I’m known to some as a bargain shopper. “He’s so frugal.” Here’s how to become one.
Use comparison shoppers.

» Nextag.com
» MySimon
» PriceGrabber
» Froogle

Note: I check ALL of the above before making a purchase…kidding.

Also, I frequent thrift/used recycled/secondhand shops for clothes. Save over 50% every time on fashionable wear. If you’re ever in Southern California, here’s where the hottest racks are.

» Crossroads Trading Co
» Buffalo Exchange

Apparently, there’s a Buffalo Exchange in Washington, DC, where I lived for a year. I heard, because of its prime location, they’re somewhat pricey.

My favorite clothing store in San Diego is Buffalo Exchange in Pacific Beach, at Garnet and Cass. At home, I shop at either the Santa Monica or West Hollywood Crossroads.

Some of my treasure finds:

» Prada shoes $60
» Armani jeans $22.50

For the second time, I rode on the Rosarito-Ensenada 50 Mile Fun Ride on April 30. Over 10,000 riders pedal the trip twice a year in Baja California on a closed road alongside the serene pacific coast. The course somewhat hilly, the real challenge is the “El Tigre” (The Hill), a two mile long hill ascending at 7.5% grade.

I beat my original time by 31 minutes in 2:48. I’m sure I’ll be doing it again in the future, so if you’re interested, come along for the ride! If this isn’t alluring enough, there’s a fiesta at the finish line! Authentic Mexican food, beer, music and sun!

Zion is an ancient Hebrew word meaning a place of refuge or sanctuary.

Refuge five guys will take in Southwestern Utah June 23-26, 2005. The event? My bachelor party. Like one of the guys, Chris, put perfectly: male bonding best occurs in nature.

The crew will be:

Chris Brown
Anthony Napoli
Tommy Parker
Andy Tao
and Me

And before I let you go, check this out! The Tayler Expedition made possible by AKenjiT

Today I was on the phone with Citibank about a $75 balance transfer fee on my credit card account. Never mind I failed to read the fine print (or was it there??). Caught by surprise, my first reaction was to C-A-L-L.

And that was the smartest thing I did. Actually, there’s one other smart thing I did. When they explained what the fee was for, I grew restless. Now it was war.

And a war easily won. I threatened to close my account. “I have another card that has a lower interest rate. I have no reason to stay with you.” I was then counter-offered with a lower interest rate. After explaining that because I paid the due balance in full monthly, the $75 fee alone was more than any interest I would accumulate at any rate (pun intended), I had delivered the final blow.

“For this time only, we will waive the $75 fee.” Victory.