Monday, June 27, 2011

Book Review: Money Secrets of the Amish

My latest Booksneeze book review is of Money Secrets of the Amish, written by Lorilee Cracker.

While most of America was suffering through the economic downturn, author Cracker found that the Amish were actually thriving. She set out to discover the secrets behind their money success.

The book does not really divulge any "new" secrets to gaining and maintaining financial stability; rather, it is filled with tried-and-true, practical advice that the Amish have utilized for generations. Topics range from using items until they truly wear out (and then finding new purposes for them if possible) to buying items secondhand to bartering. Some of the more challenging chapters, in my opinion, were those that covered the art of delayed gratification (something I struggle with quite a bit!) and rethinking gift-giving.

Although I'd heard much of the advice before from the likes of Dave Ramsey, Suze Orman and other financial experts, I still enjoyed reading about finances and material goods from the Amish point of view. Each chapter ends with a brief challenge to the reader to employ some of the advice therein to create their own personal "Amish money makeover". I certainly think I'll put at least some of the book's insights into practice and look for ways to cut back and make life a little simpler.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through theBookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

No comments: