Welcome to Frugal Fridays where we share money saving tips, discuss living frugally and generally talk about personal finance issues. Your usual host, Sarahnity the queen of frugality, is on vacation. She left me in charge and I decided today we should tell secrets.

It's official. Frugal is the new black. I know that because I Googled "frugal new black" and found hundreds of results. Of course, those articles include tips such as getting a pedicure every other week instead of weekly, bringing your lunch to work instead of eating out and not buying a daily $5 designer coffee drink.

For those of us who were frugal before it was fashionable, let's be honest about our frugal habits. Follow me...  

Today I will be attending a fundraiser for an outstanding Wisconsin State Senate candidate, Tara Johnson. The special guest at this event will be Russ Feingold.

Since I can't take you all with me, I thought asking for questions or comments would be a good substitute. So - act quickly! I'll be leaving in about an hour and a half.

I promise to post pics and any answers later.

But follow me below the fold for the real reason I'm attending this event - to support a fantastic candidate for State Senate.

Welcome to Frugal Fridays where we share money saving tips, discuss living frugally and generally talk about personal finance issues. Your usual host, the wise and frugal Sarahnity, is enjoying the camaraderie at NN. Those of us who have been left behind can (sniff) talk about bank fees

All financial institutions make money in several ways: interest margins, investments, and non-interest income. With market conditions squeezing margin and investments performing poorly, many financial institutions are relying on "Non-interest income" – which is what you and I call fees.  

If you prefer to keep your money in your pocket, read on...

We all know food prices are skyrocketing, as are gas prices, which is contributing to the pinch Americans are feeling today. But I was surprised - okay, shocked - to see these statistics about how many Americans are having difficulty buying food.

Kossacks, I need input. Particularly from Gen X'rs and Millenials, since those are the age groups of my job candidates.

I am trying to hire a graphic designer. I work for a growing, well-known and socially responsible business. We're not a glamorous business, but we do some fun work and the team has won several design awards. We pay a competitive salary and offer great benefits. Hours are flexible. There are opportunities for education and further training.

So why am I having a hard time hiring someone? I was hoping you could tell me.

I just received a press release announcing that two of the largest student loan lenders in the nation will no longer grant loans to students at two year colleges.

Community colleges, junior colleges and technical schools are often the gateway to higher education for low income Americans and working adults. There are - at least for today - still lenders who will provide student loans for two-year schools, but it appears this could be a trend.

On April 1, voters in Milwaukee's 3rd District will have a chance to vote for new progressive leadership - Patrick Flaherty.

Reading the Journal Sentinel endorsement published on March 25 makes my heart swell with pride. Patrick is my son's partner. That alone, of course, does not qualify him to lead a diverse and vibrant neighborhood in Milaukee. However, over the past eight years, I've had a unique vantage point from which I could get to know Patrick and I'm convinced he is the right leader for his District and the city of Milwaukee.

Okay, technically, this is a candidate diary. But it's not one of those. It's about a great progressive candidate who's running for Alderman in Milwaukee's Third District.

If you live in Milwaukee, or know someone who does, please read on and support Patrick in whatever way you can. I've known Patrick for eight years and have the utmost respect for him. He is a reasoned, reasonable man.  

Welcome to Frugal Fridays where we share money saving tips, discuss living frugally and generally talk about personal finance issues. I filled in last week for your regular host, the wise and frugal Sarahnity, while she was off enjoying a visit with family. Because of low readership over the holidays, Sarahnity has asked me to repost last week’s diary. Apparently, she feels there are some good suggestions here, so who am I to say no?

There are lots of reasons to make financial New Year’s Resolutions. The holiday bills will be arriving shortly. Heating bills for us in the frozen north are taking a bigger bite this year. Gas prices are hurting everyone who drives or eats. Economists are talking recession, and you may just want to be in the best financial shape possible to weather a tough year.

Welcome to Frugal Fridays where we share money saving tips, discuss living frugally and generally talk about personal finance issues. Your customary host, the wise and frugal Sarahnity, is enjoying a week off visiting family. Follow me as I try to walk in her shoes as we explore financial resolutions.