I just recently found a website that I love. The Money Saving Mom website is full of useful, practical and just plain fun things everyday. You can find coupons to print, what stores or companies that are offering freebies. I have been able to find magazine subscriptions for very low to no cost. There is practical advice on saving money, homemaking and more.

Behind The Money Saving Mom is the creator Crystal Paine. Crystal recently forayed into the field of writing with the book The Money Saving Mom’s Budget. In the same style as her website this book is full of useful, practical and even fun tips for budgeting. Crystal shows how you can budget even on a small income. In fact, she shows exactly how important it is to budget, at any income level.

I have to say the second chapter surprised and delighted me. It was on de-cluttering you house to help save money. It can seem counter intuitive that by getting rid of things you will save money, but Crystal lays out the reasons why it works. Drowning in a sea of papers and always having to search for this or that bill can leave you overwhelmed and budgeting will take all you willpower to accomplish.

Never set up a budget? Have no idea where to begin? Crystal walks you through easy steps to begin budgeting. I really liked her approach. Start with a few categories, and then when things are sailing along smoothly add more to the budget. Chapters on using coupons, lowering your grocery bill, forgoing credit cards are all written with equal clarity.

I reviewed the audiobook version of The Money Saving Mom’s Budget. I like to listen to audio books when I am doing dishes, hanging clothes or going for a walk. The author, Crystal Paine, is the reader for the audio book version. I like it when an author reads her own books. She did a great job. The speaking was very smooth with great inflection. Reading your own material makes a difference as you would know what to emphasize.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book. I think it is best suited for someone just beginning to get started budgeting. If you are nervous about trying something new, Crystal’s easy, gentle style can give you the confidence to try.

I received the audiobook The Money Saving Mom’s Budget for free through LitFuse Blog Tour in exchange for my honest review of the book.

"What I love about the audio edition of The Money Saving Mom'®s Budget is that I can listen to it on the go - on my run, in the car, or while I'm folding laundry. AND ... I love that it comes with the downloadable worksheets. I am able to work through those while listening to Crystal speak. So helpful. Perfect for my busy schedule." --Anne, blogger (and reformed budget breaker!)

Celebrate with Crystal by entering her iPad2 Giveaway (a GREAT tool to keep track of your budget!) and RSVPing to the Live Webcast Event on 4/5!

One savvy winner will receive:

A Brand new iPad2
The Money Saving Mom's Budget by Crystal Paine, audio edition

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 4/4/12. Winner will be announced at The Money Saving Mom's Live Webcast Event on 4/5. Crystal will be hosting an evening of chat, laughter and encouragement - bring your friends! She'll share tips and advice and her husband will be joining her to share how the principles Crystal outlines in her book have dramatically impacted their family life. She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and much more!

So grab your copy of The Money Saving Mom®'s Budget and join Crystal and friends on the evening of April 5th for an evening of fun of learning, sharing and encouragement.