Saving Money: Implementing Tips From the Economides, America's Frugal Family

As soon as I saw 20/20 on August 31, which featured the Economides family of Arizona (yes, Economides as in "economy"), I knew I had to get their book. I was intrigued. How could they possibly raise a family of seven on less than we were bringing in, and why were we struggling in areas where they weren't? I had to know. Apparently, everyone else felt the same as I did, because it took longer than usual to find it at my book retailers, and the book hit the New York Times' best-sellers' list, adding to my eagerness to see it. As soon as it arrived, I sat down and began to read it.

I was delighted to discover that the Economides family, also nicknamed "America's Cheapest Family", had similar goals to ours. They wanted to raise financially responsible kids, purchase a home and pay it off relatively quickly, buy their cars with cash and go on vacation without resorting to credit cards to cover the cost. I also related to their desire to keep grocery bills to a minimum and maximize savings. So far, so good.

So we decided to jump in and just start using the information in this book. We weren't drowning in debt so we weren't looking for quick fixes. But there were areas we wanted to improve, specifically saving more and spending less, as well as avoiding credit cards like the plague.

One of the absolutely unique parts of their plain is the emphasis on starting where you are and building up to a level of economizing which you can handle, one that meets your comfort level. To that end, the program has three levels, from beginner, also known as Timid Mouse, to advanced, nicknamed Amazing Ant. However you feel about those names, there is no judgment implied but a compassionate, supportive understanding of how difficult it can be to move towards frugality. Sometimes baby steps make it easier. They certainly did for us.