Dollars and Sense
America's cheapest family
By DAVID UFFINGTON

Some financial advice books work - and some don't.

"America's Cheapest Family Gets You Right on the Money," by Steve and Annette Economides (Three Rivers Press), is one of the questionable ones. The book, subtitled "Your Guide to Living Better, Spending Less, and Cashing in on Your Dreams," has plenty to recommend it, but it takes a certain mindset to follow some of the authors' advice.

Some of it is a little over the top. They admit right away in the book that it's a game for them to live such a frugal lifestyle (and by now they have a reputation to live up to). And certainly they've cashed in on it. In 2003 the authors started a newsletter with thrifty advice, and their international celebrity launched from there. In 2004, "Good Morning, America" named them America's Cheapest Family. Their schedule is now full of appearances and speaking engagements.

If you're just starting out with a family and very young children, most of the suggestions will be easier to pull off than if you decide to spring them on a spouse and children who have been used to a different lifestyle, one not quite so ... cheap.

The advice is divided into three types of people: Timid Mouse, Wise Owl and Amazing Ant. Decide which one you are (and what your family can live with), and go from there. (It will help if your children are home schooled and not subjected to average pressures to accumulate material things.)

Still, there are lots of good, solid bits of advice about how to stretch your money: Use a freezer to stock up on bargains and reduce trips to the store. How to buy a car (buy used and pay cash). Make a budget and stick to it. Get out of debt. Buy clothes at thrift stores and garage sales. Look for free recreation and entertainment. Plan inexpensive vacations. Teach kids to handle money.

If you read this book and decide to adhere to what's advised, note the caveat in the first chapter. "Economizers are typically rebels at heart - people who don't follow the beaten path. Exercise your best judgment and care when you employ the concepts we discuss."

For more information, check the Web site at www.homeeconomiser.com.

David Uffington regrets that he cannot personally answer reader questions, but will incorporate them into his column whenever possible. Write to him in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL32853-6475 or send e-mail to letters.kfws@hearstsc.com.

(c) 2007 King Features Synd., Inc.