Amy Daczyn (the author) is a New England mother, graphic artist, and military wife who published a popular newsletter in the ’90s called “The Tightwad Gazette”. She’s creative, smart, and calls herself “the frugal zealot.” Rather than “doing without” for its own sake, Amy’s focus is on reducing debt, and, when possible, in “doing with less” in order to spend where we feel it’s important–thrift in the service of financial freedom. The Complete Tightwad Gazette is an 800-page compelation of newsletters which includes letters from readers and additional content. Beware–this book is addictive and definitely thrift-inducing. Also beware that her food prices are painfully out-of-date . . .

On Amazon, or better yet, check out an earmarked copy from your local library.