The Incredible Secret Money Machine Book by Don Lancaster

[ch12]

I read the ISMM a few days ago. It's a very Mustachian book, closely related to his articles on part-time work and self-employment: http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2011/06/08/the-joy-of-self-employment/
http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2011/10/25/the-joy-of-part-time-work/

In ISMM, Don actually advocates just going out into the wild and making money, sans huge 'stash. He calls what is normally called cash flow "nickels." The Amazon reviews of his book are pretty happy and some copies are currently selling at $106. http://www.amazon.com/The-Incredible-Secret-Money-Machine/dp/1882193652

I would hardly be a Mustachian if I couldn't tell you how to get it for less. Don actually put up ISMM on his site as a free ebook. http://www.tinaja.com/ebooks/ismm.pdf

Several tech concepts in the book are outdated - the original was written around the 80s and the newest version was written in 1992 - but he is a huge proponent of frugality, sensible self improvement (what MMM might call insourcing: http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/2012/10/18/why-your-time-is-worth-way-more-than-25-per-hour/), and doing whatever you so desire. It's very fun to read the book and see FIRE has existed for a very, very long time, perhaps predating YMOYL.

[Christiana]

I love this book!   We've been putting a lot of his small business advice into practice:  starting small, investing lots of time rather than lots of money, and staying flexible.

Since it's tax season, I've been thinking a lot lately about Lancaster's advice to learn as much as possible about small business taxes and tax breaks/deductions, the better to maximize the cash flow of nickels.     

[lac]

Thanks for the suggestion and links!  Can't wait to read it!

[plantingourpennies]

I read this yesterday.

Lancaster is a polymath; competent in both engineering and authorship.

His particular ISMM revolved around technical writing in popular magazines, and hobby electronics parts and kit sales.

The book is very good, but much of his advice is temporal; its fascinating to think about how you would have to evolve his publishing model to make it fit the internet (bloggers, are you listening?).

He is still active over at http://www.tinaja.com/

Best,
Mr. Pop