What are some good books about budgeting your money, saving & living frugally?

Question

My cousin just got a great job & salary. She's in $40,000 debt, though. She's going to be making more than enough money to pay this off in the next couple of years. However, she is very impulsive and tends to spend a lot of money. I want to get her some good books for her b-day that will ensure a more secure future; any suggestions for books --

or suggestions in general? Like what percentage of income goes towards living, food, transportation, savings, etc. Thanks!

Answer 1

Hey Cynthia

Check out Scott Pape's book, The Barefoot Investor.  It's really easy to understand and gives great advice on what percentage of your income should go where, how best to invest your money and also how to reduce debt!

You can buy it online or at all the major bookstores :-)

Answer 2

Go to: http://www.daveramsey.com/shop/

Answer 3

Tightwad Gazette!!!  And Dave Ramsey's Book.  Then nudge her over to http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums  It's some message boards on frugal living and everyone there is very helpful.

Answer 4

Have her try Dave Ramsey's seminar, books, and videos.  Ramsey went from riches to rags mainly because of debt and now he makes a living as a motivational speaker encouraging others to learn from his mistakes.  He has a workbook that helps budget such as providing the percentage of income that should go toward every type of spending such as saving, housing, transportation, and groceries.  For an idea of his emphasis, he says first you should build up saving a small amount for emergencies, then he says to focus on reducing debt.  One day he will discuss debt, another day budgeting, another day investing, another day buying a house, another day how to save on purchases, etc.  He has a special way of handling impulsive spending too.  Try the website to learn about it.  I think the website can give you itineraries of upcoming seminars, but you might have to call churches around her area to find an upcoming class in her area.  The church classes are video of the live seminars, cheaper, last 13 weeks, and are called Financial Peace University.  If you live close, you might want to attend with her for accountability and support.