Natalie McNealRecensioner

I started this book in a fourteen hour plane ride (that ended up being sixteen hours), not the ideal circumstances for starting a book, your focus is fractured and everywhere on an airplane, just not good, at least for me. This book did an excellent job of keeping me focused, I read about three quarters of it on the plane. This is one of those books that inspires you, makes you want to do better, be better. As I was reading I was thinking about what I do that could be different or change.

My only complaint for this book was the complete lack of pseudo-structure. The book is written sort of diary entry like but I need a solid beginning, middle, and end. The book was sort of just one speed, pace, and feel. That just threw me off.

I enjoy the author's perspective and I hope she writes more novels in the future. I will be waiting.

I learned more about Natalie than I did about getting out of debt, but this was a fun fast read.

In 2008 journalist Natalie McNeal decided to try and get control of her debt and her financial life. McNeal set up a blog to chronicle her journey. This book is the product of that blog. The book is essentially a compendium of blog posts. In terms of content, the book is fairly similar to other books in this genre. The content likely will not surprise most readers; McNeal learns to make do with the clothes in her closet and cook meals at home. Potential lay-offs at the paper where McNeal works provides a somewhat interesting twist, and she must decide whether to take a buy-out, or keep her current job. As a newspaper journalist the threat of cuts is always looming.

McNeal is a good writer, and she has an accessible, conversational style. I'm not convinced, though, that blogs translate well to books. There's not much in the book that goes above and beyond the blog. I also found that this was a book best read a few pages each day; it's not the sort that can be read in several-hour stretches. I'd prefer to see McNeal write an independent book apart from a blog, as she is a technically good writer. She seems like the sort of woman I'd like to meet for a drink. That's great for a blog, but with the book it seems that McNeal has sold herself short.

The author has written a somewhat entertaining and engaging read about finding herself buried in debt. Decent job, but way too many bills. Bad decisions, student loans, car note....and way too much living beyond her means. A good book for those in their early 20s and late teens, it offers a cautionary look at her mistakes and missteps.

However, if you are in a position similar to the author's, you won't really find a way out here. Some good ideas, living a more thoughtful and thrifty life, but not enough real information. Another reviewer stated too much fluff, which was pretty much on target. I would have liked to see the book take a more serious look at how she got to that point, and more real world work at solving the problem. If you have a problem with finances, read Suze Orman or the book "Your Money or Your Life". For an entertaining read, pick up this book.

I really wanted to like this book but found it a little tedious. Which is unfair because it's essentially a year of journal entries and from personal experience I know that those ARE often repetitive as you work through your life. Also most of the folks I know who are about Natalie's age do not pepper their speech with "Yay" or talk constantly about parties. Then again, most 30-somethings of my acquaintance are married with children and they probably don't talk to ME about their social lives! I do admire Natalie tremendously and think more folks young and old should adopt frugalista/frugalisto habits. It would have been interesting to read a couple of her blog posts and the comments (and I may check that out.)

Miami Herald reporter Natalie McNeal was enjoying the lifestyle of the young and hip when she realized that she was $20,000 in debt. To make matters worse, she had no idea how she got there. Her mani/pedis, regular take outs and shopping sprees ballooned her credit card balance, and Natalie had nothing tangible to show for it.

Desperate to make a change, Natalie confessed to be a “spending slut” and began a blog titled The Frugalista Files to chronicle her journey out of debt. Initially, she committed to a month of no spending. Before long, she had a following and a month-long experiment evolved into a new lifestyle and an occupation.

The Frugalista Files is written in a diary format, with Natalie’s shrinking debt balance preceding each chapter, or month. Natalie does not preach complete abstinence from spending, but rather a fashionable lifestyle on a budget. For example, she took to styling her own hair, while still visiting a salon for more complicated treatments. She attended social events, but often limited herself to one drink to save money and to prevent alcohol-induced food binges.

Living frugally is all the rage these days, and new books on the topic are popping up all the time. While I appreciated Natalie’s message, her book lacked in substance and offered little guidance to someone wanting to follow her example.

Although I expected informal writing due to the diary format, the abundance of exclamation marks, LOLs and other cutesy remarks was distracting. In addition, while The Frugalista Files is touted as “your ultimate guide to living the Frugalista lifestlye”, it should not be mistaken for a how-to book. In reality, the frugal tips that Natalie does provide are few and far between, and will be common sense for most readers.½

It's like a grown up version of The Broke Diaries meets Sophie Kinsella! - Me

Yep, I said that. The whole time I was reading The Frugalista Files it reminded me of Angela Nissel's The Broke Diaries, but a more mature version. And author Natalie McNeal adds just the right amount of humor to dance along the periphery of Sophie Kinsella-dom. All in all, it's an unbeatable combination.

So what happens when a single thirtysomething wakes up one day and realizes that her debt is out of control? If she's smart, and our author is brilliant, she sizes up the situation and takes control of it. What started as a 28-day plan (props to the Frugalista for trying this in the shortest month of the year) to stop spending frivolously turned into a year long journey. Luckily for us, the Frugalista is also a journalist by trade and blogs about her adventures along the way.

What this is not: Your average financial planning guidebook.

What this is: A funny, truthful look at how spending a few dollars here and there can really add up and what you can do to stop spending and start saving.

My favorite tip: "Friends often have similar taste. Shake 'em down when they are moving and vulnerable."

What did you like about this book?
It wasn't preachy. I hate reading books about saving money that make me feel like I'm being lectured to by a stodgy codger in a smoke filled interrogation room. Instead, it was like getting a glimpse into a friend's diary and saying, "wow, I could totally do that!"

What didn't you like about this book?
Um, it ended. Yeah, yeah, I know I can I follow the author on Twitter @frugalista or visit her blog at thefrugalista.com, BUT the book was really entertaining.

What could the author do to improve this book?
A sequel? Another book about whatever moves her? Either is acceptable.