Knowing that it may be awhile before I venture out wearing my new title as full-time globetrotter, I thought I would entertain the idea by reading as much as I could on the subject. Through one of my many Amazon visits, I discovered The Encyclopedia of Cheap Travel: Save Up to 90% on Lodging, Flights, Tours, Cruises, And More! By Terrance Zepke and I have to say it’s one of the best travel books I’ve ever had in my possession. There are a few reasons why I say this.

First and foremost, I appreciate money saving tips. I consider myself a very savvy gal but I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t know everything. That’s why I love books like Terrance’s. In addition to addressing a topic I love, she gives insider information that I otherwise wouldn’t have access to. After reading a few pages of her tips, I was completely hooked.

Next, I’ve never been on a cruise and there’s tons of ways to book one for little to no cost. There are also all types of warnings about hidden costs. For example, did you know that most ships charges $6 to $15 per person per day to covers tips for cabin stewards and restaurant personnel. They also charge an automatic tip of 15 to 18 percent for every drink purchased on board the ship. That’s a huge waste of money! Terrance suggests doing this instead: “Head into port and have a few drinks at a local watering hole for around $2 a beer or margarita.”

Last of all, I love the chapter on how to travel for free. Many people don’t know how to legitimately write off trips on their taxes. The Encyclopedia of Cheap Travel: Save Up to 90% on Lodging, Flights, Tours, Cruises, And More! gives pointers and publications from the IRS that can help you do just that.

Here are a few things you have to look forward to while reading the book:

• Information why popular travel sites don’t always offer the best deals
• Why you need a travel agent to book a cruise
• A secret tool that tells you when airfares will go up or down
• Ways to use social media to get cheap fares
• Reasons why you should never pay single supplements
• MUCH, MUCH MORE!!!!

The 184 page book is available through Lookout Publishing and Amazon.com for $14.95. You can learn addition travel tips and get other titles by Terrance Zepke by visiting www.terrancezepke.com.

Ranging from the obvious (Swim with dolphins. Who doesn’t want to do that?) to the  adventurous (Skydiving, anyone?), this 320 page book is chock full of ideas that are exciting, silly, and downright outrageous. Although some of the things listed are ones that I never will do (Eat Rocky Mountain Oysters, for example.), there are a lot of things I would seriously consider.

The book is really easy to read and gives you a place to tick off the adventures that you have completed. There’s plenty of easy stuff to do mixed in with all the grandeur. For example, one of the tasks in the book is to look at the moon through a telescope. If you own one already, this is a plus. If you don’t, you can pick up a cheap one for around $15. It also suggests “Sit On the Roof and Watch the World”. Who would have known that there is so much pleasure to be had in such simple tasks?

The best part of all is that you don’t have to have a millionaire budget to do the things in the book. Some travel is required and you will have to pay fees on some of the adventures like paragliding and whitewater rafting but you can save up for these things. They are not going to cause you to remortgage your house but they may cause to rethink you daily double lattes.

If you haven’t come up with your own bucket list, I strongly encourage you to do so. It’s a great way to clarify your dreams and gives you something fun to do without costing money. You can use 500 Things To Do Before You Kick the Bucket for inspiration or you can even visit the Day Zero Project where you can create a list of 101 things to do in 1,001 days.

The point I’m trying to make here is that it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to live a little. If you realign your budget to fit your goals, you’ll be surprised at how much you can accomplish. If going on a safari in Africa is at the top of your list of things to do before you die, by all means find a way to make that dream a reality. Cutting back on the things you don’t need will give you the time, money, and the freedom to do all of things on your own bucket list.

I’m a big fan of self-learning.  I am particularly fond of books like New World Library’s A Writer’s Book Of Days: A Spirited Companion & Lively Muse for the Writing Life by Judy Reeves because it something I can refer to over and over again.  For less than $20, I have a year’s worth of inspiration at my fingertips.  Chock full of meaningful tips and stories about well-known writers like Agatha Christie, James Michener, and Margaret Atwood, this book is a valuable resource for anyone with a knack for the written word.

Divided into twelve months, each section addresses a number of topics including:

• How to Create a Space of Your Own
• Honoring Yourself As a Writer
• Stream of Consciousness and Other Intuitive Writing
• How to Start a Writing Practice Group

In addition to providing her readers with unlimited resources to choose from, Reeves also encourages them to complete regular writing exercises.  Her Beyond Practice prompts push past personal limits and allow writers to excavate the goldmine of ideas that are welled up inside of them.

In today’s world, there is a lot of money to be had with writing.  I have written about this before.  Reeves addresses this topic in a section titled When Can I Quit My Day Job and Be a Full-Time Writer? She notes that, “If you’ve determined you want writing to have preeminence in your life, some reconstruction may be in order.”  She suggests moving into a smaller and less expensive place, cutting back on unnecessary expenses, and even sacrificing sleep when necessary.  All of these things are a given if you want to embrace the writing life with open arms.

Nikki Giovanni stated, “People say poets can’t make a living.  I tell them to lower their expectations to match their income.”  Few writers get rich according to A Writer’s Book of Days. Still, it is gratifying work.  For anyone looking to get away from the daily grind and set their own hours, freelancing is the way to go.

If there is one book on your Wish List this year, it should be this one.  Highly recommend by artist and author SARK, it is a small investment that reaps gigantic rewards.  To find out more about the author or her book, visit http://www.newworldlibrary.com.

Formatted in a way that is easy to read and understand, Danger gives thoughtful advice on acquiring things for cheap or free, reusing what you may have on hand from prior pregnancies, and making things like wipes and baby food at home.

The book is divided up into twenty-seven chapters and provides information on ways to save money before the baby arrives up until the moment he or she becomes school age.  In fact, here are some of the things that are mentioned on the back cover of this comprehensive resource guide:

• The top 10 ways to save before baby arrives
• Brand-name baby clothes at rock-bottom prices
• Insider tips on the best values in baby gear
• Online deals for diapers and wipes
• When to expect big sales and how low they’ll go
• Baby products you can make at home for free
• Creative solutions for baby announcements, maternity wear, nursery furniture, entertainment, toys, storage, and décor

A few of my favorite tips include:

“Cut off the leg holes of a onesie to make a T-shirt that will fit for several months.  If it’s cotton it shouldn’t even need hemming.”

“Barter for babysitting.  College students may be interested in using your washing machine, borrowing your DVDs, or getting some free meals.  Your neighbor may trade for lawn care, pet sitting, etc.”

Available through Sourcebooks and Amazon and priced at $12.99, The Complete Book of Baby Bargains makes a great gift every day of the year.  In fact, parents wanting to learn even more ways to save money can visit http://www.mommysavers.com.

A note from Jeremy: I wish I would have come across this book a long time ago. After having our first child just under two years ago there were certainly some things we spent too much money on. We learned from those mistakes and applied it to our second child that was just born a few weeks ago, but there’s so much more in this book that even experienced parents can use.

Why did you write this book?

I got so sick of hearing about how bad our generation is with money. We’re always hearing that we have so much debt, lack discipline to budget, or just don’t understand basic concepts about the economy. I just didn’t think it was true. I think we’ve had some tough breaks, like experiencing two major recessions in the last 10 years, but we’re also pretty resourceful. We love doing research and educating ourselves online, for example. We care a lot about making a difference, too. Basically, we want our money to give us financial stability, support our families, and also help us give back �’ so I wrote this book to help people do those things.

What does Generation Earn refer to?

The fact that we’re part of an up-and-coming group that’s about so much more than the “generation debt” stereotype. I reject that stereotype!

So is debt a bad thing then?

Having too much of it is, but debt can also be a very good thing. It can let you launch a new career or small business or go to school. It’s possible to use debt, even credit card debt, to your advantage. One of my chapters (Chapter 2, “The Upside of Debt”) is dedicated to that.

You write about how to give back, but who can afford to do that?

Everyone. Because little decisions we make every day, from what kind of coffee to buy to where to get groceries, has a global impact. We can choose to buy green cleaning supplies, or preservative-free cosmetics, or organic baby food. Of course, a lot people also give back on bigger scales, by starting nonprofits or contributing to charities. There are some new ways to do that without being rich, such as forming a giving circle with friends. It’s sort of like the new book club.

What’s your favorite personal finance tip?

To invest in yourself. Spending $300 on podcast coaching lessons might sound wasteful, but if it helps you achieve your dream of launching a popular podcast, then it’s completely worth the price. The same concept applies to taking a professional advancement course, or even working with a personal shopper. I love focusing on the positive side of money �’ how it can help us reach our goals.

What’s the most common mistake young professionals make with their money?

Letting their money slip away from them. It’s not just young professionals earning a steady income for the first time; almost everyone spends mindlessly from time to time. But spending without thinking, on restaurant meals or taxis or clothes, is such a waste. Because if your money isn’t helping you reach your bigger goals, whether it’s a vacation or a new business, then it’s being wasted.

What the biggest money mistake you’ve ever made?

I’m pretty sure I failed miserably at buying my first car. I think we probably could have gotten a much better price. I just found the whole thing so stressful �’ much more so than buying a home, which is pretty crazy. The car dealer used all kinds of tricks, from making us wait a long time to being really aggressive. Next time we buy a car, I’ll be more prepared.

For more information about the book, visiting www.generationearn.com.

The story sets out the same way that many do.  A young man who is down on his luck and seeking a better way of living visits an older, wiser man in hopes of learning the key to financially stability.  What he doesn’t factor in during his weeklong stay with his elder is that he has to learn how to take risks in order to get ahead.

After a lot of soul searching, blaming, and cursing, the young man is given the knowledge that he seeks but not at the expense of some very hard lessons.  You see, the older man was once in the same predicament financially as his younger cohort.  Had he not paid heed to the advice that was given to him in his youth, he would not be a millionaire today.

A quick read full of valuable advice, The Instant Millionaire is a must for anyone looking to improve their financial situation.  Although a work of fiction, there is truth in the book’s message and valuable advice within its 121 pages.  Most importantly, it serves as a building block for prosperity, emotional maturity, and philanthropy.

Some of my favorite quotes from the book include:

All the events in your life are a mirror image of your thoughts.

Desire is what best sustains your thoughts.  The more passionate your desire is, the more quickly the thing you want will spring up in your life.  The way to become rich is to desire it fervently.  In every area of life, sincerity and fervor are necessary ingredients of success.

When you don’t know where you’re going, you generally get nowhere.

The type of book that could be re-read numerous times without losing its value, The Instant Millionaire speaks directly to its readers.  Like the scared young man with little money to his name, we can appreciate each lesson as it unfolds chapter by chapter.  Recently reprinted again by New World Library, this entertaining fable is a steal at under $14.  You can find out more about it  and its author by visiting New World Library or Amazon.

I am really drawn to instructional books on the topics of personal finance, self-sufficiency, and saving.  Maybe that is one reason why Leah Ingram’s Suddenly Frugal: How to Live Happier & Healthier For Less appealed to me.  As a woman who has seen what kind of devastating effects a recession can have on the economy firsthand, what better way is there to prepare myself for what is yet to come than to pick up some pointers on cutting back and saving more?

Although I like to consider myself a bit of an expert when it comes to living on a dime, I often find there are others out there that can offer a piece of advice or two that can really help me financially.  Leah Ingram happens to be one such person.  The mother and author made some drastic changes in her life in 2007 in an attempt to secure a better future for her family.  Not only did she revolutionize her relationship with money, she had a lot of fun in the process.  Rather than do without “luxuries”, she suggests several cost effective alternatives.

For example, did you know that a night at the movies for a family of four can cost over $50? Now talk about a budget buster!  Rather than be in the red at the end of the month, many families use Redbox which holds up to 200 different movies.  To rent one, it costs $1 a night plus fees which you pay for with your choice of credit or debit card.  You can purchase a box of microwave popcorn, a bottle or two of soda, and theatre sized boxes of candy for less than $10.  That’s what I call savings!

Suddenly Frugal was written with budget-consciousness in mind.  The chapters address most subjects that are of concern in recession-hit households�’clothing, transportation, food, entertainment, and special occasions.  Although many people associate frugality with being a miser, this book dispels that myth by being informative and insightful.  It provides realistic solutions to everyday needs and even provides information about groups and organizations that are designed to help people save.

At $12.95, purchasing a copy of Adams Media’s Suddenly Frugal won’t break the bank.  It is a quick read, well-organized, and can help save families up to $25,000 in a year’s time.  That’s why I chose to read it and pass its knowledge on.  In today’s world, you can never be prepared enough financially.

Even if reading is not your thing, there is probably at least one bookworm in your life.  Instead of purchasing another generic present for a special occasion or holiday, why not consult this list for inspiration and give book gifts instead?  From the latest electronic gadget to the hottest accessories on the web, there are a number of gifts for people who love books for sale online.

Here are a few items to check out:

• Electronic Book Readers. From Amazon’s Kindle DX with Global Wireless ($489) to Barnes and Noble’s Nook ($259) and Sony’s Reader Pocket Edition ($199), there is an electronic book reader to fit a person’s needs.  The latest bestsellers, the hottest magazines, and most informative newspapers can be downloaded to the devices which weigh a few pounds each and can be transported from one location to the next with very little effort.

• Mighty Bright Book Lights. Available in a variety of colors, the MightyBright XtraFlex2 Book Light ($16.99) is compact yet effective.  Although it may occasionally need a new battery, the bright LED never needs replacing.  The device’s sleek design makes it easy to carry in a purse or pocket and the secure clip attached to the base of the book light makes it work well with maps, books, and magazines.

• PostSecret: Confessions on Life, Death, and God by Frank Warren. Intended for a mature audience, PostSecret books ($21.99-28.99) are self-indulgent, intriguing, and often times liberating.  Containing hundreds of pages of postcard scrawled secrets sent in by readers and fans alike, the latest edition put out by Warren does little to disappoint.

• Librarian Pin. Great for any real or aspiring Librarian, this classic pin resembles the type worn by bibliophiles worldwide ($10).  Affixed to a frumpy cardigan, the accessory becomes that much more humorous and authentic.

• Noonie’s Masterpiece by Lisa Railsback and illustrated by Sarajo Frieden. An upcoming release from Chronicle Books ($18.99), the hardback children’s book explores what life feels like for a young artist whose vision doesn’t translate well to others.

Book gifts never go out of style.  From the most practical item to the downright bizarre, you can find the perfect present for the book lover on your list effortlessly. Are you a book lover? What kind of gifts do you like to receive? Did we leave anything out?

Charissa Arsaoui is a freelance writer for ChickSpeak, Buzzine, DisFUNKshion Magazine, Student Stuff, and a guest contributor for Wisebread.  She loves thrift related topics and can spot a bargain a mile away.

One of the best aspects of this book is that it’s a collaborative effort, just like their site. Some contributors include the likes of The Digerati Life, Get Rich Slowly, and The Simple Dollar. So instead of just one person firing off a bunch of financial lessons, you get a unique perspective from a wide array of contributors.

The Book

The first thing you’ll notice about the book is the amazing presentation. It’s just bursting with color and has easy to navigate headings and graphics. To be honest, it’s one of the most attractive finance books I’ve read. Usually you’re presented with dull pages, numbers, and tables of data that wear on your eyes, but you won’t get tired of looking at this book.

The second thing is that this is less of a traditional book and more of a reference manual to saving money. You don’t pick this book up and read it from cover to cover. You certainly can, but that’s not how it was designed. Think of it more like an encyclopedia where tips are broken down into different categories so that you can easy search out what you’re looking for. You’d be amazed at the variety of stuff that’s covered. From sections like getting the most out of all you can eat buffets to debt elimination and investing tips, it’s all in there.

This book couldn’t have come at a better time. We’re in the midst of a recession and everyone is looking for realistic ways to save money without sacrificing their lifestyle, and that’s where this book can help. Obviously, not every tip is going to be useful for everyone, but with over 10,000 different ways to safe a few bucks, I’m sure you’ll find something that applies to your life.

A Few Other Tidbits

If you buy the book through Amazon, you’re entitled to a free gift. They are giving away $15 Ebates credits. Once you buy the book, be sure to check out the instructions on how to submit your receipt to claim your $15 credit.

Also, I’m going to be giving away a copy of this book. Now, instead of doing the traditional contest here, I’m going to add this book to my big giveaway starting in a few days. Make sure you stay tuned for that, because it’s going to be big!

I know I handed this book a lot of praise, but it’s well-deserved. The Wise Bread crew and all of the contributors have built the foundation of the personal finance blog community, and it’s great to see their work in print so it can help even more people. And what can I say, they even included my quote on the back cover so my name is in print, too! So, check it out. It’s a really good book, it won’t set you back much money and in fact, if you take advantage of the Ebates offer you actually make money on the deal, so it’s a win-win.

I’ve always been a fan of David Bach’s books, although I haven’t read them all. What I like most is how he presents the material so that anyone can put it use. While a lot of books go into detail regarding specific tools or strategies, Bach focuses on concepts and strategies. While many of the concepts may be a bit rudimentary for more advanced readers, they really drive the point home for readers who are just getting started on their personal finance journey. The Finish Rich Dictionary takes financial education to the next step by providing a comprehensive resource filled with both familiar and unfamiliar financial terms.

The Finish Rich Dictionary

What surprised me right from the start is the content of this book. Unlike his other works, this book is literally a dictionary. So, you probably won’t sit down and read this book from cover to cover, but it does have 1001 financial words that you need to know. The main premise is that when you know the words, you can ask better questions. I think this is a very important tip. When you’re going through the fine print of a loan, or hear someone talk about a financial topic in the news, how much do you really understand if you’re not familiar with some of the words? How can you make an informed decision if you aren’t quite sure what a certain word means? And that’s where this book can help.

Unlike a traditional dictionary, you’re only going to get words that have something to do with finance. If you look up a word in a traditional dictionary, it may have multiple meanings including those outside of finance, so this book will only focus on how it applies to money. Not only that, but a lot of the words or phrases in this book won’t be in a regular dictionary. You’ll also get detailed pronunciations and other helpful information about the word.

For example, take the abbreviation COLA. If you look this up in a dictionary, you’re going to see a definition that refers to a type of soft drink. The Finish Rich Dictionary points out that this stands for Cost of Living Adjustment, and is commonly used to refer to an increase in wages or benefits to keep up with inflation. And in the back of the book, there is even a collection of common finance equations and a great list of additional suggested readings on personal finance.

All-in-all, I think it’s a handy little resource to keep on your desk. While you probably won’t read it cover to cover and memorize all the words, I’m sure you’ll find a lot of words you weren’t familiar with like I did. And even those words that are familiar, you may be able to expand on your understanding a bit. Knowledge is power, and the more you know, the more informed decisions you can make.

Check out The Finish Rich Dictionary at Amazon.