Money Tips From The Budget Bitch
The Book of Don’ts

Budget Bitch Books Pty Ltd, (Published 2007)

Written By Carmel McCartin

Australia

Review 4 Stars - Excellent Book

How the blurb describes the book:
If you have ever wondered why other people seem to manage their finances better than you – you’re about to find out how they do it – with this simple and practical book of Money tips from the Budget Bitch. It provides you with the know-how to make effective changes to the way you manage your money.

-          Discover the common mistakes that people make

-          Change your spending habits to improve your lifestyle

-          Learn “down to earth” simple techniques of what not to do

-          See how having a budget can help you

-          Be taught how to start saving for a better financial future

“It’s really, really simple! Why haven’t I done this before?”

Carmel McCartin grew up in a large family where money was a scarce commodity. Budgeting was second nature for that household and the lessons were learned at an early age. Carmel works at the coal face of the finance industry. She helps people to reduce their debt and save money for their future by using her simple techniques and her “no-nonsense” approach. Her clients affectionately call her the Budget Bitch and it is their amazing results that keep her committed and inspired.

Carmel was seen on the Money Program in 2006 and has contributed to the Money Magazine.

Mr Home Budget’s Review:
Carmel McCartin (also known as The Budget Bitch) has penned this interesting moneysaving ideas book. Don’t let the nickname budget bitch put you off, the book is full of great, small practical moneysaving ideas.

If you are looking for an indepth book which will change your world this is not the book for you. However, if you are looking for a book with great titbits of information to help your bank balance you have come to the right spot.

The book is not divided into chapters but into 57 do’s and don’ts around your money. For example:
“Don’t complain if you don’t know where your money has gone. You’re the only person who hands over your money! Sometimes we’re so busy paying bills and buying things that we lose track of where all the money has gone. By the end of the month our finances are out of control. Be mindful of how much you are spending, where it’s going and how often. You have to have control of your money – the least you can do is know where it’s gone.”

But then Carmel follows it up with “Do keep a diary of what you spend every week.”

Yes you read correctly, this would be counted as one Do and one Don’t. Only 56 left to go! As I said, you won’t need to put away hours and hours to read this one. However, just because it is short and sweet doesn’t mean the information is any less valuable.

I bet there would be no tip in this book which you don’t already know. In fact a lot of it is just common knowledge. However, it gets you thinking about which ones you can include in your life and budget. Plus in some ways, it makes you feel silly for not doing them already.

Some of my other favourite lines from the book include: Don’t just live for today – unless you have a death wish. We often hear people say, “I’m not going to worry because I could be dead tomorrow.” That’s a strange saying because they’re usually still alive the next day, and the next day, and the day after that. How often have we heard people say, “I could get run over by a bus tomorrow”? True, you could – but don’t you think you’ll need your money more if that happens? Most of us have no idea when we will die, and we will probably live for many more years. We won’t have to worry about our money when we’re dead but we’ll worry about it every day while we’re alive – if we don’t make some plans for the future. To make rash statements about “living for today” is irresponsible.

For a quick read with some interesting advice. This book is worth many times its purchase price and will pay for itself over and over again.

Pros:
A great way to remind you what you are not doing but already know.
Some of the suggestions are written in a funny laugh out loud way.
Good to keep on your desk at work just for a quick idea when the budget is getting you down.

Cons:
The book is a tad on the small side.
A few tips will only apply to a minority of people.