If you are not familiar with Molly Green and Econobusters, you will want to get acquainted. With the economy we are dealing with today, great ideas for making life easier are very welcome! Molly's Money Saving Digest is a monthly offering and a great value at just $4.95 per issue.

As an example, the January 2010 Molly's Money-Saving Digest is 51 pages of hints, tips, recipes and fun. In the "Begin With the Basics" section there is a lesson on making piecrust, complete with pictures and instructions for the whole process. I've been making pies all my life and I don't think I've ever seen it explained with this much ease. Additionally, I learned a new trick about making perfect berry pies! Also included were so many yummy pie ideas / recipes that by the time I get to try them all another issue will be hot off the press.

Molly's Organizational tips are another great feature. There is a form for keeping track of your monthly bills, a budget list that covers everything you could possibly have in your budget, a calendar, a daily to-do list, and even a Family Clothing Inventory. Later in this issue there are tips on how to Evaluate, Prioritize and Organize - your time, your money and your "stuff." Thanks, Molly!

Having fun? There's more! There is a "frugal craft" section with ideas for frugal home decoration. Did you ever buy those expensive home decorating items at parties? Well, why do that when you can make your own. In this issue are some very cute framed Bible verses that you can make yourself on your computer and/or with some simple craft methods and with a cheap frame from the dollar store. I love this idea because I can have my favorite verses, in my favorite version and with my own sense of style. There are also tips on displaying and storing pictures and jewelry later in this issue.

The next offering is a whole week's menu complete with recipes and pictures of yummy food. Also included is a shopping list.

Then comes my favorite part: a craft for your kids making a piggy bank with a 2-liter bottle, paper mache, and paint. I was so excited when I saw this because one of my most memorable art projects in school back in "the day" was when I made a paper mache pinata in 6th Grade. It was a very laborious and time-consuming project because we had to make the frame from coat hangers. This is so much easier, using the plastic bottle for the body. And instead of breaking it like a pirata, you get to keep it because it is a piggy bank! I can't wait to try this with my grandkids.

Also for the kids, there is a lesson on opening a checking account, complete with practice checks and register.

At the end of the digest are two pages of links for finding more useful information.

Product review by Christine Hindle, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, February, 2010