Frugal Duchess's blog

About Frugal Duchess

Frugal Duchess's picture

Sharon Harvey Rosenberg has fine tastes and a small budget. She is the author of "How to Live Well and Save Money" and is a newspaper columnist.

Frugal Duchess's profile

25 Frugal Things I Do, 4 Spendthrift Confessions

Posted October 27, 2009 - 05:00 by Frugal Duchess

Lifestyle

My Favorite Frugal Habits

On a regular basis, I review, update and fine-tune my list of 25 Frugal Habits. Home-made spa treatments and a cable-free home are a few of my top money-saving habits. Recycling, end-of-season shopping and a private-label grocery list help me save money. The list keeps me honest, inspired and frugal.

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The Power of Change: A Frugal Move to Wise Bread

Posted October 20, 2009 - 05:00 by Frugal Duchess

Career and Income

The Frugal Duchess moves to Wise Bread to save time, money and energy. Professional, shopping and creative co-ops are frugal uses of time, talent, money and resources. Sometimes you have to do less, to earn more.

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How to Make Your Commute Profitable

Posted August 31, 2009 - 12:14 by Frugal Duchess

Cars and Transportation

Every day, I use public transpiration to commute to my day job. The arrangement saves money, reduces my carbon footprint and actually helps me to earn extra money. Here’s how, I get the most from the local transit system.

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The Best Book I've Ever Read About Making Changes Stick

Posted July 31, 2009 - 05:00 by Frugal Duchess

Life Hacks

sign of change

"Small Change" is a money-saving, life-altering book. Here's the book's formula for making changes stick and how I've used it to change my life.

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Telling My Daughter the Truth about Her New 'Friend,' The Salesclerk!

Posted July 29, 2009 - 04:00 by Frugal Duchess

Shopping

teen sales clerk

At the risk of hurting my baby's feelings, I had to tell her that the cool teenager in the 'tween-age clothing store was not really a friend. The 16-year-old salesclerk --so cute, so charming--was more interested in my daughter's wallet.

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10 Hidden Costs & Rules of Pet Ownership

Posted July 27, 2009 - 15:00 by Frugal Duchess

Lifestyle

scruffy the dog relaxing on couch

Here's what adoption agencies and pet shops don't tell you about your future pet. Find out these hidden rules & costs of owning pets before you bring home your furry friend.

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How to Get Free Wi-Fi at Airports that Charge for Internet Connections

Posted July 25, 2009 - 08:42 by Frugal Duchess

Technology, Cars and Transportation

travelers using airport wifi

If you're stuck at an airport that charges for Internet connections, here's a solution: Go to the gift shop and ask for a a free Wi-Fi pass.

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Free Databases and Manuals at Public Libraries

Posted July 23, 2009 - 09:25 by Frugal Duchess

Life Hacks, Art and Leisure

Your library's online portal is filled with valuable resources that could save time and money. Free car repair manuals, do-it-yourself roof repair guides and language lessons are all available with a few keystrokes.

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How I'm Conquering My Bag Lady Fears: My 10-Step Program

Posted July 20, 2009 - 08:00 by Frugal Duchess

Lifestyle, Budgeting

What keeps me up late at night? I worry about becoming a bag lady. And I have plenty of company; a lot of women (and some men also)have secret fears about living on the streets without money or sanity. Here's how I cope.

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How I Averted an Emotional Spending Binge: My Six-Step Program

Posted July 17, 2009 - 12:50 by Frugal Duchess

Shopping

shopper crossing sign

When you're tired or feeling blue it is easy to fall prey to emotional spending. Here's my six-point strategy for avoiding frivolous spending when you are at your most vulnerable.

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15 Low Cost Ways to Beat Stress

Posted July 16, 2009 - 15:00 by Frugal Duchess

Health and Beauty

relaxing view of the ocean

Emotional spending and expensive junk food binges -- budget busters -- are often triggered by stress. Here are 15 ideas for diminishing stress without spending a lot of money.

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Mommy I'm Bored: 25 Frugal Ways to Beat Summer Boredom

Posted July 14, 2009 - 12:07 by Frugal Duchess

Art and Leisure

My 9-year-old daughter does not start camp until later this month. This means I have to entertain her or endure a steady chorus of: Mommy, I'm Bored! Here's what we're doing to cure the summer blues.

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I Won't Eat or Spend While Standing Up

Posted July 11, 2009 - 15:00 by Frugal Duchess

Shopping

lincoln sitting down thinking

When we make big purchases or large financial commitments -- a car, a home, college tuition -- at some point in that process, we actually have to sit down. Why don't do we do that more often?

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I Earned 20% More After Reading This Book

Posted July 10, 2009 - 11:00 by Frugal Duchess

Productivity, Career Building

how to stop worrying and start living by Dale Carnegie

Within the last 30 days, I've increased my monthly income by about 20 percent and I give credit to to a book from 1944: How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie. In this piece, I'll highlight the strategy that has really put more money in my pocket.

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10 Classes to Boost Earning & Savings Power

Posted July 8, 2009 - 06:33 by Frugal Duchess

Career Building

Education is one of the best ways to improve your financial situation. Here is my list of the 10 best classes that would boost my earnings and increase my savings.

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Cheap and Easy Repairs for Wardrobe Malfunctions

Posted June 28, 2009 - 11:05 by Frugal Duchess

Health and Beauty

At work, parties or other formal occasions, wardrobe malfunctions can be expensive. Sudden downpours, popped buttons and scuffed shoes can lead to quick-fix shopping sprees or expensive repair bills. Here are 6 money-saving survival tips for fashion emergencies.

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Wash It Yourself & Other Ways to Save Money on Organic Fruits, Veggies

Posted June 21, 2009 - 07:55 by Frugal Duchess

Food and Drink

My children appreciate the added flavor in organic fruits, vegetables and dairy products. Unfortunately, organic products are expensive. The following strategies have helped us to purchase organic products while staying on a tight budget.

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