Budget Books

In this philosophical work on budget control politics, Professor Marini explains how the executive budget provided the practical means for the implementation of the administrative state.(AKA: The Nanny State or the The Bureaucratic State.) Marini however, goes beyond other critiques of the administrative state by demonstrating that state theory is in direct opposition to and hostile towards the natural rights theory of American constitutionalism. The question Marini will force careful readers to ponder is this: If the purpose of constitutionalism is the prevention of tyranny, what is the goal of the administrative state?

Dr. Marini, a professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, explores the tensions arising from an "administrative state" within a constitutional regime of separated powers. He concludes that "the federal budget has come to be the principal instrument of politics in the American administrative state" (Preface, p. xii). This book should be included in the core required readings for the study and understanding of public budgeting, administrative theory and administrative bureaucracy.

Excellent step-by-step breakdown. Also, really cool recipe for fake blood and theatrical wounds. Good overview of business concerns dealing with fimmaking.

The book touched on all the challenges of indie filmmaking in a clear and concise way. He discussed what areas you should focus on and what areas you can spend less money and time while still getting a great film as your final product. Elliott explored the psyche of the indie filmmaker too by bringing his own easy to understand explanations of why things work the way they do.

His anecdotes really help explain why things work the way they do on low budget productions. He is gifted at giving you insights into the small things you can change that show big improvements on camera. This book eases your mind about not having enough money to make your film. And hopefully give you the courage to put your film out there.

I recommend that any filmmaker who has little or no money buy this book. With Elliot's expertise, you can gain value insights into telling the story that you want.

Lisa Reid's "Raising Kids with Just a Little Cash" illustrates that is is not only possible to raise a family with a limited budget, but it is also the right thing to do. Her book is about reducing unecessary spending while spending more time with your family. Its reminds us to focus on the more important issues of life - that kids and family need your love and attention, not your money. Lisa's suggestions are not about doing without. There are hundreds of creative ways to have fun and to deal with everyday issues. My favorites are her ideas on free family entertainment and parties. She includes many references to money-saving resources. Lisa uses real life stories, hers as well as others, to show that you don't need two incomes to raise happy and healthy children. Her writing style is friendly, concise and easy to read. You will enjoy reading "Raising Kids with Just a Little Cash" and use it as a reference for years while your children grow. I recommend this book to anyone who is serious about raising their children with less money and more love.

In RAISING KIDS WITH JUST A LITTLE CASH, Lisa Reid quickly dispels the myth that it takes two incomes and a hectic lifestyle to raise children. In fact, by making the decision to live on one income so she could stay at home with the kids, the author discovered a richer, more abundant life for herself and her family. The book is peppered with inspirational, real-life testimonials of parents who have made a similar choice and found their lives to be fuller as a result. In a friendly, conversational style, Reid tells you how you can do it, too. All you need to do is make a commitment to live on one income and then hire yourself as your family's "money-saver". Reid gives detailed tips and instructions on ways to reduce the cost of just about everything involved in raising children. She discusses the economics of diapers and baby clothes in depth. Follow her strategies for obtaining second hand clothing and shoes and save up to 90% on the cost of outfitting your children and yourself. Occupy your children with activities instead of cartoons on Saturday mornings, and you will avoid unnecessary toy purchases spurred by advertising. Purchase inexpensive, basic toys such as Legos that make use of your child's imagination and creativity. Or make them yourself; plans and instructions are included. Entertain your children with free trips to the bakery, the train station, the airport, museums, the library, instead of the amusement park or arcade. Cut your food budget dramatically and eat better by following the tips and strategies outlined in the chapter on food. Throw memorable birthday parties by investing time and imagination instead of money. The author shows you how. Enjoy good health and travel for less by making use of the information in the chapters devoted to these subjects. You don't have to be a parent or a spendthrift to benefit from this book. My wife and I are frugal and our children are grown and out of the house. Yet, we found numerous tips that we have put to immediate and good use. One theme surfaces again and again throughout this book: thrift is not deprivation. Quite the opposite. A frugal lifestyle is liberating. It presents new choices and opportunities. These lead to a fuller, more satisfying life. Those who have followed the advice in this book all claim to be richer by every measure as a result of their employment of thrift. I heartily recommend this practical book to anyone who desires a simpler, more abundant life, both for themselves and their children. It comes with a money-back guarantee. What more could you ask for

This little book pays for itself with the first recommendation one chooses to visit. All of the recommendations for restaurants regardless of price range reflect that the author has actually eaten there. Accommodation recommendations turn San Francisco into both and enjoyable and affordable experience. Using this guide allows one to spend their money fulfilling expectations rather than the too typical vacation experience of financing disappointments. As my heading clearly states, "other investment purchases should be so good!"

In a city where just a cup of coffee can cost you $5, this book will show you where to get an entire meal for half that. $200 a night to stay near Union Square? Not with this book in your pocket. It won't be the Hilton, but for $45, who cares?

We've never had a bad experience at any of the places in these books. Note that in order to give the best possible coverage of the subject, restaurants rotate, so buy as many editions as you can ... just because a restaurant is not in the current edition does not mean it's gone out of business.

This is one of the best books on Social Security for the general public, and I write as a Social Security scholar who has published a book of his own. Bert McLachlan has a genuine gift for explaining the Social Security program, its problems, and possible solutions in clear, straightforward language that everybody can understand. He does an excellent job of sorting out the tricky complexities of federal budget accounting--"on-budget," "off-budget," and "unified budget" outlays, revenues, surpluses, and deficits--and explains how Social Security's revenue surpluses have been used to make our budget deficit problem look less horrendous than it really is. His explanation of Social Security is accurate, lucid and trustworthy. So is his explanation of the coming financial crisis in Social Security and of the realities of the widely-misrepresented and misunderstood Social Security "trust fund." McLachlan walks his readers through the bewildering array of reform options and offers sensible and well-articulated recommendations of his own. You don't have to agree with his own solution to find plenty of value in his treatment of reform. Throughout, he uses data competently. His numerical examples are clear, well-explained and helpful. The political cartoons add a welcome light touch. One of the nicest things about this book is its sincere public spiritedness; McLachlan has no ideological axe to grind, but rather is honestly seeking the best answer for Social Security with an open mind. Another is his genuine concern and respect for his readers. If you're a general reader with no background in Social Security seeking to educate yourself on a topic crucial to your country's future and your own, this is the place to start. If you're already familiar with Social Security, you will benefit from McLachlan's clear prose, fresh perspective, and firm grip on realities.

Bert McLachlan's Saving Social Security (From Congress) is a vivid, cautionary advocate of the dire peril the current Social Security retirement plan is in. Written for the non-specialist lay reader in order to specifically to clear up lies and popular misconceptions, Saving Social Security (From Congress) unambiguously informs the reader of the facts about the federal budget and the options facing our nation today. This is an absolute "must read" for anyone paying taxes for Social Security now, or expecting to receive it in the future!

This small book helped me to remodel my house! I did it! Thank you for your work!

"Anyone with an interest in constructing a solar, energy-efficient home can learn the basics from this book, even with little prior technical knowledge or home building experience. The timing for this impressive resource couldn't be better."

Regina Johnson, Editor, Solar Today


"Good, clear, cost effective advice that is easy to apply, and the best guidelines I have seen for building a small house that still feels big and open. By putting special emphasis on climates requiring heating in the winter but also having to deal with hot and humid summetime weather, the authors provide really helpful information that is difficult to find elsewhere." Gary Reysa, Build It Solar (www.builditsolar.com)


"In The Simply Solar House, the husband-wife team of Richard and Yoko Crume brings to the world a new look at Green Building on a Budget. Richard and Yoko will help raise your awareness about the importance of energy efficiency and saving money. Based on extensive research and personal experience, the authors have creatively demonstrated that you do not have to spend a lot of money to build an energy efficient house. Energy efficiency is of critical importance in solving the climate change problem, especially as worldwide energy consumption continues to rise."

Professor Godfrey Arinze Uzochukwu, PhD
North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University

This is an excellent guide for students and other young people in the great state of Texas. It gives some great advice on dealing with the law and how to handle things like traffic stops. It also gives great advice on having successful parties (meaning no cops)! Very useful. Check it out.

I have known the author of this book for over 30 years and can attest to the fact that he is a bonafide authority on this subject. As a high school and college classmate, he showed us all how to take it to the edge but stay out of trouble (well, OK, maybe we got into a little bit of trouble). Now, as a well educated and highly respected Texas lawyer, he knows the ins and outs of the Texas criminal justice system and how it could affect a young person if they take things too far.

In this book, he shares valuable information on how to have fun while partying safely, how to avoid or handle difficult situations with authorities, and exactly what to do should you ignore the aforementioned and get into trouble with any of the fine, hard working and distinguished law enforcement officers in the great State of Texas. In today's troubled world, every student age 15 or above needs to read this book, and every responsible parent should make sure that they don't ship their kids off to college in Texas without it. Unless, of course, you are looking forward to that 3 a.m. phone call.

At the time when we are in the middle of the most serious financial crisis since the Great Depression, we should appreciate the insight of this book. Prof. Meeropol covered the period of time when this current crisis was in the making. According to this book, the so call "financial" crisis we are suffering now is, in fact, a social crisis. Social inequality and the uncontrollable wild drive toward capitalist profit seeking can be regarded as the fundamental cause of the current economic crisis, while the economic and public policies formulated and administered by the Reagan, Bush Sr., and Clinton administrations promoted the unbalanced power dynamic between the capitalist Wall Street and the public Main Street. I spent my last weekend reading this book and believe it is worth reading.

A well reasoned and factually based crtique of the historical record of Ronald Reagan, George Bush and William Jefferson Clinton. All three have served the interests of the wealthy and not the working people of the United States. Our economy is in danger because the wealthy do not wish to work and the working people are not in good wealth or health. A dose of democracy might do our system some good. A tax increase on the upper class would be a small step forward. This book needs to be read and we should heed its lessons.

We love that the recipes in The Tight Budget Cookbook use plenty of fresh produce and items you may already have in your pantry. The cost per recipe and per serving breakdown at the end of each recipe is helpful. Would make a great holiday gift for students and seniors or a perfect housewarming gift for someone moving into their first home or apartment.Who says food on a budget has to be boring? The Tight Budget Cookbook proves otherwise!

This is a totally yummy and practical cookbook! I love the fact that it has cost information (in addition to nutritional info), and there's a wide variety of recipes to suit every taste. Highly recommended!

A great basic book for any age. Wish I'd had it 30 years ago.

This is one of the great personal finance books of all time. So often, money managment books are written by wealthy people, so we can make them wealthier by trying to emulate them. Now come an eleven-year-old, wise beyond years to show us how to be comfortable, secure, and childlike, trusting ourselves, as we play the game of making money work for us. This is a definite "need to read" book