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.

Win this book!

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

The premise behind “The Problem with Money? It’s Not About the Money!” by Jane Honeck is that we all hold unconscious beliefs about money that strongly influence how we handle money. Honeck, who has 30 years of experience as a CPA, explores the negative beliefs that haven’t allowed your money grow.

The 123-page book is intended for

those who know how to spend money wisely, but just can’t stop making the same money mistakes over and over again like not saving for retirement or not having an emergency fund. Honeck will change your attitude and beliefs about money and set financial goals that you can keep.

Honeck reveals that although she was trained as a CPA, she held onto beliefs that negatively impacted her money. Her goal is to remove that blindfold from readers’ eyes and have them lead financially conscious lives. Honeck writes:

During our time together, you’ll be doing exercises to unearth your money beliefs. Have a journal or notebook at your side as you read this book. You’ll use it to answer questions and to jot down things you notice as you start living a financially conscious life. Take lots of notes along the way. Being conscious with your money isn’t automatic — the notes will remind you of where you’ve been and where you’re doing.

To win my review copy, comment with what you have trouble doing financially, even though you know what you should be doing. Or buy a copy from Amazon for $15.56 (orig. $19.95). Comment by Thursday Oct. 13, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. EST to be eligible to win. A winner will be announced Friday!

Comment to win this book!

This is one book that, quite frankly, I don’t want to give away. But hogging “Fix it, Make it, Grow it, Bake it: the DIY Guide to the Good Life,” by Billee Sharp would be cruel. (See how to win it below).

In 263 pages spread across seven chapters, Sharp tackles extreme thriftiness, shares a detox bath recipe, promotes bartering over buying, and that’s only half the book! I got sucked into her tipS for unsticking wood drawers, making sourdough starter, and constructing your own Christmas tree decorations.

Sharp’s directions are

simple and easy to follow. What astounds me is the breadth of her expertise. She has suggestions and ideas for every aspect of home and life. Make no mistake, Sharp is a hard core do-it-yourselfer.

But you don’t need to convert to enjoy this book. Sharp explains her philosophy in the book’s intro:

I’m not suggesting that everybody needs to ditch the SUV and begin a macrame plant-holder business, but I do think that simple doing what makes you happy will reap the best rewards…My greatest hope is that this book empowers you to think creatively and to create the life that you really want…Herein you will find all my “trade secrets”; tips and tools for how you can live better than ever on less. In working toward creating the good life for my family and friends, I have found much joy, greater peace of mind, and true enjoyment from the simple pleasures in life. I am reminded of the old Native American saying, “Certain things catch your eye, but pursue only those that capture your heart.”

Amen!

To win my review copy, comment with a DIY project that you have been putting off, and why. Or buy a copy from Amazon for $12.44 (orig. $15.95). Comment by Thursday Sept. 29, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. EST to be eligible to win. A winner will be announced Friday!

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

I asked you to share what wealth meant to you for a chance to win “The Wealth Cure: Putting Money in its Place” by New York Times best selling author and CSI: NY actor Hill Harper and the vast majority of readers agreed that wealth is not about living an opulent life. It’s about the richness you find in your faith, family and friends.

With this in mind, Harper wrote his non-traditional finance book that teaches readers how to take control of their money. After reading all your comments, I declared reader

REllis the winner because like Harper she believes in having your money work for you. REllis wrote:

Wealth is living debt free! When you are debt free you tell your money what to do and you are more likely to fulfill your purpose in life. When you are fulfilling your purpose in life you are passionate about what you do which inspires others and makes this world a better place. Wealth is being complete – emotionally, spiritually, physically and financially.

REllis, I hope this book helps you achieve a debt-free life that leads you to fulfill your purpose in life. This book will give you tips on building an emergency fund, getting out of credit card debt, and getting health insurance. Please email me your mailing address within 48 hours so I can send you the book.

If I don’t hear from you, the book will go to one of the runner-ups. The first runner-up is Teresa, who believes in paying it forward. She said she uses her extra money as a “family benevolence fund” to help others with groceries and gas money. The second runner-up is Kris who said being wealthy is understanding the importance of faith and family.

The 264-page book is not a quick fix, but Harper will help you understand the difference between smart and dumb money. Smart money being cash that grows and works for you while you sleep. He will provide you with a financial plan that includes investing by giving back. He also includes his survival story and through that he shows you how to treat any money problems you may have.

If you can’t wait to get your hands on the book and read more about Harper’s journey and money advice, you can purchase a new copy on Amazon for $14.35 (orig. $26).

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

New York Times best selling author and CSI: NY actor Hill Harper shares personal anecdotes in his latest book on the real meaning of being wealthy. “The Wealth Cure: Putting Money in its Place,” is not a traditional financial literacy book, but it will help you control your finances.

Harper guides his readers to reevaluate their take on money. Coming from a family full of doctors and having been diagnosed with cancer, Harper writes about money as if it were someone’s health in need of treatment plan:

Our society is addicted to debt, and, exacerbating that problem, we live in a culture that associates material objects — “bling” — with success. Those two factors have led us to overvalue money. So much so that in many ways we “chase paper” just as intently as

substance addicts chase their next fix. Our relationship with money borders upon addiction, and so many of the problems we see today, individually and collectively, are the result of this craving. We make irrational and often destructive choices because we have given money and its pursuit too much value.

The 264-page book is divided into four wealth cure stages that consist of a diagnosis of your monetary health, treatment for whatever may be hurting your wealth, compliance to stick to your plan, and maintaining your health and wealth to thrive. When his father died, Harper sought comfort in an expensive vintage car, a passion his father shared. Harper takes the reader on a journey of reflection filled with advice from family, friends, and the Bible.

This book is not for those looking for a quick fix. It’s for those who desire to take the right steps to true wealth with the help of money. Inside, you’ll find charts to start a financial plan, tips on investing on life insurance, having a will and an emergency fund, as well as steps to get out of credit card debt.

Let us know how you define wealth by Thursday Sept. 22, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. EST for a chance to win my review copy. Winners will be announced Friday.  If you can’t wait to get your hands on the book and read more about Harper’s journey and money advice, you can purchase a new copy on Amazon for $14.35 (orig. $26).

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

I asked you to share how you’ve benefited from others’ generosity for a chance to win “Saving Savvy,” by Kelly Hancock of Faithful Provisions and many of you wrote wonderful stories of how others have blessed you.

I was particularly moved by reader Linsday‘s response and declared her the winner. She wrote:

Lindsay, I hope this book helps you cut down the cost of your groceries and teaches you how to get the most out of couponing so you can be a blessing to those around you and abroad. To show troops your appreciation, you can send them expired coupons to help them save money on groceries and also military care packages. Lindsay, please email me your mailing address within 48 hours so I can send you the book.

If I don’t get a response, the book will go to the first runner up Jean, who said she is on a fixed income and needs all the help she can get. Jean wrote that in the past she has been the one to bless others by giving away her children’s outgrown clothes and teaching them how to use coupons.

The second runner up is Terri Layne. I just loved her response. She wrote:

Are you kidding me?!!!! I cannot even count the many ways others have blessed us, from gifting us with money ($500 from one friend, $100 from another) to go to China to adopt our second daughter, to $2000 from our church, to gifts of clothes, and an entire expensive home school curriculum that we couldn’t afford! My eyes water just thinking of how God has blessed us through His precious people! Wow! I needed this reminder, thank you

If you missed my book review, Hancock will give you a crash course in trimming your grocery budget, couponing, and meal planning. Her 246-page book is designed to guide you to live a blessed life that will allow you to give back. The book is full of useful stockpiling tips and includes meal planning charts that will make cooking dinner a breeze.

If you’d like to read “Saving Savvy,” you can purchase a new copy on Amazon for $11.55 (orig. $16.99).