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Save Big: Cut Your Top 5 Costs and Save Thousands
Good Morning America correspondent and ABC News columnist reveals tips for achieving unbelievable savings In this battered economy, saving money matters more to consumers than ever before. But most people are tired of hearing about all the small stuff, like skipping their morning latte. They tried that, and it didn't work. Americans want fresh, bold ideas and Save Cut Your Top 5 Costs and Save Thousands has them. In fresh, engaging prose, Elisabeth Leamy shows consumers how to save big on life's most important and costly items. Filled with actionable advice and the insider secrets readers are hungering for, Save BigAfter the turbulent economic events of the recent past, more and more consumers are focusing on budgeting and creative ways to save money. Save Big can help.
- GenresNonfictionFinance
352 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 2009
2 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
June 10, 2010
Ok, so this book does have solid ideas about how to save BIG on major life items. If I was about to get a new mortgage, buy a car, or looking for new health care, I would consider pulling it out again. But, I am not making any of those purchases, so it didn't really apply to me, or I was already doing them. I felt like most of what she said was really basic stuff:
a used car can save you money versus a new car
pay extra to your mortgage to save you tons in interest
use coupons for items that are already on sale to boost savings at the grocery store.
I guess I am already a "Stingy Susan," so I didn't feel like anything she wrote was that insightful. I think it would be a Great Book for someone who is having to learn to scale back to live on a tight budget for the first time--or especially for a new college graduate. I would not recommend this book to my friends because frankly, you are all intelligent people and could write this book yourself.
She also scorns doing small steps for savings because you can obtain much greater savings in the large items she focuses on. In her book, she points out that putting in a water-saving shower head will "only" save $5/month. My energy company gives these puppies out for FREE, so that means I am saving $60/year for making a 2 minute improvement to my house at no cost. It may not be a big chunk of change, but it makes me happy!
a used car can save you money versus a new car
pay extra to your mortgage to save you tons in interest
use coupons for items that are already on sale to boost savings at the grocery store.
I guess I am already a "Stingy Susan," so I didn't feel like anything she wrote was that insightful. I think it would be a Great Book for someone who is having to learn to scale back to live on a tight budget for the first time--or especially for a new college graduate. I would not recommend this book to my friends because frankly, you are all intelligent people and could write this book yourself.
She also scorns doing small steps for savings because you can obtain much greater savings in the large items she focuses on. In her book, she points out that putting in a water-saving shower head will "only" save $5/month. My energy company gives these puppies out for FREE, so that means I am saving $60/year for making a 2 minute improvement to my house at no cost. It may not be a big chunk of change, but it makes me happy!
May 13, 2021
I remember watching television a long time ago and seeing ads for products like the Juice Loosener. Elisabeth Leamy writes like a person trying to sell a Juice Loosener. Yes, I know that particular product is from The Simpsons and does not exist.
Her advice goes against the grain, and I can't speak for its usefulness. Leamy's thesis is that saving on big-ticket items is more effective than eschewing lattes and changing your showerhead. My only problem with the book is the tone that Leamy uses. She talks about simple calculations as though her audience would prefer to go to the dentist and get seven root canals without anesthetic.
On the one hand, Leamy is trying to sell you a product, namely her ideas. On the other hand, I don't like salespeople. Ads annoy me, and unsolicited messages are an anathema.
So I did not finish this book.
Her advice goes against the grain, and I can't speak for its usefulness. Leamy's thesis is that saving on big-ticket items is more effective than eschewing lattes and changing your showerhead. My only problem with the book is the tone that Leamy uses. She talks about simple calculations as though her audience would prefer to go to the dentist and get seven root canals without anesthetic.
On the one hand, Leamy is trying to sell you a product, namely her ideas. On the other hand, I don't like salespeople. Ads annoy me, and unsolicited messages are an anathema.
So I did not finish this book.
February 13, 2010
There are SO many great recommendations about saving money on our big purchases--housing, cars, healthcare, groceries. It also discusses using your credit score to your advantage. I tabbed many pages.
The only thing that bugged me is that Leamy CONSTANTLY made the point that that a person would have to make a number of small changes (giving up lattes, packing a lunch each day, etc.) to equal one of her big changes. I got the point in the beginning--I didn't need to be reminded of it with each of the five sections, and scattered in the middle as well.
The only thing that bugged me is that Leamy CONSTANTLY made the point that that a person would have to make a number of small changes (giving up lattes, packing a lunch each day, etc.) to equal one of her big changes. I got the point in the beginning--I didn't need to be reminded of it with each of the five sections, and scattered in the middle as well.
January 19, 2010
This is a book to re-visit because there is a lot of info presented, though fortunately limited to just five savings categories. Useful web sites are referred to as are some specific companies. The hardest section to absorb is the one on groceries, but perhaps only because there are a vast number of tips and tricks. The biggest value of these lessons in savings is the effort to help the reader think big and feel empowered. Written in an easy-to-read, friendly manner.
April 25, 2010
this one I skimmed for a few new ideas to try since I haven't won the lottery yet!
November 6, 2010
I dare you to teach me soemthing new, book!
January 9, 2013
Saved me lots on medical expenses, by asking doctor for discount.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews