Frugal, But NOT Cheap!

Here it goes: my first blog post.  I wanted to title this blog “Life After College,” but it was taken.  I also wanted to title it “Jesus Saves, I Use Coupons,” but I thought that might be a little offensive.  So, the best way to describe myself right now is the current name of my blog: Frugal, but NOT Cheap!

Here is the gratuitous introduction: I am a recent graduate from the University of Texas (class of May 2010), and currently employed at BuildASign.com.  I work in SEO marketing, and I love it.  BAS has been ranked as one of the best places to work in Austin several years in a row.  It’s no surprise, as the people there are awesome, it’s growing every day (in September we hired 15+ people, including little ol’ me!), and other goodies like breakfast tacos and free Thursday lunches.

But enough about my job.   On to the important shtuff.  Like what my blog is about.

I’ve been browsing “frugal” blogs, “cheap” blogs, “coupon” blogs, and all kinds of money-saving sites.  I feel like it’s hard to find any that relate to a recently post-grad, single, full-time employed young woman.  Most of the bloggers out there are SAHMs (stay-at-home-moms, for those not in “the know”), or…well that’s about it.  It’s about time a 22-year old without kiddos talked about frugality.  Because yes, it is hard to raise an entire family frugally, but it’s also hard to support oneself when all your friends want you to go out and get drinks, get dinner, go to shows, celebrate birthdays, and look cute while doing it–on top of all the other expenses that life throws at you.

I know it sounds selfish, SAHMs, but that’s what your early 20′s are about!

So, what is my main financial goal right now?  To be FRUGAL, but NOT CHEAP!  This means that I am trying to enjoy life while being smart about it.  I am trying to save as much as I can for a rainy day and pay off my debt (mostly just my student loan). However, I won’t turn down every opportunity to be social just because money is involved.  Yes, I will buy a bottle a wine and some cheese now and then.  Yes, I will see shows and concerts with my friends.  Yes, I will buy that cute dress if it is calling my name (and is a good price)!

I am going to blog about my experiences, ways that I’ve been saving money (and spending it intelligently), random product reviews like wine, movies, cheap food, and other enjoyables.  I also may follow suit and post random coupons & freebies to make readers want to read my blog!

Enjoy!