Book Review: The Money Answer Book by Dave Ramsey

When I worked as a loan officer and as bill collector {just a job please dont shoot me}, I was amazed at how little some people cared about their personal financial situations. On the other hand, there were many who DID care, but had no idea where to start looking for answers in the huge world of finances, money, savings, investing, retirements, loans, credit scores, etc. The 'money' world can be quite scary.

Dave Ramsey, a leading financial expert, has written 'The Money Answer Book,' to help anyone and everyone charter the waters of the money world.

He covers questions such as:

"What are Debit Cards?"

"Do I need separate checking and savings accounts?"

"When should I start giving my kids allowance?"

"What is the envelope system?"

and

"What is a will?"

He also gets into more uncharted territories such as:

"I'm deceiving my spouse about money, how can I come clean?"

"My spouse just left me, how do I protect my credit?"

"Aren't private schools and private lessons and investment in my child's future?"

"How can I invest in Mutual Funds with companies that align with my spiritual values?"

and

"Is it acceptable to 'pause' tithing in tough financial times?"

My favorite question is "What's the most important financial principle?"

The layout of "The Money Answer Book" allows for a read through or a quick reference and would make a great gift for say a COLLEGE GRADUATE. This book will give you all the info you need to get started in making a budget and wise financial decisions.

As Mr. Ramsey puts it "Personal finance is 80 percent behavior and only 20 percent head knowledge." The Money Answer Book will give you much more then the needed 20 percent :)

'Get smart. Get motivated. Get going!'

Dave Ramsey

Thank you to the Thomas Nelson Book Sneeze Club for providing me with a complementary copy of The Money Answer book for my review. I was not paid for my review and the opinions expressed are my own.

A Great Week at CVS

It's weeks like these that I am reminded why it is that I play the CVS game! This week, I made a haul!! I get all my tips from Money Saving Mom. She has all the coupon links and the match-ups and such. I check out her site the night before {or morning of today} I head to town. She is a pro at the match-ups and such, so I wont try to imitate her here.

For those of you who are following me in this game...I didnt go to CVS 2 weeks ago-the sales weren't that good and I didnt have the extra time. I went last week and picked up the Dial body wash that I had a rain check for {that made them free} and some toothpaste that cost me .99. I spent 4.48 out of pocket and left with 5.00 in ECB.

This weeks run down:

Transaction #1 {you can do as many transactions as you want to!}:

2 ThermaCare, 2.49 each, earned 3.00 ECB for each. Evidently, the computer can not write ECB ending in 50 cents on a rain check. It rounds up to the nearest dollar. I had this happen with the Dial Body wash, too. I like this computer! Used 5.00 ECB from last week, OOP: $0.00

Transaction #2:

1 Crest Prohealth toothpaste 3.50 earned 3.50 in ECB
1 Crest Prohealth mouthwash 3.50, earned 3.50 in ECB

Used 6.00 ECB from Transaction #1, OOP: $1.00

Transaction #3:

Pantene Shampoo & Pantene Conditioner, 6.97, earned 3.00 in ECB. At a little less then 2.00/bottle, I can live with this. I dont have a stash and needed shampoo today.

Used 7.00 from last Trans #2 {lost 3 cents}, OOP: $0.00

Transaction #4:

2 Right Guard Deodorants, 2.99 each, earned 2.00 ECB each, used 2 1/1 coupons.

Used 3.00 ECB from Trans #3, OOP: .98

Transaction #5:

1 Package of cheese crackers for kids {last minute decision and not in picture because we ate them} $1.00
1 Package Huggies $8.49, earned 2.00 in ECB, Used 3.00 coupon

Used 4.00 in ECB from trans #4, OOP: 2.49

So my total for this week: I used my 5.00 ECB from last week and spent 4.47 OOP {before tax}, and have 2.00 in ECB for next week. Not too shabby seeing as the package of diapers alone usually costs $12.00 {yes the 'original price' at CVS is ridiculous}.


And my 2010 running totals are now:

Total Spent {OOP before tax}: 16.01 Total Saved: 65.58 Current ECB: 2.00

Do you CVS? Do you have a website you like to find your coupons at? I'd love to hear about it! God Bless & have a great Saturday!!

*PS, If you like saving money...check out my GIVEAWAY for a $25.00 shopping spree to CSNstores.com. It ends Monday, May 17, 2010.

CVS Game: Week 2

My little bit of loot. Missing a package of Peeps that were eaten already :).

Here is the breakdown of my spending:

Colgate Toothpaste {4.0 oz} on sale for 2.99, earn 2.00 in ECB, and used a 75 cent coupon printable coupon.
Xtra detergent on sale for 1.49 a jug {45 oz size}.
5 packs of Easter stickers .13 each, and a package of Peeps .19 {not pictured}, from the clearance rack.

Total: 4.57. I used my 4.49 in ECB that I earned last week,so my total before tax was .08!! And I earned 2.00 in ECB.

I also got a rain check for the great deal on ThermaCare.

I should have purchased more of the Xtra, but I wasnt 100% sure it was the best deal I could find. I took the ad with me when I did my Walmart shopping and found that it was, indeed, a great buy. So, I used my CVS add to get a price adjustment.

Like I mentioned last week, my CVSing is slightly different then some. I have tried to take a relaxed approach, hoping that I will stick with it for a long long time. I also hope that my basic couponing might inspire you to give it a try. Every little bit helps when you are trying to cut back on spending!

Running totals for 2010:
Spent before tax: 7.06, Total Saved: 18.85