Cheapskate in Lotusland: The Philosophy and Practice of Living Well on a Small Budget

Steve Burgess

ISBN 10: 1771624639 / ISBN 13: 9781771624633

Published by Douglas & McIntyre, 2026

About this Item

Seller Inventory # 9781771624633

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Cheapskate in Lotusland: The Philosophy and Practice of Living Well on a Small Budget
• Publisher: Douglas & McIntyre
• Publication Date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1771624639
• ISBN 13: 9781771624633
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

Cheapskate in Lotusland is an entertaining and exuberant testament to the philosophy and practice of frugality and an invitation to live better by living within one’s means.

Set in Vancouver, one of North America’s most expensive cities, this wry and insightful book offers writer Steve Burgess’s account of living well without ever earning much. With over three decades in Vancouver, Steve Burgess has watched his rent more than triple while his income has stubbornly hovered in the same bracket. By some financial measures, he qualifies as poor. Yet with a home near Stanley Park, a well-stocked kitchen, money saved, and plenty of stamps in his passport, he is, by most measures that matter, doing just fine.

Blending personal memoir, economic philosophy, and sharp social observation, this book explores frugality as a way of life rather than a sacrifice. From mastering grocery store bargains to questioning the relentless push of consumerism, the author offers lessons in living comfortably on less—without deprivation or despair. Along the way, he engages with experts, literature, and other everyday people to reveal how financial security isn’t always about numbers—it’s about priorities, perspective and knowing the value of a good pair of shoes.

About the Author

Steve Burgess is a writer and broadcaster whose honours include two Canadian National Magazine awards. Burgess is a contributing editor of The Tyee and an award-winning documentary director. He is also the author of Reservations: The Pleasures and Perils of Travel (2024) which was longlisted for the Leacock Medal. His stories have been featured in publications including Reader’s Digest, Maclean’s and The Globe and Mail. He lives in Vancouver, BC.