Book Review: Secrets of a Stingy Scoundrel
As a frugality blogger, I often am moved to ask- ”WHY SO SERIOUS?” when people take their couponing to the extreme and execute their money saving tactics with military precision…which I like to a point but not when it totally is un-fun.
That is why I love Secrets of a Stingy Scoundrel: 100 Dirty Little Money Grubbing Secrets by Phil Villarreal… it ain’t yo momma’s frugality book!
You need to read or buy this book for yourself/someone you know if:
- You want a book that is both tactically frugal, practical and hilarious.
- You enjoy saving money in normal ways, but get a thrill out of being a total ninja with free stuff, discounts and cheap ways to have fun.
- You see saving money as an adventure or a game, or you want to learn.
Some of my favorite tips from Phil (either for practical or entertainment value):
- Go out to eat during the week, cook during weekends especially if you have kids to take advantage of discounts and “kids eat free days.”
- Flasking it up when you go out.
- Returning all of your gifts
- Go for the world’s longest engagement or give your fiancee a Cubic Zirconium ring stating it’s a “family heirloom” to save money on your marriage.
- Time your babies to partner up with relatives and friends on child care and supplies.
Many of Phil’s tips seem hilarious and at times impractical, even wrong (ahem, pulling a fast one on your fiancee to save money) but that’s why I love them. As much as we all buy into the idea that you shouldn’t put a price on romance and thus dump all of your funding into a “dream wedding” or babies should be a miracle (aka a somewhat-surprise you shouldn’t over manage) insisting on not being blinded by marketing and family pressures to conform.
The writing in this book is hilarious, a little raunchy and totally snarky- you will totally love it.
This is the kind of book you want to have in your arsenal and openly displayed on your bookshelf as a “screw the system” book that totally helps you save a few bucks. It’s worth the purchase price, both for applicable tips and entertainment value..you’ll laugh and get a few “OH SNAPS” out of it.
Check out Secrets of a Stingy Scoundrel at Amazon or other fine booksellers.
Haha flasking it up? This book sounds awesome, and I want to read it! Sounds like it could give some good, creative ideas for future blog posts, too
1I was totally cracking up while I read it- my dad thought I was nuts! He really is a good writer- and as a frugality blogger I needed a little humor and can appreciate his snark…especially since I wish I had the guts to blog about some of the tactics he wrote about. I'm still cracking up about the faux-heirloom engagement ring. Frugality can be hilarious- it's a book I think more PF bloggers should read, especially the ones that take it too seriously.
I have been selling a LOT of my books on Amazon but will be holding on to this one whenever I need a good laugh or could use a refresher!
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