It's TBR's official launch! I'm very excited to have Maria Zannini as the inaugural guest, and especially excited that she chose TBR to announce her latest release. Please help me welcome Maria!
Welcome to 2012!
I am honored to kick off Cate Masters’ TBR blog. It seems especially apropos because January is celebrated as the month for fresh starts and clean slates. What better time than to introduce a book that will start you thinking about ways to get ahead of the rat race without going broke.
Many of you might know me from my fiction, like my post-apocalyptic titles, Touch of Fire and Apocalypse Rising, my SF novel, True Believers, or my current angel series: The Devil To Pay and Chain of Souls.
But this year I’ve decided to write about my true passion and publish a series of books on a subject I know intimately. Frugal living.
I love living frugal! It’s got a pioneer, can-do spirit that puts me in charge. In a world where everybody else but you seem to be calling the shots, frugal living is empowering. It’s never been more important than today.
Every day, you meet people bemoaning the economy. Let’s face it. No matter where you live, the economy sucks. People are out of work, or dealing with higher prices, lower wages, or more mouths to feed. But I am living proof that it’s a vicious circle you can escape.
I live a pretty good life, despite being married to a man who likes to spend money like a Rockefeller. (Bad husband!) Luckily, early in our marriage we came to a meeting of the minds and came up with a game plan that not only erased our debts, but is allowing us to retire early.
My frugal lifestyle became part game and part challenge. I found ways to save on everything from homes to lampshades. And if you think you can’t do it, you’re not giving yourself enough credit. Anyone can do this. All you need is a plan of action—and the right resources to keep you fabulously frugal.
As a matter of fact, the first book is exactly on creating your lifetime strategy. It’s called Smart Budgets for Busy People.
Every book in The Frugal Way series will be to-the-point, full of resources, tips, and real life experiences that back up my claims. Best of all, every Frugal Way Guide is CHEAP! Just 99 cents.
There will be more than a dozen guidebooks in total, with a new title coming out every two to three months. Budgets, Shopping, Food, Pets, Holidays, Gardening, and more. Each book will be tightly packed little explosions of information and links to get you the best deals and the smartest online tools to make your new frugal life easier.
I’m on a mission to get you solvent and on the road to retiring rich. Welcome to The Frugal Way.
Leave a comment and tell me what’s the hardest part about saving money for you. One lucky commenter will win a copy of Smart Budgets for Busy People. I’ll choose a winner on Friday, January 6, 2012. Please be sure to leave your contact information in the comment if you’d like to be in the running.
PS And be a pal to Cate and add yourself as a follower to this blog (TBR).
Maria Zannini is a writer, homesteader, and dog lover (not necessarily in that order). You can follow her on her blog, Facebook, Twitter, and now her BRAND NEW Facebook page, The Frugal Way.
The Frugal Way page is so new, I haven’t even told anyone about it yet. You’re the first. When you like the page, you’ll be kept up to date on any good deals I come across or any bits of lofty inspiration. Feel free to post on the Wall and share your thoughts and struggles. The Frugal Way is more than a series of books. I want to turn it into a community.
Buy Smart Budgets for Busy People at Amazon and Smashwords.I hope you all have a Happy and Prosperous New Year!
Thanks so much for kicking off TBR with a bang, Maria! Best of luck with your new project.


