Dear Sugar: 5 Questions for LaTasha Booth, the Frugal Fit Girl

Dear Sugar:  

Today I'm introducing you to LaTasha (Tasha) Booth.  She's basically Wonder Woman's sister!   I'm completely amazed by her passion and accomplishments, and I love her commitment to empowering fellow women. 

Rachel:  Tell me about yourself.  

Tasha: I'm originally from New Jersey but now live in Tucson, AZ with my husband, Scott who is in the Air Force. Scott has 2 daughters who live in Chicago with their mom but they come visit us a few times a year.

I do A LOT of things! By day, I'm the Health and Well Being Director for 2 YMCAs. I manage the fitness facilities, instructors, class schedules etc. And by early morning, evening and weekends, I'm a Virtual Assistant and Pinterest Strategist.  I help Bloggers, Authors, and Online business owners with all of the little but important things on their "to do" lists.  Then, by "it's Sunday night and a need to write a blog post for Monday", I'm the blogger behind "The Frugal Fit Girl".

I hold multiple certifications in Personal Training, Group Fitness and nutrition but, my degree from Messiah College is in theater. I worked professionally in musical theater for over 10 years before I decided that it was time to do something else.  

I don't have much spare time but, when I do, I love going to Sunday Brunch with Scott. And watching reruns of CSI Miami while cuddled on the couch with our dog, Stanly.  Fitness is super important to both me and Scott so we try to make time for the gym and compete in several Spartan races each year.  

Rachel:  What is the goal of your blog?  What do you think your life's purpose is? 

Tasha:  I started The Frugal Fit Girl because I wanted to show women that it's possible to work towards saving for the future and getting out of debt while still living a healthy, balanced, fabulous life.  I've been a couponer for years and for so long people would say "oh, it's impossible to save money while eating healthy" well, I'm here to prove them wrong!  I want to empower women to gain financial freedom so that they can do the things they want to do instead of just doing the things they HAVE to do because of pay check. 

My life's purpose is definitely to make a difference in the lives of people.  I love making people see how beautiful the world around them can be.

Rachel:  What is your single most important tip for someone who wants to be more frugal?  And you say "frugal" instead of "cheap."  What's the difference?

Tasha:  My single biggest tip is to start with a budget.  People are often afraid of the word "budget" but all it means is "a plan for your money". And if you don't have a plan, I guarantee you'll get to the end of the month and have no idea where most of it goes!  So many times there are "money leaks" in our lives that we aren't even aware of. For example, a couple months ago, I was doing my budget and I realized that I had 3 or 4 monthly subscription services that I was paying for but not using.  I cancelled them and immediately freed up almost $200 per month!  

I use the word "frugal" instead of "cheap" because I don't advocate for NEVER spending money. I just advocate for spending money where it matters to you.  Scott and I love to go out to eat on the weekends and love 

getting my nails done (it just makes me feel more put together and professional) . If we were being "cheap" we'd probably cut those things out of our budget because they're definitely wants not needs. But we've decided that they're important to us so we make it happen by making it a line item in our budget.

Rachel:  You also are committed to fitness.  For someone who really wants to "get fit," but feels overwhelmed by all the advice, diets, resources, etc., what would you tell her?

Tasha:  Like most things in life, we over complicate fitness.  For most people out there, it's just a matter of "eat less and move more". Now, when I say "eat less", I'm NOT talking low calories, that just slows down your metabolism which is exactly the opposite of what we want! I mean, eat less of the wrong foods. If you can't pronounce the ingredients, it's probably made in a lab, not grown on a farm.  More real foods, less fake foods.  For exercise, find something that you love to do and do it consistently.  That can be dancing, running, walking...whatever! Just move! :)

Rachel:  You seem to focus on empowering women to become stronger, healthier, and happier.   What's your secret to living a happy life?  

Tasha:  My secret is that I believe in creating the life I want to live.  A few years ago I went through a huge life change.  I got a divorce, moved across the country, changed careers. I left everything behind except what fit in my car. It was crazy and scary and lonely. But now, on the other side of it. I see so much peace and love and the opportunity to live the life that I knew was possible.  Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Don't be afraid to have the hard conversations. And don't be afraid to create a life you love!