If you are not convinced that saving is the best path to financial prosperity, TheSmartestWay to Save: Why You Can’t Hang on to Money and What to Do About It wants to convince you. The 205-page book persuades with facts, quotes, and lessons that are down-to-earth and basic. Following all their advice is the hard part.
TheSmartestWay has 23 chapters broken into three sections: your money and you; your money and others; and your money and the world. The book starts with the basics of why credit card debt is bad, how to develop spending and saving discipline and asks 19 questions to gauge your current spending savvy.
It offers advice on creating money harmony at home, including showing the other person they are more important than money, getting consent for major purchases, and being honest about money.
TheSmartestWay also has tips on bargain shopping, where to find good deals, and shares a list of 10 questions you should ask yourself before you try on a piece of clothing. They are so useful I’m sharing them here.
1. Do I really need this item?
2. Is it priced well for the value?
3. Can I afford the expense right now?
4. Would I wear it lots of places often?
5. Is it the right size?
6. Does it fit the image I’m trying to project?
7. Does it coordinate with my other clothes?
8. Is it made well enough to last several years?
9. Would I wear it several years from now?
10. Would I regret not buying it?
I recommend this book if you lack motivation but want to start budgeting or spending less. TheSmartestWay covers a lot of ground but is not overly technical. Amazon sells it for $13.25.
Leave a comment on this post by Friday for a chance to win my review copy!
Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price. 
I think this book is something that would really help me, and my husband, take the next step in our frugal living. We are getting better at saving, but we still splurge too often, and I think this would help us evaluate our purchases more effectively.
Funny, I have had a friend telling me for years… when I share a deal with her, how much percentage I saved, etc, her response was always, well, I saved 100% because I didn’t buy it… I got a better deal than you! I often don’t consider things when I buy… I just see,”pretty, I like, I want” then I have it collecting dust. I would be very interested in seeing what else is in this book. I won’t be able to buy it though, as I am on a layoff budget… no money coming in means no money going out. I might have to wait for the library copy!
Dear Bargain Babe,
I really liked the list of what to think of *before* you try something on..that is the key! Lately I have been walking right by the H&M on 125th (my favorite spot for retail therapy) because I know I don’t need clothes. Avoiding unnecessary expenditures begins with…NOT starting.
Love,
you NY sis
PS
This comment was 100% motivated by the chance to win the book!!!
My question: “What are you going to get rid of in order to make room?” (My whole thing is about clutter, not just frugality).
Also, gotta tell you, I enjoy free/cheap stuff a whole lot more. There’s just something about the bargain that adds to the whole package.
p.s. I don’t need the book; shelves are full.
I am always trying to find ways to save money and this book sounds great. It takes a lot of self control not to make impulse purchases, but I know it will be better in the long run. I know I have items in my closet that seemed like a must have at the time i purchased them and ended up never getting worn. I have told myself I was just waiting to find the perfect shirt to wear that skirt, or bought something on sale that I don’t get much use out of. I’m looking forward to getting some more tips on saving.
This book looks great – trying to save money for my wedding next year with a nearly $1000 student loan payment every month is forcing me to really tighten my budget (ie. if I had to choose between cable or internet, which would I pick…).
PS thought about buying the book as a Christmas gift for my fiance but free book would be nice too…