I got so caught up last week with the “I BRAKE FOR BARGAINS” bumper sticker giveaway, that I forgot to pick a winner of Natalie McNeals’ The Frugalista Files. If you missed my book review, Natalie chronicles her desperate attempt to escape debt while still living a fabulous life. She keeps herself accountable by listing her total debt at the beginning of each month. Learning Natalie’s secrets to paying down her $21,000 of debt by about $500 a month are fun to read and very entertaining.
The winner is announced below. Honorable mentions go to Marcia, who shows it is never too late to learn about managing your money. She writes “I’d love to get a copy of this book, if only to show my 22 year old daughter that I too can be money-smart [emphasis mine]. She has almost completed Financial Peace University offered by Dave Ramsey. He offered it at a cut rate price to members of the military on Veteran’s Day. She is in flight school at Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma. She only uses her debit card and is a maniac about sticking to her budget. Puts me to shame! Love your column in the NJ Star Ledger.
Reader Marilyn has the best of intentions for this book. I hope you can find it in your local library! “This book sounds like it would be a fun way to learn a valuable lesson. I’ve been unemployed for 20 months so I have the inclination and the time to read. If I win I promise to pass this book on to a unemployed person.”
Ultimately I declared Kathy the winner because she sounds like a pre-Frugalista Natalie who stands to gain a lot as the winner! She writes:
Oh My, When I read that line including the words “spending slut” I had to read on.. That is me. I make a list go to the store and then loose control. I cannot just get whats on the list. I am a sucker for every little end aisle special and so on. I really need to start doing the cash envelope way. Even though I only use a debit/credit card”¦ it still has allowed me too much freedom. My goal for 2011 is to get my financial ways under more control, and I would love to read on about how she lives and maintains her finances! Thanks for considering me for the review copy!
If you didn’t win, I can’t urge you enough to buy this book on Amazon for $8.62 or check it out at your local library. The Frugalista Files is a fun way to learn about getting out of debt. Buying a copy supports BargainBabe.com!
Welcome to Bargain Babe! I’m Mara, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am an obsessive bargain hunter and penny pincher, and I am determined to live a full life without EVER paying full price. 
Kathy’s comments take me back to the days of my youth when I, too, was a spending slut who could resist nothing! It didn’t matter whether it was something I needed or not, I just bought it! Thank goodness wisdom can come with age! I still waited longer than I should have to begin serious saving, but can’t worry about that now. I can just advise young people to think more than twice before giving in to temptation, especially on a regular basis, and start saving NOW! That rain day will be here before you know it, and you want to be prepared!