I stumbled upon a great read, that I knew my readers would find just as enjoyable as I did and instead of just a quick review I used some ninja skills ( ok, it was Google… ) to track down Rosalyn Hoffman, author of, what I feel, is truly a modern guide to money saving, “Bitches On A Budget“, to get the inside information on her awesome book!
Ms. Hoffman, when and why did you start living on a budget?
Everyone lives on a budget. Budget is just another word for ‘edit’ no one can have everything they want and my book is all about giving you the methods to find essential things. It’s also about having a sense of humor. The underlying theme is that most of the things in life that count can’t be bought (well almost!). A woman should always be learning, loving and lusting!
You have some great advice on getting good deals in your book, “Bitches On A Budget
“. What are some of the best deals you have found?
Great bargains abound whether you find them at Barney’s, Target or the local thrift shop. I have a killer Jil Sander dress I bought at the end of the season at Barney’s several years ago (I still wear it),it was double marked down and on a one day only storewide 30% clearance off the mark down price–I got it for less than $300 bucks at Barney’s. A fantastic John Derian for Target vase with organic graphics- $10 dollars. And a shell covered decorative orb at the thrift shop-50 cents!
In your book, you write that attitude, plays a big role in saving money. Is “getting over yourself” a common problem many people have, in your opinion, when it comes to saving money?
When people think that expensive and extravagant things will fill them up and make them happy it’s a problem. Or that by wearing a specific label, or saying you’ve been to Fiji, becomes a way of defining who you are that is a problem. Those are the things I’m talking about when I say ‘get over yourself’. I don’t think that this is necessarily the issue with savings, although it contributes to it. Savings is another story altogether and requires structured planning and discipline.
Have any of your readers shared their money saving story, that has really impressed you, by using the advice in your book?
Yes, I heard from a woman who had no idea about the way stores bought large slugs of inventories and then ‘marked’ them down for promotion. She said she had spent years thinking she was getting bargains and it was like a splash of cold water in her face!
Your book made me cry. Honestly, I laughed so hard, I had tears literally streaming down my face. Does having a sense of humor help in the quest to be a “bitch on a budget”?
I’m not sure about that. I would say it’s the best way to live though!
I read on your blog, Bitches On a Budget, the words: NO coupon clipping. What are your opinions on coupons?
My mom was nearly a professional coupon clipper! I grew up with coupons multiplying like rabbits out of drawers on top of counter tops and escaping her purse. She was amazing. It works.
What other related projects are you working on?
I write for the Huffington Post, The Daily Beast’s Buzz Board and several different publications. My Facebook fan page is a thing of awesome beauty. Six hundred fans in December, 60,000 today. It is an amazing group of smart, supportive women. I love it. And, I write for my daily blog www.bitchesonabudget.com. You’ll find original stories, many of which are off-beat, quirky and in the voice of the book. I also have another book in the pipeline!
With summer approaching, do you have any quick advice for those looking to save on vacations?
Shop around. Use the Internet. Think like a contrarian—e.g. Miami Beach is hot (literally) and cheaper in the summer. You’re going to the beach anyway and it’s air conditioned inside everywhere you go—bargains can be had. Read the travel chapter in the book (no it’s not shameless self-promotion) there are tons of great ideas and methods for scoring great trips. There are also fun fresh travel ideas.
For the unlucky few that haven’t read your book, what do you believe they are missing out on? Why should they drop what they are doing and go grab your book, “Bitches On A Budget
I think the book really does offer ‘sage advice’. It’s not only about saving money, it’s about great things to spend on. It’s a resource book filled with websites, links to interesting places and offers a fresh outlook on living a better lifestyle without busting the bank. Look we only live once we should find ways to enjoy ourselves. There is nothing wrong with lusting after beautiful objects, great food, interesting travel places, it’s just as I said in the beginning no one can have everything. The book is a guide to living a wonderful life and editing what you need to do it.
The main reason you should run out the door (or order online right now) is that I think it’s a fun read. You’ll laugh.
And there you have it!
