Arizona Republic - What ever happened to . . .

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, 2007 on Channel 15 (KNXV). - Mary Beth Faller