Author: 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.
Lesson From the Target Data Breach: You Need More Than 1 Credit Card
Donna Freedman on December 26, 2013
The Target data breach should be a reminder: If your plastic gets lost, stolen or hacked, having another card can keep your life running smoothly.
22 Uses for Dead Gift Cards
Donna Freedman on December 19, 2013
What do we do with all that empty plastic, especially because the holidays probably mean even more gift cards coming our way? We get creative. Or silly. Or both!
33 Ways to Make Your Loose Change Really Count
Donna Freedman on December 16, 2013
That old Miracle Whip jar full of loose coins can get you through a minor shortfall, pay for a few luxuries or even fund a long-term dream. These tips will help.
Get What You Want for Christmas: Buy It Yourself
Donna Freedman on December 12, 2013
Sometimes “self-gifting” makes a lot of sense. Just make sure you’re not using it as an excuse for impulse buying.
Why Kids Probably Don’t Need Toys
Donna Freedman on December 4, 2013
Many children have way too many toys, when in fact they’re often just as happy with the boxes the high-end toys originally came in.
Talking Turkey: Fun Facts About the Thanksgiving Feast
Donna Freedman on November 28, 2013
There have been lots of changes since Pilgrim days. Among them: “Traditional” foods unknown in 1621, entertainment our ancestors couldn’t have imagined and free shipping on Gray Thursday.
Worried About the Size of Your…Discount? Relax: It’s Just ‘Deal Envy’
Donna Freedman on November 25, 2013
It’s a bummer when you find you could have saved more. Cut through the “deal clutter” by letting others do the price checks, and avoid marketing tricks designed to make you overspend.
Are You Your Parents’ ATM?
Donna Freedman on November 25, 2013
If you’re helping out parents whose money isn’t stretching far enough, what happens to your own finances?
Want to Save Money Every Time You Shop? Pay With a Discounted Gift Card
Donna Freedman on November 19, 2013
Gift cards bought on the secondary market are like 3 to 30 percent-off coupons that never expire. Here’s where to find the best deals.
14 Ways to Jump Off the Too-Many-Kid-Gifts Treadmill
Donna Freedman on November 18, 2013
If you’re an aunt or grandparent who always brings treats or small gifts to the children in your life, you may be unintentionally creating problems for the kids down the line.
What If Your College Roommate Steals Your Identity?
Donna Freedman on November 11, 2013
So-called ‘friendly fraud’ makes up more than one-fifth of college identity crimes.
Almost $7 Billion Spent on Halloween? THAT’S Scary!
Donna Freedman on October 7, 2013
Avoid the high cost of holiday fun with ‘eek-o-friendly’ alternatives and other tactics that won’t bleed your budget dry.
Cold Weather Coming? 9 Frugal Ways to Improve Your Mood
Donna Freedman on September 3, 2013
As summer transitions into fall, these activities can make us feel better and don’t cost very much, if anything at all.
Why Working a Little Less Can Save You Money
Donna Freedman on August 26, 2013
For years my goal seemed to be saying “yes” to every request and every project. How many of life’s grace notes did I miss during that time?
9 ‘Convenience’ Foods That Are Incredibly Cheap and Easy
Donna Freedman on August 19, 2013
Many quick and easy foods you buy come with a high price for that convenience. It doesn’t have to be that way.
When Does Stockpiling Become Hoarding?
Donna Freedman on August 6, 2013
If you buy food in bulk only to throw some of it out because it spoils, you’re not saving money.
How to Splurge Without Breaking the Bank
Donna Freedman on June 24, 2013
Never indulging yourself is bound to undermine even the most determined efforts to reach savings goals. You need to have some fun.
Sweating the Cost of Summer Fun
Donna Freedman on June 17, 2013
More opportunities to overspend present themselves when it’s gorgeous out and you want to eat, drink and play in the sun.
Save a Bundle With These Breakfast Ideas
Donna Freedman on June 10, 2013
Prefab breakfast foods and those picked up at the drive-through cost much more than those you can make from scratch at home.
Sometimes Less Really Is More
Donna Freedman on June 3, 2013
Is there something you’re dying to have but can’t afford? For the answer to be no, you don’t have to be wealthy.
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