THRIFTY GIRL
My name is Alexis Steinkamp, I'm Thrifty Girl! I don’t look like those financial gurus. I have big hair, tight boot-cuts and a fat wallet in my hip pocket. I’m not an accountant, financial planner or even a math wiz, but my friends call me Thrifty Girl. I’ve never made a ton of money. I have a BS in Art—no joke. When I graduated from Northwestern in 1991, I landed a job at a flower shop making 7 bucks an hour. Over the next five years, I served espresso, cleaned houses, sold PJs and dressed movie sets—all while making less than $10,000 a year. It was 1997 before I made more than 20 grand.

So, how was I able to pay off a bundle in student loans, travel the world and purchase a condo—all without winning the lottery, living off a trust fund, robbing a bank, or turning to prostitution? Simple. By being thrifty. Today, I make more and save more. I keep my expenses low by being thrifty—smart, sensible and shrewd and having a great time while I’m at it!

Have a question or comment for Alexis? Email alexis@thriftygirl.net

Alexis is a proud member of The Womens Foundation of Chicago, Planned Parenthood Chicago and Women Employed.