My friend and fellow blogger the original Frugalista®, Natalie McNeal, has written a book…called…can you guess, The Frugalista Files. It’s the story of how she took stock of her finances and got out of debt. Mmm…sounds kind of familiar. I also have a book I hope to publish, but this is not my story. You see dear readers, a Frugalista is very different than a Recessionista. In my humble opinion at least. If you followed the blog, The Frugalista Files , then you know that for a time, Natalie really was on an austerity program. She gave up her manicures, hair treatments, and pedicures for 30 days and took a vow of “frugality.” From there, she went on to right-size her budget and finances. The Frugalista Files has always been more focused on personal finance, whereas yours truly, The Recessionista, has been more focused on living the luxe life (read serious Chanel addiction) for less. When both of us started our blogs, we were among the first to put a personality and a meaning to our respective blog names. In 2008, we started blogging in an attempt to give voice to the legions of consumers and shoppers struggling to rebalance their lives and finances in the economic downturn. Our goal was give voice to the “little guys” via blogging or what I call authentic voice. There is no magazine editor or advertiser editing or altering the words of a typical blogger. After all, blogs are deeply personal and are like diaries. Since Natalie and I started our respective blogs, it is unbelievable to me the number of large corporations who have picked up on the terms Frugalista and Recessionista and used them to brand their own blogs, newspaper columns, books, shopping sites, products or advertising. In my opinion, these corporate entities are using the terms not to give voice to the working man or women, but rather to sell something. They are not trying to create social dialogue via the new form of social media, but rather to make money. Like a fake Louis Vuitton bag, these copycats just stink. Most of them don’t try to offer advice or tips to help people through tough times. To me, there’s nothing Frugalista about Nina Garcia. She’s great on Project Runway, but I’d be surprised if she’s on a budget or concerned about living on a limited income. That’s why I am SO excited that Natalie has been able to maintain her blog, and her voice among the many imitators and knock-offs. Even more exciting, I am glad to see her in print as a published author. Score one for the good guys. Her book tells the story of how she got out of debt and still managed to maintain her quality of life. It is not ghost written or full of glossy celebrity pictures. And that’s why I love it. It’s real. And it’s original. Originality is something all the knock-off frugalistas and recessionistas can’t quite copy.
As I read The Frugalista Files, and I think it’s a story many women, and men, can relate too. We all work hard, and at the end of the day we do want to treat ourselves by eating out, having a few drinks, spa-ing and even shopping. After a while of course, all these pleasures can add up, and some of us get a big wake up call when we receive our monthly credit card bills. Most of us don’t keep track of credit card spending the way we keep track of cash spending. Before we know it, we can wind up in debt. And that’s what happened to Natalie. This book is written like a diary, which makes it a fun and charming read. Natalie gets a financial alarm via her credit card bills but she works hard to take action and turn it around. Like going on a diet, the biggest element in going frugal is motivation and inspiration. I think Natalie’s journey will both inspire and motivate others to learn how to better manage their spending. Her story will also make you laugh. Particularly when she admits,”My name is Natalie and I’m a spending slut.“ I laughed so hard I snorted when I read that bit of prose.
Because I love this book so much, I want to share it with my readers! I am giving away a copy. Here’s what you need to do to win a copy of this book. Here’s what you need to do to win.
- Tell me how you’ve become more frugal in your own life.
- Please leave an email address (mary at yahoo dot com) in your comment so I can find you.
- Contest will run until midnight, PST Wed. Jan. 19th, 2011
May the best Frugalista win! 
Since 2008, Mary Hall has been the author of 
23 Comments
This sounds great!!
I have simply had restraint when buying and stopped “impulse buys”
pearlsandpoliticsgirl@gmail.com
I love your blog and definitely am planning to check out your friend's
This sounds great!!
I have simply had restraint when buying and stopped “impulse buys”
pearlsandpoliticsgirl@gmail.com
I love your blog and definitely am planning to check out your friend's
I've probably done the same things as others: stopped eating out as much, started clipping coupons, cut back on clothes, etc.
One thing I did start doing is making my own jewelry. It's a great hobby and it feeds my bling habit.
Thanks for the book review. Hope I win. My email is slauby@hrbartender.com
The MAIN thing that i've done was stopped eating out. 3 bucks here and 6 dollars there really adds up. I budget a certain amt for groceries for the week, and buy enough to make 3-4 big meals and interchange them throughout the week. Not to mention, i'm finally putting all those amazing vegetarian and vegan cookbooks to WORK.
Secondly, for any recreational spending (books, movies) I buy myself gift cards for the month. THAT WAY I don't go over my budget.. once the money is used on the card, it's gone. I can't go over the amount, like I could with my debit card.
Thirdly- being more conscious about leisurely driving around. I make sure that I have a purpose and try to make it a point to go to places that have a lot in one area (grocery store, target, bookstore etc.) that way i'm not driving across town wasting gas.
I've taken advantage of ordering online. With my GIFTCARDS of course… sometimes, it's cheaper to pay 2 dollars for shipping, than it is to pay 3.05 per gallon in gas to get there. AND Barnes and Noble generally has free shipping over 25 dollars.
Keeping track of my daily spending has helped me immensely. I have a planner that not only holds my to-do list, but houses my spending habits as well. I make sure to set up not only weekly, but monthly goals for my spending.
Lastly, hosting game nights,movie nights, book clubs and round table discussions at my house are not only free, but it's also a fun way to entertain my friends and family.
It's definitely payed off, in just a little amount of time : )
Brit
brittany.n.davis@gmail.com
Over the years I've become better at not spending what I typically don't have. I cut up all my credit cards several years ago, and have been living on 'real time' money spending for a while. Still trying to rebuild my financial standing in the world, but would love to read the book to find out how others do it!
this sounds great!
a couple of years ago, i moved back to california from utah and then had to move again (just to the next city) after 3 months, so i had to purge a lot of stuff. that's when i realized that i have too much “stuff”! after that, i tr to live more minimal. (keyword is *try*) while i kinda regret having tossed out a lot of sentimental things, i also learned to take pictures and treasure experiences more than material goods. i'm moving again later this year so i will have to purge again!
lyndagp at gmail dot com
I have been going on a spending diet called “No Spend Save-uary” where I don't spend frivolously (restaurants, shopping, etc.) all January. It feels awesome!
mcpont88@gmail.com
I've stopped recreational shopping, and by staying out of the stores I spend much less. I've stopped using my credit cards except for special occasions. I took inventory of my closet and realized what I actually have on hand. The book sounds awesome, and I'd love to read it.
jennyrainbow@charter.net
As a longtime reader, I was wondering when you might address the fact that many other bloggers and corporations are copying your The Recessionista Blog.
Particularly USWeekly, which started in 2009, 1 full year after your blog.
All these big companies, US (Faux Recessionista), The Chicago Tribune (Faux Frugalista) and Target Frugalista branding. Big companies, big dollars and not an ORIGINAL idea in the bunch.
Here's to the little guys like you and Natalies who are ORIGINALs. I'd love to read her book, and one for you too, Recesionista
May the copycats fall apart just like a fake, glue together LV Bag,
I have stop going to my regular hair salon which cost me $45 a trip to the hair school where I pay $8 a trip. Less going out to eat and more cooking at home. Also, shop more resale shops then anything
MH – I am anxious to check out Natalie's blog and pick up The Frugalista Files in my local bookstore. Sounds like her book has some things that I may be able to incorporate into my own life as I take steps to be debt free in 2011.
I really enjoy reading your blog…the ORIGINAL Recesionista blog! While imitation is the greatest form of flattery, I find it sad that other bloggers and large publications can't create their own material. As the first Anonymous reader said, “May the copycats fall apart just like a fake, glue together LV Bag.” HA
Good luck MH!
One of the main things I did was sell my car when I moved to the city for a new job. I take the subway and walk. NO insurance or gas to pay.
I only buy professional clothes that are deeply discounted. Classic styles, not trendy, that I interchange with other items in my wardrobe.
I record fitness shows and work out at home.
I try to cook (and eat) almost all of my own meals at home.
I look for free book for my nook, at BN.com, on the web or at the library.
And, unless it is a great necessity, I use my check card rather than credit card, to shop. It pulls you up short when you run out of money!
I'm excited to follow your blog.
trezlen at gmail dot com
I grew up in a frugal household, so that's what I've always known!
I repurpose and reuse things when I can, go thrifting, shop local farmer's markets and make it a point to cook at home.
When it comes to your wardrobe, you'd be surprised what fabulous outfits can be created from 30 or so (or even fewer!) well-chosen items! Taking an honest inventory of what's in your closet saves a ton.
And… Anything that's worth buying is worth buying cheaper.
hi@relativelychic.com
Being a grad student, I have to be extremely frugal. I have adopted some tips from “Til Debt Do Us Part” (CNBC), like the money jars, and I clip coupons like nobody's business. I love being able to buy necessities for next to nothing.
Someone else mentioned they record workout shows, which I think I am going to adopt. I just bought a spin bike on Craigslist for very cheap, and by canceling my gym membership, I save about 50% over the year.
My boyfriend and I use Groupon, Restaurant.com, and other restaurant deals when we eat out. We only eat out if we have some sort of coupon.
Keep up the good work!
Lindsey
SoledMateBlog@gmail.com
I do my shopping at the library! books,new CDs, movies. It's so much fun to bring home new music and movies every week. I also make a menu for my family and only buy what I need for the recipes. It has cut my grocery bill in half!
Innovation, resourcefulness and awareness were important words when I cut all my expenses. I became an avid coupon collector; eating at home (dinner out once every other week). Movie theaters? Forget it! I burn DVD's from several movie channels. Sundries? I shop at Harmon's in Bed Bath & Beyond with coupons! Clothes? I head to Kohl's for lots of discounts or remodel old items by adding new buttons, crystal decorations and/or trimming. Exercise is done in front of the T.V. & lots of walking. I give myself at-home beauty treatments except for occasional haircuts as a walk-in at salons! Finally, I use 90-day prescription refills at supermarket pharmacies for generic medications, when I can.
Innovation and resourcefulness became important when I had to cut all my expenses. I eat out every other week but cook healthy meals at home. I became an avid coupon collector and scan all weekly papers for food sales! Movies? We burn DVD's now from several movie channels. Clothes? Saving is easy by going to Kohl's and getting their deep discounts. I also taught myself to remodel old items in my closet with new buttons, trimmings or crystal decorations. Exercise? I watch FIT T.V. or at home doing stretches. I became my own pedicurist, manicurist, and colorist to save on beauty treatments. Finally, when possible, I get 90 day medication refills from supermarket pharmacies when possible.
I'm an avid reader, so I joined paperbackswap to still be able to get the books I want without spending the money (and I save a lot of time over going to the library). I'm also a coupon clipper. Easy to do while I'm watching TV.
AKAPurple2000 at yahoo dot come
Some of my frugal tips:
1. Read the books on your shelves before buying new books.
2. Cut back on impulse buying, especially with clothes. I ask myself whether I'd even look at an item if it was full-priced.
3. Cut coupons.
cspv1st at aol dot com
Over the last few years Ive learned to cook more foods from scratch, things my family loves but cost a lot to get via take out. Ive also gotten better at making and sticking to a budget. Have had to tighten the budget a lot in this cruddy economy, another step in living frugal. Would love to read this book, thanks for the chance. lahipt at g ma il dot com
Using credit cards with points we have vacationed in Ritz Carlton hotels for free in very nice locations. I always shop the sales and find wonderful deals that I am truly happy with. I never buy just because something is on sale but only when I truly like it and need it.
Like you, Mary, I have become frugal with my eating habits and am trying to lose 12 pounds by eating at home (mostly) and using BOGO's for meals out. I find that preparing my own meals leaves extra cash for savings and those occasional meals out. I also make the most of my Y membership buy going every day so it ends up being about $1 a day instead of $32a month! ha-ha
Love the blog and hope to hear from you! ellenthum at hotmail dot com
I love nice things (ahem,Chanel, like some others I know) but I also like to be green and frugal so I buy resale when I can.
Recently, I stopped getting fake nails- we are talking over 20 years of being a slave to them. And though I have thin, short, weak nails now, I realize all the money I am saving -and I do great pedicures too!
More money to spend on fab fashion deals!
Love your blog… you are one great writer!
I've cut up the credit cards and go on “spending fasts”
winit6 at hotmail dot com