Review of Lorilee Craker’s Money Secrets of the Amish Finding True Abundance in Simplicity, Sharing, and Saving

It seems the Amish have money smarts that the average person is lacking. From their simple, content and peaceful lives one can glean a plethora of ideas on becoming savers rather than spenders, frugal rather than spend thrifty, and givers rather than takers. From basic principles like: "use it up, wear it out, make do or do without" to "repurpose, recycle and reuse" to "rethink your gift giving" and "eat like a royalty for a peasant's pittance" money will seem to appear out of nowhere, while debt problems will vanish. The Amish appreciate the value of community, sharing the land, sharing the crops, sharing homes...even sharing joys and sorrows. They have determined that "stuff" can get in the way of productive living, and that frugality helps ensure financial security for the future. Craker gives some assignments for the reader to complete in an effort to retrain the brain to think smarter without working harder. This book is an easy read; and, though it could be read straight through, it is likely a book that will be referenced time and again. I think I just may become Amish...or at least I may try to live simply and frugally like the Amish!