My Mentors: Dacyczyn; Kellam & Cooper; Myers

I have seen on other blogs references to Amy Dacyczyn as I share the feeling that she was the one that got this frugal movement started. 

In January 1993 with my newborn son in tow I flew to Los Angeles to visit my in-laws.  I was going through post partum depression and the loss of a job.  I was exhausted.  My mother-in-law graciously paid for my plane ticket to the warm weather of Southern California.  One day we were at a mall and we walked into a bookstore.  There on display was "The Tightwad Gazette." This was the first book.  I had heard about Amy as she was making the interview circuit and I had seen her interview on the Phil Donahue show.  I was intrigued.  I bought the book and read it while I was in California and when I got home I started to put many of her suggestions into practice.  I also subscribed to her newsletter.  Over the years I purchased "The Tightwad Gazettes II and III."

When I found a new job, and with working full time, I decided that I didn't necessarily have the time for frugalness as I was now earning a paycheck.  I was stupid.  Many of the suggestions in Amy's book do not take a lot of time.  Instead I was feeling entitled to spending the money that I had earned.

Flash forward 11 years.  One night I was on the internet doing some searches on frugal recipes.  Our oldest son was in college and we needed to tighten our belts.  Somehow I came across Tawra Kellam's website Living on a Dime.  I bought her cookbook then titled "Not Just Beans" and later on purchased her revised cookbook now titled "Dining on a Dime."  Tawra's mother, Jill Cooper, also posts many articles on her site and they both share their experiences of paying off debt and living on a small sum of money.  For me, Tawra and Jill picked up where Amy left off and their site is one of my favorites.  Since I have been home full time, I turn to "Dining on a Dime" for many recipes.  This book not only includes food recipes but also recipes for cleaners and beauty products. 

Over time I have purchased many e-books from Living on a Dime and have never been disappointed.  Dining on a Dime is on my bookshelf next to The Tightwad Gazettes I, II and III. 

I would say that after the above two people I have become a big fan of Hillbilly Housewife.  Susanne Myers does a wonderful job with this site and the information that she provides.  I particularly like her emergency menus that she has listed.  This has inspired me to come up with my own versions of these menus tailored to my family's tastes.  I have become a member of the Hillbilly Housewife Club and I enjoy getting to know other women and learning from them. 

Susanne complements Tawra and Jill.  I find that when I log on to their sites I feel as if I am going into the homes of friends that are willing to take me by the arm and mentor me in ways to save money and manage a home.

What are your favorite sites?