Here is the flyer for my South Beach party. I am So excited. You better meet me at the bar!
Who: The Frugalista Files and the South Florida Black Journalists Association
What: First Friday Happy Hour
When: 6 p.m. to midnight on June 6
Where: Mr. Chu’s, 890 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach
Cost: FREE!!!!!
Hook up: $5 valet parking, free appetizers and two-for-one drink specials from 6 to 8 p.m. Live D.J.
For more info, email nmcneal@Miamiherald.com
Years ago, when I scouted for an apartment, I picked one close to work. I hate commuting. HATE IT. It’s time wasted, energy burned and a money drain. Even if gas were super cheap, long commutes add miles to your car, increasing wear and tear and the need for more maintenance which costs $$! If you all haven’t figured it out by now, I am car adverse. Cars don’t appreciate in value and are costly. Yes, they keep me mobile, but at a pretty hefty price. Did I tell you I spent $63 on gas yesterday? And NO, I don’t drive a truck.
Some days I could telecommute, like when I’m writing a story. But when I need to talk to people in person, telecommuting isn’t an option. Anyhow, blogger and reporter Bridget Carey posted on techie people telecommuting.
Do you telecommute? Did your company suggest it or did you ask for it? Do you get as much work done at home? Would you like to telecommute?
Play that funky music! Here’s the run down: Who: South Florida Black Journalists Association and The Frugalista Files What: First Friday Happy Hour
When: 6 p.m. to midnight on June 6 Where: Mr. Chu’s, 890 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach Cost: FREE!!!!! (free appetizers and two-for-one drinks from 6 to 8 p.m.) Parking: $5 valet Why: Because we need a GREAT time!
The party bug has hit me. I’m throwing a South Beach party with my journalism group. I did one last year and it was frugalicious. This time, it will be even better because it’s a Frugalista Files production! We will have free appetizers and two-for-one drink specials.
For more information, hit me up at nmcneal@miamiherald.com
Walgreens has a coupon for $10 off $30 worth of purchases if you go on Friday. If you are one of those people who buys shampoo in bulk, I’m sure this is a good buy for you.
I ran across this interesting article about how cable is very expensive, especially considering how few channels users actually watch. I am guilty. I fought against cable for years, and I finally got it in January so I could watch The Wire and CNN. Now that I have it, I only really watch CNN and the Style Network. Still, I hold onto to cable service. I have a bundled package which includes my Internet and phone service for $122. Am I getting ripped off? For all my chatter about saving money, why do I still have cable?
I seemed to live just fine without it for years. I think cable is a social expense. No one wants to visit your house if you don’t have cable. They just don’t.
Do you have cable? How much is your bill? Do you think you are being ripped off? And just how many channels do you watch?
I ran across this great article about Americans and their little splurges that add up. I am guilty of this. Since joining the frugality team, I made a plan to spend a certain amount of money per month on my credit card. I’ve kept up with that plan and I haven’t used the card since my frugality vow. I already save automatically through my 401(k) at work. But, I know I can do better if I would practice penury.
For instance, this past weekend, I didn’t spend a lot of cash, but I did buy a drink at the bar for $12. Maybe I should have had a coke? Part of being frugal and fabulous is maintaining your budget and your lifestyle. Can you really do both?
Blogger Ms.Money Savvy posted on lifestyle creeps a while ago. I always thought it was a good post. I don’t want to be a miser grouch. But, having debt doesn’t make me happy either.
Here are some tips on stopping the money drain.
Let’s talk about it! Do you have a lifestyle creep that needs to stop? Are you hanging at Starbucks too much? Are you buying up too many accessories for the house? Or, are you the person who never spends a nickel and feels like life is passing them by?
I trust everyone is having a great Memorial Day weekend! I just wanted to give you a mini re-cap of my weekend. I’ve been pretty good. Thursday,I spent only $5 for parking to go see Diane Rehm. Friday night, I stayed in the house and cleaned, which I actually enjoyed. Frugalistas need to be organized so they can find all their clothes. On Saturday, I tried to see the Marlins, but it was rained out. 
On Sunday, I went a party and bought one $12 drink. Not so bad. My weekend is certainly much cheaper than a road trip. Nowadays, I buy AND party local. 
Here’s a throwback video from when I was on CNN in February. Memories! I got professional makeup in this appearance. I call it my Miami Heat dancer look.
Happy Holiday!
people are stealing french fry grease.
Yikes.
Have a great holiday! I’m going to post a throwback video on Monday. Stay tuned!
So, a three-day weekend is right around the corner. What are your plans and how are you going to frugalize? Here are some summer travel tips.
I have a pretty busy weekend planned, so I wanted to share and tell you how I’m watching my dollars.
Thursday-Going to see NPR host Diane Rehm speak. Luckily, the event won’t cost me anything but gas will be a killer. It’s still worth going.
Friday-One of my best friends, Mike, invited me and some other folks out for drinks. The hang out is at a trendy place which means $14 martinis and $20 shots of Patron. I’m going to nurse a Riesling all night. I think the wine will be under $10. This night has the great potential to be a money trap.
Saturday- A guy friend is taking me to the Marlins game and we are going to an after concert to see Lisa Lisa from Cult Jam. YAY! I can eat before I go, so Saturday won’t be too costly.
Sunday- I’m going to a lounge for an attorney fund raiser /party to fight cancer. I’ll give a $20 donation and it’s a tax write off. It’s a party with a purpose. Gas will be a killer driving there, but parking is plentiful and cheap in Miami’s Design District.
Monday- While you all are grilling, I’ll be working. I can’t let the overtime go untouched. My social life and credit card could use the discretionary income.
Even though I’m not going out of town, I still feel like I have travel expenses because of all the driving I will be doing. This high-priced gas is a mess.
What are your holiday plans? Are you frugalizing? Did you cut back on plans this year to save money? Talk to me!
Alright, so I’m vexed again. Since gas prices are hovering around $3.80 nationally, the cost of small cars has gone up. I got issues with that. The economy cars were supposed to be our saving grace with these jacked up gas prices. Now, they are in demand and are getting pricey too. MEH!
Here’s a little video about whether premium gas is worth the extra cash. I don’t think so. I buy the cheapie gas and I’m rolling along just fine.
So talk to me. Are you in the market for a car? What do you think about economy car prices going up? And do you use cheapie gas? Can you tell the difference?
The Frugalista is Natalie P. McNeal, a seasoned journalist who created and launched personal finance blog, The Frugalista Files, in 2008. She spent a month without getting her hair done, eating out or getting a manicure or pedicure. She saved $400 and took a "vow of frugality." Read more...
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