Donna Freedman

A former newspaper journalist, Donna Freedman has been a staff writer for MSN Money and Get Rich Slowly, and freelanced for a wide variety of online and print publications. She got a college degree at age 52 (better late than REALLY late) on full scholarship. Now she lives and writes the frugal life in Anchorage, Alaska, and blogs at DonnaFreedman.com.

Telling a lie
9 Lies Everyone Is Guilty of Telling

on March 7, 2024

Some lies are outright deceptions. Others are more like wishful thinking. Here are some ways around common – and potentially damaging – falsehoods.

woman with veggies in plastic containers
11 Tips for Making Your Freezer Pay for Itself

on February 24, 2024

If you’re going to drop hundreds (or thousands) on an appliance, make sure you’re getting the most out of that purchase.

Surprised senior
8 Things No One Told You About Retiring Early

on January 16, 2024

Is it really possible to retire at 55, or even at 35? Maybe. But you need to consider all the angles.

Homes in Homer, Alaska
5 of the Best Places To Retire in Alaska

on January 10, 2024

Sure, it’s (mostly) cold and remote. But the Last Frontier has plenty to recommend it, including an annual check from the state just for living there.

7 Reasons Not to Take Social Security at Age 62
7 Reasons Not to Take Social Security at Age 62

on January 10, 2024

The sooner you claim Social Security retirement benefits, the more you — and perhaps your spouse — stand to lose. Here are the stakes.

Retired friends on the beach
8 Things Americans Dream of Doing in Retirement

on January 9, 2024

Everyone’s retirement is different, but people share some common hopes and dreams for their golden years.

Happy senior couple shopping for food and groceries with a shopping cart in the grocery store
14 Unusual but Effective Ways To Save on Groceries

on January 5, 2024

You almost certainly aren’t taking advantage of all of these tactics — if you’ve even heard of them all.

Woman watching TV
7 Things You Should Rent Instead of Buying

on December 26, 2023

You may think you’re looking at a must-have purchase. But run the numbers and think twice.

Woman cleaning kitchen
22 Ways You Should Be Using Vinegar All Over the House

on December 20, 2023

Vinegar is arguably the most versatile product in your house.

Loaf of bread being sliced by a knife
13 Ways To Beat the Rising Cost of Bread

on December 20, 2023

Use these tactics to enjoy wheat without breaking the bank.

senior citizens dancing
17 Cheap Things To Do in Retirement

on December 20, 2023

It’s time to live a little. These activities keep you active and engaged without breaking the bank.

Skeptical or judgmental woman looking confused or doubtful
13 Things Frugal People Never Do

on December 13, 2023

Everyone approaches frugality a bit differently. However, there are some things frugal people never do.

man with a declutter sign
16 Things Retirees Should Do Away With

on December 12, 2023

The transition into retirement is an ideal time to take inventory of your possessions.

Happy senior man with wallet fully of money and credit card ready for travel or vacation
6 Ways to Keep a Stellar Credit Score in Retirement (and Why)

on December 1, 2023

Yes, even after you quit working, it actually pays to maintain a strong credit score.

Senior couple studying finances or taxes or financial paperwork
The Top 8 Sources of Retirement Income, According to Retirees

on November 29, 2023

Despite inflation and the cost of living, 64% are confident they’ll be financially comfortable in retirement.

Happy older woman smiling with reusable shopping bag holding a gift card or credit card
12 Ways You Can Get Gift Cards for Free

on November 28, 2023

Get yourself some extra buying power.

Isopropyl alcohol being used as a disinfectant
7 Smart Uses for Rubbing Alcohol

on November 27, 2023

Used right, rubbing alcohol can make your world cleaner, safer and – believe it or not – better-smelling.

woman running in the snow
6 Surprising Benefits of Exercising Outdoors in the Winter

on November 25, 2023

Challenging, sure. But winter outdoor exercise has advantages that outweigh the inconvenience and that initial chill.

Family and friends getting together for Thanksgiving meal and sitting at the table while food is cooking in the kitchen
5 of the Worst Turkey Cooking Mistakes You Can Make

on November 22, 2023

Done right, a Thanksgiving feast creates wonderful memories. Done wrong, it could send someone to the ER.

Happy man cooking in a pot on a stove
11 Kitchen Scraps You Should Never Toss — and How To Use Them

on November 21, 2023

Turn odds and ends into new meals. Restore “stale” food to its former freshness. Kitchen alchemy can save you big bucks.

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