The author reveals 16 key attitudes about money, and life, that allow the cheapskates next door to live happy, comfortable, debt-free lives while spending only a fraction of what most Americans spend.

Introduction : cheapskates : they're everywhere and they're loving life -- The phrenology of frugality : 16 idiosyncrasies of the cheapskate mind -- Good habits are hard to break -- Money management, cheapskate style -- The oxygen mask approach to raising kids -- Thrift : the greenest shade of green -- Clean your plate-and save $1,500 a year -- Come on and take a free ride -- We can't retire. Went out to dinner instead -- The joys of horse trading -- Break the mortgage chains that bind thee -- Bon appe-cheap! Come on in the cheapskate's kitchen -- Don't laugh. It gets me there-and it's paid for -- Cheapskates come out of the closet -- Insurance : betting on yourself -- Cheapskates just wanna' have fun -- Back to the future?