February 2009 Archives

Don't give up on a favorite pair of shoes when you can have them refurbished or repaired at a fraction of the cost to replace them.

BirminghamMom Brooke shares that she has rediscovered her neighborhood shoe repair shop. Not only was she able to save a favorite pair of her own shoes for $4, she also learned that her girls' shoes could be refurbished to look and wear as good as new - an important consideration for hand-me-downs among siblings.  

Inspired by Brooke's experience, I stopped into the Homewood Shoe Hospital to ask for suggestions on maintaining and getting more mileage out of a pair of shoes:

• For best results, bring shoes in for refurbishing before they are too far gone - in other words, when the heel base hasn't yet worn up into the heel material, before a hole has developed in the sole, etc.
• Fantastic (or similar) spray works wonders on kids' white tennis shoes.
• Although men's hard-soled shoes are typically thought of as candidates for repair, don't discard your heels, casual styles, or even children's shoes without consulting a repair shop. You may be surprised at what they can do, especially for fading dyes, broken straps, and the like.
• Velcro closures can be sewn back into place if loosened, or replaced altogether at little expense. Elastic, such as used to secure a buckle or strappy sandals, is also an easy fix as a general rule.
• Older kids are often particular about the style of shoe they prefer, and though these name brand shoes may cost more, kids wear the same favored pair almost every day. Don't be dismayed if seams should start to separate from wear; a shoe repair shop can hand stitch the seams for a whole new season of use.
• Don't forget to spray suede shoes with a water repellent before wearing (ex., Uggs, Wallabees)
• To avoid odor, pull shoe linings out, spray underneath them with Lysol, and set both the shoes and the linings  in the sun to air out.

 Reconditioning your shoes can feel as good as buying a new pair, and they're already broken in to boot.

Certain products must pose a marketing dilemma, perhaps in how they should be introduced to customers, explanations for their proper use, or even their brand names.  Not so for Boogie Wipes.

A mom only needs a moment to figure out the purpose of Boogie Wipes even before she reads the phrase, " 'snot your average wipe!"  Then the sensibility of the product starts to register. These pre-moistened wipes include saline to break down mucus and also avoid the raw nose and upper lip that goes with a child's extended cold or allergies.

It's no surprise that the product was developed by moms (in fact, the website offers the "Boogie Wipes Story" on video, but I think I get the picture). How many times have you followed behind your child hoping to get a swipe at a runny nose? She might have been compliant during the first few encounters, but after her nose grew tender and raw... forget it. The chase was on.

Colds and allergies would be a bit more bearable if we didn't have to wrestle a kid's thrashing head to clean him up. Besides health, there's simple vanity. When the kiddos are young, we're snapping pictures and scheduling portraits regularly. A Rudolph nose is not going to go well in those portrait panels that cost a fortune.

In addition to saline, these wipes contain conditioning ingredients like chamomile, vitamin E and aloe. Since we're coming clean (pardon the pun) about vanity, how about using them for Mom's nasty cold? Tinted concealer can only do so much when it's time to go back out in public.

Maybe these enterprising moms have found an antidote for the term "snot-nosed brat". When you get the Boogie Wipes after your kid's nose, at least you'll know part of the name can't be true. 

  

A packet of Boogie Wipes is $3.99 at Wal-Mart.

 

When it comes to difficult and dreaded conversations to have with your kids, the story of Birmingham's past ranks right up there with the birds and the bees for discomfort. How do you tell them that a church was bombed? That four young girls were murdered in their Sunday school class and it happened here, on 16th Street?  Further, that there was a culture at the time that disrespected African Americans and denied them their rights?

It's impossible to view pictures from those days without being moved. Consider the remarkable courage it took for the first African American parents enrolling their children in a white school amidst a rabid, angry mob. Imagine the heartache those moms had for their children, beyond any worry most of us can comprehend. Forget little things like peer pressure or making friends. This was an openly hostile environment - make that world - where moms watched their children scorned even by adults and authority figures.

Birmingham's past is so painful that even now, when the city has become another place entirely, it still winces at the mention of its painful shadow. But like any family shame, you know you must be the one to tell your children before they hear it from someone else. As uncomfortable as it is, it's a conversation that needs to happen. 

Hopefully your kids will find it incredulous that distinctions like those in 1963 ever existed in society. But Birmingham's role in the American story is undeniable. The course of history was changed here; national attention was brought to the Civil Rights Movement at a pivotal time; and most important, we are determined not to let that event define us. Our hope continues through our kids, who can learn from the past to ensure that nothing similar ever gets the chance to happen again.

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute has a wealth of information along with riveting exhibits that illustrate daily life in those times. The story unfolds in chronological order, comparing national events alongside those in Alabama. It becomes apparent that civil rights were at issue throughout the country but reached a flashpoint with the 16th Street Church bombing, when even those who had not concerned themselves with the strife realized things had to change.   

Moms will most sympathize with the interviews shared in Online Resources and available in more detail at the Institue, which include interviews with Carrie Hamilton Lock, the first African American student at West End, and her mother, Florida Hamilton.  The Human Rights Gallery (recently renovated) draws attention to current situations worldwide, reminding us that struggles are still far from over.

Students residing in Jefferson County are admitted at no charge, but admission is free for everyone on Sundays (except groups). Your kids will probably visit through a school field trip, but don't wimp out and leave this conversation up to the teachers alone. This city is your kid's hometown; make sure they know it's story.

Garth Brooks sang about a guy whose neck was "red as Alabama clay" but I'm guessing he'd have found the topic less poetic if he'd ever had to remove those clay stains. This ubiquitous clay is in all almost all our back yards and playgrounds, and any kid who has jumped out of a swing has the red marks on his knees to show for it.

Who knows more about dealing with these stains than the moms at the ballpark? They wince as their kid slides into home plate and silently curse the man (it had to be a man) who decided white pants would make for a sharp-looking baseball uniform. Other things being equal, most moms would prefer their kids be drafted for a gray-pants team.

Laura, a BirminghamMom whose son and daughter have played ball many seasons, shares her tip for laundering stubborn clay as well as any other tough stain: Fels-Naptha heavy duty laundry soap.

 This soap removes all sorts of stains, including food, grease, and even blood. Your grandmother probably used it; it's been around over 100 years! Apparently it's environmentally friendly as well. Just wet the stained area, work the soap into the fabric, and wash as usual. 

I'm told the only outlet in town that carries Fels-Naptha soap is Publix. It's on the top shelf next to other laundry items and is an unbelievable 99 cents. Apparently a single bar of this wonder soap can last your entire child-rearing epoch and yet it costs less than a soda in the check-out aisle.

Thanks for sharing the find, Laura. With this soap, the Cardinals' uniforms can still look respectable by the time it's team photo day. 

The Birmingham Public Library has been exhibiting "Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World" at the downtown location and it couldn't be more timely. After all, Franklin was the original American authority on living frugally and building wealth. We know him best as a founding father, amazing inventor and diplomat. Although our culture immortalizes an image of him with a kite string in his hand, perhaps we would do better to remember him with a shilling in his pocket. 

Franklin was the original financial guru. Long before Suze Ormond admonished us to save, Franklin coined (pun intended) "A penny saved is a penny earned." Franklin's advice has stood the test of time, and it's safe to say this ghostwriter known as Poor Richard would be appalled by the debt Americans now carry. His "Way to Wealth" writing warned over 270 years ago to "Beware of thinking all your own that you possess, and live accordingly. 'Tis a Mistake that many People who have Credit fall into." Hmm, sounds like a foreshadowing of the current times.

In fact, all the advice of today's media finance personalities is old hat for Franklin:

Now: Pay on time to maintain an excellent credit score

Then: Never keep borrow'd Money an Hour beyond the Time you promis'd, lest a Disappointment shuts up your Friends Purse forever.

Now: Call creditors to work with them at the first sign of trouble

Then: When you receive a Sum of Money, divide it among 'em in Proportion to your Debts. Don't be asham'd of paying a small Sum because you owe greater. Money, more or less, is always welcome...

Now: A latte a day adds up to thousands of dollars over time

Then: What maintains one Vice, would bring up two Children 

The modest exhibit, which describes Franklin's many interests as well as his inventions (including a lightning rod, bifocals, swim fins, and Franklin Stove) closes February 26th. There's still time to take your kids for a photo with their face in place of Franklin's on a $100 bill...sadly, it may be awhile before there are real Ben Franklins in anybody's pocket again.

I passed this sign as I walked through the neighborhood recently and had a pang of regret that I had never met this homeowner. I want to shake hands with the person who can merit an "Immaculate Inside" sign from her realtor. Imagine the pressure even now when a prospect comes to tour the empty house!

An immaculate home isn't my ambition; I'd happily settle for plain everyday clean. Though I emphasize having all family members clean the house, I am always looking for ways to minimize the nagging that seems to accompany housework.

No wonder I was intrigued with Make Your House Do the Housework by Don Aslett, a professional cleaner, and Laura Aslett Simons, an interior designer. This book, first published in 1986, is the father/daughter duo's effort to show how housework can be designed OUT of your home. As the owner of a commercial cleaning company, Aslett understands better than most that cleaning costs money in terms of equipment, supplies and labor. What really resonated, however was the argument that cleaning takes valuable time.

As the authors point out, 5 minutes two times a day = 61 hours a year or 66 weeks in a lifetime (so this is how much time we will spend wiping down countertops). Less time cleaning means more time for other things.

Some of their best tips:

• Surfaces that were once reserved for commercial uses are now mainstream, like granite for countertops and stainless steel for appliances. These are enduring but require sealing and polishing. The authors recommend keeping surfaces simple to minimize maintenance. 
• It's easier to clean one small, extremely dirty spot than a large, semi-dirty area
• It takes four steps to knock dirt from shoe soles; use mats inside and outside entrances to prevent tracking dirt into the house (it's true! matted entranceways to commercial buildings are usually four steps deep).
• Work with the irresistable pull of convenience. For example, people will always set things on the nearest surface, not the intended one. They will sit on anything once a conversation starts. Use this to your advantage.

Aslett's calculating eye sees dust traps everywhere, and some of the ideas would never make it into the annual Decorator's Show House. Vinyl floor covering that extends up the bottom of the walls in the playroom? Great for cleaning, maybe, but not likely to become popular. However, many other ideas are easily incorporated and are extremely practical, from recommended hardware shapes to built-in storage and furniture arrangements.

Maybe my former neighbor read the book and had her house doing the housework. If so, somebody is going to buy a great house.

Here are three items every BirminghamMom can use to save money and time in feeding her family: 

1. Freezer - Your kitchen refrigerator/freezer is fine for the frozen goods you use everyday, but to be truly prepared to feed a family you need storage space so you can stock up when deals are good.  Use a freezer for:

• Meat that has been marked down as it approaches its sell-by date; take it home and freeze it that day for later use. Better to buy meat discounted at the store and freeze it quickly than buy it at full price and then let it sit in your own fridge awaiting its sell-by date. Many bakery items such as cookies and angel food cakes are also candidates for buying at a reduced price and freezing.
• Cheese - hard cheeses like cheddar freeze especially well so when you catch a sale, load up.
• Frozen entrees, vegetables and desserts mean you can always put something on the table. Having freezer space also allows you to double recipes or cook ahead when you have the time.
• You'll be relieved during the summer when you can send sweaty kids to the garage or basement freezer for frozen popsicles to be consumed in the back yard. Freeze ice prior to a party or contain the bulky store-bought bags without using all your space upstairs.

Consider a scratch and dent freezer that has been discounted. Freezers are almost always tucked out of the sight, so as long as the unit's functional, superficial damage doesn't matter. Check out Mazer's to see what they have available and make sure there are baskets in any chest-type model so you don't have to unpack the whole thing to get to whatever is on the bottom. An indicator light is also important so you'll be alert to any power problem. Expect to pay anywhere from $200 up depending on the size.

2. Slow Cooker - Most of the emphasis on slow slow cooking is the fact that cheaper cuts of meat can be made tender. The best feature, however, is the convenience for a busy mom. There is nothing better than coming home to the smell of dinner, although if you're away for 10+ hours it's easy to overcook.

Newer programmable cookers allow you to customize cooking time by 30 minute increments so you don't cook a roast into string before the cooker shifts to keep warm. Instead of cooking during the day, try cooking six to eight hours overnight - just remove the stoneware insert to let it cool while you dress and then place it in the fridge before you leave. You need only plate dinner and zap in the microwave that evening when you return.

Use your slow cooker defensively. By this I refer to the moment after ball practice or dance class when you and the kids are famished and it would be sooo easy to pull into a drive thru for dinner on the ride home. If you plopped soup or chili in the cooker before you left, you'll be able to avoid temptation and thank yourself when get home to your ready and waiting dinner. 

Programmable slow cookers are $39 to $49 on sale with little variation in price among retailers. Bed, Bath & Beyond often has a 20% off coupon through the mail, but Belk and Macy's discount coupons always exclude appliances.

3. Large Pot - Not for cooking but for planting. Don't scoff! There's no reason to buy many common herbs at the grocery when you can grow them fresh on your back deck or patio in a sunny spot. In winter, grow parsley and thyme, and in summer, grow basil, sage and chives. Rosemary stays green all year long and is perfect for the center or back of your planter. It can grow for a few years in the planter and then be moved to your yard. 

A single, small pot of any of these herbs is around $2.50 at any garden shop or big box store, hardly more than a fresh bunch at the grocery and with months to produce for you. Group them together in a deep, well-drained pot and they will offer extra value as a beautiful outdoor planting regardless of how often you cook with them. Home cooked meals are just a bit more satisfying with herbs from your own container garden. Late winter is a great time to buy pots on clearance. You'll see the identical pots at full price again by spring break when everyone has the fever to spend more time outdoors.

Moms are always having to allocate limited resources, and no more so than now when they appear even more scarce. After basic needs are taken care of, it's time to allocate precious money, time and attention to whatever discretionary options you have left. Here are some considerations: 

Among things that matter to you, get what you really want.

There is a time to settle for what you can afford right now and a time to hold out until you can do better. Examples of this are investments like furniture, flooring, cabinets, etc.  Often you can make do with something in the meantime via a new coat of paint or some hardware, maybe even finding that you've created something better than you ever could have purchased. However, if you know you're just biding your time, don't invest any more money or effort than is necessary for a stand-in and save your resources for the "real" acquisition.

In my experience, settling for something less than you really want is a downer not only following the purchase but every subsequent time you use the item. In contrast, when you get what you really want it just feels better every time you experience it - the couch you sit back into, the cozy pajamas in your favorite color, the bracelet you slip on your wrist every day. Your enjoyment just multiplies.

Know what is worth a sacrifice.

If you don't particularly care about something, for goodness' sake, don't spend more than it would take to be satisfied. A couple of summers ago I was shopping with a girlfriend who was picking out designer sunglasses. While she tried them on (and I gasped at the price tag), I realized that, beyond polarized lenses and a good fitting frame, I'm not particular about sunglasses. I wouldn't be able to give a pair any special care nor devote purse space to an enormous designer case. A penny over $30 in price would be wasted on me. (By the way, I've tried cheaper sunglasses, but I've found there is a difference somewhere around that price point. When the tortoiseshell coating from the last pair started flaking off in my hair, I decided I should upgrade a wee bit.)  

Every woman has her sacred indulgence that trumps all. I know one who could care less about the rest of her outfit as long as her bag is top-notch and another whose underwear will be a matching set even if she's wearing  yardwork rags otherwise. Recession or not, hair upkeep is not negotiable for some of us (how many times must we explain this to budget-minded husbands?), and it's common for some women to skip lunch altogether to keep a manicure appointment.

The bottom line is, every Must Have is deeply personal and most of us find ways to adjust elsewhere to get our fix. Price doesn't determine enjoyment, either. Haven't you gotten just as much fun out of a great bargain as you have from a fabulous splurge? If your splurges are a little less frequent now, make sure they're all the more worthy. 

Generally, I'm all for the hero in a story. Defeat the evil doers, restore justice, and move on to fight crime another day. But this title (which I might have mistaken for belonging in the self-help section, were it not shelved among kids' books) has me conflicted.

"Granny May goes on a crime spree by using her coupon printing-press to get things for free. WordGirl has to track her down and foil her plan."

My reaction: Who is WordGirl and where can I get one of those printing presses like Granny May had?

First, I've discovered WordGirl is a relatively recent character from a PBS cartoon and book series by Annie Auerbach. Like all PBS programs, WordGirl is an instructional character with snazzy games like Synonym Toast along with a full complement of lesson plans. She is a girl after my own heart as she fights crime with vocabulary (forget those overrated light sabers and souped-up cars) along with her trusty sidekick, Captain Huggyface.

But Granny May sounds like she's onto something. A coupon printing-press? Get things for free? What's WordGirl got against bargain seekers?

Turns out Granny May is running afoul of the law by printing fraudulent coupons. The fine print on most coupons is pretty clear about how a coupon may not be reproduced and is only worth one one thousandth of a cent. The Granny Mays of the world would do well to go online because we all have access to a coupon printing-press that is totally legit.

Here are some of the best online sites for printing your own coupons:

Red Plum  - produces most coupons in the Sunday paper inserts

Coupon Mom - one of the best known sites and easily navigated; e-books with tips available as well

Slick Deals - a jumble of coupons shared by viewers, but a variety of items from chain restaurants and clothing stores

Hot Coupon World - I'm leery of any site that has begins with "hot" and I'm not sure I would ever risk Googling it; nevertheless, the site has a helpful forums section for all sorts of retailers (look down the right side)

As a word of caution, printing your own grocery coupons can be inefficient given the expense of ink and paper. The Sunday Birmingham News is still a great value for grocery coupons, the savings from which can easily cover cost of delivery. If you don't care to receive home delivery of a newspaper, pick up the Sunday edition at Dollar Tree.

WordGirl, there's a penurious tip for you. Now you can return to fighting crime in your hometown of Preposterocity.

 

Spring break is over a month away and you're longing for a vacation, even if you have to camp in the back yard to save money. If you need a mental getaway just for a moment, consider an armchair vacation to pull you through.

Unless you're the browsing type, you may not know that bookstores are chock full of travel magazines that speak to the most specialized audiences imaginable. Consider some of the current titles: "Travel Girl", "Girlfriend Getaways", "Affluent Traveler", and my favorite (title, anyway): "Endless Vacation." 

Maybe some people can enjoy an endless vacation, but unless that phrase is a new euphemism for unemployment, my guess is most readers are working folks who have to ration scarce vacation time. Who hasn't used a precious vacation day just to catch up at home in order to stay functional? Even if you took a real vacation, you (or your spouse) likely checked messages a couple of times and still returned to an in-box or backed-up laundry that snuffed out the post-vacation glow quicker than you can say "express check-out."

Change your latitude for just a moment by strolling into Books-A-Million at Brookwood Mall and taking stock of the many travel and destination publications displayed near the top of the escalator. You are bound to find one that will inspire you and get you thinking about places other than your cubicle, your laundry room, or your cluttered basement.

Besides exotic locations, escape through regional lifestyle magazines that offer an interesting departure from the usual: Aspen, Boca Life, Seasons (Atlanta), Cape Cod Magazine. Go all out and indulge in New York Living or listen to your practical side and get Midwest Living, the heartland's earnest (bless their hearts) answer to our own Southern Living (which, it goes without saying, showcases all the great things that make us happy to live in these parts). The list of possibilities goes on and on.

For just a few bucks you can dream of these destinations and also have the company of reading during your brown bag lunch. Sure, it's a pale comparison to a real vacation. But with no credit card bill, no unpacking, and no voice mails or e-mails awaiting as punishment, maybe a brief mental vacation will see you through until you can really hit the road.

Do we need any more convincing of the value of a reusable water bottle? Besides the resources required to produce disposable bottled water, there is the bottle itself, which has to be discarded/recycled, and now there is the worry of whether the plastic itself could be harmful. Drinking out of the back yard garden hose doesn't seem as scary now that we have been given more to worry about.

These aluminum water bottles at Learning Express (Cahaba Heights and Patton Creek) are one option. They come in a variety of colors and designs, most with an environmental undertone. One particular favorite says "Just one person can make a difference and everyone should try." This struck me as a great message for our kids and a good reminder for us Moms.

There are two features in particular you'lll approve. One is the dome covering the mouthpiece, so the nozzle isn't in contact with every germ and cootie under the sun. The other is the nozzle itself, which pops up and remains in one piece (no screwing off a lid and losing the top, less chance to spill).

At $16.99, it is pricier than a generic version, but the positive message makes this a real upper in generally down times. Although it's targeted to tweens, who are especially concerned with the environment (and can convince their parents to purchase a fancy water bottle in the first place), it's design is modern enough for Mom's use. Refill this bottle instead of purchasing water and you'll recover your costs in three weeks but have years of use ahead.

The Plaza is a new addition to the Hoover Public Library that combines all the best features of a small entertainment complex. Imagine the comfy chairs of a student lounge, the aroma of your favorite coffee shop, and the intimacy of an acoustic stage rolled into one spot. Add a cafe for soups/sandwiches or a brownie, free wi-fi, and all the books and magazines of a well appointed library, and what better hangout could you wish for?

You'd enjoy this spot if it were a retail establishment and you had to buy all your books. But you have all this at your disposal, and without the implicit pressure of a purchase to justify occupying your chair. This isn't just tax dollars at work, it's tax dollars returning something pleasurable. How often does that happen?

Libaries have always been perfect destinations for moms and kids. With a cafe (the menu includes kids' items) on top of already extensive programs (see the Hoover Library site as well as the BirminghamMom calendar), you may have found a spot that is even better for "staying in" than your family room at home.

 

There's no reason to let Valentine's Day sour over financial concerns when you can still have a sweet time with your family.

*Valentine's Day falls on Saturday this year, which means you have all day to celebrate. Enjoy a special meal at lunch rather than dinner and save one third the cost of going out at night.

*Skip the flower delivery. If your husband has been trained to send flowers to you to demonstrate his affection, think about the more useful ways you can use that $60. While it is nice to be adored, how adorable is the card/bank statement when it arrives in 30 days? Roses are up to 40% higher for Valentine deliveries.

(One BirminghamMom receives roses at work from her husband every year. The fun of it is that he handles the entire operation himself. He selects them at the supermarket, stuffs them in a vase, and delivers them to the security guard's desk at her office. She never sees him, but when she gets the call for a delivery pick-up she knows it was him. He saves about $55 for his trouble and it is their running Valentine joke. She adds that the card is always in his familiar handwriting and they have a nice, guilt-free dinner out that evening.)

 *Young boys don't get much fun out of this huggy, kissy holiday so give them a Nerf dart blaster ($9.99) and let them aim like Cupid.

*Heart themes are an easy answer for young girls. A heart or initial neclace will be sweet and easy to find (Target, Learning Express, or Claire's).

*If you have small kids, red velvet cupcakes are just the ticket for a festive dessert. Consider that the bottle of red food coloring required for a scratch version costs more than a box of red velvet cake mix and take the easy route. Invest your time in the cream cheese frosting or just top with storebought frosting. This isn't like Christmas, when a red velvet cake is a showdown for family honor.

*If your kids are older, serve a three-layer strawberry cake from Edgar's (Colonnade, Patton Creek, Pelham) or Ashley Mac's (Bluff Park). If they won't appreciate a splurge cake, bake one yourself or top angel food slices with strawberries, which are in season.

*Lemonade meets soda in this perfect Valentine beverage for grown-ups and kids: Lorina sparkling pink lemonade. The beautiful bottle has a swing-top that is the next best thing to popping a champagne cork, and you can reuse the bottle for chilled table water just like a french bistro. Pick up a couple of bottles at World Market (HWY 280 and Patton Creek) and have a toast for less than ten bucks. There is also a sugar-free version if you believe in saving calories for chocolate.

 *You'll never go wrong with red for Valentine's. Besides clothing, there are plenty of practical choices that fit the red theme, either as singles or in a basket: a deck of cards, cinnamon candy, stationery. Go down any store aisle and you'll see plenty of red, from gum at the check out all the way up to screwdriver sets and lawn mowers in the garden section. 

If you despise practical gifts and prefer something romantic, at least avoid buying for the sake of having something to exchange. Plan a candlelight dinner on the china at home (carry-out, if you must) and think about another color - green - for the money you'll be saving.

Every talking head on television is sharing an opinion on two prevailing topics: 1) How Bad Will Things Get and 2) When Will It All End. The celebrated thinkers of our time are being asked to peer into the future and give their best guesses.

As a Mom, you are the chief economist of your household, and your opinion matters most. Since you're likely deciding your family's purchases on a daily basis, it's a good idea to brace for whatever your personal economy may face. Following are some BirminghamMom recommendations that are thought-provoking even if you do not adopt all the ideas presented.

The Millionnaire Next Door, by Stanley and Danko - Perhaps this doesn't sound like appropriate reading right now - after all, didn't the folks next door lose 30% in their investments just like the rest of America? However, this book can change your financial life. Although it came out in 1996 as the economy was on the way up, the lessons are even more timely with the economy going down.

The authors were tenured professors who researched wealthy households extensively and their results may surprise you. For example, most multi-millionnaires they studied in 1996 had never paid more than $300 for a watch, chose to re-sole rather than replace their shoes, and drove used automobiles.

The book begins with a story about wealthy clients participating in a focus group sponsored by a bank. The lead banker wore a custom suit and a $5,000 watch. Most of the millionnaires participating in the focus group had never purchased a custom suit and were uncomfortable with the provided refreshments of French wine and pate', which was ultimately left for the bankers to devour.

The Big Ideas:

*Wealthy households often work as a team: One member plays good offense (earning) and one plays good defense (careful spending).  The authors illustrate this point with a story about a wealthy household just north of us in Cullman, where the husband came home and announced he had purchased a plane as his wife sat clipping coupons at the kitchen table.

*The authors recommend a set of guidelines for aspiring millionnaires. Two of them are 1) Conspicuous consumption is the enemy of wealth creation and 2) Create an artificial environment of scarcity for yourself.  

*The best savers are teachers; some of the worst are attorneys and physicians. This is because high income professionals often believe they must "look successful" to be taken seriously. The wealthy spend readily on education and financial advice but eschew items the book calls "status artifacts." You'll love the story of the business owner who finds out some business associates have ordered him a custom Rolls Royce. "With a Rolls, I can't go to some of the crummy restaurants I enjoy going to..." he protests and asks them to cancel the order!  

Bottom line: If you're working hard for everything you have, you will find the book particularly gratifying.

Your Money or Your Life, Dominguez and Robin - First published in 1992, this book is a classic for putting money in its place in your life, regarding it as a tool rather than an end unto itself. It is particularly critical of working for the sake of consumption and challenges readers to become FI, or Financially Independent, not by accumulating wealth but by reducing dependence on a job.

The Big Ideas:

* Fulfillment Curve - the idea that once you have "enough", true enjoyment diminishes and clutter sets in.

* Divorce value from price; the price of something does not reflect its unique value to your household (think about the things your kids like to play with most - empty boxes, pots and pans, and your keys - not necessarily  expensive toys)

* Crossover Point - The point at which you do not have to work for pay any longer. Yes, most of us would call this "retirement," but the book presents a compelling case for how everyday wage earners can get there.

The Complete Tightwad Gazette, Dacyczyn - Not for the faint of heart. Some of the suggestions are so austere you will probably reject them out of hand (for example, the author fed her kids a mixture of whole and powdered milk, which she swears they never noticed).

The author raised six children on her husband's modest income while publishing a newsletter, The Tightwad Gazette, from 1990-96. This book is a compilation of all her newsletters and contains almost 1,000 pages of specific ideas on how to live frugally. No one can beat her for frugality; as she points out, she never met anyone who had been pushed to bankruptcy or public assistance who would utilize the methods her family used routinely.  

The Big Ideas:

* The Price Book - the most effective method the author found to control her spending; she kept a book of the best prices for all of her typical household purchases and stocked up when she found her target price

* Cheap fun - It isn't necessary to spend money to be entertained, especially if you enjoy do-it-yourself projects. (To be fair, the Dacyczyns live in rural Maine, so they didn't have many alternatives)

The author really lives what she preaches. She declined offers to license or syndicate her material for products like desk calendars because she didn't believe printing disposable items would align with her values (after all, her family re-uses calendars). This book is a must-read for those concerned with environmental impact.

More than any single money-saving idea, this book illuminates the fact that it is possible to live on less - much less.  The average BirminghamMom could read one chapter and feel like a reckless spendthrift in comparison. The Complete Tightwad Gazette argues that as long as you're buying individually packaged snacks, you're living the high life. Read it for the shock value and to savor a new appreciation of bottled milk.

All these books are available in the Jefferson County Library system as well as local bookstores. The Complete Tightwad Gazette is harder to find (in fact, it's supposedly the most stolen book in the Maine library system!) but it can be ordered easily and is often in stock at Hoover Barnes & Noble at Patton Creek.