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How to Retire the Cheapskate Way: The Ultimate Cheapskate's Guide to a Better, Earlier, Happier Retirement
Unlike most retirement planning and lifestyle books that focus on investing—or at the other end of the spectrum, on how to get the senior discount on a Grand Slam Breakfast at Denny’s—this new book from Jeff Yeager, America’s favorite cheapskate, makes the compelling case that you can have a joyous, worry–free retirement by merely spending smart and focusing on what you truly want and expect out of retirement. Combining Yeager’s loveable humor and offbeat anecdotes that have garnered him an ever–growing fan base, How to Retire the Cheapskate Way shares hundreds of retirement secrets and tips, including:
How to Simple-size Your Way to a Better Retirement
The 20 Secret Cheapskate Principles for Retiring Comfortably on Less...Maybe Even on Social Security Alone
How to Survive the Medical Maelstrom (without resorting to DIY surgery at home)
Plus Dozens of Fun Ways to Both Earn a Little Extra Income During Retirement and Painlessly Cut Your Expenses
Yeager, who serves as the official “Savings Expert” for AARP and its 40+ million members, weaves together both everyday practical tips and life-changing financial strategies with the real life stories of frugal retirees as well as people of all ages who are working toward a better, earlier, happier retirement.
How to Simple-size Your Way to a Better Retirement
The 20 Secret Cheapskate Principles for Retiring Comfortably on Less...Maybe Even on Social Security Alone
How to Survive the Medical Maelstrom (without resorting to DIY surgery at home)
Plus Dozens of Fun Ways to Both Earn a Little Extra Income During Retirement and Painlessly Cut Your Expenses
Yeager, who serves as the official “Savings Expert” for AARP and its 40+ million members, weaves together both everyday practical tips and life-changing financial strategies with the real life stories of frugal retirees as well as people of all ages who are working toward a better, earlier, happier retirement.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 26, 2012
175 people are currently reading
405 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
November 4, 2013
I never read these retirement guides word for word since I have a retired spouse and am close to retirement myself and think I have a good handle on what works, but I always glean some nugget of good information from each one I skim. I would heartily recommend this, though, to anyone who hasn't boned up on their retirement plans or money strategy. It's also good for those who can't follow the advice from many retirement counselors who recommend one have at least one million dollars socked away, with admonitions that even that might not be enough.
September 17, 2016
A good read for some ideas on living simply but I found some of his advice unhelpful. For example he generally ignored investing other than to save focus on capital preservation which has its own risks. I liked the people profiles in the book just because they showed some very low cost lifestyles.
May 19, 2020
Very well read and full of good tips and amusing stories. I skipped the chapters that were only relevant for Americans (and the ‘final’ chapter).
November 5, 2013
The best parts of this book are the profiles of "cheapskates" (a positive term, as defined in this book) where you get to hear about how real people have been living using the values and techniques described in this book.
The author's style is humorous and generally entertaining while still clear and concise enough to make this an easy read.
Having said all of that, this book isn't particularly novel and I came away feeling like I hadn't really learned much. It was enjoyable, but not substantial. Some sections are already out of date (e.g. the sections discussing health insurance--an area which, for those with low incomes, is changing dramatically in 2014).
In the end, this is a decent entry-level book on (not-so-early) retirement. It is mostly personal preference, but honestly, I found Your Money or Your Life and MrMoneyMustache.com to be more engaging and profound, so I would recommend those instead.
The author's style is humorous and generally entertaining while still clear and concise enough to make this an easy read.
Having said all of that, this book isn't particularly novel and I came away feeling like I hadn't really learned much. It was enjoyable, but not substantial. Some sections are already out of date (e.g. the sections discussing health insurance--an area which, for those with low incomes, is changing dramatically in 2014).
In the end, this is a decent entry-level book on (not-so-early) retirement. It is mostly personal preference, but honestly, I found Your Money or Your Life and MrMoneyMustache.com to be more engaging and profound, so I would recommend those instead.
October 30, 2020
For me, much of his advice isn’t applicable. At 53 and already retired, I was kinda hoping he’d have some tips about how to improve my situation now and stay retired. Most of this book focuses either on what you should do in your 20’s and 30’s or on lifestyle choices. I’m past all that. There’s also some pretty erroneous economic advice here: pay off your house at all costs. Not a word about comparing the interest rate on your tax deductible mortgage against your rate of return on your invested nest egg. So, some credibility was lost there.
July 19, 2025
My dad lent this to me a year and a half ago and I put off reading it ‘cause I thought it would be boring, but once I actually sat down and started it, I finished it a lot more quickly than I thought I would. It was a funny, entertaining, and informative read, and really got me thinking about retirement at my tender young age of 32 (which is good! The sooner you start planning – and saving – the better, seemed the be the point of this book). Would suggest for everyone, really!
October 2, 2018
I think I’ll put this one in more of the “Inspiration” pile rather than the “information” pile. Fun to read.
January 16, 2016
How to Retire the Cheapskate Way by Jeff Yeager.
Reread January 2016.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
This isn't the normal financial/retirement how-to book. It goes beyond giving up lattes and is the polar opposite of the "Rich Dad" philosophy. I'll be honest I wish I had had this book available when I was younger but I don't know if I would have listened either. At least not the first time. :) Back then, 50 seemed sooo far away it didn't even seem real.
"How to Retire the Cheapskate Way" is about deciding as soon as you can when you would like to be retired and what you'd like to do during that retirement, then arranging your life to achieve that goal. I like the way Yeager brings the concepts home, not just "let's try to retire earlier" because again most young people have a hard time conceptualizing retirement when you've just gotten your first job. But how would like you like to spend your days? Writing? Working with children or animals? Traveling? Then the advice is to really look at every big purchase you make and a lot of the small ones too, and see if it helps you get there. Are you approved for a $400,000 mortgage? Look at buying a $250,000 house and pay it off sooner. Need a car? Look at a demo or used car. Can you make do with one car for the family? College? Start at a community college then transfer to keep the amount of student loan debt to a minimum.
Then you can save more for the retirement of your dreams, retire earlier and not have any or as many money worries during retirement. Or as Yeager has done, enjoy being "selfishly employed". Do things that you enjoy and don't worry if they don't pay much or at all.
I wasn't born a cheapskate (thanks Mom!) but it's never too late. And even if you only adopt a few of the suggestions, you will be further ahead than many people. I intend to get the book and look up some of the websites mentioned that I hadn't heard of before.
For more cheapskate advice, check out Yeager's website: www.ultimatecheapskate.com. I enjoyed and recommend this book.
Reread January 2016.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
This isn't the normal financial/retirement how-to book. It goes beyond giving up lattes and is the polar opposite of the "Rich Dad" philosophy. I'll be honest I wish I had had this book available when I was younger but I don't know if I would have listened either. At least not the first time. :) Back then, 50 seemed sooo far away it didn't even seem real.
"How to Retire the Cheapskate Way" is about deciding as soon as you can when you would like to be retired and what you'd like to do during that retirement, then arranging your life to achieve that goal. I like the way Yeager brings the concepts home, not just "let's try to retire earlier" because again most young people have a hard time conceptualizing retirement when you've just gotten your first job. But how would like you like to spend your days? Writing? Working with children or animals? Traveling? Then the advice is to really look at every big purchase you make and a lot of the small ones too, and see if it helps you get there. Are you approved for a $400,000 mortgage? Look at buying a $250,000 house and pay it off sooner. Need a car? Look at a demo or used car. Can you make do with one car for the family? College? Start at a community college then transfer to keep the amount of student loan debt to a minimum.
Then you can save more for the retirement of your dreams, retire earlier and not have any or as many money worries during retirement. Or as Yeager has done, enjoy being "selfishly employed". Do things that you enjoy and don't worry if they don't pay much or at all.
I wasn't born a cheapskate (thanks Mom!) but it's never too late. And even if you only adopt a few of the suggestions, you will be further ahead than many people. I intend to get the book and look up some of the websites mentioned that I hadn't heard of before.
For more cheapskate advice, check out Yeager's website: www.ultimatecheapskate.com. I enjoyed and recommend this book.
March 26, 2018
A person would not expect a nonfiction book about retirement to be a real page-turner, but the author's writing style in this one keeps you engaged chapter after chapter. A good example is a direct quote from A Word From the Author: "The following book is what I call "colorized nonfiction". That means it's basically true, with the exception of any character, passages, people, places, events dialogue, and other stuff that I made up or embellished for the sole purpose of trying to keep you, the reader, from lapsing into the coma-like state commonly induced by reading books about personal finance. No cheapskates were killed or harmed in the writing of this book, but a few spendthrifts were accidentally waterboarded."
The loss of $2 trillion in retirement savings of Americans since the great recession of 2008 should be a wake-up call for all of us. A Gallup poll showed that 75% of Americans feel the average worker in the current economy can't save enough to guarantee a secure retirement. So what do we do? Jeff Yeager suggests a new approach which focuses on how we spend our income rather that how we try to save or invest it. His approach has enabled his own retirement at the age of 47 and it may enable other readers to follow suit.
The loss of $2 trillion in retirement savings of Americans since the great recession of 2008 should be a wake-up call for all of us. A Gallup poll showed that 75% of Americans feel the average worker in the current economy can't save enough to guarantee a secure retirement. So what do we do? Jeff Yeager suggests a new approach which focuses on how we spend our income rather that how we try to save or invest it. His approach has enabled his own retirement at the age of 47 and it may enable other readers to follow suit.
Karen J. / Marathon County Public Library
Find this book in our library catalog.
June 19, 2013
Reading the book “How To Retire The Cheapskate Way” I always laugh and smile when I read books like this. I am a baby boomer raised by depression era parents. I laugh because Jeff Yeager’s suggestions on saving money were adopted years ago by my parents. We called it living Po’ not Poor but Po’. Anyone who is poor in this county or grew up poor knows everything in this book and more. Shopping at thrift stores, hand-me-downs, home cooked meals, bag lunches, riding on public transportation, family gardens, living in a 300 square foot apartment in not novel or unique. He forgot to mention however the vermin infested housing in crime ridden areas that is associated with trying to live on the cheap. The question is will you live better and happier the cheapskate way in retirement? If you can live like Bruce $16,000 /year and Carol a larger income (page 175) or Dawn and Wanda (page 217) with shared housing costs you will probably do OK. You are in real trouble if your future represents the 35% of people over 65 years living on Social Security (page 118). I think this book might help those on Social Security who have never been really poor.
March 7, 2018
Basic advise for the person just starting on their financial freedom journey. I call the advise basic because it advises you to get out of debt, be frugal, and invest your money, but there are not a lot of details on how to go about it.
It could be good for a beginner because a surprising number of people haven't even gotten far enough to make the above three items goals for themselves.
I've read Jeff Yeager before and while he was amusing in his frugality advise, his jokes in this book fall flat. He has you-know-you're-a-redneck-when riffs sprinkled throughout the book, transformed into a tortured you-know-you're-in-need-of-a-cheapskate-intervention-when riff. They're unfunny.
Easy to read, I finished in an afternoon.
It could be good for a beginner because a surprising number of people haven't even gotten far enough to make the above three items goals for themselves.
I've read Jeff Yeager before and while he was amusing in his frugality advise, his jokes in this book fall flat. He has you-know-you're-a-redneck-when riffs sprinkled throughout the book, transformed into a tortured you-know-you're-in-need-of-a-cheapskate-intervention-when riff. They're unfunny.
Easy to read, I finished in an afternoon.
January 6, 2018
Great message that how much you spend in retirement is as important or more than how much you've saved. And that it isn't about suffering and living like a poor person before or after. A lot of specific ideas about things to do that don't cost a lot but are rewarding. "Selfish" employment is an option as well. When you're just looking for a little extra money you can be choosy about what you do. The book alternates chapters between advice and personal stories.
I'm disappointed that healthcare costs in this country are such a huge part of most retiree's costs especially if you retire early before you qualify for Medicare. This is mentioned in the book with the best solution being to get on a high deductible health care plan and budget for the costs.
Other good advice like making it a focus to be completely debt free (including your mortgage on your primary residence) to keep costs low. Mortgages on rental or investment property are fine. Don't ratchet up your lifestyle in your working years as you get raises and make more. Save the difference and you'll find yourself with a sizable amount before long.
I've followed these guidelines and they work.
I'm disappointed that healthcare costs in this country are such a huge part of most retiree's costs especially if you retire early before you qualify for Medicare. This is mentioned in the book with the best solution being to get on a high deductible health care plan and budget for the costs.
Other good advice like making it a focus to be completely debt free (including your mortgage on your primary residence) to keep costs low. Mortgages on rental or investment property are fine. Don't ratchet up your lifestyle in your working years as you get raises and make more. Save the difference and you'll find yourself with a sizable amount before long.
I've followed these guidelines and they work.
Read
June 8, 2017Although I am not close to retirement age...and have never wanted to be a cheapskate, this book was just what I needed. After reading it, I feel more in control of my money and have a better understanding of what makes me truly happy--which turns out to be free! ~Heather
What a bargain! In one book, you can be more fiscally responsible, feel secure about your future, and make yourself happy. Save a little more for retirement by borrowing this gem from the Library: available in print, audio, and digital download.
What a bargain! In one book, you can be more fiscally responsible, feel secure about your future, and make yourself happy. Save a little more for retirement by borrowing this gem from the Library: available in print, audio, and digital download.
March 12, 2020
There is a LOT of good information, here. There is also just a lot of "STUFF"...
The idea that your financial health in retirement is largely within your own control and depends more on how much you SPEND instead of how much income you bring in is empowering and thought provoking.
Some of the discussion here seemed like it could have been moved to an appendix, instead of included in the text. I don't need to read about 50+ businesses I can have in retirement, unless I really want to look into it...for example.
But that is somewhat nit-picky. This is a decent primer on the subject and a good start for people who are considering an early retirement and how to pull it off.
The idea that your financial health in retirement is largely within your own control and depends more on how much you SPEND instead of how much income you bring in is empowering and thought provoking.
Some of the discussion here seemed like it could have been moved to an appendix, instead of included in the text. I don't need to read about 50+ businesses I can have in retirement, unless I really want to look into it...for example.
But that is somewhat nit-picky. This is a decent primer on the subject and a good start for people who are considering an early retirement and how to pull it off.
September 18, 2020
A decent book if you aren't familiar with the lifestyle, but if you already live with some of the major concepts in play, this isn't new. Living within and below your means is something my parents always did, so it doesn't feel revolutionary. We already emphasize minimizing potential debt, so a lot of this book was repeat info I already know via life experience. Some of the stuff involving medical insurance was informative, but overall, I don't actually feel like I personally learned a lot. I think others readers would get more out of this than I did.
September 4, 2021
I think that this book is a good starting guide for those who want to think about retirement for themselves or for others in their family. The books biggest strengths lie in providing the reader who ideas and other jumping off points for gathering more information. The early part of the book is also helpful in thinking about your personal debts and, importantly, your month-to-month spending. I would not call this book a one-source guide, but it can certainly be a helpful starting point to learning more about retiring.
January 10, 2019
Great stories about other "cheapskates" plans or past stories on how retirement went for them. I still have 40 years until I need to consider social security, but this was still very informative. I wish our tax system was a bit different to help the rising concern of the limitation on social security. Did not take away too much new information. Many of the principles suggested in this book I already live by or think about.
March 9, 2020
I am certain this book is amazing, I have just completed what now appears to be an overwhelming amount of research on finances and saving money etc etc. That I am hearing the same things in this book. But I am also a researcher, it is my literal job to research for others and I do for myself. Unfortunately by the time I got around to this book I am work out. So Technically I did not "finish" it. But it seems like it could hep a lot of people.
March 4, 2022
Certainly not a life style for everyone but that being said there is still plenty of ideas to pull from on how to stretch a buck or save a buck and who doesn't want to do that. Love the exercise about listinbg activities you want to do in the retirement and categorizing by cost to get an idea what it will cost to live the life you want that alone was worth the read. Although the website not live so guessing the Head Cheapskate has moved on to other ventures.
June 19, 2017
Excellent advice for people who want to live life to the fullest rather than amassing material goods.
I've pretty much always been a cheapskate & get teased about it . However the same people who tease me can't figure out how I'm able to travel when they're not even able to take a "staycation " even though they're working way more hours than me.
I've pretty much always been a cheapskate & get teased about it . However the same people who tease me can't figure out how I'm able to travel when they're not even able to take a "staycation " even though they're working way more hours than me.
July 9, 2017
This author has an enjoyable conversational style of writing. Not every idea he presents is one I immediately would grab onto, but I did enjoy this book and got enough out of it to be glad to have read it. Glad also that this was from my library and I may go back and check it out again some day down the road when the topic is more relevant.
July 14, 2017
This had several points in it that were really just common sense. Looking for ways to save money in your budget, figuring out what you make, what you spend and how that applies to what you will need for your retirement. He lost me when he said that he and his wife had decided early in their marriage to not have children...Ahem.
April 30, 2020
Overall the content was good, but I found the, You may need financial help if. . . annoying and not realistic. I also felt that the physical descriptions of people, their clothing, hats and facial hair was not necessary. This is not a novel.
I found myself skimming over those parts to get to the content. Jeff supplied a lot if good advise but it probably could have been done in 200-250 pages.
I found myself skimming over those parts to get to the content. Jeff supplied a lot if good advise but it probably could have been done in 200-250 pages.
May 25, 2020
A+!!! So much good information. I borrowed this ebook from the library but, darn it - I'm going to have to buy it because it is such a great resource and my husband won't read an ebook. I now have hope that I can retire much earlier than I had previously thought. I am looking forward to reading Jeff Yeager's other books, as well.
June 17, 2021
This book was surprisingly enjoyable and entertaining. Loaded with practical tips and stories of his acquaintances living the “Cheapskate” way. I recommend this to anyone who will want to retire sooner rather than later. Take care of your debts and avoid taking out loans - except for a house mortgage. Enjoy and happy retirement 😀.
September 7, 2017
The author makes a lot of good points in terms of the amount of money it takes to retire and how to retire without having millions. Good book, although too many web site references (audio book reading was tedious) that are specific and probably out of date.
October 7, 2018
An ok overview, but not much new for someone who has a good understanding of frugality with regards to retirement. Possibly good for those who spend too much currently to try and give them some examples of how to cut back so they can retire on time or early.
January 8, 2019
I like the concept. The biggest lesson I learned here was to live within your means and always save money. Nothing really new but a nice refresher. And several great examples of how to actually do it.
March 7, 2019
If you aren't well versed on how to live inexpensively, this will be an awesome book and a quick read. Even if you are pretty good at it, you can still get some good basic tips. The very end of the book is where I found my pearls of wisdom ideas. Thanks.
July 14, 2019
This was very well done in that the information shared was easy to understand. There are a variety of suggestions some of which I would never do but there are enough gems that have given me food for thought. Jeff Yeager is a very endearing author that hooks you in with his honesty .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews