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.
Why I Buy Lottery Tickets
Donna Freedman on April 10, 2012
If I were buying stacks of tickets every day, I’d have a problem. But I’m not. This is an indulgence, a harmless pleasure. So get over it.
The ABCs of Cheap and Tasty Iced Tea
Donna Freedman on April 3, 2012
Summer is right around the corner, and the perfect way to cool down is with iced tea. Here’s how to make the perfect pitcher.
Why a Massage Is Money Well Spent
Donna Freedman on March 27, 2012
Even when I was in debt, I paid for a massage therapist. And it was well worth it.
Why I Don’t Want to Be in the 1 Percent
Donna Freedman on March 20, 2012
You can spend all your time trying to get rich. Or you can spend your money having a good time. But there’s a middle way that suits me best.
9 Ways I Saved Money Between Jobs
Donna Freedman on March 13, 2012
Economizing doesn’t necessarily mean missing out on life. Here’s how I trimmed expenses without cutting into my lifestyle.
If Lady Gaga Were a Personal Finance Blogger…
Donna Freedman on March 7, 2012
Yes, you CAN learn something from Lady Gaga. And no, it’s not how to buy a wardrobe on the cheap.
8 Money Lessons I Learned Watching Opera
Donna Freedman on February 28, 2012
Never heard of the opera “Gotterdammerung”? That’s “Twilight of the Gods” in German, and it’s long and intricate – and really good at reminding you to save money.
How to Avoid “Stuff Creep”
Donna Freedman on February 21, 2012
Is it getting stuffy in here? If you have an urge to purge, here’s how I got rid of a lot of stuff I really didn’t need.
14 Frugal Uses for an Income Tax Refund
Donna Freedman on February 14, 2012
Getting a tax refund this year? Invest it in something, or several somethings, that will benefit you for the rest of the year. Or even for the rest of your life.
Why Scavenging Isn’t Gross to Me
Donna Freedman on February 7, 2012
Some folks think it’s gross to pick up lost or “free” items off the street. I think it’s good for the environment and even better for my bottom line.
Where to Stash Some Cash Where Only You Can Find It
Donna Freedman on January 31, 2012
Stashing money under a mattress is so cliche – but sometimes cliches have a kernel of good advice. You should keep a cache of cash around the house. But where?
See a Penny? Leave It for Me
Donna Freedman on January 24, 2012
Ever heard the term “found money”? No one finds it quite like I do. Ever heard the term “dirty money”? To me, there’s no such thing.
How to Choose What (and Whether) to Buy
Donna Freedman on January 17, 2012
When you do buy something, do you enjoy it? Feel guilty about? Doubt yourself? Just enjoy it, for heaven’s sake!
How to Unload Unwanted Gift Cards
Donna Freedman on January 10, 2012
Gift cards can make great gifts, but they’re also the best bad gift you can get someone – because they’re easy to convert into cold, hard cash.
Strategic Pizza: When a Slice Is Worth the Price
Donna Freedman on January 3, 2012
Saving money often means spending time. And sometimes the trade-off isn’t worth the trouble. I think this is one of those times for me. Is it for you?
Why I Don’t Feel Guilty Giving Gift Cards
Donna Freedman on December 27, 2011
Is a gift card really a holiday gift? Or is it a cop-out? It depends less on the card and more on your intentions.
We Wish You a Debt-Free Christmas – and a Prosperous New Year
Donna Freedman on December 20, 2011
Here’s a test: Three months from now, will you even remember what holiday presents you received? Will you remember how much you spent?
8 Money-Saving Uses for a $1 Bandana
Donna Freedman on December 13, 2011
A simple $1 bandana has saved me hundreds of dollars and hours of time. There’s only one thing I don’t use it for, because it’s kinda gross…
Holiday Food Sales? Stock Your Pantry
Donna Freedman on December 6, 2011
If you stock up on food for the holidays so you can feed family and friends, why not do that year-round for yourself?
Old Bottle Caps Can Mean Free Holiday Gifts
Donna Freedman on November 29, 2011
Yup, I pick up sticky soda bottles off the street. And I turn them into holiday stocking stuffers – for free.
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