An Author Wednesday Interview with Natalie McNeal, author of The Frugalista Files: How One Woman Got Out of Debt Without Giving Up the Fabulous Life

Q. Thanks for the interview. Can we begin by having you tell us a little bit about yourself and how long you’ve been working in and writing about this topic?

My name is Natalie P. McNeal, but my superpower name is “Frugalista.”  I believe in all things frugal and fabulous. I started as a blogger in 2008, writing about how to save money without giving up having a good time.  My blog is thefrugalista.com. My book is The Frugalista Files: How One Woman Got Out of Debt Without Giving Up the Fabulous Life.

Q. What’s your new book about? Why did you write it? What main message will readers take away from it?
My new book is a personal finance memoir about a year in my life that I decided to stop being a “spending slut” and to become smarter about how and where I spent my money.

I give “Frugalista Tips” at the end of each chapter.

I wrote this book because I was more than $20,000 in debt and didn’t have a plan to get out of it.   When I started blogging, it was supposed last a one-month. I was blogging about doing a “No-Buy Month,” going  without dining out or getting my hair or nails done professionally. I did that and saved $400. A light bulb went off. I kept on blogging about money, saving and all around personal finance. I had to keep the blog going because it kept me honest about my finances.

The book’s main message is that you can be both frugal and fabulous if you take a little bit of time to think about where you are spending your cash.

Q. What inspired you to write this book?

A lot of readers encouraged me to write a book and I was having so much fun with the blog.  Also, I wanted to tell the back story of how I became a “Frugalista.”   You can only tell so much in a 300-word blog post.

Q. What do you feel sets your book apart from others in the same genre?
Through my blog, readers have been following my journey on becoming fiscally fit. Many of them started with me. I take a highly personal approach to personal finance.

When most personal finance personalities come on the scene, they are already at the top of their game. Everyone saw me develop over time.

I don’t preach at the reader. I tell people what worked for me.  I leave it to the reader to decide what parts would or wouldn’t work for them.

Q. What does your typical day look like?
I spend a lot of time on the internet, using social media to connect with my readers. I also chat with my literary agent, publishing house at least once a week.I am often going to or preparing for an interview.My book is the first personal finance book that Harlequin has published. I take the very seriously.

Q. If someone were a complete noobie when it comes to the topic of your book, what are some steps they could take to dive in and get more educated in this area. (Besides reading your book of course!)
I would say start reading personal finance bloggers. Read thefrugalista.com, bargainbabe.com or therecessionista.blogspot.com, for starters.  Also, CNNs money site is awesome.

Q. If you could write 1 Golden Rule to take away from your book, what would it be and why?
Cut your expenses, earn more, invest in yourself, have fun and take a risk if you want to live the Frugalista lifestyle.

Q. What other resources in addition to your book would you recommend to people to learn more about this area?
Read my blog, thefrugalista.com.

Q. What are some of your current projects you’ve been working on in this field?
I’m busy promoting the book, everywhere that I can.  I am doing college speeches that bring me great joy. I’m also working on a newsletter to share with readers.

Q. Thank you for the interview Natalie. Would you like to share where we can find you on the web and how we can buy your book?
You can find me at thefrugalista.com or twitter.com/frugalista.  Please buy my book at Amazon.com

About the Author:

Natalie P. McNeal is an award-winning journalist and blogger who launched her personal finance “Frugalista” brand in 2008. Oxford University Press named “Frugalista” as a finalist for Word of the Year because of Natalie’s savvy style of teaching people how to live the frugal and fabulous life. Natalie has been mentioned or featured by CNN, the New York Times, BBC, Oprah Radio, Black Enterprise and ABC News Now. The Frugalista Files: How One Woman Got Out of Debt Without Giving Up the Fabulous Life is her first book. Follow Natalie at thefrugalista.com or at twitter.com/frugalista

Starting in September, we will be doing our book reviews only on the second Wednesday of each month. Why?  We want to expand our interview techniques into video and audio posts and that takes time. Also, we will only be reviewing the top 12 books of each year. This will turn into a Best of….. List and we are super exciting to spotlight and preview new and seasoned authors that we think will be big winners. Watch out of contests, giveaways and prizes to the authors. Why, we might even be working on a scholarship!  If you think you book can make out Top 12- then send it on it!