Donna Gehrke-White Contributor
I have always worked toward buying my freedom to do what I want to do. That's why I have been a lifelong saver. My grandmother taught me to save at least 10 percent of my income and I have faithfully done that. I have taught my two sons to do the same.
I have spent my life writing and editing. I love it and am dedicated to it. During a 30-year newspaper career, I have shared in two Pulitzer Prizes and won nine other state and national journalism awards. But even more important, I am proud of helping others, whether it is exposing corrupt mortgage brokers or giving good financial advice so people can live well on their incomes.
I am a native Midwesterner, the descendant of Civil War veterans (Union soldiers) and farmers. I still want to settle on some open land that I can nurture for the ages. I grew up in Iowa and Missouri, went to Drake in Des Moines for a bachelor's degree and worked on a master's degree at the University of Texas at Austin. I have spent nearly a quarter of a century with my husband and family in Florida. I love it and can't imagine a better place -- even with the state's financial woes.
Posts by Donna Gehrke-White
12 Things People Buy They Could Get Free
Aug 30, 2010 - Here are 12 ways to enjoy the free things in life – and more great examples of the ways you can save by substituting imagination and resourcefulness for money. Is there anything you can add to this list?
10 Sites to Help Save Gas and Money
Jul 08, 2010 - You can't stop the BP oil leak, but you can do your share by using less gas. Here are 10 ways to use the web to drive less while you save more.
The 1960s Revisited: Guns vs. Butter Debate
Jul 07, 2010 - U.S. Legislators grapple with controlling the budget while waging two expensive wars. Result: The Senate cannot agree to pass extended unemployment benefits to help the long-term unemployed.
Uncle Sam Could Hike Taxes by Allowing Bush Tax Breaks to Expire
Jul 07, 2010 - Some could end up paying thousands of dollars more a year if Congress doesn't act to keep some or all of the Bush tax cuts that are scheduled to expire this year.
7 Cheap and Gun-Free Ways to Protect Yourself
Jun 30, 2010 - The Supreme Court just affirmed the right of Americans to use guns to defend themselves and their property, but that doesn't make guns the best tool for the job.
10 Things People Buy They Should Get Free
Jun 29, 2010 - Life's tough enough without paying for things you could be getting free. Here are some examples - see if you can add to our list.
6 Tips for Young People to get Health Insurance
Jun 18, 2010 - Young adults can be covered under their parents' health insurnace plans starting Sept. 23, even if they're not in school, but they also have other options.
5 Jobs in Demand That Pay Well and Don’t Require a College Degree
Jun 01, 2010 - Five jobs in demand that don't require a four-year degree and promise bigger paychecks than some jobs requiring a college education.
Uncle Sam will Give You $6,000 to Learn a New Trade
May 21, 2010 - A federal grant program helps displaced workers train for new, in-demand careers with up to $6,000.
