Resident Pens Guide for a Fiscally Savvy Life in Beverly Hills

Christine Redlin is a long-time Beverly Hills resident—and my long-time neighbor and friend. She is a community activist, co-producer of the independent film  and now an author. 

Redlin's book Life on a Shoestring...in Beverly Hills? is available for your Kindle and other reading devices. It's part lifestyle guide, part travel tips and part affirmation. I found it to be a fun, chatty read and one of the best guides for interesting and inexpensive (or even free) things to do in the area, along with helpful tips for everyone, whether you're navigating life on a "shoestring" or not.  

"I am motivated to help people feel and think better each day by using humor and empowerment," Redlin writes. "I hope my book provides the reader some levity amidst the stress of a challenged economy." 

Redlin was kind enough to answer some questions via email:

Tom Pease: Could you give me some idea of what your inspiration was for the book?

Christine Redlin: I have always been about helping people. I believe many people from all walks of life are affected by these challenged economic times directly or indirectly, as they hear stories about others struggling and they may be scared. I felt if I could share from my heart, some of my true life day-to-day tales stretching the dollars, it may provide people some peace and faith.

I also want people to know that even though I am not the norm of society, I can make it through challenged times. I say I'm not the "norm" because of the following: I am 50 years evolved this March 2012 and feel I am 25, I have been single living in apartments since I left my home at age 18 and I never owned real estate. I have lived alone without roommates since age 18 except for four years when I shared an apartment with my brother when I attended college. I never had the traditional path of marriage (yet!) nor children (although, I personally adore them), I did not receive family inheritance money, nor have I worked at a high-paying job.

The 2012 No. 1 resolution mentioned at the New York Times Square New Year's Eve celebration was people want to "save money." I felt more than ever, it was time to share my cost saving suggestions and inspirational ideas for a healthy and wealthy mindset. I put my spiritual belief in God first, every day, knowing that all will be handled personally and professionally.

Pease: How you think people perceive Beverly Hills as opposed to the reality of living here?

Redlin: The media, television shows, celebrity and society news present this city as a place of 5-star glitz and glamour, mansions and an easy street wealthy life. I think people in general automatically assume the those pulling away in a Mercedes are wealthy in their bank account and have a lovely home, but that person may be going home to an apartment with one bed, a refrigerator, two cans of soup, a hot plate, table, chair and a radio, because they are bankrupt from a bad business deal or personal setback...so as people may have heard the phrase, "Things are not always as they seem." They should know, even Beverly Hills has a lower class, middle class and upper class.

I have been called the "Real Woman of Beverly Hills," "The 'Main Street' of Beverly Hills" and naturally "Shoestring Christine." However, I have a full life living here in this city of beauty and luxury, even when I'm stretching dollars between pay checks. I know my community is secure and I feel safe in my apartment home. (Just FYI, as I mention in my book, as of the 2010 census, the population of Beverly Hills is a little over 34,109 people and more than 47 percent of the residents are apartment renters.)

Pease: What do you think that the average reader can take away from your book? 

Redlin: Hope and inspiration—that they can have better financial tomorrows. I believe even in struggle and challenged times you must be kind to people, maintain your dignity and grace, and be thankful for the very basics you have in life. Perhaps by implementing some of my suggestions, they can feel better that they were able to save a bit, while being creative and inspired. That they can go out and enjoy a city wherever they live, even if they have just a few dollars or no dollars, knowing that there are many free opportunities available each day.

I always say "Life is for the living," so folks should live each day fully. I hope my book adds humor to their day, as I write in a light-hearted conversational style. I hope they take away that I too have been worried in life financially. I want them to know that I too have had struggles with saving, paying bills and not having that job where I'm earning enough. Also, I want them to know I have had emergency expenses happen that sets me back, yet I still maintain a smile and get through it each day. So can they!

Pease: Finally, are there plans for a non-electric release in the future?

Redlin: Yes, being on a shoestring spending plan, I hope to get some revenue from my eBook soon, or a better-paying job to help fund the paperback version and the audio version of me reading the book. I hope these goals are met in March—maybe by March 7 for my 50th birthday—as that would be a nice gift to myself and potential readers to have a couple of other outlets selling my book.

For more information about Redlin or to buy her book, click here. You can purchase a version for your Kindle, iPad, iPhone, computer or other digital device.