Author Amy Dacyczn does an outstanding job teaching readers not only how to save money, but why save money. If you need to jump start your budget, this book is well worth the regular retail price, many times over.

Some readers may feel that the author goes overboard in her quest to save money; a few tips may seem too obscure, too difficult, or not worth the time involved. However, for people needing an extreme budget makeover, these few off-the-wall ideas may prove very helpful.

A compilation of the author's newsletters she published for several years, this book is also available in three separate volumes: Tightwad Gazette Volumes One, Two, and Three. This book contains all three of these volumes, plus about ninety pages of additional articles.

People desiring a more simple lifestyle will love this book, as many money saving practices are totally compatible with a simplified lifestyle.

As a reference book, you will turn to it again and again. The index is very well populated, and turning to it for a specific solution is a breeze. For example, if your washing machine is leaking, you will find an idea for fixing it that costs about $3.

The author's straightforward and yet humorous writing style is very refreshing. Read at your own risk, because Amy Dacyczn may alter your money ideas forever.

Jennifer Thieme, owner of Solid Rock Accounting Services, is a Certified QuickBooks Advisor and a Registered Tax Preparer. She has been in the bookkeeping and tax field for nine years. Although she enjoys diagnosing and resolving bookkeeping problems, she especially enjoys being able to write about them. She's also been a homeschooling mom since 1996. Her articles have appeared in the Intuit ProConnection Newsletter and Practical Homeschooling. Visit her business website: http://www.jenniferthieme.com.