The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Living on a Budget, 2nd Edition: Money-Saving Tips That Will Keep Your Finances in Your Hands

by Peter J. Sander and Jennifer Basye Sander

The book that shows how to make the most of your money--now updated. Living on a budget is essential for the vast majority of Americans. This new edition lays out the basics of budgeting, clearly and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1592574351
• Release Date: December 2005
• Publisher: DK
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.36 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.4" x 0.4" x 4.3"

Customer Reviews

Empowering

I have read several budgeting books, and have even taken a class at my bank about budgeting. All of them left me with the message "you want more money? save some!" without giving me real guidelines on how to do it. I had a financial epiphany when I read this book. I now have a savings account with automatic payroll deduction. This account is for emergencies, fun things like travel, and what I call "sporadic predictables" like car insurance and bills I pay every 10 weeks that often catch me off guard. Then the rest of the money from my paycheck is carefully but flexibly divided into obligations (like mortgage and student loans), controllable necessities (like the electric bill and phone bill), and then spendable money. The confidence I feel now after reading this book is well worth the affordable price. I highly recommend it.

Short and Easy to Do

I read this short book in just a couple hours and by the end I had a working budget that is doable for my family's lifestyle. I really like the idea of having separate monthly monetary limits on personal pocket money, family allowance and personal allowance. I definitely had the Starbucks syndrome, where I spend so much money on lunches, coffee and snacks that I was frittering away thousands a year. Having only a certain amount in cash each week in my pocket for all of these little expenses has been really helpful, and I don't have write down everytime I buy a coffee. I also really like the separate savings accounts - for the must fund, rainy day fund, want fund, and other contingencies like insurance and taxes. I just put a certain amount away in a separate account each month and then just pay it when some it comes due. Perfect if you just want a quick guide to making a helpful and uncomplicated budget.

Realistic, Simple Budget Help

This books sets out very simple ideas, strategies and help for any person interested in watching their money. It is a simple planning book for budgeting that any [body] could use. Humor and straight-forwardness are the backbone of the book's help in money problem areas. It is a MUST READ!

Realistic Budgeting!

I am horrid at managing my money, and I found this book very helpful. First of all, it is very short and to the point, which is great for those of us with a limited attention span when it comes to financial issues! Second, I like that they recommended budgeting a lump sum for personal "pocket" money and other similar categories, rather that suggesting I track every soda or pack of gum I buy during the month.

This Book Opens Your Eyes

The book is great! The first chapter just really opens your eyes to how much money you are waisting or Frittering, is what they call it. There is a lot of tips and savvy saver tips, as well resources. There concept of budgeting is great. It has everything that you need learn and to budget your living with out being deprived. I will recommend this book anyone who is thinking or just wants to know more about beig on a budget.