The Frugalista Files

Frugalista lands book deal

Rejoice! It's been a secret goal of mine to write a book. After I launched The Frugalista Files, a lot of my readers asked me about writing one. Writing a book proposal can be a daunting thing. I'm used to writing short articles, not PAGES of copy. Alas, I got the book proposal done in between blog posts and I am so lucky to have a home for my book: Harlequin!

It's a perfect fit: Harlequin is girly, fun and thriving in this economy! Also, Harelquin has a hot new nonfiction section, too! :) I'm looking forward to sharing the uncut version of my life, behind the blog with you. Managing finances and fabulousity is no small feat! :) 

Thank you for believing in me, reading me, linking me and encouraging me! 

What's your favorite book?

New payment option for student loans

On July 1, a new student loan repayment option is available for those who owe money for their college education. The new program, Income-Based Repayment, will allow you to cap your repayments to 15 percent of your gross income. 

Some things to consider before signing up:

*You may end up paying more interest under the new program but your payments may be lower. 

 *If your income goes up, your monthly payments increase.

*After 25 years of paying the 15 percent amount, the loan balance would be forgiven. However, you may have to pay taxes on the amount that is forgiven.

Would you consider this program for paying off your student loans? What do you think?

Marketers fear frugality is here to stay

Oh no! Is there fear of a frugal planet? Adage.com recently had an article detailing how Procter & Gamble, Whole Foods and Home Depot are concered that frugality may be the new norm. The retailers are concerned that America has forever altered its spending habits.

Hmm. I will say this recession has changed me forever.  I think a lot of Americans will be a bit skittish about wanton spending. The last thing anyone should want to do is get jammed up again with credit card debt and bad mortgages.

Some new regulations that are out may help skirt another credit crisis, but it's still up to the consumers to handle their income responsibly. I think the smart retailers will learn how to give people products that they need and stop pushing crap that consumers don't need.

I think the next generation may not be so cautious but this one is rethinking a lot of finanical decisions they made over the last five or so years.

Is frugality here to stay? Do you think you will change your spending habits when the economy gets stronger? Do you think the big companies are being greedy? 

Shouts out to LuxeRedux for the tip!

Doctor offers free cosmetic procedures to unemployed

Put this in the "Only in South Florida File:" A  Fort Lauderdale doctor gave away free botox and other cosmetic treatments to help boost the confidence and job search of the unemployed.

Do looks matter? Do you think the health risks are worth it to look younger to get a job? Do you think people should just become entrepreneurs? Is America too vain? Is Dr. Jason Shapiro a savior? Would you get a cosmetic procedure? Tell the truth!

Big chain stores change how they do business

The New York Times had a good piece about how the recession is impacting how the big chains do business. Nowadays, retailers aren't stocking as many sizes and are more selective with their inventory. Neiman Marcus will offer more affordable clothing and Sears will have self-service computers in stores.

I have definitely noticed a "slimmer selection" when I'm in the stores. I have even noticed that the Internet, which is normally my savior, isn't as vast either with the selections. I guess it's a good thing. Less temptation! heheh!

How have your shopping habits changed since the recession? Is shopping-as-sport over?

Is Eva Mendes a Frugalista?

In an interview in the British version of Cosmopolitan magazine, actress  Eva Mendes says that she is very watchful of how she spends her money.

From the interview:

 I don't find pleasure in being frivolous with money. In fact, I find it uncomfortable. 

I've always liked Eva. I mean, she's been able to smooch, er act, with the finest leading men: Will Smith, Denzel Washington and Johnny Depp.  See what being a Frugalista can do for you!! :)

Have a great weekend and thanks Hissip for the tip!

Free Father's Day Vasectomy

OMG! I snatched this from one of my fave bloggers, Free Sample Freak. Dad's can enter a contest at a radio station for a chance to get a free vasectomy.

From the station's website:

K-97 wants to hook you up with the best father’s day gift any dad could ask for… the gift of worry free sex with k-97’s Father’s Day Vasectomy!

This "freebie" is for Canadian residents only. In America, vasectomies run from $500 to $1,000 and may be covered by insurance. In Canada, it's covered by insurance.

Hmm. Do you know anyone who should be a candidate for this service? Is this taking the freebie game too far? Do you think this is a good freebie? 

Free Orange Julius on Friday

Download a coupon from the Orange Julius site and get a free light smoothie on Friday.

Happy slurping!

Thanks Special Frugalista Agent Christina for the tip!

xo, Fruga

Credit card companies making deals with cardholders

Could this be true? What!? Credit card companies are a lot more open to cutting deals with those who are delinquent on their accounts. Yep, the card companies are willing to slash the balance on a deliquent account.

Fancy that. Part of the impetus for the companies being willing to lower balances is the credit card reform bill recently signed by President Obama.

What do you think about this? I mean, the responsible thing to do would be to pay your credit card bill in a timely fashion, right? Is it fair that some people may be able to pay less than what they charged? Is this a great thing for the consumer who may be drowning in unrealistic fees from the credit card company? Would you call to try to get your balance lowered?  Are credit card companies warm and fuzzy, now?

Meatless Monday

So, I was reading an article in Newsweek about Food Inc., a documentary about America's food industry. The article in the Newsweek print edition quoted  Michael Pollan, a New York Times magazine contributing writer who covers  issues dealing with diet and the business of eating in America. So, in the article, Pollan mentioned he's a fan of Meatless Monday, where people go one day a week without eating something from the animal kingdom. 

The Meatless Monday movement is pushed by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. According to the website, going meatless at least one day a week forces you to eat food that's better for your heart and your weight. Also, the meatless diet saves the earth's water supply. Hey! I thought eating vegetarian was good for your wallet, too! Where are the Frugalistas in this movement? heheheh.

Anyway, I was pretty captivated by Pollan, Food Inc. and the Meatless Monday movement. I am not a vegetarian, for the record, but I'm sure I could try one day without meat.

Frugalistas, what do you think? Are you a big meat fan? Could you go a day without meat? What do you think about the vegetarian lifestyle? Do you put pork on your fork? Is meat too expensive?