Friday, October 18, 2013

Book Review: Dave Ramsey's The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition


Dave Ramsey's The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition is, in effect, the textbook for a powerful and transformational program. I have personally used Ramsey's program to pull myself out of debt and into a cash-based spending program - which saved my skin when I was laid off in late 2008, as the publishing industry fell to pieces. My little Emergency Fund kept us afloat, and our cash-based spending habits kept us from over-spending and incurring new debt. But...I have to admit that I "lapsed" from the program - too many hours working at building a new career kept me from my focus on finances...

So I was happy to review this updated edition of the classic Total Money Makeover, and became inspired all over again! 

Ramsey's tools are common sense, more common sense, and a plan. That he is faith-based is a plus for me - but not a turn-off for my non-Christian friends. The "Baby Steps" are just that - focused steps of time-tested wisdom: Baby Emergency Fund, Pay off all Debt with the Debt Snowball, Fully Funded Emergency Fund, Invest for Retirement, Invest for College (Children), Pay off Mortgage Early, Build Wealth!

I highly recommend The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition, and have bought copies for my son and my brother as gifts. I will also be blogging my personal successes (and my mistakes) in upcoming months as I "work the program" all over again!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson through BookSneeze in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trace Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Book Review: Nicky Epstein Knits for Dolls


Nicky Epstein Knits for Dolls is packed full of amazing fashions to knit for your 18-inch doll (ahem - American Girl and the like - ahem. From sporty to sweet to funky - Nicky's patterns cover the gamut - my favorites include the Petit Parisienne (poncho, hat and wristlets!) and All That Glitters (a princess gown with robe and wee knitted crown!) - but there is something here for everyone.  While many of the patterns seem complex, because the garments are so small they are perfect for the knitter still learning techniques (hey - its much easier on the wallet and the ego to have to rip out a 6" long cable-knit sweater). I highly recommend this title to any knitters who enjoy creating fun fashions for the beloved dolls of the nursery set!