“Crystal Paine does it all as an entrepreneur, wife, and mom—and that means she knows all about finding room in a home budget! From reducing clutter to finding amazing coupon deals outside the grocery aisle, The Money Saving Mom®’s Budget will help you make dollars and sense of your life again.”
—Dave Ramsey, New York Times bestselling author and nationally syndicated radio talk show host
The Audacious Dream
For a long time, I’ve had a big dream of one day being a published author. I figured it would be years down the road–maybe after my children were grown.
However, God had different plans. And near the end of 2010, a vice president of Gallery Books (a division of Simon & Schuster) stumbled upon an article of mine and wrote me saying they’d like to offer me a book deal.
I had to read the email multiple times to make sure I was getting it right. No, my eyes weren’t playing tricks on me.
Jesse and I spent the next eight weeks praying about it and discussing whether this was realistic and something we wanted to take on. Truthfully, Jesse was really stoked about the whole thing. I was much more hesitant as my plate felt plenty full, I’d spent the last six months working towards margin and balance in my life, and I was scared to embark on something that might be too overwhelming–especially since I’d only have a few months to start and complete the manuscript.
Jumping In With Both Feet
But God kept confirming to Jesse and me that this was what I was supposed to do. So we streamlined and delegated, hired an assistant to take over a lot of the behind-the-scenes business tasks for me, and jumped in with both feet.
There were definitely some grueling moments and I won’t say that the writing process was easy–especially since I had no clue what I was doing and everything was completely new to me!–but it went much smoother than we could have ever expected. Plus, I truly enjoyed the entire process.
The manuscript was completed in early May and the last few months have been a whirlwind of new learning curves in editing, publicity, and traditional marketing (I’m used to internet marketing, so the traditional marketing is a whole new ballgame for me!)
Finally! It’s Done!
After months of effort, I’m thrilled to let you know that The Money Saving Mom®’s Budget: Slash Your Spending, Pay Down Your Debt, Streamline Your Life and Save Thousands a Year is finished and off to the printers with a planned release date of January 10, 2012.
This book is the culmination of years of personally living frugally and simply and teaching others how to have a paradigm shift about money. I’m more than a little excited about it (more like crazily ecstatic about it!) because I believe its message is direly needed, especially right now as so many people are struggling to make ends meet. I believe this book has the potential to radically change your budget–and your life!
The Money Saving Mom®’s Budget is a comprehensive step-by-step plan to take you from financial mess to financial success. In this straightforward book, you’ll learn:
::How to set big goals and break them down into bite-sized pieces.
::How to prioritize your time and life in order to live intentionally.
::How to streamline your home and life in order to have breathing room to work toward your financial goals.
::How to go from no budget at all to a full-fledged, realistic, written budget by following a simple three-step plan.
::How to make a cash envelope system work for you.
::How to cut your grocery bill in half (including 25 ways to save money without using coupons!).
::How to save big on restaurants, travel, clothing, utility bills, prescription glasses, gym memberships, and much more.
::And finally, how to cultivate contentment, embrace today, and live a rich and full life, no matter your income.
What I’m Most Excited About
You know what I’m most thrilled about in publishing this book? That all of my profits are going to Compassion International–an organization that helps to feed and clothe needy children around the globe.
Knowing that this book has the potential to not only change lives in our country, but to also give food, clean water, shelter, and clothing to those who are living in unimaginable circumstances, gave me so much purpose and excitement while writing. I’m humbled to be partnering with Compassion’s ministry to the poorest of the poor.
“For this mama of six, driving a 14 yr. old vehicle, endeavoring to live frugally and to live generously, this book not only offers fresh inspiration, it offers a practical, creative plan to make your life priorities — the reality of your life. And her last chapter on contentment? Standing ovation!”
—Ann Voskamp, author of the New York Times bestseller One Thousand Gifts
Pre-Order Your Copy Today
The Money Saving Mom®’s Budget is now available for pre-order on Amazon.com. It’s $10.98 right now, with a price-guarantee that if the price goes down any between when you order and the release date, you’ll get the lowest price. Shipping is free with an Amazon Mom account.
It’s also available for pre-order on Barnes & Noble. If you prefer ebooks, you can pre-order it for your Kindle or Nook.
No matter your level of thriftiness or how much or little you make, I think you’ll find help, hope, and inspiration in the pages of The Money Saving Mom®’s Budget. This book would also make a fabulous Christmas gift for someone you know who is struggling financially or just wants to do a better job of setting financial goals and stewarding the money they have.
If you can’t afford the $10.98 price tag, you could ask your local library to order in a copy. And don’t worry, I’ll be giving lots of copies away here, too!
PSST! If you do pre-order a copy, I have a little special something for you next week, just to show my appreciation. Stay tuned for more details. 🙂
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support of this project. Your excitement in comments and emails has knocked my socks off. I have the best readers ever!
Just ordered a copy of your book for my sister’s birthday! 🙂
I’m so excited for you and countless blessed moms who get to sit down and soak up your wisdom and each wors God gave you to share with us!! Your first book!! Whoo Hooo – going to order my copy now!! {PS. I love Compassion so my heart is smiling big over your amazing generosity too!}
Just ordered my copy! Can’t wait to read it! So exciting to see how God is using you and blessing you! Thank you for turning around and blessing us!
Thank you so much, Traela!
Oh Congratulations and a BIG Hug to you!! I am sooo happy to hear that Father has opened wonderful doors through your book. I remember you visiting us at Genteel Girlhood years ago. Emilee writing to you and you to her prior to your marriage years. Those were fun years on Titus 2 Message board and how to save money here and there has come full circle. I am so glad you caught the vision of the Good things of God filled with simplicity of living!! Congratulations on your new book!
Thanks so much, Mrs. Lyn!
So very excited to not only read this book, but also bless others with it as well! You are a huge blessing and encouragement to me. Thank you so much!
Thank you so much, Kristy!
Just ordered a copy for myself and one for a good friend for a late Christmas gift. I’m looking forward to reading it! You’ve been such an encouragement to me over the past almost-three years that I’ve been reading. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Thank you so much, Becky!
Congratulations on achieving your goal Crystal!
Thank you so much, Paula!
Congratulations on the fruition of this project! I have to wait til payday at the end of the month, but will definitely pre-order my copy then 🙂
Aw, thank you so much, Tracy!
I just pre-ordered, and cannot wait to read!
Not sure if you will see this but as a years-long reader I want to say thank you, congratulations, and I’m pre-ordering my copy right now!
Thank you SO much for your support and for sticking around here for years!
Does anybody have any free shipping codes for Barnes and Noble? I don’t have an Amazon Mom account.
Congratulations!!!! You deserve this experience after all your hard work!!!
Aw, thank you so much for your kind encouragement, Rachel!
Hi Crystal,
Just ordered 5 of your books! Excited for you and all those who will get to read it and be impacted by it. LOVE that all your profits go to Compassion. You are definitely a girl living on mission for Christ!
Congratulations on fulfilling a dream, Crystal! Thank you for sharing your heart and your knowledge with us! I just preordered your book on Amazon and am excited to start reading once it is released. Peace and blessings to you and your family!
I am very pleased to say I pre-ordered a book. I am so happy for you.
Aw, thanks so much, Brooke!
I am so excited to get your book (just preorderd my copy today)! It will be like Christmas in January :). I’ve been following your blog for a couple years now and it is definitely a favorite of mine because not only is it practical, but it is inspiring as well. Many blessing to you and your family!
Thank you so much for your kind support and encouragement, Sarah!
Pre-ordered my copy yesterday. So excited to read it. 🙂
As a mom of a 2 year old, one year old and 2 week old, sometimes my schedule allows me 5 minutes to read your blog! But your transparency and passion are really an encouragement. (And finding out about the occasional freebie!!) Thank you for all your hard work!
Congrats Crystal! I just ordered my copy thanks to Swagbucks! Can’t wait to read it! Blessings!
Thank you so much!
Congrats! I agree with the above comment about Dave Ramsey reviewing your book. Wow! I know your book will be a blessing to so many. Thanks for following Gods lead on this project. I know I can’t wait to read it.
When will we find out whose tips on saving money you used???
If your tip was used, you’ll get a copy from me in the mail after the book is released. Most people were contacted personally to verify information, etc. I think I ended up using about 40 of the tips out of the thousands that were received, unfortunately, because of space issues. I wish I could have used them all!
Crystal! Congrats on your BHAG! I just preordered 2 copies – one for me and one for my best friend. We are both new to the budgeting and need all the practical help we can get!
Thank you so much for sharing in my excitement!
I just pre ordered my copy, and I can’t wait to get it in my hands!!!!
I pre-ordered today. I added a few Christmas presents to get the free shipping, can’t wait until it comes in!
Congrats on your new book, just ordered it and am excited to read it!!
I just ordered your amazing book, I can’t wait to get your book!! it’ll be great for getting everything right for the new year!!
Congrats, Crystal! You daily inspire and challenge me. I appreciate your hard work and your generous heart. God bless you.
Can’t wait til January!! Your blog here has been such an inspiration to me – thanks for all your hard work!
You’ve been an inspiration. It’s my prayer that God will give you more wisdom and you’ll continue to be a blessing to your generation. I am looking forward to this being a great help to me and many others. My amazon mom has expired so I’ll have a friend who has amazon student pre order it for me. God bless you.
Thank you so very much!
I just pre-ordered at Amazon. I can NOT wait to get my book in January. Very much looking forward to reading it. If it’s anything like this blog, it will no doubt inspire and motivate many of us to live more closely to the way God intended. Thank you for all that you do!
I just pre-ordered it on Amazon & now I can’t wait til January. 🙂
I just ordered and can’t wait to get it! Congrats and may God Bless you & your family!
I just ordered!! Congrats on your success! I ordered it and have a Amazon mom account but the shipping did not say free. Will that come off later?
Hmm, is your Amazon Mom account expired by any chance? Mine just expired recently.
No it’s still valid. I’m confused.
I’m confused, too, as shipping should be free through Prime. I’d contact Amazon about it as it should be free.
I’m sorry for the issues. 🙁
Will it be expired by the time it ships? I had that problem right before mine expired.
Just ordered it! Can’t wait to read it. I love your blog!
Wow! Cross one off on your Bucket List! I am excited for you as any Moms give up on their Dreams and push our needs to the side to tend to our families needs. I am Definitely ordering! Congratulations!
It is commendable that you are giving the profits of your book away to a very helpful cause. I don’t purchase very many books these days, but felt this to be a good thing to do. I’m sure it will be an encouraging and useful book. I do hope that you sell many of them so that many needy children will benefit. That definitely is something to be excited about.
Wow congratulations on having it reviewed by Dave Ramsey.
Hmm maybe I can use charity money instead of my entertainment envelope 😉
I just pre-ordered your book. I can’t wait for it to arrive! I have been looking forward to this since you first mentioned it on your site. The last few years have been tough for my husband and I but things are looking up. I know God is watching over us. Your site has been such a blessing to me and my family. Thank you Crystal for all you do. May God continue to bless you and your family!
I’m so excited for you, Crystal! I have been inspired by your blogs since I found them in 2006, and I can’t wait to read your book! I have it preordered through iBooks and am really looking forward to it. Congratulations on achieving your goal!!
Crystal,
I love your blog, I check it almost every day. I just preordered 8 copies of your book for Christmas gifts!!! 🙂
May God continue to bless you as you use your talents for your family and to help others. I love that you are donating the profits to Compassion!
Thanks you! cant wait
Jamie
Congrats on making it into the Top 100 on Amazon today!
Congrats, Crystal. With regards to your Compassion partnership – are you just donating to Compassion in general, or are you supporting a particular project? I used to work for World Vision, so I’m well-versed in how the overseas NGOs work, and its always been a dream of mine to do something that WV can reap the financial benefits of – which is why I ask if you’re focused on funding a particular sector (i.e. water projects, food security, etc)? Would love for you to someday post about the partnership specifically. Thanks!
Hey Crystal,
I just wanted to say congratulations and thank you. You have helped me and my family thru some rough times tips, budgeting and friendly been there done that advice. You helped me keep my faith going through unemployment and some rough times. I am very excited to read your book and then share it with others.
Thanks a bunch.
I hope I get one! You should have a give away 😉 LOL I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy sometime! Congrats!
I preordered your book for my Nook. Looking forward to reading it. I have been reading your blog for a while now. I love the example you set for your readers. Always thoughtful and honest. Thanks for all you do!
Thank you soo much for website it is an inspiration to this older woman who is homeschooling a 16 year old(all of her school years) and now I baby sit my 2 1/2 year old grandson who loves school. I love all the articles especially the Christian ones. Many blessing and congratulations to you. Oh, yeah after all the gushing I just ordered the book too.
Yay! So excited! I just pre-ordered mine too! 🙂 Thanks for all the inspiration, Crystal!!!
I pre-ordered your new book……cant wait to get it!!!!
Congratulations!! I can’t wait to read your labor of love! 🙂
Just pre-ordered it…thanks so much for all you do, Crystal! =) This has got to be exciting for your whole family!
I just pre-ordered can’t wait to read. You have been such a great help over the years.
Just ordered my copy….I can’t wait! You are such an inspiration. Your blog has become my favorite. I have no doubt your book will be awesome and a best seller!
I’ve just pre-ordered. I first found your website back in ’07 at what seemed to be a perfect time. I had just switched jobs and would soon find myself on a much stricter budget as I focused on going back to school. I’m probably not your traditional reader, (Single, no kids – plenty of furry ones though!) but I have always found your blog inspirational. I’ve always been one to find a good deal and stretch my budget, but I’ve been able to learn so much more and take advantage of many great opportunities that you’ve featured. Congrats on the book!
I just ordered it! Very exciting…
I just pre-ordered mine (using my gift cards purchased through swagbucks of course!) I am very excited and have been waiting for this book to come out ever since you mentioned it. Thank you again and I look forward to receiving it! You are truly an inspiration.
Crystal, I thoroughly enjoy your blog and have for quite some time but your post today struck me. It is incredibly humbling and honorable to see you donate your earnings to Compassion. It not only shows that you are writing for the joy of it and for the opportunity to share (and not gain) but it also shows that you live what you preach, contentment with what God has given you. Thank you for being such a wonderful example of a godly woman.
So excited to get this book. I can’t wait!!! Congrats!
Just pre-ordered my copy on Amazon. Can’t wait! January is my birthday… so it’s Happy Birthday to me! :0)
How exciting to have your book almost ready to be released. I must say, though, I’d be probably more excited that Dave Ramsey endorsed it! He is a hero in our household!! 🙂 haha!
Pre ordered and waiting to be downloaded to my ipad in January 2012. I am in the process of trying to do all this now and by the time the book is released I should have my head better around it all so that I can fully absorb your book! Congratulations.
I got mine!!! I tell everyone I talk to about your blog. Just love it.
FANTASTIC !!!! You deserve all the best Crystal.
Just preordered it from Amazon for my Kindle. I’m excited to read it.
Way to go Crystal!! Count me in for another copy – I can’t wait to read it!! 🙂
cONGRATS CRYSTAL!
Just preordered it. Can’t wait!
So proud of you! I’ve been a reader since Biblical Womanhood, and you are such a blessing to me! Thank you and congrats!
Just pre-ordered! Can’t wait to read your book, I know it will be awesome 🙂 Congratulations!
Congratulations! You should be proud! I am an FPU coordinator. My husband and I are raising 5 boys, so we love to learn all the ways we can to save money! I pre-ordered the book!
I just turned in a suggestion for purchase to the JOCO library for your book. Looking forward to reading it!
I just pre-ordered my copy…using Swagbucks-earned Amazon giftcards! 😉 Crystal, I’ve been a reader of yours since Biblical Womanhood, and I am so excited for you and your family. I pray that God will continue to richly bless you all. BTW–congratulations for making it to #139 on Amazon’s bestsellers list. I am so excited that so many needy people are going to be blessed by the success of this book. God is truly using you as an instrument.
I got mine pre-order and I can’t wait until January!! Crystal you truly are a blessing in so many peoples’ lives 🙂
I just ordered 15 the most amazing part of all of this is all profits go to:
Compassion International I have done some work with them and yes, it goes to folks who are living like no one should ever have to live!
Congratulations Crystal and keep your heart in the right place.
There is so much pain out there and even when we live in our version of a basement apartment (currently living in 480sq ft.) yes, life is tough but it is much harder for many even within driving distance of me.
Congratulations Crystal !
The books will make great holiday gifts!
Yay!! I just pre ordered it!! I am sooooo excited!!!
Just pre-ordered my copy! Thanks so much for writing this, and congratulations! And how WONDERFUL that the profits are going to such a great cause. I am a newly single mom trying to make ends meet for myself and my three young children and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your tips and site and cannot wait to read your book! God bless you!
I have always wanted to be a published author as well! I just don’t know how to go about doing it. I have 2 children’s books that I have written and think I have some good ideas for a women’s/mom’s devotional book. We are expecting our second child and I would love to stay at home and write. I currently do daycare from home, but I don’t have any kiddos to watch come December (baby due on Dec 10). I am just waiting to see how God will work things out for our family.
Congrats on the baby! My daughter will be 2 on December 10th! =]
WOW!! This is so exciting! I cannot wait to read it! Thank you so much for blessing all of us!
Crystal, so excited that God is blessing you and you are using your gifts for His glory!!! Thank you for blessing us in return!
I just pre-ordered my copy from Amazon! I can’t wait to get it!! You are such an inspiration to me Crystal. Thank you.
*jumping up and down while clapping my hands like a 5 year old* Crystal, I am sooooo excited that this day has finally come for you! Congratulations!
I pre-ordered mine, and I can’t wait to read it! Congratuations on such a great accomplishment!
Congrats, Crystal! So excited to read your book!
Congrats! Just pre-ordered to my kindle! Can’t wait!
Congratulations! That is so exciting, such an inspiration and a true example of Christ like living!
Congratulations on the book, I got mine pre-ordered! I can’t wait to read it, your blog has changed my life and I can’t wait to see more. A friend and I are always talking about you and how much of a blessing you are to both of us.
Thank you for keeping your faith in the Lord as a forefront in your daily life. It is definitely showing in your continued success in life.
I just pre-ordered my copy – can’t wait to read it!! Thanks, Crystal, for all you do!
I pre-ordered! 🙂 I’m excited!
Congratulations! I can’t wait to read it! I’m so happy I was able to get it on my Nook! I’ve always used coupons to help with our grocery budget, but when I found your site a few years ago it has made things soooo much easier and I’m able to save a lot more. I also really enjoy your personal posts and recipes! Thank so much for all your hard work!
I am so proud and excited for you. I know you have worked very hard and it’s such a privilege to know you. You are such an inspiration and you make so many peoples life so much better. You have taught me so much and share your blog whenever I get the chance. I hope one day to make an impact like you. I do not want to fathom where I’d be without you and Dave Ramsey. You two are truly blessings! Continued blessings to you and your wonderful family! Hugs! 🙂 “You have a wonderful way, of going out of your way, to be wonderful!”
“Some people strengthen others just by being the kind of people they are.”
I just pre-ordered the book! It’s going to be a long wait until January. Thank you so much for your site and writing the book. As a single mother to 3 with no support from the father, your website is a lifesaver 🙂
I have wanted to say this for a while, and now is a great time. I am so very proud of you!! I have been following and reading you articles, blogs, etc for a very long time. I remember first listening to you on Cindy Rushton’s online talks……way before Money Saving Mom. I have seen you grow into a wonderful example for others to follow. Just in awe of you and what the mighty things God has done in your life. Thank you for following God’s lead in every aspect of your life.
(and I just pre ordered…and can’t wait for it to arrive!!!)
oh and we LOVE Compassion. We have been sponsering a child for 16 years in Thailand. Just added our second child this year. And we met her on a mission trip to Ecuador.
And we love Compassion. We have been sponsering a child from Thailand for 16 years. Added a new child this year from Ecuador and we were able to meet her in Ecuador.
Sorry for the same comment…..It had not showed up, so I thought cyberspace ate it, lol.
Hey Crystal, I’m trying to pre-order through amazon, but I’m being charged $3.99 for shipping. Is there a minimum for the order?
Thanks!!
So excited to get this book!!
Shipping is free with an Amazon Mom account: https://moneysavingmom.com/2010/09/hot-free-3-month-amazon-prime-subscription.html
GOT IT!! Thanks so much!! Cannot wait for this to arrive!!
VERY proud of you for sharing all you have learned! Congratulations!
Becca
I pre-ordered my copy almost 2 months ago! 🙂 Can’t wait to get it, and I LOVE that the money is going to Compassion. We sponsor a little boy from Haiti through Compassion and think it’s a great organization.
Aw, thank you so much, Erin! And thank you for sponsoring a child through Compassion.
Congratulations Crystal!
I just pre-ordered my copy 🙂 I added a couple of other items to get free shipping charges and paid for it all with Amazon gift cards I earned with Swagbucks! So, it will be free for me! After I’m done reading it, I’ll pass it on to someone else at church so they can be blessed as well 🙂
Congratulations, Crystal! Your blog was one of the first ones I started following when I first became a stay-at-home mom, and I have enjoyed all of your money-saving tips. I’m looking forward to reading your new book!
The endorsement from Dave is HUGE!
Glad to see he mentioned you in Entreleadership, too! 🙂
Congratulations!
Congratulations! So happy for you. I am pre-ordering mine today.
Wow, congrats, Crystal! I’ve appreciated your tips here. We are a family of 5, my husband is a 4th year med. student, I’m a SAHM of 3 children–5 1/2, 3 1/2 and 15 mons. Does that tell you anything about our budget?!
I’d like to know when your giveaways will be–I’d love to have one of your copies, but right now we are SOOOOOOOO strapped I can’t finance it.
(Come on, first paycheck next year, once my husband starts residency!)
Jut pre ordered mine! Can’t wait to read it. Lost my job in June this year and we have been struggling. Read your blog every day at least 2 or 3 times. You are very inspiring to me and my family.
Thank you so much for your kind encouragement, Deanna!
I think it’s so awesome that you’re donating the profits to a cause. Thank you for being an encouragement and inspiration to us all!
I am gonna reorder it on kindle! I can’t wait to read it. Thanks for your website!!
Thank you so much for your support!
I’m so very excited for you Crystal! Way to go!
Thank you so much, Laura! Your support means a lot.
By the way, I’ll be emailing you shortly about a review, giveaway, and guest post. 🙂
Super – I look forward to hearing from you!
I just pre-ordered your book, and I am very excited to read it. Thank you for all that you do. Your website has greatly helped with my being able to stay home with our four kids. Thank you!!
Thanks so much for your kind encouragement!
I ordered mine for the Kindle. Cant wait to see it delivered on Jan 10th.
Thank you so much for ordering. I can’t wait to see it delivered, either. 🙂
I pre-ordered mine! Plus, I used Amazon gift card that I earned with Swagbucks -I knew you would be proud! 😉 I am very excited about reading the book -You are an inspiration to me and my family -another reason why we live with only the debt of our house.
Yay! I’m so proud of you. 🙂 And thank you for your kind support!
I am so floored that you are donating the ALL profits from all that work to charity, even though you had to hire an assistant to make it happen. Amazing.
We’ve been so blessed, we just want to pass on the blessing to others. Plus, it gave me so much purpose in writing!
By the way, I’ve been needing to email you and get your full address. I wanted to send you a pre-release copy but when you filled out the form to request it, your city and state were missing. If you send me your full address, I’ll pop one in the mail for you. 🙂
I’m so proud of how much you have accomplished through the grace and provision of God! I am so excited to read this book!
It is truly a testament to the grace of God! Thank you for sharing in my excitement!
Congratulations, Crystal! I just pre-ordered it for myself for Christmas! 🙂
Thank you so much, Janet!
Just pre-ordered the book from Amazon!! And I can’t wait to get it and start reading! I first found you on Biblical Womanhood, then started following Money-Saving Mom with that, and then added Mom of Littles. I enjoy MSM so much, and you are truly a blessing to so many. Congratulations on becoming a published author!!
Wow! You’ve been around for a LONG time! Thank you so much for your kind support, Faith!
I have been around for a while!! But I’ve learned so much from you and others. Just wish I had been able to have all this wonderful information when I was a young wife and mother and had a grocery budget of $20-$25 a week!!! Back then we were fortunate in my area to get a 3-cent or maybe 7-cent coupon. I get to practice what I learn from you now with my husband, grown son, and 2 grandsons, ages 8 and 12. Yours is the first blog I check on every morning and the last before I go to bed. Keep on blogging!! And thank you!
I ordered 3; one for me, one for my daughter’s hope chest and one to give to someone who would really benefit from it.
Ya! You did it!
I love being an email subscriber and having your Christian faith intertwined in the post makes them even better. My husband and I have been able to pay off $67,000 in debt with you and Dave Ramsey’s help and it has made my life more full.
You are real! Tonya 😉
Woohoo! I’m so proud of you!!!
I ordered it! Yay!
And once I logged into my Amazon account I realized I had a balance left over and got it for free! Sweet. 🙂
Woohoo! Free is the best! 🙂
Congratulations Crystal! You must be thrilled! I can just read your excitement above. I find the fact that you are donating all of your profits to Compassion International inspiring. I hope I can follow your example one day, and create something great (my family, my writing, my art, whatever God can use of my life) that will benefit others long after I’m gone. Have you heard Nichole Nordeman’s song, “Legacy”? I love it. Anyhow, I want to leave a legacy…
It’s sobering to realize I just have one shot at life. I want to give my all for Him Who gave His all for me!
Sorry, nevermind, now I get that she was talking about herself.
I am so excited about this! You have been such an inspiration to me! I look forward to reading your blog everyday. The way you are so open and honest sharing your heart with us…I can’t wait to read your book. I preordered (with my Swagbucks gift cards of course 🙂 )
Congrats on this big accomplishment! Why does the blurb say you are a mother of six? I thought you had three children.
That endorsement is from Ann Voskamp, who is a mother of six. My apologies on the confusion!
Just preordered. Can’t wait! Thanks for all that you do. You are an inspiration to us all as we work towards being better stewards.
Congrats Crystal! I have been waiting and just pre ordered 🙂
Congratulations! I’m thrilled for you and for all of us who will benefit. I am most inspired by you donating the proceeds — you are a great example of a regular person striving to be as Christ-like as possible. Thank you.
So happy for you Crystal. You work very hard and it shows. May God continue to bless you and your family.
Congratulations on writing your book! I’m excited to read it, especially with an endorsement from Dave Ramsey. It’s got to be good!
Crystal – does it benefit you (therefore Compassion International) more to order the hardcopy vs. Nook copy? I’m pre-ordering but wanted to go the way that was the most beneficial to you 🙂 Thanks!
The royalty percentage is higher on ebooks than printed books, but please just order what is better for you.
{You all blow me away with your kindness and thoughtfulness, by the way!}
Ebook it is!! And CONGRATULATIONS to you!! Love your site 🙂
Aw, thank you!
I preordered it and CANNOT wait to read it! Congratulations on your book!
You are so blessed! I’ve spent most of the year writing a book, attending writer’s groups and a conference, etc. No success with an agent or editor, so I know what a huge deal it is. I’m going with e-publishing, but I can only imagine how excited you must be.
Just preordered my copy of your book. Can’t wait to read it. Congrats on being published. I even got my mother on board to your website. I tell everyone about the great deals that I have come across thanks to you!! 🙂
Congrats Crystal! You must feel over the moon with Dave Ramsey’s endorsement as well!
i just wanted to let you know that i am encouraged and motivated to see you giving all profits to Compassion International. It would totally be acceptable for you to profit in this endeavor, but you are such an example of living frugally and sacrificially to benefit others, not just yourself and your family. This could be an opportunity to make things “easier” for you by expanding your budget for your own family but you have chosen to help others instead. Thanks for being such an example to all of us.
Yay! I just ordered mine! I can’t wait to read it! I have been reading your blog daily for a few years now & I have learned sooo much from you. The first thing I learned was how to shop at CVS. I have saved so much money and I always thought CVS was way to expensive to shop there. Thank you for everything you have done on this blog. You are a wonderful teacher. 🙂
I pre-ordered! Can’t wait!! Congratulations!
Congratulations, Crystal and all your family. I think you’re amazing and your blog has helped me enormously–economically and spiritually– after I had to leave a job where I was bullied and at the end of my rope. It’s so typical of you to give the profits away as well. Such a good example in the hard world out there. You are a great gift. And those babies are the cutest!
You got a recommendation from Dave Ramsey? I am in awe! That is on my bucket list. lol The both of you are fabulous and I’m looking forward to reading your book!
Congratulations! It is amazing to see God working through you as you are donating all your profits to Compassion International. How amazing!
Love your blog! Keep up the good work 🙂
Congratulations! Pre-ordering right now!
Pre-ordered and cannot wait to read! Love your blog and everything you’re doing. Congratulations!
Woo Hoo! I just pre-ordered it on Amazon, I cannot wait to read it on my iPad! 🙂
I am a big library user, but today I pre-ordered your book. I love the fact that your donating the proceeds and I love the information you give! Can’t wait to read your book. Congratulations Crystal!
I just pre-ordered!! Can’t wait to get your book 🙂
Pre-ordered my copy today!! Your blog is very inspiring and has helped me in many ways, I can’t wait to read the book!!
Pre-ordering my copy today ~ I’m so looking forward to reading this book!
Congratulations Crystal! I’ve been reading you since Biblical Womanhood and look forward to your book.
Congrats Crystal! I’m guessing this is only the beginning.:)
Done! Can’t wait to read it. 🙂
We will absolutely order a book! I can’t wait to learn even more from you but also we have supported Compassion for years and it is an amazing ministry! I LOVE that you could absolutely justify earning more for your family with your hard work – but you choose to bless others – what an amazing example! Thank you again for all you do!
Many congratulations! You are honoring the Lord in what you do. It shows through this whole blog. Thank you for being a true, Christian to a world who needs to see that. Thanks for blessing me all these years in reading your blog. I can’t wait to get the book – PS we have two kids in the Compassion International Program. I love this Program and these kids have enriched our lives. Thanks again for supporting such a Christ-like organization!
Congratulations, Crystal! You work so hard. You deserve all of the success you achieve. I will definitely pre-order the book for my Nook.
Congrats, too, on the Dave Ramsey endorsement.
Congratulations! I just placed it on my Amazon wishlist so hopefully I will be able to purchase a copy soon!
Just Pre-Ordered my copy! Thanks so much Crystal, can’t wait to see it!
Wow, I was already so impressed with your site, your blog, your advice…and now you have a book! That’s amazing. I most certainly will be buying one…maybe 2 or 3! But, then to find out that you’re giving all of your profits to Compassion International…I’m simply blown away. Congratulations & Thank You…you inspire me.
I just ordered it. January can’t come soon enough!! 😉 I’m grateful for you, Crystal. You have encouraged me to make SO many positive changes in my life. God has used you in a beautiful way to be a wonderful role model for me, and know I wouldn’t be quite the person I am today without you. 🙂
Congrats to you! You deserve it!
Congratulations!! I have only been reading your blog for a handful of months now, but in that short amount of time, I have saved so much (badly needed) money. I am not a Mom, just a 23 year old, fresh out of college and living on my own for the first time, in a new city halfway across the country from the town where I grew up. I have thousands in debt to pay off. Slowly, I’ve been doing it, in no small part thanks to you. My job unfortunately doesn’t pay much, and I don’t receive any benefits whatsoever, so any dollar I can save is very helpful. Usually the first thing I do in the morning is check your blog for updates. Not only do you share some great finds, but you give practical advice that people can easily follow. I just pre-ordered a copy of your book on Amazon, and I’m very excited to get my hands on it– and reading usually isn’t my favorite activity! Congratulations again and thank you for helping us line our pockets, one dollar at a time.
Yay! I want to reach through the screen and give you a hug! I started following your blog 2 years ago, when I decided it was time to make a change in our finances. Thank you! You deserve all those sweet words from Dave Ramsey!
Congrats on the book! What a great accomplishment!!!
OMG! You got a blurb from Dave Ramsey! Way to go, girl!
And congratulations on achieving the dream of being a published author. It’s an awesome feeling!
Sandy
Can’t wait to read it! You could not get better endorsements than from Ann Voskamp and Dave Ramsey. Wow – so thrilled for you 🙂
Hi Crystal,
Congratulations from the bottom of my heart! You have been giving so much, so selflessly! This is a very well deserved achievement.
I have learned so much in the two years I have been hanging out. I’m sure this book is full of useful tips too.
I’ll order my copy now.
Thanks,
Anshu
Congratulations, Crystal! I’m so excited for you and know it will shoot to the top right away!
Danelle Ice / Home Ever After
Preordered!!! Can’t wait!
Ordering it now. Congratulations!!! You are a blessing to me and to so many others. May the Lord bless your work and multiply it beyond your wildest dreams!
Congratulations on all of your hard work and dedication. You are inspiring to all of us who wish to find balance, contentment, financial as well as spiritual peace and discipline. What a wonderful accomplishment to achieve all while balancing the demands of career, wife and mother. Kudos!!!
Crystal,
So pleased God is equipping and using you in this way. Congratulations on successful completion of this part of the journey. May He multiply the effectiveness of your efforts and bless you beyond your wildest imaginations. Happy for you! : )
Congratulations!!! Way to go!!!
Just pre-ordered! I was excited about the book but ecstatic that you are donating the profit to Compassion International. We are sponsoring a little boy and only wish we could do more. It is such an amazing organization. Thank you for teaching me all the things you have so I can include such things in my budget.
You have no idea how great your impact is to so many in such numerous ways. God bless!
I just pre-ordered! I’m so happy for you and I can’t wait to read it. I just wish that I could get an autographed copy! 🙂
Congratulations! What a neat opportunity! And so cool of you to send your profits to those in need. Way to go.
How sweet of you and Jesse to give all the proceeds to the Lord’s word. May He be glorified more and more through you.
Finally! I’m so excited to read it. I had something similar happen where a publisher contacted me to write a book this spring. I was nervous as I had a newborn daughter, but I jumped in with both feet as well. My book comes out a week after yours!
I think you should write a book on Biblical womanhood next! I’d pre-order it now!
Just reading your blog over the past year has taught me so much about money, and many other things, that my head is still spinning with the excitement that I don’t HAVE to struggle to make ends meet anymore. Not only that, I have managed to put together my own little money-making venture on the side solely from what I have learned from you. I can’t IMAGINE what your book will do for me but I can’t wait to find out. I think your unselfishness is going to be repaid to you many many times over. God bless you and your family during this holiday season (and always) and I wish you the best one you’ve had yet!!!
I am so inspired by you!! I recently became a stay at home mom and felt a little out of the mission field but you prove there is plenty of work to be done on the homefront! thank you for all you do!
Congratulations Crystal! I know this book will be a blessing. Your can-do attitude is inspiring.
Michele
I know how much you talk of your appreciation for readers, the feeling is mutual. This website has changed my life (not to be corney or anything really!) in so many ways. I feel like I am living with more purpose and making much better choices than I was before. A book would only be icing on the cake, thank you for making all this happen- it means so much!
Crystal, I am sooooo happy for you. I will definitely be picking up a copy. I myself have always had the dream of being a published writer and I honestly can say that I can imagine how stoked you must be. Congratulations!!! I hope this is only the beginning of many big dreams coming true for you. You are an amazing person and you deserve this. God Bless!
I’m excited for you as if I’ve known you personally for years. How exciting!!! Congratulations, and I can’t wait to read it!
Congratulations from me too Crystal. What an awesome accomplishment. This is so exciting, and I am so happy for you. I read the Dave Ramsey’s endorsement several times — wow!
I’m pre-ordering. I’m happy to support you and Compassion International.
Congratulations, Crystal! This is wonderful. I can’t wait to read it.
Must have laughed when I said oh wrote a book and you were already doing it!Can’t wait to read .
Congratulations Crystal. The thing I love about your blog is that it isn’t all about coupons and saving money. It puts those things in context. The Lord has blessed you with many talents and you are using those not for your own gain, but to bless the lives of others. Thank you for the content you have on your blog. I am inspired by you. May every blessing be yours as you continue to do what God wants of you. Thank you for blessing my life.
I am really excited for you! I found your blog in 2008 while I was carrying my first child and since then, visiting your blog is a daily favorite of mine! You are an inspiration! Can’t wait to read the book and know that some precious kids are being helped too! 🙂
Wow! You’ve been around for quite awhile! Thanks for sticking it out with me through all the ups and downs! 🙂
I am excited to read your book and see how God is going to use it to affect many lives! It is such a beautiful thing that you are donating your profit to Compassion International. Luke 16:10 – “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones…” You are definitely being “faithful in the large ones:)
Thanks so much for sharing in the excitement! And pray that I would continue to stay faithful–in whatever God calls me to.
Kudos, kudos!! Many hugs and pats on the back to you, Crystal! I can’t wait to read it and pass it around!!
Thank you so much, Michelle! That means so much to me!
I am asking my husband to pre-order it for me for Christmas 🙂 I am excited! Congratulations!!
I love it! Sounds like you married a good man. 😉
Yes he is wonderful 🙂 I am really excited for your book; I think it will be a great resource to share with friends who are getting into trying to save money.
Congratulations! I think it says SO much about you that you are donating the profits on this book. If for nothing else, that is a great reason to buy it!
I’m so excited about supporting one of my favorite ministries through this project! It’s made the hard work much more worth it!
This is so awesome, Crystal! The Lord has so blessed you and I pray will now bless others through your labor of love. I can’t wait to read it!!
Thank you so much, Rebekah!
Congrats! I’m excited about the book! I have followed your site off and on for years, but the internet can bo so overwhelming with so much info coming from so many places. Everything you and other thrifty moms do seems soooo simple, yet I can’t seem to make it work in my life. I’m hoping a book that I can highlight and carry around will be a huge help! All of your principles seem so easy and I do try to practice some of them, yet I spend entirely too much every time I grocery shop, I can’t seem to use more complicated coupon systems like Walgreens and CVS, and my children are not learning to appreciate what we do have because we are always stressed about money. Part of the problem is that I’m a ruler follower…if you say step 1, step 2, step 2…I’m there….coming up with it on my own from many different sources is not so easy 😉 Hope your book can guide me through a few steps! Congratulations again!
I am with you on the overwhelming thing. What has helped me the most is taking one or two stores and focusing on those. Or just getting the one or two best deals from each every week (besides the things I HAVE to have, of course). Anyway, I have had to narrow the sites I check down to two or three and even that can be info overload. I feel your pain and am hoping this book will help me streamline a little more, plus just relax about it and enjoy the fact that I am a hundred times more wise about saving than I was before I discovered these blogs and couponing.
Thanks angela! I do have a few tried and true ways of saving money…I live for the Kohls and JC Pennys $10 of a $10 purchase…what a huge help those are. We have a great Goodwill Store that helps in buying clothes for my 11 year old who is crossing over into teen world…Platos Closet is another big help…when she was into Justice know how to get the best deals there was a big help.
We live in the North Shore of Chicago so where I’m challenged is grocery shopping…Aldies, Costco, Trader Joes, The Dollar Store, and Pea Pod (mainly during COLD winter months)…then we have some discount stores where deals can be had on produce and such…Garden Fresh, Jerries Produce, Shop and Save….I’m not sure if coupons are honored at any of these. Add trying to shop for a healthier eating style and it gets even trickier…though I’ve had to go back to regualr milk and eggs…still buy free range hamburger at COSTCO. I do have several heath food stores I need to check out to see if I can score some of the deals that Crystal gets.
As I read these blogs I think on top of the saving money it’s the efficiency that eludes me. It can take a lot of time to surf the web for deal, to find recipes, plan menues, ect. I think I just need to get reading and applying more effort 🙂
I have a hard time with the efficiency too. I’ve tried at times to do the drug store game, but didn’t have much success, and finally decided that the amount of time it took me wasn’t worth the little savings I was getting. I’ve realized that at this time in my life, the best things for me to focus on for saving money are menu planning, a grocery list, and just not buying unnecessary things. I may not save as much as some, but at least I’m spending less money than I used to :-).
One of my biggest goals with the book was to make it very simple, easy-to-follow, systematic, and step-by-step.
And remember, continuing to make small changes in the right direction can add up to big changes over time!
Thank you Crystal! I am looking forward to your book, and I believe the book format is probably a better way for me to learn…why I like the internet I’m a litt ADD it terms of soaking all the info in! I also need to remember there are different types of personalities, I may just never be as organized as you no matter how much I try!!! You do a great job! 🙂
Just pre-ordered my copy!!! I am so excited to get my hands on it! This blog has brought me so much encouragement and has empowered me to change my family. Thank you!
Aw, thank you SO much, Kim!
I am SO excited for you Crystal! This is truly a wonderful opportunity to touch the lives of many people by teaching them to live better on less, as well as changing the lives of many through Compassion. I am looking forward to seeing all the new things God has in store for you!
Thank you so much for sharing my excitement, Sara! I want to continue to seek to use every opportunity God gives me for His glory!
I’m excited about it!!!!
Thank you for sharing in my excitement, Tara!
Congratulations! How appropriate that it has an endorsement from Dave Ramsey! You are an inspiration to many. Excited for you!
Thank you, Julie!
Congratulations! I know how hard it is to write a book! May GOD bless your success!
Thank you so much, Kay!
Already pre-ordered, with a couple pre-order Gooseberry Patch books thrown in to make the $25. Thanks for all that you do to encourage moms……..
We love those books!
Thank you so much, Deb!
Crystal – I’ve never pre-ordered before. Do I give my card info but I don’t pay until it ships?
Yes, from what I understand, you aren’t charged until it ships.
Crystal- I just realized my comment above said to the first poster “I love those books” and then I clicked submit. Of course a BIG CONGRATS to you. You must be so happy. I would be over the moon in your position.
Yes Ashley. Amazon does not charge you until it ships.