A very practical book, full of lived and proven experiences, based on the Holy Scriptures. Two very important lessons I learned: the difference between frugal and miserly and especially that "everything we have is on loan from God and good stewardship means gratefully accepting them, using them in a responsible manner, and sharing them with others." I also liked the guidelines on how to teach children to manage their money well, and the testimony of the Author´s older children helped confirm that they work.

This book took me back to the early days of my marriage, when we lived on one income and I scoured The Tightwad Gazette (borrowed from the library, of course!) for money-saving tips as my financial contribution to the family. Not only does this book contain plenty of tips that families (or singles) can use regardless of their family situation, it also simplifies some basic financial concepts and offers spiritual insight about how we use our money. Sam and Rob Fatzinger share their own stories of figuring out the best ways to save money and stay out of debt while living on one income. Recommended especially for newly married couples and singles starting out on their own.

This book has practical advice for your finances. The family stories in the book helped illustrate their points. This is a good book for anyone who wants to lead a more frugal life and get closer to God. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher, Ave Maria via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

This book is truly a gift from God. I am still in high school but it helped me a lot. It helped me to spend money that is from God wisely and helped both of my parents who is struggling for years with debts, I absolutely recommended this book.

A very well written book. Realistic tips and ideas on how to save money drawn from real life experience. The authors voice really comes through in the text and she has a lovely way of showing and explaining how faith and finances coincide. There isn’t the expectation that everything in the book will work for every person and at the same time she gives examples of how each person can be generous with others, while watching their own spending.

It is a very smooth read with goos sized chapters.

This is the personal finance book I wish I had read shortly after getting married! The Fatzingers are further along on the parenting/financial journey than us, but we have learned many of the same lessons they describe. There’s nothing particularly new or ground-breaking, but financial freedom isn’t all that complicated in the first place. I loved the reminder to be good stewards with the money we have, whether that be a lot or a little. I also particularly liked the section about saving and early retirement, two ideas that are definitely on our radar these days! 3.5 stars, rounded up. (A Catholic Guide to Spending Less and Living More was just published on April 23, 2021. Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.)

Money is part of everyone's life, and it takes work to learn how to manage an income and be a conscious consumer. This book is a simple, practical guide to financial principles that have helped a family of 16 live debt free.

The Fatzingers share ideas and methods for managing money that have worked in their own family, as well as mistakes they made along the way. I appreciated the balanced approach to spending and saving and the focus on how important it is to practice good stewardship with what we have been given.

I think this would make a great resource for marriage prep, as each chapter features questions to discuss and put into action.

In these times of great financial uncertainty, it can be easy to become overwhelmed by family finances.


Then along come Sam and Rob Fatzinger with some precious words of advice to soothe your soul and improve your money-saving ways.


The authors have written an incredible resource in A Catholic Guide to Spending Less and Living More: Advice from a Debt-Free Family of 16.

The title certainly grabs the reader's attention, but it is the wisdom contained within this incredible work that will likely keep you turning the pages. The Fatzingers offer a game plan for achieving financial freedom. If you are mired in debt, or just looking for a way to enhance your savings, the husband-and-wife duo have plenty of strategies to keep you motivated.

What is truly unique about this money-saving guide is the manner in which it incorporates spiritual principles such as temperance, stewardship, and generosity. The authors show that, by exercising virtue, you can be released from the hardships that overspending brings.

Take a lesson from the Fatzingers and you too may find yourself living debt-free--and spiritually free as well!