Frugal family back with more advice

Arizona Republic
Jan. 4, 2007 12:00 AM

This year already is shaping up as a good one for "America's Cheapest Family."After achieving national and international acclaim in 2004 and 2005 for their frugal lifestyle, the seven-member Economides family of Scottsdale quietly went about doing what they do best last year: living without debt.

But they are back this year with a new book, America's Cheapest Family Gets You Right On the Money, and an appearance on the ABC newsmagazine 20/20.

"It's a personal finance book," said Annette Economides, who, along with husband Steve and their five children have become famous for living within their means, a rarity in this age of easy credit and spiraling debt.

She said the book, published by a division of Random House and scheduled for a Jan. 16 release, is filled with stories of their own lives and people they have helped adopt frugal households.

There also are practical tips on spending less and comments by their children, ages 12 to 23, at the end of each chapter.

"And it is full of humor," she said. "We're like to laugh around here."

The book has received endorsements from radio broadcaster Paul Harvey and Glinda Bridgforth, financial coach and Oprah's Debt Diet consultant.

The Economides family will head to New York next week to tape an interview with 20/20 co-host Elizabeth Vargas. It will air at 9 p.m. Jan. 19 on Channel 15 (KNXV).

Information: AmericasCheapestFamily.com

Mary Beth Faller
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 29, 2006 AM

What ever happened to . . .

THE ECONOMIDES FAMILY: "America's Cheapest Family" has been promoting a frugal, debt-free lifestyle for years but hit the big time in 2005 and 2006 when it was featured in Budget Living and Real Simple magazines. The Scottsdale family of seven eats on $350 a month and paid off its house in nine years. Steve and Annette Economides' book, America's Cheapest Family Gets You Right on the Money (Three Rivers Press, 2007, $12.95, paperback), debuts in January. It includes tips on how to get out of debt, how to achieve debt-free homeownership and vacations, and teaching your kids about money. The family is scheduled to appear on ABC's 20/20 at 9 p.m. Jan. 19 on Channel 15 (KNXV).

- Mary Beth Faller

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