Table of Contents
Introduction 8
Chapter 1 Why Choose to Save? 10
Reasons to Start Saving Now
The New Financial Reality
Start Saving Today
Chapter 2 It All Begins With a Good Budget 20
The B-4: A Budget You Can Manage
Essential vs. Non-Essential Expenses
Track Your Spending
Find Your Money Spending Hot Spots
How to Shop on a Budget
Chapter 3 Defeating Debt 40
How to Use-Not Abuse-Credit Cards
Devise a "Defeat the Debt" Plan
Ideas for Increasing Your Income to Pay Debt
Chapter 4 Saving Is a Family Affair 56
Working as a Team for Savings
The Real Cost of a Two-Income Family
Junior Savers: Teaching Kids the Value of Money
Money-Conscious Pet Care
Chapter 5 Living Large at Home for Less 82
Finding Affordable Housing
Save on Utilities and Big Ticket Items
Furniture and Décor: Fashionable and Frugal
Cleaning on the Cheap
The Creativity of Recycling
Keep the Car Running for Less
Chapter 6 Big Eats on a Low Budget 116
Dining Out: How to Limit It But Love It
Slashing Grocery Bills
The Reasonable Couponer
Grocery List and Meal Planning
Chapter 7 Live It Up and Save Some Dough 146
Celebrations for Cents
Dream Vacations Minus the Debt
Everyday Frugal Fun
Chapter 8 Great Style and Beauty for Less 168
Find Your Spending Hot Spots
Serious Style With Serious Savings
Stylish Savings for the Family
Bargain Beauty: Score Deals on Haircuts, Beauty Treatments and Makeup
Chapter 9 Spending Less Forevermore 192
Keep Saving-Even in Good Times
101 Favorite Money-Savings Tips
Appendix
Goal Setting Charts 216
Debt Reduction Chart 218
Index 220
