I first heard about The Ultimate Cheapskate's Road Map to True Riches: A Practical (and fun) Guide to enjoying Life More by Spending Less, by Jeff Yeager, when it was recommended by fellow blogger, Beany. Like Beany, I was super impressed with the fact that Yeager completed his book tour via bicycle. I mean, seriously? This was definitely a book I needed to read.
As I read through the book, I noticed the theme was wonderfully familiar: Voluntary Simplicity. That's right! Although with Yeager's sense of humor and relaxed manner, he makes being a "cheapskate" (aka living frugally) the cool thing to do - which it is, it's just hard to convince the rest of the consumers of the world. But Yeager shows us just how easy it is... kinda like riding a bicycle.
How about some excerpts?
What I Really Believe: Living on less is a good thing to do. It's the only financial advice that will work for almost everyone. It's about quality of life you cannot buy, a sense of satisfaction you cannot fake, and an appreciation for others that gives life value. It's also about helping save the planet and sharing with those in need. Living on less can be funny, but it's not a joke.This book is about two things: getting more for less and, even more important, understanding that less is often more. It's about the fact that you probably already have everything you could ever really need or want, if only you'll slow down long enough on the Road to Riches to think about it.
Although I just loved this book (I chuckled my way through most of it), I have one caution. Yeager's books is strictly about being frugal and I believe frugal doesn't always mean it's the right thing to do. For instance, he talks about picking things up at Walmart because it's so inexpensive and warns people that farmers' markets aren't as cheap as they used to be. Even so, sometimes cheap is just cheap. Sometimes cheap detracts from our communities, closes local businesses, and can damage the environment.
So, for those of you taking your very first baby steps into a life of Voluntary Simplicity, this is definitely the book to get you started. But for those of you a little further along in your adventure, it's important to keep in mind that cheap is not always the answer.
Recommended: to anyone looking to simplify life, live more frugally, and laugh while doing it
Rating: 4 of 5 stars
This and tons of other great eco-book reviews can be found at the Blogging Bookworm. Be a bookworm today and check it out!
4 comments:
An excellent review. I share your sentiments as well.
However even though he isn't completely against purchasing from big box stores, I think the fact that he gives constant reminders on how wealthy any American really is compared with someone in an impoverish country is a message that really came through for me. I think his basic message to test your comfort zones, and learn more about your world is something that I really appreciated. Glad you liked the book.
I thought he was pretty funny. We exchanged a few emails on bicycle touring and he said he has another book coming out next year and said he'd take me up on my offer to crash at our place on his next book tour. Obviously, I'm thrilled about that possibility. Maybe I'll grill him about his big box support message then.
Beany - How cool! It would be awesome to speak to him in person...
It is cool! Mr. Beany and I may also join him in Arizona and ride to San Diego. So that too will be cool.
Sweet! From reading the book, he definitely sounded like a down-to-earth kinda guy - someone who you can relate too.
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