Hello,

So I will be on CNN on Friday. I think Gerri Willis and I should become best friends. The Financial Security Watch show starts at noon, est. so please tune in then. This time around, she plans on grilling me about my finances which are…hmmm…in need of help.

Wish me luck!

The New York Times wrote this story about how gas may be $4 per gallon this spring. This so frightens me. The good thing about doing no-buy month is that I have been more thoughtful about my travels. I walk to the grocery store, if I have time. I walk to the bank. But we all know, South Florida isn’t the most pedestrian-friendly place. To fill up my Honda, it’s about $45. I haven’t moved from my apartment because it’s close to my office, and I don’t want to waste gas. But if gas goes up to $4 I don’t know what I’ll do. As a reporter, I must use my car for work. I get reimbursed about $.35 per mile. I am not in the position to buy a hybrid.
I know the end of the no-buy month is near. But clearly, I will have to turn this into a no-buy life.
Does this potential gas increase concern anyone? 

A Frugalista Files fan sent this link about Americans cutting back on the Starbucks runs. You readers know how I’ve cut back on life’s luxuries. How have you cut back?

Natalie

Hello. Last night, I had a mini-breakdown because I couldn’t cop Erykah Badu’s new album. Just chalk it up to the stress of not knowing if the ground beef I left out for dinner was spoiled because of Florida’s power outage. For the record, the meat was fine. Being frugal makes you not want to waste anything.

One of my fav readers wondered about my frugalista status. Am I one? Or just one in training? After some soul searching, I realized that I am a frugalista. In celebration, I am creating "The Frugalista Law." I hope readers chime in on what should be some of the rules and regulations. Let’s craft some real legislation. Here are some of my thoughts:

1) Thou shalt not pay to get into the club
2)Thou shalt not dine at a sit-down restaurant more than once a month. If work has you too busy to cook, that job will give you a heart attack.
3) Thou shalt turn off the lights.
4)Thou shalt carry traveling fruit (bananas, apples, etc.) for snacks. Vending machines are the devil.

Ok, those are a few to get us started. I crafted these commandments based upon my weak areas. Suggestions? Chime in. First Frugalista Law, next creating world peace.

Today, Erykah Badu’s album dropped. But can I get it? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. All because I wanted to be creative and do this no-buy month thing. I am such a Baduist, it’s not funny. Mama’s Gun? Classic. I saw EBadu in concert last summer and only have those memories to go on. I have been logging on to her myspace page,but it’s not enough. I love to muse over my music, experience it. I don’t want to  point and click a few samples. But alas, that’s what I must do until March 1. Did I mention that the CD player in my Honda doesn’t work? Did I mention that my Kanye West, Common and who all else’s album got gobbled up in that car CD player? My life has been one of snapping fingers, getting low and shawty you a 10 from listening to the radio. WHY ME?

I am going to talk about my no-buy challenge today with Gerri Willis on CNN. Please tune in. I’m due on at 12:20 p.m.

This entire month, I’ve gone without getting my nail/hair done, dining out or clothes shopping. It’s been a tough month, but a much needed one. I am still crunching the numbers, but I think I’ve saved about $400.

Stay tuned to me at CNN today and to my wallet.

Natalie

New York was great. I maintained my frugal lifestyle and still had fun.

Thursday night I got in, and my friend met me at the bus. We took the bus into Harlem then the train to her apartment, $4. To prepare for the munchies, I brought along two bananas as traveling food.
Friday we went to the MOMA. It’s free from 4-8 p.m. Talk about a crowd. The great thing about New York is that the Museum of Modern Art is more fun than the night club.

Later, we went to the grocery store, and I bought $20 food/munchies for the weekend. My friend played  chef.

Later that night, we went to an underground house/disco party at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Super fun and sweaty. $4 roundtrip for the subway.

On Saturday, we went for a walk in Central Park. We people watched and played in the snow.
Saturday night, some friends came over to the apartment,and we finished off some wine. 

We hit the streets later, at a Pisces birthday party for Howard grads. Free before midnight. Hook ups for birthday girls.

On Sunday, I took the bus to LaGuardia Airport. Another $2.

Thanks for all the birthday wishes. It’s going to be a great year.

It’s snowing here. I love snow. Snow is free. I’m going to try to post pictures later.