10,001 ways to live large on a small budget

DISCLOSURE: I have a working relationship with the folks at Wise Bread.

A new book by Wise Bread is as fun and useful as the personal finance site the book is based on. In fact, this is exactly the type of book I wish had my name on the cover. Savvy spenders will recognize some of the tips as old habits, but many of them are fresh. Here are some of the book’s more interesting tips, which has 12 chapters broken into tidbits under the banner of frugal living and personal finance. It is 346 pages.

• Did you know beer brings our your hair’s highlights? “Give your lovely locks that sun kissed glow,” the book says in a section about extra uses for beer. “Soak your hair in beer then lay in the sun. It will pull out terrific highlights and make you smell deliciously hoppy! (Alternatively, wash the beer out if you’d rather smell like a normal person. Beer is also a handy conditioner.”

• See the world for free. The book points out short- and long-term programs where professionals can volunteer in exchange for living abroad, including Art Corps, the United Nations volunteer program, The Peace Corps, Voluntary Service Overseas, Geek Corps, Winrock International and a few more.

• In a chapter about making your clothes last longer, they suggest washing clothes inside out. “Clothes with texture (jeans) or designs and adornments can last longer if washed inside out…You’ll see less cracks and fading on your T-shirts, too.”

• The book shares a homemade recipe for scented body spray, which could make a fabulous gift! “Put two parts rubbing alcohol to one part water, and a few drops of your favorite scented oil in a spray bottle. If you’d like a little more luxury, add a bit of olive or soy oil for moisture to rub in.”

I got this far before I flipped to the back to check out their reference section, which is when I realized I am mentioned in a list of the “Best Personal Finance Blogs.” I am flattered (I ran in to show Hubby) but I’m not sure I can provide an unbiased review at this point. So I’ll wrap it up by saying the book is a fun read with many tips that I will be sharing over the next few weeks!

The book’s cover price is $14.95 but Amazon has it for $10.17.