365 Ways to Live Cheap: Your Everyday Guide to Saving Money (ISBN 1605500429)

Why buy the cow?:
There isn't a single word in this book that isn't freely available on the author's blog. The Simple Dollar is one of the better-organized blogs out there, and the author has made many "compilation of tips" posts in his two or so years as a blogger. Here's a free tip: go find them there, and put your $8 in a piggy bank.

Save Your Hard Earned Money:
I am a quasi-regular reader of Trent Hamm's Blog (The Simple Dollar). I purchased this book with high expectations; sadly, it's little more than trite, over-circulated "advice" that anyone above 18 pretty much already knows (e.g. tie your shoes so you don't trip on the laces). Trent's Blog is well written, and, ironically more substantive than this book. Skip it.

All the best tips in one place:
The Simple Dollar has been one of my favorite blogs for a very long time and over the years Trent has shared so many great tips it's great to see some of the best ones in one place. I enjoyed reading through the 365 Ways to Live Cheap: Your Everyday Guide to Saving Money it's a quick read and afterwards it's great to have on the desk or coffee table to pick up any time for a refreshing tip. While I will say that many of the tips I've read before on the blog, I think this is a great addition to the bookstore shelves for those who don't follow The Simple Dollar. Every day, millions of people wander aimlessly through life spending money and surviving from paycheck to paycheck. A small $7.95 investment now can save them so much money later on. This book also makes a great gift for anyone who is in need of a little financial makeover, don't let it's small size fool you - it's packed with lots of great information.

I shall return!:
OK, I havent read the book yet, so I will come back and review it when completed. Be that as it may, I am one of Trents 43,000 daily readers on his blog. Great guy, fun writer, lots of ideas. I doubt the book is perfect, but how many good ideas would you need for the $7.95 investment to make a good investment. One? If you could get 5 good ideas for $7.95 you would be in the arena of extreme ROI. Will update when I finish the book. Hope you all are well & at peace. jcw

Great gift!:
I read Trent's blog daily, and of course immediately bought the book when he made the big announcement. While I can agree somewhat with the criticism that a lot of the material can be found online, I think the real value of the book will be for those who aren't yet seeking information on frugality online. Several of my family members live beyond their means, have expressed a desire to change their ways, yet have done nothing about it thus far. This is a perfect book for them! I remain highly impressed by Trent's ability to relate to his audience, and think the information in this guide is much more applicable to the average person than the "Tightwad Gazette". Trent- I commend you for not recommending rinsing and reusing ziploc bags! :-)