The Frugalista Files

Frugalista moves to thefrugalista.com

Hi Everyone! Thanks for being so patient with me! I have been underground for a few days for good reason. I am going indie. I have launched thefrugalista.com, my  own blog.  I have had an AWESOME time blogging for the Miami Herald, but now is the time for me to strike on my own.

The party isn't ending...it's going to a new place so please visit me at thefrugalista.com and update your blogrolls and add yourself to my RSS feed! My email is the same, for those who know. :)

Much love to the Miami Herald for letting me have a wonderful ride here!

Natalie

Frugalista!

100 Money Experts You Should Follow on Twitter

 Yippee!! I was listed by Accredited Online Colleges as one of the money experts you should follow on Twitter. I tend to agree. Tweet me, baby! Be forewarned, I don't only tweet about money. You may catch a reality show tweet or two, or 1,000 coming from me! It's all love. :)

Thank you, Accreditedonlinecolleges.org for the honor!

Here's the list:.

Credit

From credit card rates to identity theft to getting out of debt, these feeds are all about helping you with your credit.

1. @SpendOnLife: Get educated about identity and credit theft by following this feed.
2. @creditfacts: Get articles and posts about DIY credit repair, loans, credit score and more.
3. @creditgoddess: The credit goddess follows news stories and issues affecting everyday people and their credit problems.
4. @GetOutOfDebtGuy: Steve Rhode is a popular resource for smart debt and credit tips.
5. @CreditScoreBlog: This Seattle-based blog shares stories about reading and improving your credit report.
6. @ihavegoodcredit: This tweeter is about to release a book series on credit and can answer your questions about credit cards and scores.
7. @CardHelp: Find tips and articles about credit card legislation, budgeting, making payments and more.
8. @Ch11_bankruptcy: Steven Silton tweets about Chapter 11 bankruptcy news.
9. @SABankruptcy: This San Antonio bankruptcy lawyer tweets about taxes, credit, bankruptcy and the financial crisis.
10. @mariaaspan: Maria Aspan is a reporter who tweets about banking, credit cards and finance trends.

Budgeting and Saving

Learn how to organize a budget and save more each month by following these feeds.

11. @shoestring: Shoestring Magazine can help you find new ways to save.
12. @inzolo: Learn to save based on the zero-based envelope budget plan.
13. @moneypennyme: Sam Robinson is a "rockstar budgeter" who paid off almost $40,000 in consumer debt in under one year.
14. @moneydetective: Detective Heather is great at ferreting out new ways to budget and save.
15. @ArtOfSaving: This social network tweets inspiring quotes and useful tips for saving on bills and more.
16. @BudgetMaven: BudgetMaven can help you save money and stick to your budget when it comes to beauty treatments, eating out, health care, phone bills and more.
17. @retirementplanr: Michael Peterson is a retirement income planning specialist.
18. @SaveTogether: This campaign teaches financial literacy.
19. @MoneyAisle: Learn about good deals on CDs and savings accounts here.
20. @moneyStrands: Submit money questions to this feed and look for helpful articles and tips about saving.

Investing

Get investing tips and tricks from these money experts.

21. @alphatrends: Get reports from the markets and information about seminars and investment practices.
22. @SoundMindInvest: Matthew Pryor is the Director of Operations for this organization, which is the country’s best-selling Christian financial newsletter.
23. @TradingGoddess: TradingGoddess discusses investments and the market on her feed.
24. @tradefast: This tweeter has over 20 years of money management experience with hedge funds.
25. @sorenmacbeth: This is the twitter feed from the founder of Stocktwits.
26. @CBOE: The Chicago Board of Options Exchange tweets here.
27. @upsidetrader: This feed comes from a CEO of a long/short fund.
28. @optionmonster: Jon Najarian is the cofounder of Optionmonster and Trademonster.com.
29. @ObliviousInvest: Mike Piper tweets about taxes, credit cards, investments and more.
30. @infoarbitrage: This feed is from "a reformed Wall Streeter turned early-stage investor." You’ll find insight into how the market is doing and how to invest.

Taxes

From tax help to the unemployed to keeping up with the latest tax news and legislation, you’ll find it all on these feeds.

31. @TaxPolicyCenter: Learn about legislation, tax exemptions and more.
32. @taxfoundation: Learn about tax policy from this feed.
33. @Taxdotcom: From celebrity tax news to credit news to this year’s tax "trends," follow @Taxdotcom.
34. @taxtherapy: This feed shares information about tax credits, deadlines and other issues affecting your taxes.
35. @1SocialSecurity: This official Social Security feed tweets about local news and savings.
36. @thetaxman: Jeff Beckley is a CPA and tax professional who tweets about rising taxes, tax implications of hobbies, and other useful information.
37. @ustaxaid: Get federal and local (if you’re in Nevada) tax updates here.
38. @thetaxclub: This firm has lots of great tax help and information for individuals and small business owners.
39. @TaxReductionCPA: W. Murray Bradford brands himself as "the nation’s pre-eminent tax reduction expert," concentrating on helping self-employed tax payers.
40. @filelater: Learn about filing for extensions here.

Frugal Living

Learn how to be more frugal with your money and live life with less.

41. @frugalista: The Frugalista has found success helping others learn how to live stylishly and frugally.
42. @forestonfinance: This feed comes from a newly married blogger who shares smart money saving tips.
43. @recessionrecipes: Eat great without spending too much when you follow this feed.
44. @KeyIngredient: Learn the difference between cheap and frugal when you follow Lindsay Landis here.
45. LiveBetterOnLess: Lesley Voth’s money saving guide has 518 tips on frugal living.
46. @FrugallyYours: Leslie Walters blogs and tweets frugal living tips, especially for families.
47. @MonroeOnABudget: This reporter also writes about frugal living.
48. @chrisbaskind: Follow Chris for lighter living tips: being frugal and environmentally conscious.
49. CraftyDollar: Recent tweets from this feed discuss energy savings, buying in bulk, cheap recipes and online shopping.
50. @Brokelyn: This online magazine tweets tips for "living big on small change."

Building Wealth

These money experts will help you build wealth and plan for a luxurious life in the future.

51. @CleverDough: This New Zealand mom is an entrepreneur who can help you decide what to do with your money.
52. @UnlockYrWealth: This radio show and feed can help motivate you to become smarter about money.
53. @MoneyUnder30: David Weliver covers financial topics for the under 30 set, including credit, student loans, the recession and more.
54. @ramit: Ramit Sethi is the author of I Will Teach You to Be Rich and tweets about TV appearances, PF news and more.
55. @PWMLtd: Mark Robinson is a UK-based lifestyle financial planner who can help you achieve the future you want.
56. @jimkopas: Jim Kopas is an associate at a wealth management firm in the Bay Area.
57. @wealthbuilding: William R. Patterson is an award-winning speaker, best-selling author and wealth and business coach.
58. @wizardzofwealth: Get "cliff notes style ideas" for building wealth when you follow this feed.
59. @PhilanthropyCFP: This certified financial planner can help you "integrate values, investments and giving" into your wealth management plan.
60. @WealthBlog: This feed contemplates wealth in American, wealth management, personal wealth and more.

Currency and the Markets

Get all the news and tips about the stock markets and foreign exchange here.

61. @stocksnjocks: Get "blatantly honest" stock tips and sports news from this feed.
62. @abnormalreturns: Get forecast-free investment reports here.
63. @guy_adami: Guy Adami believes that the "stocks don’t lie…people do." Follow him for finance trivia, stocks news and more.
64. @tickerville: Get real-time updates from Professional Trader plus commentary on how the markets are doing.
65. @BloggingStocks: Follow @BloggingStocks for "passionate coverage of America’s favorite stocks."
66. @currencyblog: The currency blog covers foreign currency exchange rates and the economy.
67. @siriusforex: This group of forex traders shares tips and news all day.
68. @greenfaucet: Jim Slagle tweets his take on the market.
69. @currencytweets: Follow @currencytweets if you want more articles and commentary about the markets and foreign exchange rates.
70. @Aleks_Todorova: Aleksandra Todorova is a senior writer at SmartMoney.com and covers a range of credit, loans, and money news stories.
71. @ScottJagow: Scott hosts the radio program Marketplace and comments on CEOs, student loans and more.
72. @BankThink: Get news from the Fed, major banks and Wall Street from @BankThink.
73. @WalletPop_UK: Read finance news for everyday people here.
74. @fundmyfund: Mark covers the markets and swing trades.
75. @alansmurray: Alan Murray is the Wall Street Journal Deputy Managing Editor and Executive Editor Online.
76. @TheLexColumn: The Financial Times column covers business and finance news.
77. @FinancialNews: If you want to keep up with investment banking and fund management, follow this feed.
78. @dvolatility: You’ll get global market news from this feed.
79. @businessnews: Here’s another feed devoted to keeping up with Wall Street news.

PF Coaches and Tips

These personal finance feeds can help you become a more organized, responsible budgeter.

81. @MoneyCrashers: Get PF tips, from saving on car payments to applying business principles to PF.
82. @mcmoneycoach: Jim McGowan provides sound financial advice to families.
83. @PslFinance: Get a steady stream of trending finance topics and personal finance tips.
84. @freefrombroke: Everyday people get finance help and tips from this feed.
85. @LifeTuner: Find money tools, savings tips and financial advice from @LifeTuner.
86. @alphaconsumer: Kimberly Palmer is a PF reporter who tweets articles like "Working Mothers Hardest Hit by Recession" and "The New Money Savvy Generation."
87. @howardlindzon: Follow @howardlindzon for innovative, creative ways to save money and make bank.
88. @MoneySmart: Ben brings you PF news and tips, plus web hacks and money tools.
89. @DieBrokeBlog: StockTwits writes the Die Broke Blog, which offers PF tips on virtually every money topic.
90. @wisebread: The Wise Bread blog tweets frugal living and PF tips here.
91. @SuburbanDollar: Kyle isn’t a total money expert, but he can help inspire you to become more financially responsible.
92. @MoneyRelation: Adam wants to help you reevaluate and revitalize your relationship with money.
93. @GreenPanda: College students and 20-somethings will find PF help here.
94. @bargainr: Jim Wang proves you can save money and enjoy your scotch, too.
95. @AuthorDavidBach: NYT best-selling author David Bach is also a PF expert who tweets tips on how to get organized.
96. @BSimple: You’ll find simple ways to live life and save money on this feed.
97. @PFIncome: Topics addressed on this PF feed include passive income, goal setting and more.
98. @myprettypennies: Learn how to save your pretty pennies by following this feed.
99. @everycentcounts: Learn how to develop better spending habits here.
100. @tarasbernard: Tara Siegel Bernard is a PF reporter for the NYT.

Who are your tweeple? Who do I need to follow? I don't only follow my financial peeps. I just want to connect with people who publish worthwhile content. Humor, news, financial, life, mom, whatever. 

Should we spend this holiday season?

Oh my! This personal finance blogger says that we should spend this holiday season. Jeff Brown argues that if you live frugally during the year, why not treat yourself and loved ones to some nice gifts?  Jeff says that much of our financial woes are due to buying too much house, buying expensive cars or purchasing $4 lattes that fritter away our cash. Holiday spending isn't the real culprit of our deep financial woes.

Gulp! I guess it makes sense. If you behave and respect your earnings throughout the year, why not do the Santa Claus thing?

This year, I'm spending a little bit more than I did last year on Christmas. I'm going to get the niece some Sesame Street stuff because she's working on her numbers. I can't write what I'm getting Mama Frugalista because she reads the blog from time to time. I think my spending style will be Frugalista Claus. LOL. Good gifts but tempered spending.

What's your holiday spending plan? Super frugal? Mrs. Claus-style? Regular? What are you buying? What's on your Christmas list. I know that I'm getting a Princess Tiana doll from my mother, which is why she is on my blog, today. How old am I? LOL

Frugalista's Black Friday links

Please be kind to each other on Friday and don't try to stampede, ok? I have to work tomorrow, so have fun in the Black Friday rush. Before you go, please check out some of these links so you can get some good info to make your day bright!  Retail responsibly! Kthx. 

The Wall Street Journal wrote a comprehensive blog of all the Black Friday deals and cool sites.

Savings.com is pretty aggressive this year with the Black Friday report.

Toutie is one of my favorite twitter peeps, and she always has deals on deck.

Sicka than Average has some of her favorite picks online for a little bit of retail therapy.

What's on your holiday list? Are you doing the 4 a.m. thing? Wait, are you lined up at the big boxes, already? Need a chair? 

Free Aveeno hair products

You can get a sample from Aveeno's "Nourish" hair line.  If you just fill out a short survey from Aveeno, the company will pick out the best product for you and send it to your door.

Free WiFi at airports from Google during the holidays!

When I found out that Google will offer free WiFi during the holiday season at airports, I squealed with glee. The free WiFi  is offered from now until Jan. 15 at participating airports. I spent about $7 at Atlanta's airport burning up the WiFi, last month. I hated spending the money, but I have an addiction to feed. We all know I'm a sucker for free WiFi.  So when you're traveling, you will be able to play on Facebook, Twitter and The Frugalista Files blog for FREE!  I am warm and fuzzy on this freebie.

Here is the list of participating airports:

    * Austin (AUS)
    * Baltimore (BWI)
    * Billings (BIL)
    * Boston (BOS)
    * Bozeman (BZN)
    * Buffalo (BUF)
    * Burbank (BUR)
    * Central Wisconsin (CWA)
    * Charlotte (CLT)
    * Des Moines (DSM)
    * El Paso (ELP)
    * Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
    * Fort Myers/SW (RSW)
    * Greensboro (GSO)
    * Houston (HOU)
    * Houston Bush (IAH)
    * Indianapolis (IND)
    * Jacksonville (JIA)
    * Kalamazoo (AZO)
    * Las Vegas (LAS)
    * Louisville (SDF)
    * Madison (MSN)
    * Memphis (MEM)
    * Miami (MIA)
    * Milwaukee (MKE)
    * Monterey (MRY)
    * Nashville (BNA)
    * Newport News (PHF)
    * Norfolk (ORF)
    * Oklahoma City (OKC)
    * Omaha (OMA)
    * Orlando (MCO)
    * Panama City (PFN)
    * Pittsburgh (PIT)
    * Portland (PWM)
    * Sacramento (SMF)
    * San Antonio (SAT)
    * San Diego (SAN)
    * San Jose (SJC)
    * Seattle (SEA)
    * South Bend (SBN)
    * Spokane (GEG)
    * St. Louis (STL)
    * State College (SCE)
    * Toledo (TOL)
    * Traverse City (TVC)
    * West Palm Beach (PBI)

Is Google taking over the earth? What is your favorite airport? Do you travel with your laptop?

Discount Shopping in Coral Gables tonight

Starting at 6 p.m. tonight,  downtown Coral Gables will have after-hours deals at its boutiques.

“Girls Night Out!” will feature these hook ups:

 Dulce

THE DEAL:  All sale items 50 percent off

286 Miracle Mile / 305-461-9880

 

i.Designs

THE DEAL: Buy one, get one half off any pair of sunglasses or accessory

210 Miracle Mile / 305-774-6900

 

The Boys

THE DEAL: Buy one item, get the second item half off

295 Miracle Mile / 305-444-4644

 

Hip.e Boutique

THE DEAL: Buy one pair of jeans, get the second pair half off

359 Miracle Mile / 305-445-3693

 

Cybele

THE DEAL: Buy one item, get the second item half off

223-A Miracle Mile / 305-774-0050

 

Habit

THE DEAL: “Roll the Discount”- Receive a percentage discount based on your roll of dice

256 Andalusia Avenue / 786-294-0825

 

Essence

THE DEAL: Take 20 percent off clothes, shoes and accessories (not including sale items)

78 Miracle Mile / 305-448-6777

 

Lilian Designs

THE DEAL: 50 percent off all inventory (not including pens and invitations)

68 Miracle Mile / 305-447-6622

 

Victoria’s Design

THE DEAL: 20 percent off entire inventory

241 Miracle Mile / 305-448-5646

 

Carroll’s Jewelers

THE DEAL: 25 percent off merchandise and complimentary wine and cheese

365 Miracle Mile / 305-446-1611

 

Arvane

THE DEAL: $70 relaxation package, which includes a 5-minute massage, 45-minute facial, 45-minute lipofit and pedicure. Complimentary wine and cheese served.

83 Merrick Way / 305-444-4004

 

Peterbrooke Chocolatier

THE DEAL: Complimentary wine and chocolate tasting

227 Aragon Avenue / 305-446-3131

 

Uni.K.Wax

THE DEAL: 10 percent off one service; free ingrown hair roll-on with the purchase of $30 or more

165 Aragon Avenue / 305-403-3223

 

Cleber Lopes Beauty & Life Institute

THE DEAL: Free mani with the purchase of a pedi; free blow dry with the purchase of a mani

330 Miracle Mile / 305-675-1931

 

Curves N’ Waves
THE DEAL: Savings up to 70 percent off all inventory 
275 Miracle Mile / 305-442-1430

 Olian Boutique 

THE DEAL:  Buy one get one regular priced Olian or analli item and get the second half off

356 Miracle Mile / 305-446-2306

The Boutique at Lister Jewelers 
THE DEAL:  20 percent off all inventory 
2330 Ponce de Leon Blvd. / 305-445-7525

Acqua Boutique
THE DEAL:  Up to 50 percent off merchandise and complimentary “Acquatinis”

3138 Ponce de Leon Blvd. / 305-447-1490

The Rose Tree Cottage
THE DEAL:  Up to 40 percent off select items; complimentary wine and cheese

388 Miracle Mile / 305-448-9688

 Have a frugal and fabulous weekend,

Natalie the Frugalista

Government cracks down on credit report services

The government is cracking down on freecreditreport.com, saying the service isn't often free, but a lure for customers to enroll in its monitoring service for $14. 95 per month. To get government authorized, truly free credit reports, got to annualcreditreport.com.

What do you use to check your credit report? What do you think about the freecreditreport.com spoof? I can't like, I enjoyed those catchy commercials! How often do you check your score? I check mine about once a year.

Halloween Costumes on a Budget!

Here is my affordable Halloween costume segment from NBC-6! Shouts out to Michelle Smith, my muse and Trina Robinson, top reporter!!

Mama Frugalista has bad "Halloween candy"

Ok, peeps, Halloween is almost here and I'm dealing with an issue. Really, it's not MY issue, but I'm still concerned. My mother, Mama Frugalista, is giving out juice boxes to the trick-or-treaters this year. I was shocked when she told me. When I lived at home, we always gave out Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and Snickers bars and all that jazz. I distinctly remember the homes with bad candy. Boo Hiss! A neighbor once gave out apples. THE NERVE!  Mama Frugalista's rationale is that she does not want to be stuck at home (she's retired) with bags of candy. When Mama Frugalista worked as an educator, she could give the leftover candy to the students.  Left alone in her home with a bag of chocolate is daunting. Candy is bad for the waistline and kills the sexy.  Mama Frugalista says with the juice boxes that she can sip on them with her meals or give them to my baby cousins in Chicago.

I live in an apartment complex that doesn't really have a lot of trick-or-treaters. The only people who knock on the doors are the mannish teenage boys in complex who knock on the door anyway because they are FRESH. I digress! I'm not buying Halloween candy. However, I know my old neighborhood. Those rugrats,  kids, are going to want CHOCOLATE!

I hope the trick-or-treaters aren't upset with my mom for giving out non-candy. I do think trick-or-treating is becoming a lost art with all of the security concerns.

Am I over reacting? Are you giving away Halloween candy? Do you think the trick-or-treaters will be upset at the juice boxes? I Halloween candy political? What did you think about the people who didn't give away candy at Halloween?