the hospital bill. They certainly have a hard
life, but they are hard workers.
I’d love to read the book!
October 18th, 2011 at 5:35 pm
It’s definitely made it harder to find a good-paying job. Not impossible, but they’re hard to find and even harder to get.
October 18th, 2011 at 11:05 pm
I guess I’m at the far end of the domino effect. It has only been the last few months that I have had to take money out of my savings to pay bills. I feel blessed to even have some savings to fall back on right now. But, I feel nervous and concerned about my future. The Amish simple life sounds so appealing. I’d love to learn more. Thanks for the offer.
October 18th, 2011 at 11:40 pm
As a SAHM with another on the way, my husband and I definitely need to control our spending and make the most out of our one income.
October 19th, 2011 at 4:01 am
The recession has made my salary drop about 75%. Because of that, my family has used some creative ways to come make do with what we have as much as possible. My husband and kids have started to really think about the difference between wants and needs. I have started couponing hardcore and have been able to get a lot of stuff that I used to pay full price for, for much less. The biggest advantage though is that rather than shop when I am bored, I have thrown myself into various volunteering positions and it has helped me see how good I have it, even with less money than before. It is so fulfilling to help out in my community and see what a little effort can do for the whole.
October 19th, 2011 at 6:34 am
I try to eat home more and don’t waste money on daily coffee and other expenditures. I eat more budget friendly food. I cancelled my cable and newspaper to save money. I don’t go out to eat and eat all my meals at home.
October 19th, 2011 at 7:31 am
I now stick with our budget instead of “mostly” sticking with it. I do work one day a week but working in a salon we have even seen our business decrease. One good thing that has come out of these tougher times is we talk alot more about our finances.
October 19th, 2011 at 8:12 am
I am lucky enough not to have lost my job during this time but like the rest of the 99% in the nation money is still tight. I have increased my couponing, by a lot, spend less and work more to build up some savings.
October 19th, 2011 at 9:51 am
I follow Bargain Babe! I also have edibles growing in the backyard and plan to plant some in the front yard this spring…I also use coupons and groupons. Cooking at home is better for the pocketbook and the waistline….next up, dump the cable TV and big bank fees!
October 20th, 2011 at 9:18 am
We’ve just learned to live with less, especially since my husband hasn’t been able to find full time work. We have one car, eat at home a lot and hang out as a family instead of going out. On the upside, we’ve saved money on daycare and my son gets a lot of quality time with his father.
October 20th, 2011 at 9:35 am
The recession changed mine and everyone’s financial situation. The biggest thing we have learned is to not be fooled by the group mentality thinking of others. Many people waste so much money it is just plain scary. Just because others are willing to spend money at above a level they should doesn’t mean I have to. I am amazed whenever I go anywhere how much people are willing to pay. So many people don’t take advantage of offers, coupons and discounts. As the father of 2 boys I can’t imagine not using them. It is also amazing to see how much there is to do for FREE as far as activities. Free doesn’t mean having to say no to fun events – it just might mean picking new fun events to do instead all guaranteed to also make fun memories.
October 20th, 2011 at 10:34 am
Maybe this can help my son!
October 20th, 2011 at 11:12 am
In addition the the usual, not going out to eat as often, I’ve seen posted by several others, I’ve Planted a more extensive garden this year; both vegetable and flowers.
This has served the purpose of feeding the household, but also replacing some of the other activities I used to do in my spare time. It keeps me in my own backyard tending plants and not driving somewhere and burning gas to get there even if the activity was free.
The added bonus was becoming aware of some of the creatures in my area I’d never seen before, such as a little frog I found sitting in the flowering shrub I was pruning. It had the coloration of a glob of cement. I’d not seen that before.
We stay home more often and have game nights.
We have cut back on meat and started to include more legumes in our diet, though we do keep a watchful eye out for exceptionally good deals on meat and stock up on it in the freezer.
Now that my workplace has decided that the employee contribution towards insurance is to nearly triple this coming year we are reassessing if our insurance is to be through my job or the mr’s. It’s likely to stay at my job, b/c mine offers a benefit that’s almost unheard of except at a few other hospitals… if you need to be seen for a blood draw, a mammogram or something that can be done at an urgent care center it’s free if you go to the facilities provided by my hospital. I may prefer my old providers for these things, but free can’t be beat with a stick.
October 20th, 2011 at 9:29 pm
i have been lucky that i have lived a frugal life for as long as i can remember. i do buy more in bulk than i used to. less expensive and less packaging. i am sure that i could still learn more from the book. i would be so happy to win this book. i do tend to share advice about saving money with some my friends. this would just increase what i tell them.
October 21st, 2011 at 5:49 am
[...] for a chance to win Lorilee Craker’s “Money Secrets of the Amish” and my review post was flooded with comments. Many of you said you’ve cut down on frivolous things and are [...]