One of the first blogs I ever started reading was Mom Advice.  I was drawn to it because she faithfully posted “Freebie Friday” – a collection of freebies you could request each week.

But I stuck with it because, blog author Amy Clark shared post after post of money-saving ideas.

I loved that she was able to create so many beautiful things from a shoestring budget and her imagination.  She reminded me of a Martha Stewart of frugality – without the snobbery and the jail time!

Clark has now created a magnificent new book:  The Good Life for Less: Giving Your Family Great Meals, Good Times, and a Happy Home on a Budget.

Clark knows her stuff.  When her husband lost a job just before the birth of their first child, Clark and her husband had to learn how to create and stretch a budget that didn’t leave them feeling stretched.

The book covers tips and tricks she and her family implemented to live well on a tight budget.  She talks about creating a family budget book, taking advantage of online discounts, cooking at home, saving money on gifts and home decor, and how to trim your utility bills.

Clark’s mission is to teach you how to save money in a way that will bring you closer together with your family and enjoy life more.

I was surprised to see that about 1/3 of the book is actually made up of recipes.  Because I’m a regular reader of Clark’s Mom Advice blog, I was thrilled to see so many recipes included.  Clark has spent a considerable amount of time in the kitchen creating culinary treats that save us time and money.  From homemade spice mixes to Rosemary Ranch Chicken Kabobs, you’ll find a wide variety of family-pleasing recipes.  Those of you who splurge at coffee shops, will especially enjoy Clark’s homemade coffee drink recipes like Amy’s Version of Starbuck’s Iced Pepppermint Mocha and Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte.

Clark shows how to create family memories on a budget with extensive tips on entertaining and gift giving.  The book also has great advice for those just starting to budget, and I enjoyed her clever ideas for home decor on a budget.

While this book is labeled as a personal finance, book, it’s not for the hard-core number crunchers. You won’t find retirement planning or investing information in this book.

Instead, this is a book for the true home economist – the type of person who loves figuring out how to stretch their resources, reduce waste, all while providing healthy meals and creating precious family memories.

I adored this book because there is a good feeling that it instills.  It shows you that a home without financial stress is a home that feels warm, comfortable, inviting, and safe.

If you’re tired of feeling broke and miserable, and want to learn how to create things of beauty and joy on a tight budget, pick up a copy of The Good Life for Less.  You’ll be inspired.

While Penguin Group did provide me with a review copy of this book, the opinions expressed here are 100 percent my own and were not edited by the publisher, author(s), or their affiliates.  This post also contains affiliate links which help support this blog at no additional cost to you.  Please read my full disclosure policy for more information.