Be Thrifty: How to Live Better with Less »

Pia Catton is a journalist and the coauthor of The Comfort Diner Cookbook. She lives in Washington, D.C.

Califia Suntree, a former magazine editor and cookbook editor, runs the food blog Spooningmag.com. She lives in Los Angeles.

This indispensable guide starts with a penny and shows how to thrive—which is what the word “thrifty” in fact means. Thrift is not simply about saving money. Thrift is practical, and thrift is smart. It’s about good sense, about being independent and self-reliant. And Be Thrifty is exactly what’s needed to get there, bringing together expert advice, shared wisdom, hundreds of innovative ideas, step-by-step directions, and more.

Chapter 1: Home, sweet (thrifty) home
Clean it, fix it, love it (drive it)

Chapter 2: Animal, vegetable, budget
The well-tended garden & well-loved pet

Chapter 3: Food & the thrifty cook
Making the most of every morsel

Chapter 4: The family that saves together
The rules, the scoop & some good old-fashioned fun

Chapter 5: Taking care of you
Mind, body, spirit, wallet

Chapter 6: Living the life of leisure
Gatherings, getaways & gifts

Chapter 7: Thrift & your wallet
All systems go

Contributors & Sources Acknowledgements Index