Have you ever wanted to read a book about super sneaky and downright crazy ways to save money and outsmart the shopping industry?
Well thankfully there is a perfect book just for that, and more!
Secrets of a Stingy Scoundrel: 100 Dirty Little Money-Grubbing Secrets
From pretending to be a homeless person and getting free food from a soup kitchen, to a conspiracy theory about ATM’s, this book has all the witty and sneaky tips for being frugal you could ever want.
Phil, the author, presents the book in a sarcastic tone but with real tips and money sense behind them.
He walks to fine line of moral decency and warns not to cross over into doing something illegal. But shy of that, have at it!
What this book is about
This book consists of nine main chapters, with mini-stories and “money-grubbing” secrets throughout.
- Chapter 1: Personal
- Chapter 2: Eating
- Chapter 3: Relationships
- Chapter 4: Household
- Chapter 5: Finance
- Chapter 6: Leisure and Entertainment
- Chapter 7: At the Workplace
- Chapter 8: Corporate Cataclysm
- Chapter 9: Gross, Mean and Just Plain Wrong – and Yet So Profitable
I had many laugh out loud moments, and more than a few gasps! There were also times when I thought “surely he’s not serious”.
With the sarcastic undertone, there’s no way to tell for sure if he’s done all these tips and it definitely makes you wonder. 
His approach is all about “sticking it to the man” and finding loopholes in rules or policies. And while some of his suggestions are ridiculous, they will save you money.
A few of my favorites
My top two favorite stories are “Bank Off” and “Renew Schmenew”. If you’ve read some of my blog posts already, you know that I hate paying unnecessary fees, and will do anything to avoid excess bank charges.
- In “Bank Off” Phil advises to always ask for bank fees to refunded, even if it’s just $2. You will be able to keep a clean, spotless banking record, and never be considered a dumb, passive customer. In short, all you have to do it have a quick 10 second conversation with the bank teller that ends with an “I’ll close the account” threat. Works every time!
- In “Renew Schmenew” Phil starts off by saying if he ever catches me renewing another magazine subscription again, he will find me and hit me with this book. I definitely enjoy indulging in magazines and supermarket tabloids, and now I will be on the lookout for Phil to come knock some sense into me.
He shares some excellent ideas, on how to get free swag (what magazine companies normally only give to first time customers) and how to never pay full price again.
This book is for anyone who:
- Enjoys being a money saving ninja
- Likes stretching the rules a little to make extra money
- Wants to turn saving money into an adventure
- Tries outlandish ideas and is completely shameless
- Likes to be entertained and have a little fun with personal finance
Get your money-grub on!
Once you start reading this book
“Here’s how to get free Internet service, never pay for ketchup and plastic straws, get refunds on already opened DVDs, clothe yourself using free swag from credit card promotions, benefit from the bonanza that is the garbage thrown out by college kids, how to get in free to sporting events, score free on-demand movies in hotels, and more!” - Source
If you’re not willing to dish out the cash to purchase this hilarious book, you can sample some of Phil’s writing at TheConsumerist.com or the Because I Told You So blog.
You can also follow him via Twitter @PhilVillarreal.
[I'm not getting paid to write this, and I did personally read the book. The opinions are my own.]
Photo Credit: None