The Frugalista Files

Frugalista Files First Friday Fiesta Flyer!

 

Here is the flyer for my South Beach party. I am So excited. You better meet me at the bar!

Who: The Frugalista Files and the South Florida Black Journalists Association
What:  First Friday Happy Hour
When:  6 p.m. to midnight on June 6
Where: Mr. Chu's, 890 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach

Cost: FREE!!!!!
Hook up: $5 valet parking, free appetizers and two-for-one drink specials from 6 to 8 p.m. Live D.J.

For more info, email nmcneal@Miamiherald.com

Do you Telecommute?

Years ago, when I scouted for an apartment, I picked one close to work. I hate commuting. HATE IT. It's time wasted, energy burned and a money drain. Even if gas were super cheap, long commutes add miles to your car, increasing wear and tear and the need for more maintenance which costs $$! If you all haven't figured it out by now, I am car adverse. Cars don't appreciate in value and are costly. Yes, they keep me mobile, but at a pretty hefty price.  Did I tell you I spent $63 on gas yesterday? And NO, I don't drive a truck.

Some days I could telecommute, like when I'm writing a story. But when I need to talk to people in person, telecommuting isn't an option. Anyhow, blogger and reporter Bridget Carey posted on techie people telecommuting.

Do you telecommute? Did your company suggest it or did you ask for it? Do you get as much work done at home? Would you like to telecommute?

Frugalista Files First Friday Fiesta (FREE!)

The party bug has hit me. I'm throwing a South Beach party with my journalism group. I did one last year and it was frugalicious. This time, it will be even better because it's a Frugalista Files production! We will have free appetizers and two-for-one drink specials.

Play that funky music!

Here's the run down:

Who: South Florida Black Journalists Association and The Frugalista Files

What: First Friday Happy Hour

When: 6 p.m. to midnight on June 6

Where: Mr. Chu's, 890 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach

Cost: FREE!!!!! (free appetizers and two-for-one drinks from 6 to 8 p.m.)

Parking: $5 valet

Why: Because we need a GREAT time!

For more information, hit me up at nmcneal@miamiherald.com

Walgreens Coupon

Walgreens has a coupon for $10 off $30 worth of purchases if you go on Friday. If you are one of those people who buys shampoo in bulk, I'm sure this is a good buy for you.

Cable Con

I ran across this interesting article about how cable is very expensive, especially considering how few channels users actually watch. I am guilty. I fought against cable for years, and I finally got it in January so I could watch The Wire and CNN. Now that I have it, I only really watch CNN and the Style Network. Still, I hold onto to cable service. I have a bundled package which includes my Internet and phone service for $122. Am I getting ripped off? For all my chatter about saving money, why do I still have cable?
I seemed to live just fine without it for years. I think cable is a social expense. No one wants to visit your house if you don't have cable. They just don't.

Do you have cable? How much is your bill? Do you think you are being ripped off? And just how many channels do you watch?

Lifestyle Creep

I ran across this great article about Americans and their little splurges that add up. I am guilty of this. Since joining the frugality team, I made a plan to spend a certain amount of money per month on my credit card.  I've kept up with that plan and I haven't used the card since my frugality vow. I already save automatically through my 401(k) at work. But, I know I can do better if I would practice penury.

For instance, this past weekend, I didn't spend a lot of cash, but I did buy a drink at the bar for $12. Maybe I should have had a coke?  Part of being frugal and fabulous is maintaining your budget and your lifestyle. Can you really do both?

Blogger Ms.Money Savvy posted on lifestyle creeps a while ago. I always thought it was a good post. I don't want to be a miser grouch. But, having debt doesn't make me happy either.

Here are some tips on stopping the money drain.

Let's talk about it! Do you have a lifestyle creep that needs to stop? Are you hanging at Starbucks too much? Are you buying up too many accessories for the house? Or, are you the person who never spends a nickel and feels like life is passing them by?

Vintage Video: Second CNN Appearance

I trust everyone is having a great Memorial Day weekend! I just wanted to give you a mini re-cap of my weekend. I've been pretty good. Thursday,I spent only $5 for parking to go see Diane Rehm. Friday night, I stayed in the house and cleaned, which I actually enjoyed. Frugalistas need to be organized so they can find all their clothes. On Saturday, I tried to see the Marlins, but it was rained out. :(  On Sunday, I went a party and bought one $12 drink. Not so bad. My weekend is certainly much cheaper than a road trip. Nowadays, I buy AND party local. :)

Here's a throwback video from when I was on CNN in February. Memories! I got professional makeup in this appearance. I call it my Miami Heat dancer look.

Happy Holiday!

You Know It's Bad When

people are stealing french fry grease.

Yikes.

Have a great holiday! I'm going to post a throwback video on Monday. Stay tuned!

Holiday Plans?

So, a three-day weekend is right around the corner. What are your plans and how are you going to frugalize? Here are some summer travel tips.

I have a pretty busy weekend planned, so I wanted to share and tell you how I'm watching my dollars.

Thursday-Going to see NPR host Diane Rehm speak. Luckily, the event won't cost me anything but gas will be a killer. It's still worth going.

Friday-One of my best friends, Mike, invited me and some other folks out for drinks. The hang out is at a trendy place which means $14 martinis and $20 shots of Patron. I'm going to nurse a Riesling all night. I think the wine will be under $10. This night has the great potential to be a money trap.

Saturday- A guy friend is taking me to the Marlins game and we are going to an after concert to see Lisa Lisa from Cult Jam. YAY! I can eat before I go, so Saturday won't be too costly.

Sunday- I'm going to a lounge for an attorney fund raiser /party to fight cancer. I'll give a $20 donation and it's a tax write off. It's a party with a purpose. Gas will be a killer driving there, but parking is plentiful and cheap in Miami's Design District.

Monday- While you all are grilling, I'll be working. I can't let the overtime go untouched. My social life and credit card could use the discretionary income.

Even though I'm not going out of town, I still feel like I have travel expenses because of all the driving I will be doing. This high-priced gas is a mess.

What are your holiday plans? Are you frugalizing? Did you cut back on plans this year to save money? Talk to me!

Now Hondas are the new BMWs?

Alright, so I'm vexed again. Since gas prices are hovering around $3.80 nationally, the cost of small cars has gone up. I got issues with that. The economy cars were supposed to be our saving grace with these jacked up gas prices. Now, they are in demand and are getting pricey too. MEH!

Here's a little video about whether premium gas is worth the extra cash. I don't think so. I buy the cheapie gas and I'm rolling along just fine.

So talk to me. Are you in the market for a car? What do you think about economy car prices going up? And do you use cheapie gas? Can you tell the difference?

Carbon Footprint

  Ok, so I watched Life in Fab Lane, Kimora Lee Simmons' reality show, last night. Lady K is thinking about going green because her life of excess is not so great for the environment. I mean, jet fuel can be troublesome on Mama Earth. So, Kimora got a "carbon footprint" calculation, which shows how much impact her lifestyle has on the environment. A carbon footprint measures the impact of human activities on the environment in terms of green house gases produced, measured in units of carbon dioxide, according to Wikipedia.                                                                                                                                                                  

I was so inspired I rushed over to the computer and found this site which calculates your footprint.  The site asks about your electric bill, how many times you fly a year, and how often do you shop for new clothes. It's awesome. The average for United States citizens is a 20.4. I got a 13.427.  YIPPEE!!! Worldwide, the average is 4, though. Some room for growth, no? 

OK, people, let's see your feet! What's your impact on the environment?  What ways are you becoming green and saving money?

Garage Sale Adventure

Frugalicious Desserts

Happy Friday! For all of your hard work, here are some top frugalicious desserts 
from blogger Squawkfox. What I like about this list is that a) she includes chocolate b) the desserts are healthy c) it's affordable.

Also, here is a recipe for Snickerdoodles from the Living on a Dime blog.
I learned to make snickerdoodles in a baking class I took in 5th grade, and they are tre yummy. It's nice to know that the cookies make the affordable edible cut.  I was ahead of the curve! :)

When I'm at a restaurant, I share dessert with my dining partners.  Dessert sharing is more about keeping the waistline in check, not the budget. It's all gravy if my budgets benefits, right?

Do you have any dessert recipes that are sweet on the budget? If so, give em up, pretty please!

Have a great weekend!

Pre-Owned Perfection

So, I've been studying up on the freegans and thinking about the great response to my urban foraging expedition. Used stuff is all the rage, no? I ran across this article that talks about what's O.K. to buy used.

I bought my car used about three years ago, and it's been a dream. I was able to getting a higher level car than I could afford to buy if I bought new. The car was certified pre-owned and two years old. Now mind you, I bought the car in early 2005 before Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Wilma came around. You have to be careful with the car's history. My friend bought a used Land Rover and it's giving her hell. It had a lot of electrical problems. I hope it's not a hurricane car.

I clothes swap with my friends, too. That's not buying used, it's just wearing used goods. Honestly, I don't really go to thrift stores. Why pay when I can swap with the homies?

Looking at the list of things that you should buy used, I agree with most of them. But I am not so sure about used kiddie toys. I would be worried that there was a recall I didn't know about. I bet I would be a worry wart for a parent. 

Opinion Polls & Market Research

Frugal Chic

One of my favorite columnists Michelle Singletary wrote about agencies that want to make being thrifty/frugal the hip thing to do.

I'm trying to do my own frugal campaign, too. Fun, fashionable and frugal is my mantra. What else is there to life? I mean, my readers revolt at squandering money but are sure up to see a free concert or two. It's the best of both worlds. My philosophy is to enjoy my life as much as possible, while minding the bank. Miser McNeal will never be my name. I don't mind blabbing about a balance on a credit card or how I couldn't go out to play because I'm trying to save a buck or two. Financial freedom works better for me. Since I've taken a vow a frugality, I feel much more focused.

In the personal finance blogging world, paying off debt is a big old carnival  on the internet. I am so glad I started blogging. It's like group therapy but you go to sessions at your leisure. Tricia at Blogging Away Debt, posted about several bloggers who paid off debt.  For some folks, it took years, but they did it. Tricia's no slouch either. She's gone from $37,614 to $8,998 in debt.

Certainly, saving money is not a new concept, but somehow it got placed on the back burner for far too many.

I'm glad that speaking/blogging/writing about not becoming prey to subprime loans, credit cards or extravagant lifestyles is en vogue.  It's overdue.

Do you think it's becoming cool to be frugal? Is the culture of bling and excess out of style? Do you think Americans are having a wake up call? Do you think  even saying that saving money is a new craze hilarious to you? I mean, America has gone through a Great Depression.

Latrell Sprewell's Home Foreclosure

The home foreclosure crisis is hitting people of all economic backgrounds. Ex-NBA star Latrell Sprewell home was foreclosed, according to this story in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. I emailed the author of the article, Marie Rohde, and she said that in a few weeks, Sprewell's home will go to a sheriff's sale if he doesn't come up with the full amount he owes.

According to the story:

The holder of the mortgage, RBS Citizens Bank, told Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge David Hansher that Sprewell owes $320,284. According to River Hills records, the house is assessed at $610,000 and has an estimated fair market value of $667,980. Sprewell bought the house in 1994 for $405,000.

Once upon a time, Latrell scoffed at a $21 million contract extension. My how things change. I hope he doesn't feel the need to lash out.

Well, to end on a positive note, Essence magazine has these five tips on how to stop wasting money.

Do you feel bad for millionaires who squander their fortunes and end up broke? What do you think about Essence's tips for being frugal? I'm not so sure I want to give up my gym membership, although I don't use it like I should. What are some of your frugal tips? And should sports agents start linking to The Frugalista Files in contracts?

Thanks to Product Junkie Diva for the tip!

Pinch at the Pump

I read two interesting posts over the weekend about people using bicycles and public transportation as the preferred method of travel. I concur! If I didn't need my car to chase down stories for work, I would get on the band wagon.

On my own, I walk a little bit more to the store/bank and I think about whether I REALLY need to take a drive to go some place. Still, I feel the "pinch at the pump." To fill up my ride it's $53. When I first got the car, it was about $30 to fill it up. Meh.

Here are some fuel-efficient cars. I'm not in the market for a new ride, and I think the Prius' are a little pricey for my budget. But then again, with more people considering fuel-efficient rides, maybe prices could go down. It would be nice if South Florida could get a public transportation system like Washington, D.C. or Chicago. I'm over vehicles.

What's it like where you live? Do you own a car? How much does it take to fill up the tank? Are you taking public transportation more? Are you riding  your bike or walking more?  Tell me all about it.

*Don Tate III AMERICAN-STATESMAN ILLUSTRATION

Freebies for the Week

Big business is warm and fuzzy this week.

On Tuesday, Haagen-Dazs is following in the ice cream freebie tradition and giving away its new flavor, Vanilla Honey Bee from 4 to 8 p.m. The company created the flavor to honor  honey bees that are now disappearing in large numbers. At the Haagen-Dazs Shop at 1455 NW 107^th Avenue in Miami, revelers can meet Willie the Bee Man. For more info, click here.

Dunkin' Donuts is giving out free iced coffee on Thursday. For more info, click here.      

Micky Ds is offering a free southern style chicken biscuit or sandwich on Thursday as long as you buy a medium or large drink.

 

                                                                                                                                                      Please let me know if you know of any other freebies. Thanks Lou and Afrobella for the info!

Is Hillary Clinton a Frugalista?

Presidential hopeful Hillary Rodham Clinton may be a frugalista. Seriously.  The senator is having a few money woes on the campaign trail. She's loaned herself about $11 million, and she may have to loan more. 

According to the New York Times, she will run some frugal campaigns in the future:

Clinton advisers said they were looking for opportunities to save money on campaign events in the coming primary states of West Virginia, Kentucky and Oregon. The advisers said events would be more frill-free, but they also said that the campaign was likely to go deeper into debt to vendors who design and produce her events.

When I ask if Clinton is a frugalista, it's because she's considering cutting back on the campaign trail. I don't think carrying debt is a frugalicious thing to do.

However, the Clintons don't seem to be hurting for cash in their personal lives with their big book deals and other assets. Furthermore, the family can command high fees for speeches.

Still, she's having to deal with her financial future as a candidate. Slate.com had this interesting explainer article about the fiscal ramifications that Clinton may face after the primaries.

What do you think of Senator Clinton's money concerns? Does it not matter because she's flush in her personal life? In today's society, is it possible to run a bare-bones campaign? Can money buy an election win?  If you were her, would you loan yourself that money?

For the record, I am not registered to any party.

Stamp Price Increase Starts Monday

Aw man. The price of stamps are going up yet again. I'm mini vexed about this. Why must this happen? First food, now stamps? I pay most of my bills online but not all. My checks cost $20 to order, too. I'm thinking this last stamp price increase may send me to online bill pay through my bank.  I was hesitant to sign up for it through the bank because I felt like it would wed me to the instituion. But, going to several sites just to pay my bills is worrisome, too. I'm going to stick it to the man! No more mail for me. I'm e-billing.

Do you pay your bills online? How much do you think that saves you? What do you think about stamps going up? Does the U.S. Postal Service need to realize that stamps are so, so, out of style?

Mother's Day

Mother's Day is the time of the year to honor the woman who gave birth to you. Or you can simply honor all the good women who've had an impact on your life.

But what can you get for the special woman as a gift that won't break the bank? Gift giving can be great, IF you can afford it. I'm always a big fan of planning in your budget for gifts. But even if you plan, you still may not be able to spend much money. And mothers have their own hang ups about receiving gifts, too. My friend Jeannette is a reporter, wife, mother of two and feels guilty that she asked her hubby for a $67 bottle of perfume. You can read about her frugal dilemma here.

As for Mama McNeal, she's getting an airline gift card. She's a flying granny nanny, helping out with my niece who lives hundreds of miles away. It's what she wants.

My affordable gift idea is writing an appreciative letter. I wrote my grandmother a letter once. I never saw her so happy. Here are some other gift ideas.

Is it possible to give a gift that's frugal yet shows how much you care about someone? What are you giving the special moms in your life for Mother's Day? Is it O.K.to not give a gift on Mother's Day? Do you have any good, affordable gift ideas?

Free Concert at The Delano *update*

Hi. The free Jose James concert at the Delano on Miami Beach is May 28. I thought it was sooner, but it's not. Click here to RSVP.

Guest Blog: Advice for People Recently Laid Off

Meg Green, a certified financial planner at Meg Green & Associates and a Sunday business columnist at the Miami Herald, is guest blogging today about how to handle your finances if you are laid off.

*MEG'S TIPS*

1.  Check on your eligibility for unemployment benefits and apply immediately. Any individual who has been employed in Florida in the last 18 months and is currently unemployed or partially unemployed can file a claim. If eligible, your benefits may start the second week of unemployment. Call 1-800-204-2418 for the Claims Assistance Center.

2.  Consider working for a temp agency until a match for you is found. Or look for spot jobs, like baby sitting, tutoring, substitute restaurant server or receptionist, dog walking, to help keep you afloat. This way you will keep money coming in the door but have flexibility if you get interviews.

3. Sell things you no longer want or need, like old jewelry or Grandma’s clock. With the prices of gold and diamonds so high, you’re bound to clean up. Try Ebay for your stuff…even old clothes and shoes, if in good shape.

4. Review your living expenses and reduce/eliminate discretionary spending until a job is secured. This means eating in, making instead of buying presents, whatever your creative mind can come up with to save. Pull in the belts, and make it a family affair. It’s no secret you’ve been laid off. Don’t hide it from those that have control of your wallet and credit cards, like spouses and kids. Everyone needs to tough it up temporarily.

5.  Have your resume reviewed by a professional service. This often gives the biggest bang for the buck as your resume is your first impression. Be flexible in what you’re looking for. The ideal career job may be elusive right now, so consider whatever you can (legally) do and go for it.                                                                        

6. As a very last resort, consider a hardship withdrawal from your 401k, but leave that for last.  And try to avoid borrowing from friends and family. It’ll be so difficult to pay it back once you’re up and running, and that’s the best way to sour relationships.

   

  Try to make this time as stress free as possible by being open and up front with people. Exercise, walk the park, swim in the ocean, keep yourself healthy and fit. It’s good for you, your family and your new employer! Good luck.                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Urban Foraging with The Frugalista Files

Do your friends know how much you make?

My brother-in-blogging Keith at $ out of $.15  posted a New York Times story  about how young professionals are more apt to know the salaries of their friends. Yikes. I think that's a touchy topic. Now, for most of my media friends, I have a ball park figure of their salaries. I don't disclose what I make to my friends or family, but I think everyone has a clue. I am eligible for an economic stimulus payment; so, I'm not a millionaire. I have told my mentors what I make. I always seek their advice during salary negotiations. I know a reporter whose friend at work told her how much she made. It turned out to be WAY more than what the reporter made. The reporter marched up to management, pleaded her case and got a raise. Sharing salary information can have its perks.

Opinion Polls & Market Research

Frugal Fairy at the Grocery Store

I went grocery shopping today. I love to eat shrimp and grits, so when I went to the cheese aisle, I studied the options carefully. I grew up on Kraft, so of course I was peeping that brand's array of shredded cheese. As I studied my cheese options, a woman appeared and gave me a "frugal alert." "GET THE STORE BRAND! IT'S ON SALE," she said. And then POOF, she disappeared. WHOA! Of course, after seeing that frugal fairy,  I walked out with a nice, 4-ounce bag of Monterey Jack and cheddar blend for about two dollars cheaper than the Kraft. I don't think she knew I was a frugal blogger. I almost think there's a brother/sisterhood among consumers nowadays. What am I thinking? That's exactly what I have going on with this blog. I didn't have the chance to thank the frugal fairy for the heads up, but it was a loving moment.

As a sidebar, I wanted to let you know that Publix is giving out free antibiotics to people who have a prescription for the drugs. My friend's daughter had an ear infection and used Publix's free antibiotics. The little girl hasn't grown a second head...yet. heheh. Just jokes. For more infomation, click here.

Have you ever had a frugal fairy? A frugal fairy is someone who gives you great advice and steers you from making a not so great money decision. If you have, tell me about it. Also, would you get your prescription filled at a grocery store?

Vintage Video: CNN Appearance

For all the new readers, I started this process by going a month without eating out, getting my hair/nails done or clothes shopping. Here is a CNN appearance I made during that SERIOUS "vow of frugality." I had the eye of the tiger then! RAWR!

I'm still here, cutting expenses. Since beginning my frugal quest, I haven't touched my credit cards which makes me feel AWESOME! Smaller credit card balance trumps a fresh 'do any day!

Have a Frugal Friday!

Thanks Karen for converting the video.

Lil' Kim's Bentley Repossessed?

Wha-wha-wha-WHAT!! According to this report by New York's CW-11 channel, rapper Lil' Kim got a visit from the repo man for her Bentley. The car is valued at about $250,000.I know I posted before on the luxury recession. Clearly, the mini-sized rapper must be having her own version of it. Aw Kimmie, keep your lighter up.

Doing time in the clink can be hard on the finances. *Silently glad that I drive a sedan.*   

What do you think about this report? Do you think entertainers and athletes need courses on money management? Or do you think they are just like us, trying to figure out a way to live life well and still pay bills?

Thanks to the high duchess of beauty, Product Junkie Diva, for the tip!