The Frugalista Files

Delta Airlines doubling fee for second bag

Oh my. Delta Airlines is jacking up fees for its passengers carrying more than one bag. When will the madness end? Soon, only the elite will be able to afford a flight. Instead of charging $25 for the second bag, the airline will charge $50. For a third bag, the fee will jump from $80 to $125. Delta is blaming fuel costs. I used to love flying Delta. I mean, they will make you take a layover in Atlanta to go around the corner, but it's still a nice flight.  Southwest Airlines, luckily, doesn't charge a fee for the first two bags. Here is an earlier post I wrote about skirting luggage fees.
Delta has had a string of bad news this week for passengers. Poor woman.

What do you think about Delta charging high baggage fees?  Is Delta trying to stick it to the consumer? Would you stop flying Delta because of the fees? Will you stop traveling because of the high prices? Does Greyhound sound fantastic to you, now?

I love cheap, I mean, affordable wine

Since my college days of buying Wild Irish Rose for my friends on their 21st birthdays, I've had an affinity for affordable wine. In my opinion, as long as it's wine, you always seem a touch classier than say, gripping a 40 ounce of Olde English.  I've since graduated to finer alcohol (I love Patron), but I still like to keep my wine under $10. My favorite is a Schmitt Sohne Riesling. I can get it  for about $8.99 at the corner store. Works for me.

While at my journalism conference, I did some blog networking. I met the blogger from The Crushed Grape Report. I learned that she was a Frugalista, and that she wrote an awesome post on affordable wines to drink . Yay! See, that's why I had such a great week at my journalism conference. Where else can you learn about perfecting your craft and finding affordable spirits? :)

For my spirited people, where do you buy your wine? What's your favorite frugal wine? Are you a wine snob or a beer connoisseur? What's the cheapest wine you bought? Are you still hungover from it?

Americans waste $155 billion in food a year

While at home, I watched a CBS special on how American families waste about $1,200 worth of food a year. I could totally relate. I find myself tossing my salad in a bag sooner than I'd like. I forget about that yogurt in the back of the refrigerator that I bought in bulk and on sale. Unless I cook everyday (which I should), I end up tossing some food. It needs to stop. If I had a son in his teens, I'm sure food waste wouldn't be a concern. However, I cook for me, and I try to eat healthy. Fresh produce is great...if you eat it before it goes bad. heheh. Trust, I have no plans to become a freegan, but there are ways to stop wasting food!

Some of the tips in the article on how to stop wasting food:
*Avoid buying food in bulk
*Shop on Thursday because you will be around on the weekend to cook. (I agree. I'm an excellent weekend cook. I'm relaxed and creative on the weekends. On Monday nights, not so much)
*Arrange your refrigerator so that the oldest goods are in the front.

What are your tips for not wasting food, especially produce? Do you waste food in your refrigerator? Do you clean your plate? Can busy Americans find ways to not waste produce?  How do you cook for a small family and save money? Is it possible?

Convention expenses/savings

Hi! I missed everyone, but I was at the Unity Convention in Chicago. I went to workshops, receptions and parties with some of the best and brightest journalists in the country. I had a ball, but it came at a cost! Take a peek at what I spent and what I saved!

Convention costs (not on the Frugalista plan)

Registration: $375

Air Fare: $300

Parking at McCormick Place: $64

Hotel with Roommate $300

Meals at Chicago Restaurants: $125

Total: $1164

Actual Expenses (Frugalizing)

Registration $275 (filled out the paper work for a $100 stipend from The Miami Herald)

Air Fare: Mama McNeal let me use a frequent flier free airline ticket.

Parking: I didn't spend to park at McCormick Place but I spent $36.55 for train fare

Hotel: Free! I stayed at the McNeal Bed and Breakfast a.k.a My childhood bedroom! :)

Meals: $40 I only ate out a few times. I did eat at the McNeal Bed and Breakfast and crashed many a reception for free nibbles and drinks.

Clothing: $66 I bought two dresses

Night parking: $55 Downtown Chicago parking is out of hand. 'Nuff said.

Total: $472.55

Savings: $691.45! Yippee! Frugalista for life!

How do you think I did with expenses? Do you have any suggestions for ways I can save more next year? Was it even worth it to go to a career convention? With the economy being bad, are conventions a money drain?

Tips to start your business on the cheap

Greetings, Frugalists! We have a guest blog today from Barry J. Moltz. Barry has founded and run small businesses with a great deal of success and failure for more than 15 years. His first book, “You Need to Be A Little Crazy: The Truth about Starting and Growing Your Business” describes the ups and downs and emotional trials of running a business.  His second book, “Bounce! Failure, Resiliency and the Confidence to Achieve Your Next Great Success”, teaches how to gain true business confidence.

For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, here are Barry's three ways to not break your budget when you are starting your own franchise:

You are no longer working for someone else. No more expensive two-hour lunches. No more time killing games in your cubicle. This time, it’s your money so you need to be frugal and practical.

1. Never Pay Cash:  Regardless of what you buy, try to get 45 to 60 day terms to pay for it. If you can’t accomplish  this, then pay with a credit card right after your statement comes every  month. This will at least give you 30 days to pay for your purchase. Better  yet: After getting 45 to 60 days to pay, see if you can pay then with   a credit card- that will give you a 30 day bonus!

2. Hire No Employees Before Their Time: Try to  keep all of your people resources variable and available. Don’t hire   company employees, but use independent contractors (pay attention to the      rules around using them). Better yet: Do not stock inventory. Have orders drop shipped to your customers.

3. Stay Virtual. Don’t grow yourself broke by increasing your fixed overhead costs for your business. Unless you are a retail store, try to put off committing to expenses like rent, furniture,   and phone systems. Work out of your home or favorite local coffee place that has free Wi-Fi service. Better yet: Go visit your customers. You are more likely to make a sale by building a personal relationship  with them.

Ready for my journalism convention

Hello! I'm heading out to the Windy City for my journalism convention. I can't wait! I'm signed up for video training, so expect some more webisodes to come! I got my hair professionally done but painted my nails at home. Nixing the manicure/pedicure saved me about $40. It was time for my 7-week relaxer so that expense was in my budget.
I was all ready to wear a shirt in my closet to a party Thursday night, but my friend, Greg, made it clear that I've been seen in that shirt a few too many times.  I tried to convince him to let me wear a black dress I have in my closet and he hated that, too. I think Facebook is bad for Frugalistas. You take photos of your life, post them online, then everyone sees your hottest gear! Meh. So I found a cute dress for $40 at TJ Maxx. I wasn't super happy about the expense, but the dress is adorable. It's magenta! It's a good thing Greg got me into VIP at the party!
To save money while I'm at the convention, I'm staying with my family. Staying at home will save me about $300. I'm going to take the Metra train to the convention center. I really miss public transportation.  I packed one suitcase. The airline allows one piece of luggage to be checked in for free.  Frugalista for life!

For readers who travel to conventions, how do you manage your expenses?

Affordable fun for kiddies, grown folks

The weekend is almost near. Time for frugal fun! Tonight, there's a free concert to see neo-soul artist Janelle Monae perform at 10 p.m. at The Delano in Miami Beach. Click here for more info.

         

Also,  the Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale has special summer hours and pricing through the end of September 2008. It is open daily 11 am – 5 pm and closed Tuesdays. The Museum is offering special summer savings:  Admission is $5, adults; $3.50 students (6-17), military and seniors 65+ (with valid ID); free, members, college students with valid identification, and children (5 and under). Visitors with Bank of America cards are admitted free the first weekend of each month. The Museum’s  Café Wine Bar, which offers gourmet food and wine, is open Monday – Friday from 8 am – 5 pm.  It has free Illy coffee in the mornings. Extended hours on Thursdays until 8 pm. Saturday and Sunday 11 am – 5 pm. For more information, call 954-525-5500. 

How to recession proof your career

We have a guest blog today from David D' Alessandro, former CEO of John Hancock Financial Services. 

How not to get the axe in this economy

Despite what some of television’s talking heads are saying, if it smells like, sounds like and looks like a recession—it is a recession. Look at some fundamental facts. Oil prices have skyrocketed. The Dow is down dramatically from its 14,000 record high. Unemployment has moved to its highest level in years. Companies like Siemens, General Motors and Washington Mutual are hemorrhaging jobs.

With a recession should come the fear that your job is in jeopardy. If you think that is not true, and you are too valuable to your company, too essential and the company would never be the same without you, then you are sadly mistaken.

But there is a way, in these questionable times, to increase your chances of maintaining your position and perhaps even getting promoted while your peers are inactive. In my new book, Executive Warfare, I discuss what it takes to stand out in organizations today. If you are smart, quick and agile, you can provide the company and the senior management with some much needed relief from part of their dilemma and at the same time improve your own circumstance. Here are three quick tips:

1. Walk into your management office and offer a series of costs reductions in your area. Show initiative and imagination. Demonstrate you can still accommodate the company’s needs within these constraints. Do it in two layers. One with out of pocket expenses and an additional one involving lay-offs. Not replacing jobs and limited new hires. Be aggressive and prudent so you do not seem disrespectful or simply unable to distinguish when you are cutting into the “bone of the organization.”

2. Now is the time to propose low-cost new revenue. A company affected by a recession is like fixing an airplane in midair. It must continue to fly even though it is need of a repair. If a company can show resiliency under these circumstances, not only do its constituents reward it. The company usually grows stronger. If you want to be part of it, look for new distribution systems and products you can sell quickly and profitably. Open up new sales territories.  Fuel the organization with new dollars. No one ever fires somebody generating new revenue sources.

3. There is always a way to propose and gain new profits. Pricing changes, product changes, cost changes—you name it. Make them happen fast without compromising product and service. Prove you can squeeze profit and well as generate sales.

During these difficult times it is easy for people to moan, “woe is me.”  But leaders emerge from adversity. The recession provides an opportunity to break out and really show what you are made of.

If you want to “run with the pack, you need to howl like a wolf.”

The cash-strapped strip, clean homes to earn $$

My friend Errin sent me an article about cash-strapped people who are cleaning homes, exotic dancing and working retail to make ends meet. In this down economy, people are prepared to make a dollar any way they can.  I'm concerned that a woman has to resort to stripping. Then again, the exotic dancer in the article drives an Infinity truck that costs $100 to fill up the gas tank. I would say she could sell the truck, but who is trying to buy a luxury gas guzzler in this market? Far too often, we work to pay off things, not to save. Meh! There may be a career in exotic dancing. Ask this woman.

In the article, cleaning companies say they are getting more calls from people looking for work. It's not just  people who got laid off and need income. Many people already have jobs, but have had pay cuts or inflation (GAS) has gobbled up their discretionary funds.
I hope things get better.

Would you work a side hustle? Is there any job you wouldn't do? What do you think about the woman working as an exotic dancer to pay the bills?

How to beat airline luggage fees

To say that I'm vexed about all the new fees imposed on airline travelers checking baggage would be an understatement. People will find a way to monetize anything! Next week, I'm heading to Chicago for a journalism convention. I will be gone for a week and I have plenty of clothes to carry. I will be forced to check luggage. I'm not looking forward to fees! Down with fees! Here are some tips on how to beat the baggage fee trap.

Here are some ways to travel light and look fabulous.

Do you have any travel tips on how to pack lightly? Are you traveling at all this summer? Will you have to pay baggage checking fees? How can you stick it to the "traveling man"?

Do you buy your clothes on sale?

When I buy clothes, I always buy on sale, clearance or off price. I know Marshalls and TJ Maxx like they are distant cousins.  You can find me at the back of any mall retail store, scouring for a deal. Since taking a vow of frugality, I've only bought about four clothing items. The items cost less than $53. I'm a big fan of wearing what's in your closet or swapping clothes with friends. However, I found out about this site, savvycircle.com. If you tell the site what clothes/electronics/furniture/drugstore items you want to buy, it will alert you when they go on sale. Sounds neat. I may use the site if there's a cocktail dress that I need for an event. Honestly, I am kind of out of the retail therapy business. Some of you may still shop for clothes. It may be worth a look.

Do you buy your clothes on sale? Do you think it's better to buy from thrift stores? Would you use an online service to notify you when your favorite items are on sale? What's the best deal you've gotten on a clearance clothing item?

Thanks Elizabeth for the tip.

Managing paying off your student loans

After reading some comments posted yesterday, I realized that a lot of Frugalista Files readers are grappling with paying off student loans.

Students loans may be regarded as a necessary evil to finance a brighter economic future. A lot of people don't consider the loans to be "bad debt."  Still, they can be daunting. After all, you have to pay them back. Many college students are graduating with $20,000 or more in loans.

This article and this article offer tips to pay down your student loans. If you are in a much-needed profession such as teaching or nursing, you can get some of your loans forgiven. Some public service/government type workers can get their loans forgiven also.

Also, people who volunteer can get some of their loans paid off.  Americorps and Peace Corps come to mind.

If you make less than $65,000, you can deduct the interest on your loans during tax time.

If you have a student loan, how are you managing your payments?

Free Slurpee/Free Ladies Night Drinks

7-11 is doling out free 7.11 ounce slurpees on Friday. Click here for the info.

Also, tonight Berries in the Grove in Coconut Grove is having  FREE DRINKS for womankind during happy hour. My girl crew went last week. They sing high praises. 305-448-2111

Do you tell people about your credit card debt?

I got sent this article about how people are reluctant to talk about credit card debt to people they just meet. I can agree with that. I'm a little financed obsessed right now, so I probably talk about the state of my financial affairs with friends more openly. However, if I just meet you, I probably won't give you the entire run down. If I'm dating someone, I'm sure I would want to know his credit card debt status. I would be open with mine, too. Heck, I post about my credit card  on the Frugalista Files monthly. Still, if I were at a dinner party, I would have to be really comfortable with the person I met before I give the run down. Talking about debt can be a downer, no?

Here are the most taboo topics, according to the poll:

1. Amount of credit card debt
2. Your love life
3. Your salary
4. Your mortgage, rent payment
5. Your health
6. The death of a loved one
7. Your weight
8. Your religious views
9. Your political views
10. Your age
11. Gas prices
12. The weather

Do you discuss your credit card situation to people you just meet? Is it tacky to do that?

Michael Vick files for bankruptcy *update*

Poor Michael Vick. Seems like his finances are going to the dogs. He filed for bankruptcy protection in Virginia this week. I guess prison football doesn't pay as much at the NFL. Vick cited debts of $10 million to $50 million . He listed assets valued at between $10 million and $50 million, according to the article. It's a doggone shame. heheh

*update* So I ran across this article. It seems that it's no surprise that Mr. Vick decided to file for bankruptcy.  He bought a home in Florida in the midst of all his legal drama, knowing it would be hard for him to lose the expensive condo, according to the article.

What do you think about Michael Vick filing for bankruptcy? Do you think he had too many family members on his pay roll? Do you really think he's bankrupt?

How to handle buying hurricane supplies

Happy Frugal, Fabulous Fourth of July!

I hope you are having a frugal and fabulous holiday. Three cheers for Financial Independence! I just wanted a cheerful post today, and I love the color purple. :)

Staycation

Yep, the holiday weekend is among us. This time last year, I was hanging out at the Essence Music Festival. I had an awesome time. I saw Beyonce, Mary J. Blige and Frankie Beverly perform. Roaming on the streets of New Orleans was big fun. I won't tell you more about my trip because what happens in New Orleans, stays in New Orleans!

Alas, that was the pre-frugal me. This Fourth of July, I'm going to my friend's condo to watch the fireworks from his high-rise balcony. All good. I'm doing what everyone calls a staycation . There are varying kinds. For some, a staycation means entertaining at home, for others it means being a tourist in your home city.  Here's some audio about staycations.

By staying at home this weekend, I'll probably save about $700. Yay.

What are your Fourth of July plans? How are you managing your budget this holiday weekend?

Free Software

USA Today hit a homerun with an article on places you can go online to get free software.  The article highlights places for free photo editing, word processing and anti-spyware software. This is so awesome.  Freeware rocks!

Where do you go online to get free stuff?

Graphic by Mark Carson

Thanks Lou for the tip.

Hair Removal Costs Women $23,000

Women who wax will end up paying $23,000 over a lifetime on the service, according to a study sanctioned by the American Laser Centers. Women who use hair removal products will spend about $10,000 over a lifetime. Oh my! I didn't think I was that furry. I get my eyebrows waxed but don't worry too much about the other fur. My dark skin and dark hair almost match.

I know that the American Laser Centers has an interest in getting more people to laser off their hair permanently, so I'm not surprised by the results of the study. But honestly, if you are one of those people who shaves/waxes regularly, I can see those expenses adding up.  I've thought about laser hair removal.  Here's more info on the study.

For all you South Floridians, The European Wax Center is offering free waxing for first time clients. My good friend got her eyebrows waxed there and she didn't turn out looking like Count Dracula. They did a nice job.

In the quest of being frugal, is hair removal a necessary expense? How much do you spend on hair removal? Do you think that hair removal is expensive? How often do you shave/wax?