Ask the Frugal Duchess a question! (Women of Personal Finance Spotlight)

[Frugal Duchess]

Originally Posted by svb

Sharon,

Just wanted to stop by and say how much I've been enjoying your Q & A! I hope that things weren't too hairy with the hurricane passing by.

I've been asked this myself before, but I'd like to ask you -- how are you able to juggle your blog, work and home responsibilities? Do you feel compelled to write on your blog on a regular basis and keep up with the content generation? What are your goals with your blog -- how much monetization have you tried or applied?

I hope it's okay that I shifted the topic a bit towards blogging. I've always been curious about how other bloggers manage their blogs.

Your blog is one of the sites that inspired me to start blogging .

SVB:

Thanks so much for your kind words. I'm honored to think that your sources of inspiration included me. Wow. It's totally mutual. I enjoy your blog.

Your comments ( in the Q&A you hosted last week in this space) about the family-blog balance were wonderful. You gave such thoughtful answers.

Ironically, I'm dashing off to a family commitment even now as I write. I will be back online late Saturday night or early Sunday morning. In addition, to the family commitment, I also observe the Jewish Sabbath (sundown Friday to sundown Saturday.)

That time-out -- no computers, phones, electricity, pens -- recharges my creative batteries and actually improves my writing, blogging and parenting skills.

Your questions are wonderful and I hope to return with thoughtful answers!
Thanks Again! BRB

[Frugal Duchess]

Originally Posted by beren

Sharon thanks for answering our questions despite a natural disaster! What a trooper.

Who are your favorite frugality and personal finance columnists and bloggers? Have you formed a stronger bond with other woman writers due to your shared experiences?

Hi Bren:

Thanks for commenting about Tropical Storm Fay. It's been raining & raining.

You raised several great issues. Thank you, Thank you!!
I want to spend time on those topics, especially about blogging. I will be back online late, late Saturday night and on Sunday (from early until late).

Thanks again for taking the time to ask questions. I'm having a great time in this space.

PS Thanks for your comment about the weather. We've had constant rain and I was caught in a storm-driven downpour this afternoon. I consider myself lucky; my parents live in the Central coastal region of Florida and they have had major flooding in their area. They are, however, doing fine!

[street poet]

The TV just reported seven deaths caused by Fay. Take good care of your family Sharon. I have been following your blog for a long while. You are almost like part of my family. God bless.

[Frugal Duchess]

Originally Posted by svb

Sharon,

Just wanted to stop by and say how much I've been enjoying your Q & A! I hope that things weren't too hairy with the hurricane passing by.

I've been asked this myself before, but I'd like to ask you -- how are you able to juggle your blog, work and home responsibilities? Do you feel compelled to write on your blog on a regular basis and keep up with the content generation? What are your goals with your blog -- how much monetization have you tried or applied?

I hope it's okay that I shifted the topic a bit towards blogging. I've always been curious about how other bloggers manage their blogs.

Your blog is one of the sites that inspired me to start blogging .

SVB: Thanks so much for your thoughtful questions about blogging. Juggling family, blogging and work has tested my organizational skills. I just started working full-time for a non-profit. The position provides a great benefits package and a fun opportunity to write, with a flexible office schedule. (I have the option of working from home.)

With all of those time commitments, plus the book promotion, I really make an effort to give my children quality time. My kids are ages 10, 13 and 16. Therefore, I tend to get up early and stay up late to blog, check email and read online. Saturday nights and Sunday mornings are great times to catch up on blogging because my kids are usually occupied with other activities.

And yes, I feel compelled to maintain a regular posting schedule --at least once a day--and to keep up with some of my favorite blogs. I might get an iPhone or some other hand-held gadget that will enable me to go online while I'm commuting on the bus and train.

My main goal for my blog is readership. Monetization is secondary. I have adsense links on my blog, but I have not been aggressive about pursuing other opportunities because of time constraints.

I work hard on putting a distinctive voice into a few essays each week. I try to keep a running list of fun topics and research for future posts. I listen hard to tips and ideas from other people. I also look for other sources of interesting links and material from news releases, stories and other material online.

Thanks for your kind words and questions. Your blog is an inspiration to me also. You have a great voice online.

[Frugal Duchess]

Originally Posted by street poet

The TV just reported seven deaths caused by Fay. Take good care of your family Sharon. I have been following your blog for a long while. You are almost like part of my family. God bless.

Street Poet: What a great name and thanks so much your kind thoughts.

After a week of rain, the sun is finally out! Thank G-d! On Friday, out of nowhere a rain band (a random wind and rain storm related to Fay) came through as I was trying to get home on public transportation. I was drenched but safe!

I appreciate your kind thoughts. Thanks for following my blog and taking the time to write. Your comments mean a lot to me! Take Care!

[King of Cheap]

I don't follow your blog that often but dear wife (the queen of cheap) is a huge fan. Now that I know about your book she is probably going to get it for her birthday. She is out of town right now and away from a computer. I'm here to say a hello on her behalf. Although I don't read your blog I'm sure you've saved our family lots of money. Thank you from one royally cheap person to another.

We live in a small town. Being frugal here is pretty much a way of life. As someone who lives in a large city do you find it hard to explain the concept of frugality to people? Do they look down upon the concept?

What are some other newer frugal books you recommend? Most of the titles my wife has were published many years ago.

[Frugal Duchess]

Originally Posted by King of Cheap

I don't follow your blog that often but dear wife (the queen of cheap) is a huge fan. Now that I know about your book she is probably going to get it for her birthday. She is out of town right now and away from a computer. I'm here to say a hello on her behalf. Although I don't read your blog I'm sure you've saved our family lots of money. Thank you from one royally cheap person to another.

We live in a small town. Being frugal here is pretty much a way of life. As someone who lives in a large city do you find it hard to explain the concept of frugality to people? Do they look down upon the concept?

What are some other newer frugal books you recommend? Most of the titles my wife has were published many years ago.

King of Cheap:

Love the name! Thanks for visiting the forum and checking in! Please, send your wife my greetings! I'm glad she likes my blog.

You're right! Keeping frugal in the city is a challenge. Some popular thrifty texts and suggestions are geared toward rural living.

But the basic frugal mindset can be same whether you live in the city or a small town. But things in the city can cost more and bulk shopping may not always be an option/or practical in urban areas.

In this urban area, I've met some skeptics who complain that frugal options are too time-consuming or inconvenient. Therefore, I try to find tips that save time or money.

For instance, I believe in combining errands and using commuting time productively, especially if you're traveling on public transportation.

Here are a few thrifty books that I like:

Treasure Hunt: Inside the Mind of the New Consumer by Michael J. Silverstein and John Butman

Live Your Life for Half the Price: Without Sacrificing th... by Mary M. Hunt

America's Cheapest Family Gets You Right on... by Steve Economides

The Complete Tightwad Gazette by Amy Dacyczyn

Help! I Can't Pay My Bills: Surviving a Financial Crisis by Sally Herigstad
Thanks for stopping by! I appreciate your comments and time.

[imagine girl]

About Oprah: I was featured on that show several years ago in a taped segment about miracle stories. I'll try to post a link to Orpah's archives.

And yeah, it would be great if she invited me on to her show to chat about frugal living or my book!

I've written an email to Oprah asking to see you on the show.

Sharon you have such amazing skin. Do you have any tips for cheap, affordable skin care? Everything costs an arm and a leg.

P.S. I echo everyone's sentiments. You are amazing for continuing to answering our questions despite the storm. Thank you.

[Frugal Duchess]

Originally Posted by beren

Sharon thanks for answering our questions despite a natural disaster! What a trooper.

Who are your favorite frugality and personal finance columnists and bloggers? Have you formed a stronger bond with other woman writers due to your shared experiences?

Beren:

Thanks so much for asking me a wonderful question. The personal finance community is so wonderful and supportive and yeah, the women in the personal finance world speak a common language about money, family and shopping.

One of my favorite aggregate sources is PFBlogs.org, which is a comprehensive list, link and summary of personal finance blogs. I'm also a big fan of Wise Bread.

Here are some of the other favorites, with apologies to those that I enjoy but may overlooked for this post:


Frugal For Life

FIREFinance

Lazy Man and Money

Mapgirl's Fiscal Challenge

Girls Just Wanna Have Funds

No Limits Ladies.com

Fabulous Financials

The Digerati Life

My Two Dollars

Consumerism Commentary

The Budget Fashionista

Chief Family Officer

Millionaire Mommy Next Door

Consumerist

Mrs. Micah: Finance for a Freelance Life

Boston Gal's Open Wallet

Blueprint for Financial Prosperity

AllFinancialMatters

Mighty Bargain Hunter

Five Cent Nickel

The Simple Dollar
Get Rich Slowly
Money Smart Life

[Frugal Duchess]

Originally Posted by imagine girl

I've written an email to Oprah asking to see you on the show.

Sharon you have such amazing skin. Do you have any tips for cheap, affordable skin care? Everything costs an arm and a leg.

P.S. I echo everyone's sentiments. You are amazing for continuing to answering our questions despite the storm. Thank you.

Imagine Girl:

Oooh. I appreciate your kind thoughts about the storm. It's so much better. After living under a cloud for about a week, we now have sunshine.

Thanks so much for writing to Oprah on my behalf. That's so kind of you! Thanks for the compliment about my skin!

I'm 50 years old (babe of 1958!) and I owe a lot to genes: My parents have great skin!

My skin has actually improved since I've stopped using a lot of the expensive treatments. I used to spend a fortune on skincare products, but then I realized I was on a horrible product cycle. I needed to purchase products to solve problems created by other treatments and then makeup to cover the zits and new products to clean up the makeup and new products to treat the dry skin, etc.


But here's how I help nature:

1. Drink lots of water, including water with a squeeze of lemon.

2. Cut back on sugar: less candy, cakes and other sweet treats.

3. Lots of fruit, especially blueberries and citrus fruits. It's expensive, but I try to eat lots of organic fruits and veggies.

4. I use olive oil, aloe leaves, shea butter to moisturize.

5. I do not buy or use products with parabens. I buy Cetaphil, which is cheap: about $6 and is made without lanolins, parabens and fragrance.

6. Yoga and exercise: When I reduce stress, I get fewer lines on my face.

7. I use the rough side of a clean wash cloth to exofilate my skin. Good bye dry, dead skin cells!

8. I use witch hazel or rubbing alcohol to periodically deep clean my face and to remove dead skin. (Not too often because this step is very drying)

9. I wash with clear neutrogena soap in the evening and splash on water (lots and lots of cold water) in the morning.

10. I try to laugh a lot. (That's corny, I know.)