The Frugal Fashionista

The Economy THRIVES on us as consumers.  The more we spend the more we are putting money in other peoples pockets instead of our OWN. Now days we all need to be frugal and start Ballin on a Budget --- Its called the “DIYs” or Do It Yourself!  Being frugal is not necessarily being cheap, it’s just watching how you spend.  From pampering to home improvements there’s TONS of ways to save money if you just took the time to do it.  My engineering education taught me to get things done in the most efficient and cheapest way possible….and like they say, if you want something done right you need to do it yourself.

Sally Hansen nail decals w/ SH No Chip top coat

 Pampering- Manis and Pedis are a must to keep you looking and feeling at your best whether its showing off your summer toes or fightin for hydrated skin when Old Man Winter comes knocking.  A mani and pedi can cost anywhere from $30++.. if you go weekly that’s $120 that youre just giving away… because as you know, that nail polish only stays on for 2-3 days then chips offs.

             The frugal fashionista would find ways do this herself.  Of course we can afford to get a mani and pedi every once in a while but there’s products for you to DIY. Sally Hansen has great products that can be found at Walmart or Target.  Don’t be afraid if your not the best at first. Practice makes perfect and you’ll have plenty of pesos in ur pocket.  =)

painted by UrsTruly - 1st time too !

Home Improvements- Moving into a new home will give you so many creative ideas to work with a space for decorating.  Painters can cost at least $100+ per hour. (maybe a lil less if you know Uncle Leroy n ‘em). Chances are you’re going to have to come out of pocket to buy the supplies (that can cost u at least $100 per room) and THEN pay someone else… *side eye*

            Painting isn’t that hard as long as you passed kindergarten and stayed in the lines… oh yah and don’t spill it on the hard wood floors or carpet (but they have spill plastic lining for that).  Find a friend to lend a helping hand.  If you end up doing it alone (as in my case) use it as some much needed alone time. Once you have the finished product you’ll feel much more accomplished that you DIY and even have some extra money to show for it ;)

The Gas Prices- These gas prices just keep climbing and soaring high.  Moving to a major city has forced me to trade in my 4 wheels for public transportation for consistent travel.  I find myself paying significantly less in gas and not filling up at the pump quite often.  If you don’t have the option of using public transportation then here are a few suggestions.

            DIY – Pump your gas yourself.  There is nothing wrong with going to the “SELF” side of the pump and getting out your car (unless u live in NJ).  Its at least 10cents cheaper per gallon.  Also, pay with cash.  The signs that are generally advertised are the prices you pay with cash.  So by the time you get to the pump, you gotta add 10cents more just to use the convenience of a credit card.  Don’t let that be the same station that your too lazy to pump your own gas because you just added 20cents to the price per gallon.  *Bummer* 

Those are just a few examples of balling on a budget.  Americans are becoming more frugal as the economy is trying to recover.  CNN.com has many more tips on their daily finance website.  Follow the link below for more creative ideas.

http://www.dailyfinance.com/savings-experiment/