Our Online Reviews! 

“Written in a language that we can all understand, this book shows all members of the family how they can work together in order to deal with difficult times. The authors have taken their own personal experiences and expertise and combined them to the reader’s benefit. You might not be able to use all of the tips, but you will find a handful that fit your own situation. Definitely a book you want to keep some where handy.”—Cyrus Webb, talk show host

“This book is so deceptively simple and reader-friendly that you almost don't notice until you've finished how comprehensive it is. Replete with wise and immediately practicable suggestions about how to use money to enhance your life, it is peppered with meaningful anecdotes and money stories about the authors and those people who helped them shape their money behavior. These stories foster a bond between the writers and their readers, facilitating change. The book's three parts encourage a reader to focus on money through three different lenses: in relation to oneself, in relation to others, and in relation to the larger world. This variety of perspectives can't help but expand the consciousness of someone who doesn't customarily look at his or her spending and saving habits objectively. In addition, Freshman and Clingen offer up a panoply of tools for managing your money, getting out from under debt, and saving for the future--a richness of resource I've rarely seen in other financial self-help books. Anyone who follows their detailed suggestions for saving money on food, clothing, transportation, travel, and entertainment--and heeds their shrewd advice on protecting oneself from scams and other fraud--should be able to go forth unafraid, ready, willing, and able to move toward financial independence.”--April Lane Benson, Ph.D., author of “To Buy or Not to Buy: Why We Overshop and How to Stop”

“Being a voracious reader and on the United States House of Representative’s Financial Services Committee, I have a particular interest in your books subject matter. It is my wish that all who read your books may more thoroughly understand money management principles…You seem to have transformed these principles into a creative form which I hope will reach a wide audience.”—Michele Bachmann 

"As a successful investment adviser over many years, I thought I knew all about making money, saving it, investing it and spending it. But with just one reading of this book, Sam and Heidi have given me countless insights into improving upon the habits of a lifetime. If you take a few hours to read this book, you will enjoy the rewards over many years to come. It’s like having your wise, rich uncle whisper in your ear all the ways that he has succeeded in building and growing his nest egg."

--Alan Rudnick. Investment Adviser, Beverly Hills

" This book is simple and easy to read. I would recommend it to anyone who is serious about getting out of debt, staying out and getting on the path that leads to financial independence.  You cannot read it all the way through without getting excited about your financial future."--Jim Davidson, Nationally Syndicated Columnist whose column has appeared in 250 newspapers with over a million readers" 

"...These are things we all should know. Yet, somewhere along the way, we forgot or perhaps just quieted the voice inside that tried to keep us out of spending trouble....The goal is to save as much as you can, be smart about what you do spend, and enjoy life, knowing your finances are in your control and not controlling you. TheSmartestWay(tm) to Save is highly recommended for those wanting financial freedom and the knowledge to getting it done."--Mary Nichelson, Writer and Editor

"I'm going to give my 20-year-old daughter this book. It is easy to comprehend and it will keep her attention because there is a story in each chapter. It will help reinforce some of the lessons I've been trying to teach her as she has grown up."--Michael L. Remington, Financial Advisor 

"This is powerful! As a banker for the past 25-years, I believe that people need to go back to basics these days. This book is entertaining, offers good value, and is a book you even want to go back and reread! I want to share it with young people who are going out in the world, so they can start their financial life in the right direction." -Oscar Dominguez, Vice President and Group Manager, Union Bank 

"As someone who has listened to and learned from Sam, I can tell you this book should be required reading in Business School.
--David Bailey President, Keller Williams Real Estate, Beverly Hills 

"This book reminded me of all the things I knew and had forgotten somewhere along this journey. It made me take an inventory of my life. It also helped me understand that it is never too late to start saving, that I can take it one day at a time, and still make a big difference in the long run." --Rhonda Gorham, Cosmetics Company Director   

"...Money is hard to make and easy to spend or even lose...This book is a must-read for all those consumers wanting to improve their lives through easy-to-follow, sound money management principles"--Robert Castiglione, President and CEO, LEAP Systems, Inc.

"This book is an excellent tool for self and family intervention. It addresses how we tie money to emotions of all kinds and how that can lead to monetary self-medication and 'chasing' debt. It challenges the reader to identify rationalizations, minimizations, and intellectualizations that perpetuate the problem and in some cases, lead to devastating addiction. It not only addresses the problem, but offers outstanding solutions as well."--Rick Zehr, Vice President, Addiction and Behavioral Services,Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery at Proctor Hospital 

“Written in a language that we can all understand, this book shows all members of the family how they can work together in order to deal with difficult times. The authors have taken their own personal experiences and expertise and combined them to the reader’s benefit. You might not be able to use all of the tips, but you will find a handful that fit your own situation. Definitely a book you want to keep some where handy.”—Cyrus Webb, talk show host

“This book is so deceptively simple and reader-friendly that you almost don't notice until you've finished how comprehensive it is. Replete with wise and immediately practicable suggestions about how to use money to enhance your life, it is peppered with meaningful anecdotes and money stories about the authors and those people who helped them shape their money behavior. These stories foster a bond between the writers and their readers, facilitating change. The book's three parts encourage a reader to focus on money through three different lenses: in relation to oneself, in relation to others, and in relation to the larger world. This variety of perspectives can't help but expand the consciousness of someone who doesn't customarily look at his or her spending and saving habits objectively. In addition, Freshman and Clingen offer up a panoply of tools for managing your money, getting out from under debt, and saving for the future--a richness of resource I've rarely seen in other financial self-help books. Anyone who follows their detailed suggestions for saving money on food, clothing, transportation, travel, and entertainment--and heeds their shrewd advice on protecting oneself from scams and other fraud--should be able to go forth unafraid, ready, willing, and able to move toward financial independence.”--April Lane Benson, Ph.D., author of “To Buy or Not to Buy: Why We Overshop and How to Stop”

“Being a voracious reader and on the United States House of Representative’s Financial Services Committee, I have a particular interest in your books subject matter. It is my wish that all who read your books may more thoroughly understand money management principles…You seem to have transformed these principles into a creative form which I hope will reach a wide audience.”—Michele Bachmann 

"As a successful investment adviser over many years, I thought I knew all about making money, saving it, investing it and spending it. But with just one reading of this book, Sam and Heidi have given me countless insights into improving upon the habits of a lifetime. If you take a few hours to read this book, you will enjoy the rewards over many years to come. It’s like having your wise, rich uncle whisper in your ear all the ways that he has succeeded in building and growing his nest egg."

--Alan Rudnick. Investment Adviser, Beverly Hills

" This book is simple and easy to read. I would recommend it to anyone who is serious about getting out of debt, staying out and getting on the path that leads to financial independence.  You cannot read it all the way through without getting excited about your financial future."--Jim Davidson, Nationally Syndicated Columnist whose column has appeared in 250 newspapers with over a million readers" 

"...These are things we all should know. Yet, somewhere along the way, we forgot or perhaps just quieted the voice inside that tried to keep us out of spending trouble....The goal is to save as much as you can, be smart about what you do spend, and enjoy life, knowing your finances are in your control and not controlling you. TheSmartestWay(tm) to Save is highly recommended for those wanting financial freedom and the knowledge to getting it done."--Mary Nichelson, Writer and Editor

"I'm going to give my 20-year-old daughter this book. It is easy to comprehend and it will keep her attention because there is a story in each chapter. It will help reinforce some of the lessons I've been trying to teach her as she has grown up."--Michael L. Remington, Financial Advisor 

"This is powerful! As a banker for the past 25-years, I believe that people need to go back to basics these days. This book is entertaining, offers good value, and is a book you even want to go back and reread! I want to share it with young people who are going out in the world, so they can start their financial life in the right direction." -Oscar Dominguez, Vice President and Group Manager, Union Bank 

"As someone who has listened to and learned from Sam, I can tell you this book should be required reading in Business School.
--David Bailey President, Keller Williams Real Estate, Beverly Hills 

"This book reminded me of all the things I knew and had forgotten somewhere along this journey. It made me take an inventory of my life. It also helped me understand that it is never too late to start saving, that I can take it one day at a time, and still make a big difference in the long run." --Rhonda Gorham, Cosmetics Company Director   

"...Money is hard to make and easy to spend or even lose...This book is a must-read for all those consumers wanting to improve their lives through easy-to-follow, sound money management principles"--Robert Castiglione, President and CEO, LEAP Systems, Inc.

"This book is an excellent tool for self and family intervention. It addresses how we tie money to emotions of all kinds and how that can lead to monetary self-medication and 'chasing' debt. It challenges the reader to identify rationalizations, minimizations, and intellectualizations that perpetuate the problem and in some cases, lead to devastating addiction. It not only addresses the problem, but offers outstanding solutions as well."--Rick Zehr, Vice President, Addiction and Behavioral Services,Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery at Proctor Hospital 

"This book is filled with sage counsel and advice on common sense things that often go unmentioned"
--Gregory F. Sanford, Wealth Management Executive

"I have carefully copied your Principles of Financial Independent and sent them to my adult children. I just hope they take hold! My favorite is #9, 'The pleasure of luxury is short; anxiety last.' "
--Rick Reisman, Investor

"I've been a fairly frugal guy and always paid myself first. But after following the sage advice of financial gurus for decades, I've watched my investments get hammered. That,combined with a new baby at 50, makes saving money and priority spending all the more important and I find this book is truly sage advice. It'll pay for itself in about 12 seconds."--John Feist, Film and Television Producer and Director

"...So many of us are busy playing financial offense,literally killing ourselves for large incomes or with two income families. What we should really be doing is playing good financial defense, buying what we truly need...The book does a great job explaining its principles in great detail so you can follow them. The book turns over all stones in discussing how to save smart."--Steve Burns, top-ranked book reviewer 

"This book demonstrates the importance of learning how to save the money you have made, which is particularly important in what appears to be a recession which could become a depression. The authors have done a great job of explaining what may have been obvious to those who lived through the Great Depression, but most Americans have no idea of how to live in straightened times. This book will be essential to them.--Ronald E. Stackler, Investor

“These were all ideas we grew up with but haven’t been taught to our younger generations. This book should be in every household today and should be referred to often. It is easy to read, but I would not recommend you read the entire book at once, since you need to absorb it. It explains how to avoid the new ways “the money machine” has devised to separate you from your money. Your investment in this book will return to you manifold. Enjoy!”—Myriam-Rose Kohn, Certified Personal Branding Strategist

“What a relief to have found this book for my wife and I to read. Now we are agreeing on the direction on how to save, spend, and invest our money. This book would be an excellent text book for schools to teach students the basic principles of money and how to save and spend responsibly. We are definitely saving this book for our 8- and 10-year old children to read! Thank you.”—Bruce Nyznik, film editor 

"...This book is great--a practical guide to coping with the current economic recession, and a resource for sound money management practices. It should be required reading in high school- to help prepare young adults for the financial challenges they will face in the real world."

--Pat Bates, CPA

"I've read many such books, but hands down this is the best book I've found for down-to-earth advice on debt control, for finding ways to start saving, and establish better spending habits, while still being able to truly enjoy your "present" life! I liked the great quotes, short stories and the extensive list of resources. I have copied Sam's "principles to financial independence" to hang on my wall to review daily!"--Lisa Orestad, Investment Specialist

"This book Consolidates all we know, knew or should know about our relationship to our money. Like common sense, the fiscal responsibility in our times is relatively rare. When I am tempted to say, "Oh, I know this," it is wise to acknowledge that, " I don't do this." My favorite quotes here are "If you don't understand your relationship to money, you can't control it." and, "Credit is very, expensive money."
--Sally Berg

"This is a no-nonsense, simple and satriaghtward manual on how to put your financial world in order. Anyone who reads this book and follows the authors' advice will become financially healthy and a lot happier. Unlike other books of its ilk, it's recommendations that are practical and doable."--Andrew Bunnin, Investment Banker

"This book could not be more timely! It's straightforward, easy to read and laid out in a way that makes it simple to revisit specific principles. I love the focus on seriously considering how action you take today affect you tomorrow. Our society became "blinded by Bling," rebeled against tried and true concepts for living and lost their sense of security and well being as a result. The Smartest Way To Save brings us back to the basics that enable people to live truly satisfying lives. I'm going to suggest it to all my clients!"--Charley Emery, Consultant

"The Smartest Way to Save" is your real world, set by step, easy to apply guide to saving money on any budget. This book isn't only informational, it's motivational. It gives you the confidence and know-how to start taking the necessary steps to stop excess spending and start saving. I would recommend it to anyone looking to gain control of their financial future."--John Rachlin, Attorney

“Of all the books I've read on saving, this book is so personal and direct that it holds my attention best. Then it nails me to the wall with my particular money worries and habits, where I can see them sometimes for the first time. Example: I've actually watched my self-image rise and fall with my bank account. This book has given me many alternatives to that habit, among others. It fairly sparkles with brilliant, short paragraphs, divulging personal examples in a rare combination of brevity and warmth. It helped my niece a lot in getting her fiscal act together when she was in trouble, so her parents thank you, too.”—Richard Fletcher, Ph.D.

" If I had known when I was young the techniques in this book, I would have done things a lot differently and surely would be in a more comfortable financial position during my retirement. But, alas. I didn't read this book until I was 70. And you can be sure I am much smarter now. Thanks, Sam Freshman and Heidi Clingen. By putting these ideas into effect, I fell confident I won't outlive my money!"--Calista L. Brown

"This book gives practical financial advice. It is the perfect guide for the challenges faced during these tough economic times. I recommend it as a guide for every household."--Carl Goldman, Radio Station Owner

" I wish I had this book years ago--it would have saved me a lot of money! I am going to give it to my 11 year-old grandson for Christmas, so he can get started out right."--Barbara Stearns-Cochran, Non-Profit Volunteer

"I found this book to be straight forward; filled with a lot of common sense--which is very refreshing at this point in time."--Sally Stahl, Director NBA Career Counseling and Education, 
UCLA Anderson School of Management

"The book confirms what I should be doing rather than thinking about doing! It truly has given me a new perspective from the best."--Sara Dunham, Deputy Sheriff

"In the vast wasteland of economic failures, this book provided an excellent resource and tool for financial training. We have deprived generations of money management opportunities that must now be remedied with such texts that all can understand and apply to their daily lives."
--W. Harold Peterson, Lloyd's of London Representative

" This book was perfect for my wife and me. We consider ourselves to be fairly financially savvy, But this book offered great tips on saving, discipline, and general money management that we found very helpful. We've implemented several of the strategies and are already seeing results! Thank you, Hedidi and Sam, for such a great resources.--Adam Bendorf, Musician

"This book should be required reading in every household. Before you finish reading it, you will save many times the price you paid for it. Freshman and Clingen know the principles of saving, and bring them to us in an easy-to-read, easy-to-enjoy manner."--Bill Miranda, Marketing Consultant

" This is a must -read, especially in this economy. This book is the building block for acquiring true wealth."--Grant Trauth, Authorized Representative, Wealth Financial Group

"Sam and Heidi have done a remarkable job in bringing the topic of savings to a wide array of people. They have made the whole idea of saving both easy and fun through examples, tools and tips that help the reader achieve the goals set out in the book. I'm looking forward to the whole series of TheSmartestWay TM!"--Carol Allen, Family Endowment Partners, LLP

“Over our married life, I’ve been the keeper of the household books while my husband was in charge of the “big picture.” In retirement, it is necessary to meld those elements. This book has proved invaluable as a guide for developing a plan for asset/expense management and control A side benefit is that my husband now appreciates how well I’ve managed our expenses all these years.”--Louise Detournay 

“This book handles all aspects of dealing with money. The authors learned in their childhoods how to make do for food, gifts, and all the necessities of life. I agree it’s important in parenting children to set limits on money and role model thrift and spending wisely.”—Jerry Swinnerton, M.A., social worker

“This is a really excellent, practical, and simple guide that contains a great deal of basic wisdom that so many have not learned or have forgotten.”—John O’Connor, financial advisor 

“I am going to make certain my two boys read and absorb Sam’s 26 Principles of Financial Independence. I myself found the book had many practical ideas that I hope to personally implement.”--Randal Boggin, Real Estate Executive

“Heidi and Sam, I just wanted to let you know that I am reading your book. It’s been a little slow going because I am in denial about my financial responsibility. However, I have every intention of reading it page by page and so far it has been very insightful. I would love to see this as required reading for all young people before they develop bad habits such as mine.”–Debbie Bennett, Fitness Instructor

“If I had known when I was young the techniques in this book, I would have done things a lot differently and surely would be in a more comfortable financial position during my retirement. But, alas, I didn’t read this book until I was 70. And you can be sure I am much smarter now. Thanks, Sam Freshman and Heidi Clingen. By putting these ideas into effect, I feel confident I won’t outlive my money!”—Calista Lee Brown