Natalie P. McNeal

Author of
Frugalista Files (2010)


Seasoned journalist Natalie P. McNeal 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.”

Through her blog, Natalie teaches people how to live the frugal and fabulous life. Her blog has been noted by the New York Times, Financial Times, L.A. Times, Washington Post , Essence.com, Philadelphia Inquirer, Miami Herald and Tallahassee Democrat. She’s served as a guest on CNN, NPR’s Talk of the Nation, CBS-4 and Miami Herald web television. The word frugalista was named a finalist for Word of the Year by the Oxford University Press. She is the savings expert for geezeo.com, a financial site.

The Howard University graduate is a sought after public speaker on career development and saving on college campuses.

Her work at the Miami Herald covering Caribbean-American politics in South Florida earned her a United Nations fellowship to Belo Horizonte Brazil. She is a past Donald Reynolds Foundation business fellow.

Frugalista Files,The Garage Sale Webisode

Natalie P. McNeal opened her bills in January 2008 to find that she was a staggering five figures—$20,000!—in debt. Young, hip and gainfully (if Dilbert-ly) employed, Natalie loved her lifestyle of regular mani/pedis, daily takeout and nights on the town, but clearly something had to give.

And so The Frugalista Files was born. Through her blog, Natalie confessed her spending habits to the world—and it turns out she wasn’t the only one having trouble balancing the budget! From the drastic “no-buy” month that kicked it all off to the career gamble that threatened to put her deeper in the hole, The Frugalista Files shares Natalie’s personal and professional transformation from cubicle rat to take-charge career girl.

It is possible to get ahead without giving up on the fabulous life. This is personal finance in peep-toe pumps—the empowering true story of one woman’s personal and professional transformation and your ultimate guide to living the Frugalista lifestyle, too.