MY MONEY M.O.
I’m blushing and a bit giddy as I write this! Me, my family (and blog) are featured in the June SMART MONEY section of Redbook magazine!
They interviewed me last November. Imagine SIX MONTHS before publication! I’ve had to keep this secret in for awhile, so when it finally came out I was bursting at the seams! I’m really honored that they picked me and hopeful that our struggle to get out of debt can inspire others who are in the same situation.
IT’S PERSONAL
Being someone who follows my faith openly (there’s no hiding my scarf!), it’s a great feeling to be seen and known in media for something that has nothing to do with my religion! I commend Redbook for showing an ethnic family that is just like everyone else..trying their hardest to pay bills, get food on the table and do right by their family.
I hope my story goes beyond frugality and encourages ethnic women everywhere to follow their passion and not be afraid or shy away from the spotlight. My husband encouraged me to start a blog. I always said I never wanted the attention, and was worried about people’s reactions to me. But we all have something to offer, ALL OF US!
UPDATE!
At the time I was interviewed we still had $2,000 in debt. I’m happy ECSTATIC to say we are totally, completely debt-free! It is an unbelievable feeling! I knew I would be happy, I didn’t know I could jump so high when we finally did it!
No credit cards, car loans, nothing! Our money is ours..the way it should have been from the beginning.
If you’re not making mistakes, then you’re not doing anything. I’m positive that a doer makes mistakes.-John Wooden
If you are reading this and are in debt, just know that the mistake is not getting IN debt. The mistake is not doing anything about it. If we had not tackled our debt 3 years ago, with interest, it would have doubled by now.
Everyday is a chance to start again..do it for yourself and your family, you will be SO HAPPY you did!
Trying to get out of debt? Check out my tips here!
Free Disney Fun Dancing With the Movie Brave
Hi! I'm Isra, aka The Frugalette. I took my family from fancy to frugal in 3 years, with 3 kids and 1 income, oh and found the meaning of life too! To read more about my fancy life gone frugal, 
You deserve the attention. I'm so happy for you. You and your family look great in the photo for the magazine. Congrats.
Aww Grace, thank you so much.
Congrats on being featured AND tackling your debt! Heading to read your tips now! Im currently working hard on paying off my car loan – Im already ahead on that one and paying off my credit card!
I'm very happy for you and also proud that you looked at your situation and tackled it.
It's easy to blame someone else but that doesn't help getting out of debt, so you did the right thing, very well done!
You really took responsibility for your own HAPPINESS!
Thanks Judith! We went through our share of the 'blame game,' but you're right it still doesn't solve the debt problem!
i like that you highlight ethnic women (since that's often lost in the mainstream) and the fact that your husband encouraged you to start blogging – mine did too but i'm not earning anything from it.
congrats on being featured.
Thank you Nylse!
I am very Glad for you Israa and your Family, and can't wait to get the magazine and read your article. GOOD JOB.
Thanks Renee!
That's amazing. I love the "just a normal feeling" as well, and am so happy to hear you've managed to get out of debt! My debt is school loans, but I can hopefully get a handle on that once I complete my degree.
You can do it Shary! I won't say it's easy, but all good things take some work.
What a great opportunity to be in a magazine. Have a great day!
Congratulations! That is so fantastic for you and your family and your blog! I am definitely going to check out your tips to getting out of debt! Congratulations on paying off all of yours! =0)
That is so awesome girl! I am so proud of you!! i can't wait to see it!
Awesome, thank you for sharing your amazing story! Congrats on both accomplishments (magazine and debt free!)
We are currently working our way towards paying off debt. We did the Dave Ramsey course and paid off $4,600 in 13 weeks. We have about $4,000 to go- including student loans, so not bad- we are getting there. Can't wait to say we are debt free!
Dave Ramsey is great! I read all his books when we started to pay off our debt. Wow, $4,600 in 13 weeks! That's awesome, keep it up you're almost there!
You should be really proud of yourself and getting out of the debt is fantastic well done .
Congrats on getting out of debt and being featured in such a popular magazine! I don't know which accomplishment I would be more proud of!!
Thanks Kecia, well if it hadn't been for getting out of debt I guess there would be no Redbook!
Congratulations! What a wonderful post, being debt free, being feartured in Redbook and being an example and inspiration to others to get out of debt as well.
Thanks Cathy!
How absolutely inspiring! We have a ways to go after 2 1/2 years of unemployment so this is encouraging to read. Thanks.
I hope you find jobs soon. The economy is just not great is it?
That's awesome! Congratulations on the feature and on being debt free!
Congrats on being featured. We're in debt but it's the thing you plan on… our whole country is in debt. As long as we're paying our bills on time, I'm a happy camper!
Congratulations on being featured! & Being out of debt.
What I like the best is that you have shown that your husband's support for you allows you to be a mentor to others who may need to know not just about debt management but about being free (from debt, to share your worries and also your success)
Best to all of you in your family.
JC
Thank you Joan! It's definitely a team effort!
congratulations!!!! how exciting!!!!! you really have done something to be proud of so its nice to get that recognition.
Thanks Nadia!
This totally rocks! Congrats! I cannot wait until I can say this exact same thing. We've already knocked two credit cards down and are tackling the next one and my student loan debt (not that much). Can't wait to pick up the issue.
Thanks Danielle, you're doing great!
Congratulations! Great work on achieving your goal, it's inspiring to us all!
Thank you so much John!
Hi there isra I also found you in red magazine and im so glad I found you and been fellowing you ever since then. You are my motto these days I'm also in debt and it inspires me to know that there is hope and one day I can also jump high and have a brand new day. And I love your $5.99
Welcome Sandeep! So glad you found me. Feel free to ask any questions. It's a hard but victorious road!
wow – that's awesome, congrats!
Thanks Nicole!
Tay Isra!! We started working on our debt but have a ways to go. We are still too frivolous at times but better than we used to be.
Thanks Darcy!! Two steps forward, one step back..it's the name of the game.
Isra,
It is an ecstatic feeling to be Free – truly free!
My most sensational congratulations on this HUGE achievement!
It is personal, and that's what makes it so deserving attention and sincere Thanks.
Thanks so much! Yes, I truly understand the meaning of debt-FREE!
awesome Isra…I am thrilled for you…it is a great feeling to owe nothing!!!
Thanks Rebecca! Yes, a feeling like no other!
What a great accomplishment! I read your about page and have to say how impressed I am with your openness.
Thank you so much Sarah! It was very hard to write that About page. I wanted to take a taboo subject (especially in my community) and talk about it as openly and honestly as possible, in hopes to help others.
Isra, I have chills!! So excited for you and your family—-not just for the publicity of being in Redbook (which is AWESOME) but for your courage and for getting out of debt. You are amazing, and I am proud to "know" you!
Aww, thanks Dede!
How awesome! Happy for you tackling your debt! We are just about there! I have $400 on my van to pay off! No credit cards, everything else is free and clear! Gonna have to go pick up a copy of the mag!
Thanks Angela! You are SO close, congrats!
Congrats on your feature & even better on being debt free, inspiring others & sharing your tips!
Congratulations on being featured and getting out of debt.
I just saw this in the Collective Bias newsletter. A BIG congratulations to you and your family. Debt FREE must be the best FREE there is
Congratulations on being completely out of debt, Isra! That is a-ma-zing! And congrats on Social Fabric featuring you in their newsletter today. All well deserved kudos
Thanks Ghada!
So amazing! What a beautiful family! I can't wait to get my Redbook!
Aww, thanks Candice!
Congratulations not only on your feature, but on paying off the debt! That's fantastic!!!
Thanks Beeb!
I first saw your article on redbook and the and scarf did catch my attention and I had to check it out (as a scarf wearer myself:) – loving your blog, you've inspired me to think wise and well! I admire your efforts with the blog, especially in a culture where standards and discussing finances openly is not the norm!
Congratulations on being debt free!!
Hi Abby! Thanks so much for your kind comment, it means a lot. Yeah for being 'wise and well!'