Tightwad Gazette Revisited
Reading all the comments on my previous post regarding The Tightwad Gazette, I was fascinated by how many other frugal people had also appreciated this book. Thanks to Emily, a commenter who so graciously gave me two volumes of this series, I too was able to again benefit from these books. I believe the three volume series has also been compiled into one book for those who may be interested in acquiring The Tightwad Gazette in some manner.
After reading the two books given to me by Emily, I cannot help but be amazed at how relevant The Tightwad Gazette is for today. Yes, the statistics are not totally accurate in terms of food costs, utilities, etc. Also, mortgage rates (and savings interest) were much higher when these books were written in the 1990s. However, the principles, ideas, and perspective are so appropriate for our times!
From time to time, I think I may refer to some of the wisdom shared by Amy Dacyczyn, author of The Tightwad Gazette series. I found my reread to be refreshing and inspiring! For those who might like to hear what Mrs. Dacyczyn has been doing since no longer sending out her newsletter (the impetus for her book series), my internet research led me to savvyhousekeeping.com. I found this interview linked to from 2009.
One of the things I found interesting about Amy Dacyczn was that before becoming a frugal zealot, as she has been referred to, she liked to spend money! It was not until after marriage when she decided to make her dream of a New England farmhouse become reality while living on one income that saving money became a goal. She began to study how to live more economically, converting her husband as she went along, and with an income of less than $30,000 was able to save $49,000 towards a down payment on their New England home in seven years!
Again, I am not a proponent of all of Mrs. Dacyczyn's decisions and choices, but I do have great respect for her attitude towards finding satisfaction and purpose in living the frugal life. She emphasizes the importance of not being consumed by materialism and encourages readers not to be deterred from economic goals by the opinions of well-meaning friends and family.
Recently having the opportunity to read another book well suited to the frugal life, I couldn't help but think this book could be considered the "tightwad gazette" of our times. Crystal Paine of Moneysavingmom.com fame has written The Money Saving Mom's Budget, which makes a incredible frugal book duo when coupled with The Tightwad Gazette! Crystal not only provides practical wisdom on a multitude of subjects regarding the frugal life, but also how to budget, and what I found most unique, how to set manageable goals. Of course, I want to be sure to let you know that I am a Vision Forum affiliate, and if you should choose to purchase The Money Saving Mom's Budget through my links, you will be contributing to my grandmother fund!
Here is a piece of Frugalhacks.com trivia. How many of you knew that Crystal Paine used to be a contributor on this blog?
6 Responses to “Tightwad Gazette Revisited”
March 20th, 2012 at 7:20 am
I got the 3 in 1 version for Christmas, and i’ve found all that i’ve read so far really interesting and useful
March 20th, 2012 at 8:39 am
I always loved the Tightwad Gazette – had all three volumes – and shared around with friends umpteen years ago – still great info
– Thanks for the fun memories
March 20th, 2012 at 1:14 pm
my “tightwad gazette” three in one book has been passed on to one of my nieces. ms.amy d. had a vision/dream for herself and saw to it that it was possible……for that, and for her frugal thoughts, she is one of the people that i admire greatly.she is a great role model for those who need to toughen up and get going with life and what it holds for you.
March 20th, 2012 at 3:14 pm
Tightwad gazette is an outstanding book, Think I’ll look for the 3 in 1 edition, on half.com of course.
April 14th, 2012 at 6:31 pm
Used to get the Tightwad Gazette when it was a newsletter! Guess I am a old frugal grandma now!
January 27th, 2013 at 10:20 pm
Very nice review of the gazette. When we started homeschooling in late 2000, our sons and I found her book and it changed our lives for the better. They had fun helping save money and research on our auto insurance and we have been hooked ever since. I look forward to reading more of your blogs and getting the 3 in 1 book, since we rented ours from the library:)
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