Discover the money-saving and wealth-building secrets of America's thriftiest people, the Amish.
Author and journalist Lorilee Craker was just like the rest of us, feeling the pinch from the financial fallout of 2008. As a freelancer, her income was going the way of the dodo-family dollars seemed like an extinct myth, the bank account some archeological evidence of past prosperity.
Then, inspired by a news segment covering the Amish and how they emerged from the economic crisis unscathed, she realized it was time to learn a thing or two about their time-tested approach to personal finances. While the middle-class was wringing its hands over the family budget and the wealthy were weeping over their slashed portfolios, the Amish were content as always, spared from the cares of the world and worldliness. They not only had financial health to support their lives, they exuded a wholeness that eludes so many when the financial bottom drops out.
In "Money Secrets of the Amish," readers go on an "Amish money makeover," learning the choices, secrets, and disciplines that safeguarded the contentment and the coffers of America's favorite plain folk by spending less, saving more, and getting happier doing it.
Endorsements:
Packed with practical, simple, and smart money saving ideas and teeming with great insight into the sensible Amish ways, "Money Secrets of the Amish"will entertain you with stories and retrain your brain to be the savvy money saver you always dreamed you could be. --Beth Wiseman, best-selling author of "Plain Promise" and "Seek Me With All Your Heart"
Sometimes touching, sometimes humorous and always helpful, author Lorilee Craker pulls us into the family rooms of the Amish and shows us how they make ends meet. Story after story illustrates savvy money management: trading for goods and services, shopping for bargains, living with less, avoiding debt, curbing the desire to impress others. And Craker's journalistic bent provides plenty of takeaway value for the non-Amish. A very worthwhile read whether your bank account is bursting or busting. --Suzanne Woods Fisher, author of "Amish Peace: Simple Wisdom for a Complicated World" and "Lancaster County Secrets" (Revell)
This book is like an Amish basement shelf loaded with Mason jars full of Plain money wisdom. Self-confessed "Fancy" gal Lorilee Craker rolls up her sleeves and cracks them open one-by-one, figuring out how to fit Amish principles to a non-Amish life. She succeeds, and so can you-read "Money Secrets of the Amish" and add weight to your wallet. --Erik Wesner, amishamerica.com; author of"Success Made Simple: An Inside Look at Why Amish Businesses Thrive"
"Money Secrets of the Amish" is a practical, doable guide, and it's such fun to read. Lorilee's voice is as engaging and lively as ever, and the wisdom she shares from the Amish community is both inspiring and instructive. I just finished the last page, and my mind is buzzing with all sorts of ways to waste less, want less, and spend less. --Shauna Niequist, author of "Cold Tangerines" and "Bittersweet"
Lorilee inspires and impacts your everyday life with this marvelous little read. From buttons to bakery you suddenly realize this conversation is not about just pinching a few pennies but about transforming how we view our everyday lives. I applaud Lorilee for asking the hard questions and pressing in to find honest answers. Forget the mall, kick back and soak up the delicious wisdom of a life well lived. Thank you Lorilee for shaping my everyday --Tracey Bianchi, author of "Green Mama"
"Money Secrets of the Amish" isn't so much about making money; it's about family, discipline, and redefining what "wealthy" means. This is a great read that helps us all to see more clearly what's really valuable in our lives. --Jeff McMahon, award-nominated musician and national director/runner with the Team McGraw endurance program
