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Cheapskate in Lotusland: The Philosophy and Practice of Living Well on a Small Budget
Cheapskate in Lotusland is an entertaining and exuberant testament to the philosophy and practice of frugality and an invitation to live better by living within one’s means.
Set in Vancouver, one of North America’s most expensive cities, this wry and insightful book offers writer Steve Burgess’s account of living well without ever earning much. With over three decades in Vancouver, Steve Burgess has watched his rent more than triple while his income has stubbornly hovered in the same bracket. By some financial measures, he qualifies as poor. Yet with a home near Stanley Park, a well-stocked kitchen, money saved, and plenty of stamps in his passport, he is, by most measures that matter, doing just fine.
Blending personal memoir, economic philosophy, and sharp social observation, this book explores frugality as a way of life rather than a sacrifice. From mastering grocery store bargains to questioning the relentless push of consumerism, the author offers lessons in living comfortably on less—without deprivation or despair. Along the way, he engages with experts, literature, and other everyday people to reveal how financial security isn’t always about numbers—it’s about priorities, perspective and knowing the value of a good pair of shoes.
Set in Vancouver, one of North America’s most expensive cities, this wry and insightful book offers writer Steve Burgess’s account of living well without ever earning much. With over three decades in Vancouver, Steve Burgess has watched his rent more than triple while his income has stubbornly hovered in the same bracket. By some financial measures, he qualifies as poor. Yet with a home near Stanley Park, a well-stocked kitchen, money saved, and plenty of stamps in his passport, he is, by most measures that matter, doing just fine.
Blending personal memoir, economic philosophy, and sharp social observation, this book explores frugality as a way of life rather than a sacrifice. From mastering grocery store bargains to questioning the relentless push of consumerism, the author offers lessons in living comfortably on less—without deprivation or despair. Along the way, he engages with experts, literature, and other everyday people to reveal how financial security isn’t always about numbers—it’s about priorities, perspective and knowing the value of a good pair of shoes.
- GenresNonfiction
256 pages, Paperback
Published September 15, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 20, 2026
I absolutely loved this book. I so glad his publisher urged him to write this book and not some other as was mentioned in the Acknowledgements.
According to Good Reads, this book has not been published yet. I am an American, so yes, it’s not in my local bookshop yet. But I was in Victoria a few months ago. It happened to be Independent Bookstore Day, something I like to celebrate every year! But in Canada, it’s called Canadian Independent Bookstore Day. And I wanted to partake. In the spirit of Canadian Independent Bookstore Day, I bought books by Canadian authors, one of them being this one, from Munro Books in Victoria. The back of the book has a seal that shows it is a certified Canadian publisher. And bonus, it’s signed by the author.
Canadians have been on a great Canadian patriotic kick lately, fueled by our imbecile of a president down south in the meth lab called USA. I get it! I understand it. And I’m sorry.
Much of the frustration of this is expressed in the author from the tariffs that affect his pocketbook to the absurdity of being called the 51st state. This book was very Canadian in the spelling and the references. I was thrilled to experience a No Frills store talked about in this book! I even bought the bright yellow No Frills shopping bag for $3. Even less in US dollars!
It took me months to finished this book. It’s not a cover to cover read as the chapters are more like essays and topics that made me stop and think every few chapters. There is no plot to drive the reader forward, but musings and ideas. As a fellow frugal person, these are topics I think about in my own head, so was happy to hear him so eloquently talk about them.
For example, I like the author love to travel, but I do think about my carbon footprint.
I also learned from the author that while he is a cheapskate, I’m more of a Tightwad… it physically hurts me to pay for things that I don’t need or find wasteful. Surely the author doesn’t need a tower of Triscuits. I ate Triscuits in the 80s too, but I’ve moved on, man. There are other crackers out there that you could be enjoying right now.
I normally like to pass on books I’ve read to friends or Little Free Libraries, but this one is for my bookshelf. I think I may read it again. And books you read again are 5 Stars.
According to Good Reads, this book has not been published yet. I am an American, so yes, it’s not in my local bookshop yet. But I was in Victoria a few months ago. It happened to be Independent Bookstore Day, something I like to celebrate every year! But in Canada, it’s called Canadian Independent Bookstore Day. And I wanted to partake. In the spirit of Canadian Independent Bookstore Day, I bought books by Canadian authors, one of them being this one, from Munro Books in Victoria. The back of the book has a seal that shows it is a certified Canadian publisher. And bonus, it’s signed by the author.
Canadians have been on a great Canadian patriotic kick lately, fueled by our imbecile of a president down south in the meth lab called USA. I get it! I understand it. And I’m sorry.
Much of the frustration of this is expressed in the author from the tariffs that affect his pocketbook to the absurdity of being called the 51st state. This book was very Canadian in the spelling and the references. I was thrilled to experience a No Frills store talked about in this book! I even bought the bright yellow No Frills shopping bag for $3. Even less in US dollars!
It took me months to finished this book. It’s not a cover to cover read as the chapters are more like essays and topics that made me stop and think every few chapters. There is no plot to drive the reader forward, but musings and ideas. As a fellow frugal person, these are topics I think about in my own head, so was happy to hear him so eloquently talk about them.
For example, I like the author love to travel, but I do think about my carbon footprint.
I also learned from the author that while he is a cheapskate, I’m more of a Tightwad… it physically hurts me to pay for things that I don’t need or find wasteful. Surely the author doesn’t need a tower of Triscuits. I ate Triscuits in the 80s too, but I’ve moved on, man. There are other crackers out there that you could be enjoying right now.
I normally like to pass on books I’ve read to friends or Little Free Libraries, but this one is for my bookshelf. I think I may read it again. And books you read again are 5 Stars.
Review of advance copy
Burgess, a local resident and freelancer for The Tyee (one of my favourite Canadian online news magazines), recently appeared on a morning TV program discussing this book. Intrigued, I promptly placed a hold at my library—joining a long queue that suggests many Vancouverites are eager to learn how to live cheaply in this expensive city.
The book wasn’t quite what I expected. Comprising thirty-three short, wide-ranging chapters, it offers relatively little concrete advice. What practical tips do appear—avoid car ownership and debt where possible, read grocery flyers, be flexible about expiry dates, and favour Canadian goods—will be familiar to many readers already practicing thrift.
Instead, Burgess focuses largely on values and priorities: frugality as a mindset, the risks of excessive penny-pinching, and the psychology of earning and spending. He also ventures into broader territory, touching on economic concepts such as oligopolies and monopsonies, and even sprinkling in ancient Greek philosophy. Readers seeking a deeper philosophical treatment might prefer The Wisdom of Frugality (Westacott, 2016) or Diogenes the Cynic (Hard, 2012).
The writing is good and funny; the book is still an enjoyable read. I did come away with a few practical ideas—such as visiting Sunshine Market on Powell Street—assuming, of course, that my fellow library patrons have not beaten me to all the bargains.
The book wasn’t quite what I expected. Comprising thirty-three short, wide-ranging chapters, it offers relatively little concrete advice. What practical tips do appear—avoid car ownership and debt where possible, read grocery flyers, be flexible about expiry dates, and favour Canadian goods—will be familiar to many readers already practicing thrift.
Instead, Burgess focuses largely on values and priorities: frugality as a mindset, the risks of excessive penny-pinching, and the psychology of earning and spending. He also ventures into broader territory, touching on economic concepts such as oligopolies and monopsonies, and even sprinkling in ancient Greek philosophy. Readers seeking a deeper philosophical treatment might prefer The Wisdom of Frugality (Westacott, 2016) or Diogenes the Cynic (Hard, 2012).
The writing is good and funny; the book is still an enjoyable read. I did come away with a few practical ideas—such as visiting Sunshine Market on Powell Street—assuming, of course, that my fellow library patrons have not beaten me to all the bargains.
Review of advance copy
This the author's experience and thoughts on living as a cheapskate. Through necessity and his low income as a freelance writer Burgess has become adept at finding deals in one of the most expensive cities to live in. He shares all his secrets about how to save money and this is what attracted me to the book. In fact I can relate to him in many ways, though I think I am no where near the cheapskate that he is. I do think he does go off track in many of the chapters, especially in the later part of the book, where the subject is only slightly related to being frugal where he delves into subjects such as divers as psychology, zen, desire, and gratitude. However, if you can get beyond this, I think it is a well written and researched book. There are bonus points for being set in my own part of British Columbia.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don’t usually gravitate towards non-fictions. Let alone a financial advice book! It was a blind buy but I was pleasantly surprised by how thoughtful this book is.
I bumped into the author and he is just as funny as he writes! He emphasizes on supporting community and local businesses. He also goes to share stories behind these businesses and long term companionships he has had with these people. It’s so interesting cause I can reference everything he mentions as someone who has lived in Vancouver all my life. I also learnt so many useful tips.
I also really appreciated how unapologetic he is in sharing “embarrassing” bits about himself, again it’s all relative but still very admirable to share such eccentric habits that come off obsessive.
I bumped into the author and he is just as funny as he writes! He emphasizes on supporting community and local businesses. He also goes to share stories behind these businesses and long term companionships he has had with these people. It’s so interesting cause I can reference everything he mentions as someone who has lived in Vancouver all my life. I also learnt so many useful tips.
I also really appreciated how unapologetic he is in sharing “embarrassing” bits about himself, again it’s all relative but still very admirable to share such eccentric habits that come off obsessive.
Review of advance copy
Cheapskate in Lotusland was insightful, entertaining and funny.
Burgess certainly covers his bases of what can weigh us down financially, from pets to grocery prices, organizing each category by chapter. More philosophical than prescriptive, he makes a case for how frugality can be a path to contentment.
As a Vancouver resident, I had hoped for more practical local tips like the Sunrise Market, which I've incidentally visited a few times and is a short walk away. (Strategically, that might be better placed in an appendix in future editions or in a blog, should Burgess be so inclined.)
This was a quirky read from someone who I imagine to be a quirky guy. I finished this with admiration of people like Burgess who can resist
without regret the constant thrust of consumerism.
Burgess certainly covers his bases of what can weigh us down financially, from pets to grocery prices, organizing each category by chapter. More philosophical than prescriptive, he makes a case for how frugality can be a path to contentment.
As a Vancouver resident, I had hoped for more practical local tips like the Sunrise Market, which I've incidentally visited a few times and is a short walk away. (Strategically, that might be better placed in an appendix in future editions or in a blog, should Burgess be so inclined.)
This was a quirky read from someone who I imagine to be a quirky guy. I finished this with admiration of people like Burgess who can resist
without regret the constant thrust of consumerism.
Review of advance copy
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this enjoyable book from 49th Shelf. Part autobiography, part self-help, Steve Burgess describes the mindset of living frugally, with entertaining insight into his own eccentricities. I identify with the voluntary simplicity mindset, and appreciated the insights into dumpster diving and other aspects of a frugal life that I may not be that likely to try. Steve Burgess writes very well, with an often irreverent and comedic tone. I recommend this book.
Currently Reading
May 31, 2026Written by Vancouver author Steve Burgess, this book explores ways to live frugally despite the high costs of housing and food. I felt like the author and I live parallel lives when he described that "grocery trips are highlights of my week...It's a favourite activity when I am abroad-a foreign supermarket can be especially fascinating-g a window into a different culture". I am looking forward to reading more chapters about thrift store shopping, coupon users, and getting things for free.
Review of advance copy
Picked up from a local book seller on Granville Island in Vancouver and delighted to discover that I was staying within a few blocks of the author’s home. During my travels, I had become familiar with many of the locations mentioned in the book.
Much more than a memoir. Current, timely, informative, and insightful. This book challenges me to think differently about my spending habits, not just for my own financial wellbeing, but for the benefit of others as well.
Much more than a memoir. Current, timely, informative, and insightful. This book challenges me to think differently about my spending habits, not just for my own financial wellbeing, but for the benefit of others as well.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I loved reading CHEAPSKATE IN LOTUSLAND: The Philosophy and Practice of Living Well on a Small Budget by Steve Burgess! Of course I love to read local books and this book details the author’s experiences living in Vancouver which is one of the most expensive cities in the world. I didn’t know Vancouver was called Lotusland. It was fun to read about places I know (Sunrise Market in the Downtown Eastside and Downtown Vancouver Costco) and people I know (Robyn at Upstart & Crow!). Burgess has lived near Stanley Park since 1988 so he’s had several years of experience living frugally and I enjoyed all the topics in this book including renting, grocery shopping, freeganism, tariffs, thrifting and community. I loved the highlight of the beauty of Vancouver which you can enjoy for free by as the author does by sitting in Stanley Park. His description of Triscuit mountain was funny and relatable. I have some fave snacks that I’ll only buy on sale too. I’m so glad I got to read this Vancouver book!
Thank you to Douglas & McIntyre for my free review copy!
Thank you to Douglas & McIntyre for my free review copy!
Review of advance copy
This book really resonated with me as in wow - I'm not the only one to reuse plastic wrap and have a ziploc drying rack! I related to many of the social dilemas of being frugal and the deeper thought he puts into it. Very interesting with a political slant I side with. I enjoyed the humor and social commentary that arose from his many clever comparisons. It was also a fun read!
Review of advance copy
I liked it! totally caught me by surprise, well written funny, and the author really did his homework. I live in Vancouver born/raised making the book much more relatable. Thank you Mr Burgess, I learned alot 😎
Review of advance copy
recommend for broke bitches living in vancouver (me)
Review of advance copy
Interesting, informative, inspirational. Hopefully Steve approves of me reading a library copy.
October 11, 2026
I really liked this book. It did a great job of balancing the practical stuff with the general philosophy. I especially loved the last chapter. A good reminder that the best things in life are free!
Review of advance copy
4.1
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews