What happened to Amy Dacyczyn? | Tightwad Gazette

What happened to Amy Dacyczyn? | Tightwad Gazette
#FrugalCarrie

Do you remember when being frugal became cool? For me, it was the moment I opened my first “Tightwad Gazette” book. As I turned each page, I realized that being frugal wasn’t dictated by my income, it was a creative and noble pursuit. Amy Dacyczyn is the author of the “Tightwad Gazette”, which began as a newsletter and became four books, including:

• The Tightwad Gazette: Promoting Thrift as A Viable Alternative Lifestyle (1992)
• The Tightwad Gazette II: Promoting Thrift as a Viable Alternative Lifestyle (1995)
• The Tightwad Gazette III: Promoting Thrift as a Viable Alternative Lifestyle (1996)
• The Complete Tightwad Gazette: Promoting Thrift as a Viable Alternative Lifestyle (1998)

Further Reading

Video: Pixel 3

[thejoshparkin]

My grandmother Eleanor Ring worked for her. I remember going to their house and helping with the mailings every month. I was so awe struck at the addresses I would see. All over the world.

[Londonfogey]

I was always careful with money but this book was what started me properly on the frugal lifestyle. I first saw it on holiday in the USA (I'm British) in a Borders in 2001 and I was hooked. I still have the copy now and look at it from time to time. Mrs Dacyczyn helped me realise my goals of owning my own house without a mortgage and retiring from corporate life by age 45. Another good book is Charles Long's 'How To Survive Without A Salary.'

[thesewinggarden]

Her newsletters gave me such a huge education as a young mom in the early 1990’s. She made frugality fun and an adventure! I loved saving money and still do. I have all her newsletters and a handwritten letter and recipe from her and consider them some of my dearest treasures.

[Freaysclaw]

I was a subscriber for over 5 years of her newsletter. Her first newsletter addressed why she wrote the newsletter and what she hoped to accomplish. By year 5 she had accomplished her goals (probably earlier) and I could tell she would be quitting. I was sad but understood. She had the money to supplement their income and even pay off their home (which went way beyond her original goal) and with 6 children the newsletter was interfering with her main purpose of being a homemaker and mother. It would have been easy to continue, but she stayed true to her values and vision before she got married and afterwards. I greatly admire that. Even in her decision to stop, she taught lessons about sticking to your vision and goals.

[Magdalena]

I still love reading my tightwad gazette even though some of the info is no longer relevant. It brings me back to childhood with those 90s vibes lol

[isabelsebastiao-vieira]

I spoke to Amy on the phone approximately 4 years ago... Now, she helps out with her grandkids, and church. She was very polite, I told her I missed her insightful input and I asked her if she would ever write again and she said no. I have two copies of her COMPLETE TIGHTWAD GAZETTE. One is hardcopy and the other is paperback. I write notes and underline what I consider very important in my paperback and I treasure my hardcopy. All the best to everyone. Izzy a Canadian living in Portugal.

[patwagner]

I have all of Amy's newsletters, every annual update newsletter after her retirement, plus her books. And 2 of letters I wrote to her are in her books. Her advice still works today. There are ways to spend less that never get outdated. I can highly recommend Amy's books/advice.
I watch Money Mom, too...very nice lady.

[TeacherBeesABCs-s]

So excited to hear an update on her. Love her book and appreciate all her hard work!

[marywatkins]

The newsletters and books changed my life in the 1990s. I learned so much from it.

[retiredsockmonkey]

New subscriber. I found you after I searched Tightwad Gazette. Looking for people who were her followers way back then. I’m being nostalgic

[carrotstick]

These books by Amy Dacyczn taught me how to save. The philosophies within allowed us to be prepared when opportunity met with preparedness.

[BA-khfb]

My Mom had the books and newsletters. I remember her reading some of the tips and discussing them with me. Good memories.

[marthabowers]

I have all the newsletters and books. This week I have been rereading the first one. As a 67 year old retiree, it helps me still. Just as it it as a young mom in the early nineties. I kept her basic muffin recipe taped to the inside cabinet and often made muffins fresh before work and school. I am still learning. Happy Amy is having a nice life. Thanks for the updates on her.

[AlC-kj]

Her words have always been reiterated throughout history. Waste Not. Want Not. The problem now is greed and want. Thank you for this wonderful video. YOU are very much appreciated for reminding us of this wonderful woman. You and I and millions of others carry the torch of frugality in our daily lives.

[kellyblaxton]

I loved The Tightwad Gazette! I got married in 1994 and bought her first books over the years. They changed my life for the better!

[janiefender]

Thank you for sharing! I got her newsletters way back in the day when my family was young and it helped me so much

[saskmamabear]

I had originally bought the first two books in the 90s and then the compilation, which I just started rereading. It's one of my most prized books. ❤️

[eyelandgirl]

If I only could have one book on frugality, the fourth book would be the one.

[MsLivinghealthy]

1996 she left to live in retirement. Her books were good for the time. I have them and the newsletters, but they are outdated on some levels. Some tips are also listed elsewhere as standards, others are unique to her. There is much value listed.

Somethings are timeless and basic. She was very generous to her community as a responsible steward of her wealth. Not only paying off her home, valuable lessons, but also supporting her church and community with generous donations.


She didn't want to do an update or continue and disappeared into her wealth.

Take her lessons and add your own but always continue to update for the times you are living in. Life continues to evolve at an increasingly fast pace. Renew and rejoice. Keep the pace of current society.

We all have valuable lessons to share in life. Frugality was and will always be with us from generations before. Embrace what works for your times. Miminalism is more then a trend. Many teends come and go. Find what works for you.

Talk to friends and family for creative Sharing ideas. We are in tough times. High gas and food prices, shrinking packaging, supply chain issues, value issues, made in local areas is critical over selling put to cheaper but in the end extreme higher costs of overseas markets that erode our economy. Embrace the challenged for local jobs etc, changing work demographics, switching e-commerce, dying malls and social structures. We all need to embrace our abilities to sustain our local footprint.

Hang on, it's going to be one hell of a ride.

Shop at home before spending your money. Less is more. Healthy at home eating and socialize in small close friend groups. Share at home, meals featuring backyard garden fare, movies, board games, card games, hikes, community events, beach days, or just enjoy a early or evening walk.

Working From home is common and home schooling. Money is saved by being creative.

Have fun. Stay calm and enjoy the simple things in life. ❤️

[simplypatti]

I LOVED getting her newsletters!! They’re now in a ring binder; I also own the original 3 books. Prized possessions!