This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.

“How to be Richer, Smarter, and Better-Looking than Your Parents,” by Zac Bissonnette should be on every young adult’s summer reading list. The 23-year-old author writes about finances with an honest and humorous style suitable for young adults who want a secure, stable and happy life.

Bissonnette is the author of the popular “Debt-Free U” which I reviewed back in 2010. Back then he wrote about paying for college without going broke. Now, he’s back to guide young adults through the traps that await them in their post-college years. He writes:

The point is this: Managing your financial life is not about spreadsheets and compound interest. It’s about your life. The financial decisions you make can give you freedom or make you a slave.

The 240-page book offers insight on everything from job hunting tosaving for retirement. There are no spreadsheets, plans, or budgeting forms in the book. Just simple financial information that will help you live a better life than your parents — if you follow it, of course.

Though this book is written for the younger generation, most of the information is useful for those past their twenties. I must warn you that Bissonnette’s irreverent humor may not be for you. After all, he is writing for a crowd his own age and must maintain our attention. If you can get past it, then this book is full of useful money advice.

If you would like to win my review copy of “How to be Richer, Smarter, and Better-Looking than Your Parents,” by Zac Bissonnette leave a comment by Sunday, May 27, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. EST, telling me what’s the worst money advice you’ve given your kids or have receive from your parents. I’ll announce the winner on Monday, May 28!

If you can’t wait to start reading, you can order the book on Amazon for $11.56.

Buying a copy through Amazon supports BargainBabe.com. This post is copyrighted by BargainBabe.com. Other sites posting this content are violating the DMCA.

This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.

Complex money books are aggravating. These books just make things so difficult to understand. So when I received a copy of “The Super Duper Simple Book on Money” I was hooked even before I began to read. Find out how you can get a free copy below!

Author Alan Akina also dislikes complex money books and that’s why he decided to write a short and easy to read money book. He writes:

I promise that anyone who reads and follows the principles in this book, can live better, breathe easier, and build a solid financial foundation that will help you thrive through-out your life.

“The Super Duper Simple Book on Money” can be read in less than an hour! It focuses on five money principles that are simple to understand and are timeless.

1. Money In
2. Money Out
3. Money We Owe
4. Money We Grow
5. Money We Share

This book is for beginners who are looking for the tools to help them change their financial path. If you’re a seasoned saver, you’ll find information about investing easy to comprehend and implement. Akina will motivate you to take action by providing worksheets to get you started saving and paying off debt. You’ll also find information on mortgages, getting rid of student loan and credit card debt.

Akina’s book is easy to follow as he shares anecdotes of his life that will help you understand his financial journey. He also shares stories of others who have been successful at changing their financial situation using the principles.

Can’t wait to read the book? Today only, Akina is giving away free copies of his book! Head over to SuperDuperSimpleBooks.com to snag a free copy. You can also buy the Kindle edition on Amazon for $.99. Make sure you let us know what you think of the book.

Winner announced below!

This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.

I was surprised that only 17 readers entered our book giveaway contest. I’m assuming it’s because “Money Saving Blueprint” by Bryan Bowers is a Kindle book and not many have the e-reader. Those who entered had a higher chance of winning, but I could only pick one person!

I initially wanted to give the book to reader Kay, who said the Great Recession has greatly affected her family. She said after reading the book she would share it with her book lending club for other local families to benefit from her win. There was only one problem – it’s a Kindle book. Rats!

Ultimately, I declared the winner as…

Jolyne Dunn, who’s raising her grand kids:

Our daughter passed away suddenly and we have taken in two grandchildren. We are living on Social Security so money is very tight for us.

I hope this Kindle book helps you cut down expenses, Jolyne.

First runner up is shirley i:

This recession has affected us in many ways, but right now the price of gas is making us rethink every trip to the market, drugstore, visits to friends and family, etc. We really think about combining errands and we have to calculate whether it really is worth the extra gas in order to save a few dollars by driving farther.

Second runner up is Donna:

When the recession began, the company I worked at went out of business so we had to live very frugally on unemployment until I found another job. Thankfully, I eventually did find a job, but it has taught us to save more for you cannot always predict when a rainy day may come again.

The winner and runners up will be notified by email. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, the book goes to the first runner up, and so on.

Thanks to everyone that participated. If you’d like to read the book, you can buy it on Amazon for just $2.99.

This post is copyrighted by BargainBabe.com. Other sites posting this content are violating the DMCA.

Win a Kindle version (or PDF version) of this book!

Today is your last chance to comment for a chance to win Bryan Bowers’ “Money Saving Blueprint.”  Only 6 readers have entered, so your chances of winning are super high! Bowers shows you how to cut down expenses in his easy to read, 39-page book.

Bowers’ family had to trim expenses after being hard hit by the recession. He wrote the book to inspire others. He writes:

This guide is different from other advice you may find online. Most sites simply list areas to reduce expenses and then send you on your merry way. Unfortunately, these lists never give you detailed instructions on how to actually achieve these cost-cutting benefits. It’s like sitting down for a meal consisting of ice chips… after finishing the meal, you haven’t satisfied your hunger and have wasted valuable time.

In case you missed my book review, Bower’s offers suggestions on saving money on your landline, cutting cable TV costs, and reducing your morning coffee expenses. This book is for someone who is new to saving money. Seasoned savers may find that they’ve already implemented many of Bower’s money saving suggestions.

The book does offer nuggets of information on overlooked areas to save money like property taxes, irrigating your home, and car payments. And Bower’s follows through on his promise — no lists — just resources to make it easier to cut costs.

To win a Kindle version of this book (or PDF version), let me know how the Great Recession has affected your family. Can’t wait to read the book? Buy it on Amazon for $2.99. Comment by today, March 9 at 11:59 p.m. EST to be eligible to win. The winner will be announced Monday!

This post is copyrighted by BargainBabe.com. Other sites posting this content are violating the DMCA.

Win a Kindle version of this book!

This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.

In “Money Saving Blueprint,” Bryan Bowers teaches you how to save hundreds of dollars each month with practical advice. Win a Kindle version of his book! Details are below.

In the 39-page book, Bowers reveals how his family cut expenses after being hard hit by the Great Recession. To deal with the blow of a dramatic loss of income his family reduced and eliminate expenses. He shares his journey to inspire others to save money. He writes:

This guide is different from other advice you may find online. Most sites simply list areas to reduce expenses and then send you on your merry way. Unfortunately, these lists never give you detailed instructions on how to actually achieve these cost-cutting benefits. It’s like sitting down for a meal consisting of ice chips… after finishing the meal, you haven’t satisfied your hunger and have wasted valuable time.

This book is for someone who is new to saving money. Seasoned savers may find that they’ve already implemented many of Bower’s money saving suggestions. The book does offer nuggets of information on overlooked areas to save money like property taxes, irrigating your home, and car payments.

Bower’s also offers suggestions on saving money on your landline, cutting cable TV costs, and reducing your morning coffee expenses. The book is an easy read and Bower’s follows through on his promise — no lists — just resources to make it easier to cut costs.

To win a Kindle version of this book, let me know how the Great Recession affected your family. Can’t wait to read the book? Buy it on Amazon for $2.99. Comment by Friday, March 9, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. EST to be eligible to win. The winner will be announced Monday!

This post is copyrighted by BargainBabe.com. Other sites posting this content are violating the DMCA.

Winner announced below!

I asked you to share the last time you had checked your credit report for a chance to win “The Complete Credit Repair Kit” by Brette McWhorter Sember. The responses left on my book review varied tremendously. Before announcing the winner, I want to thank everyone who participated!

I was glad to learn that many of our readers are checking their credit report on a consistent basis. Make sure you’re not paying for it, though. You can get a free credit report every year through AnnualCreditReport.com!

I finally settled on giving the book to someone who is struggling to get mistakes corrected on her credit report.

The winner is Phyllis Greenspan. She wrote:

Want to read out the book? Buy it on Amazon for $15.87 (orig. $19.99) or check your local library for a copy.

This post is copyrighted by BargainBabe.com. Other sites posting this content are violating the DMCA.

Comment on my book review to win “The Complete Credit Repair Kit"!

Today is your last chance to comment for a chance to win “The Complete Credit Repair Kit“ by Brette McWhorter Sember. So far 23 readers have entered, so your chances of winning are high! Sember will help you understand, repair, and rebuild your credit.

The 457-page book is filled with resources like letter samples to report a billing error, complain of unfair debt collection practices, and request a payment plan, and more. Sember writes:

You have probably seen ads for companies that promise to erase your bad credit or give you new good credit for a fee. Don’t bother! This book tells you every legal method available for repairing your credit on your own, with no fees.

Sember, a retired attorney and mediator, wrote this book in plain English so you don’t have to worry about understanding financial jargon. Sember also writes about identity theft and how to prevent it from happening to you.

One of my favorite parts is when she reveals many of us are doing things that make financial sense, but look bad on a credit report. For example, taking out store credit cards to get a discount and then closing the account.

To win my review copy, comment on my book review by 11:59 p.m. EST. Let me know when you last checked your credit report. Can’t wait to read the book? Buy it on Amazon for $15.87 (orig. $19.99). I’m announcing the winner tomorrow!

This post is copyrighted by BargainBabe.com. Other sites posting this content are violating the DMCA.

Win my review copy!!!

“The Complete Credit Repair Kit“ by Brette McWhorter Sember is your road map to taming your finances. Sember, a retired attorney and mediator, will guide you through the necessary steps to understand, repair, and rebuild your credit. (Details below on how to win my review copy!)

The 457-page book is filled with resources to help you get a handle on your debt, which has a major impact on your credit score. Sember writes:

You have probably seen ads for companies that promise to erase your bad credit or give you new good credit for a fee. Don’t bother! This book tells you every legal method available for repairing your credit on your own, with no fees.

Sember includes everything from letter samples to report a billing error, complain of unfair debt collection practices, and request a payment plan, plus more!

The book is written in plain English so you don’t have to worry about understanding financial jargon. I also like that Sember includes samples of the three credit reports and explains what it all means. She also teaches you how to prevent identity theft.

She also points out that many of us do things that make financial sense, but look bad on a credit report. For example, paying off the balance of your credit card each month. Future creditors will only see the high balance and not know you pay it off!

To win my review copy, let me know when you last checked your credit report. Can’t wait to read the book? Buy it on Amazon for $15.87 (orig. $19.99). Comment by Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. EST to be eligible to win. The winner will be announced Friday!

This post is copyrighted by BargainBabe.com. Other sites posting this content are violating the DMCA.

Winner and runner ups announced below!

Visiting family and traveling were the two retirement activities most desired by the 42 readers who entered our contest to win “Can I Retire?” by Mike Piper, a self-published blogger who I met at a conference recently. Olivia made me laugh out loud when she said her priorities were “God first, then family, and finally fishing.” But I decided to declare as the winner…

Rhonda Fedro, who dreams of helping others like her:

I want to be able to relax and enjoy each season. . maybe find a husband since I’ve singled parented my kids there was no time. I also would LOVE to volunteer with single moms and help them develop a career path – i sew so maybe i could fit them for attire from goodwill .. that would enable them to join the workforce in style .. along with helping them budget, I love trying to budget, and for me it’s harder and harder w/prices higher and higher .. So those are my goals, I’m just hoping health holds out as I age.. Thank you!

First runner up is Diane Phillips:

I am looking forward to retiring so I can do all of the things I have always wanted to do but had to work instead. Volunteer at the local animal shelter, become a docent at the local zoo, spend more time with my family, audition for the philharmonic are just a few. I want to get more exercise, read more books and see Greece and Australia. Hopefully I will be blessed with enough retirement years to accomplish them all.

Second runner up is Sonia Lites:

I would like to enjoy my retirement by not worrying about anything financially

Third runner up is kim:

I would spend some of my retirement hours volunteering at my local food bank and at the public library helping an adult learn to read.
I currently volunteer at a soup kitchen several times a year in addition to my fulltime+ hours as a dialysis RN. Also involved at my church and community organizations. My dream would be to take a special vacation every year expanding my horizons. Hey wait, I can do that now! Show me that retirement money!!!

Winner and runners up have been notified by email. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours, the book goes to the first runner up, and so on. Runners up will receive a “I BRAKE FOR BARGAINS” bumper sticker. Thanks to everyone who participated!!!!

If you didn’t win, buy Can I Retire? on Amazon for $10.20 (orig. $15). The Kindle version is just $5!

Comment below to win this book!

Today is your last chance to comment for a chance to win Mike Piper’s  “Can I Retire?” Only 20 readers have entered, so your chances of winning are super high! Piper answers three burning questions in his quick, 99-page book.

• How much money do I need to retire?
• How do I manage my retirement savings?
• How do I plan for taxes in retirement?

On the first page, Mike admits that there are plenty of good retirement books out there. So why did he write another one?

Can I Retire? is not meant to be better. It’s meant to be shorter. It’s written for the person who…

…might not be able to find the time to read Otar’s entire 525-page book or the 370-page Boglehead’s Guide…But if there’s a good chance that, if you were to buy one of those other books, it would sit unread on your coffee table or bookshelf, then this book is written for you.

I met Mike at the Financial Blogger Conference in October 2011, where he told me about self-publishing on Amazon. Mike gave me a free copy of his book, even before I said I would review it on BargainBabe.com.

Each chapter is a few brief pages, with practical and simple steps to take action. Mike summarizes each chapter with bullet points at the end. Can I Retire? does not shy away from technical terms, but it uses plain language to explain terms and concepts, making the book a great primer for anyone interested in planning their retirement.

Because the book is so short, it does not cover when to start taking retirement benefits, whether you should buy long-term health care, and some other subjects. Mike suggests you supplement the book with advice from a professional adviser or continue to self-educate yourself.

If you’d like to win my review copy, comment on this post with how you’d like to spend your retirement. Comment by Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. EST to be eligible to win. A winner will be selected and announced on Friday, Nov. 4, 2011. Or buy Can I Retire? on Amazon for $10.20 (orig. $15). The Kindle version is just $5!

Win this book by commenting below!

In 99 pages, seven-time author Mike Piper answers three burning questions in Can I Retire?
(Win my review copy below.)

• How much money do I need to retire?
• How do I manage my retirement savings?
• How do I plan for taxes in retirement?

On the first page, Mike admits that there are plenty of good retirement books out there. So why did he write another one?

Can I Retire? is not meant to be better. It’s meant to be shorter. It’s written for the person who…

…might not be able to find the time to read Otar’s entire 525-page book or the 370-page Boglehead’s Guide…But if there’s a good chance that, if you were to buy one of those other books, it would sit unread on your coffee table or bookshelf, then this book is written for you.

I met Mike at the Financial Blogger Conference in October 2011, where he told me about self-publishing on Amazon. (If you’re interested in writing a book, the gist of it seems to be that if you go with self-publishing and selling on Amazon, you’ll make a lot more money per book. But you won’t get any recognition because self-published authors still have a second class reputation. If you go with a traditional publisher, you may get a lot of media buzz and attention, but you won’t make any money.) Mike gave me a free copy of his book, even before I said I would review it on BargainBabe.com.

Each chapter is a few brief pages, with practical and simple steps to take action. Mike summarizes each chapter with bullet points at the end. Can I Retire? does not shy away from technical terms, but it uses plain language to explain terms and concepts, making the book a great primer for anyone interested in planning their retirement.

Because the book is so short, it does not cover when to start taking retirement benefits, whether you should buy long-term health care, and some other subjects. Mike suggests you supplement the book with advice from a professional adviser or continue to self-educate yourself.

If you’d like to win my review copy, comment on this post with how you’d like to spend your retirement. Comment by Thursday, Nov. 3, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. EST to be eligible to win. A winner will be selected and announced on Friday, Nov. 4, 2011. Or buy Can I Retire? on Amazon for $10.20 (orig. $15). The Kindle version is just $5!

Winner and runner-ups announced below!

This is a post by BargainBabe.com writter Yazmin Cruz.

I asked you to share how the recession has affected your financial situation 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 trying to save money on groceries. In need of coupons? Check out our Coupon Database to find all grocery and drugstore coupons available.

The first runner-up is Andrea Stempel who said her husband’s salary has been cut and they have been struggling to make ends meet for their family of six. The second runner-up is Christine Judd who recently graduated from college and is having a difficult time finding a job.

It was difficult picking the winner as there were many compelling stories, but I finally declared

Alison P. the winner because she’s turned saving money into a family affair. She wrote:

Comment today for a chance to win this book!

Today is your last chance to win our review copy of “Money Secrets of the Amish,” by Lorilee Craker. So far 41 readers have entered. The title tickled our curiosity about the Amish way of life. How frugal are they?

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 our 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 today, Thursday Oct. 20, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. EST to be eligible to win. The winner will be announced Friday!

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!

Winner and runner-ups announced below!

This is a post by BargainBabe.com writer Yazmin Cruz.

The winner of “The Problem with Money? It’s Not About the Money!” by Jane Honeck is reader Kellee. She admits her rocky relationship with money comes from not being taught to manage money at an early age. She wrote:

I was never taught to prepare for the future. My mom lived from check to check, so do I. I need to get something started because I am already 10k in the hole from previous unemployment.

Kelle, I hope this book helps you build a healthy relationship with your finances. Honeck, who has 30 years of experience as a CPA, will take you set financial goals. Send me an email with your mailing address within 48 hours so I can send you the book.

Honorable mentions go to Budget Buster who cried for help. Budget Buster has trouble keeping a budget and saving for retirement. The second runner-up is Kelli who admits she has trouble planning for the future because she loves the instant gratification of spending money.

In you didn’t read my review, the premise of the 123-page book is that many people hold beliefs that negatively impact their relationship with money. Honeck includes tools to help you become financially conscious by dispelling such beliefs as money is evil.