Posts by Judith Strauss
Living Rich the Wrong Way: Nate’s Dream House on Oprah
I recently watched a disturbingly warm and fuzzy Oprah show. One of Oprah’s cohorts, Nate Berkus, had been directed to take a schlocky tract house in Seattle and turn it into a “dream home” for an admittedly lovely family. Were they deserving of such largess? I don’t know. I’m guessing Habitat for Humanity chooses the recipients of their good works without so much concern about how camera-friendly they might be.
Read MoreLiving Rich: Cheap Thrills
Airport security wasn’t always as tight as it is today – and that extended to the airlines’ VIP lounges. When I was a senior in high school, a small group of us discovered Delta’s Crown Room at O’Hare Airport. And every now and then, we would smile our way in to enjoy a free night out. Comfy chairs. Snacks and drinks. A big-screen (for the time) TV. And excellent people-watching opportunities.
Read MoreLiving Rich: Drawing on Your Inner Resources
Being totally self-reliant, able to fend for yourself – it’s an appealing idea, one that’s been romanticized in literature and the movies.
Read MoreLet’s Talk About…Talking
I picked up the phone and Miss Blake, the school nurse, was on the line. “Mrs. Strauss,” she said, “I’m sorry to have to tell you this, but your daughter fell on the playground and hit her head.” “Where is she? Is she in your office? Should I come and get her?” “Oh, no. Oh,…
Read MoreSomething for Nothing
Can you afford to give away something for nothing to attract new customers? Not only can you… you should.
Read MoreHow to Let a Mentor Find You
Turn yourself into an outstanding employee – and your boss’s number one protege – by following this advice from Automatic Wealth for Grads… and Anyone Else Just Starting Out:
Read MoreWhy I Drive a Stick
Growing up in Chicago, there was no need for me to drive at all. Buses and subways were convenient and cheap. But then I moved to Idaho, where public transportation was nonexistent and nothing was in walking distance. So I had to learn. And the person who volunteered to teach me had a VW bug with a manual transmission.
Read MoreLiving Rich: How to Read a Poem
“One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and… speak a few reasonable words.”
Read MoreHow I Learned to Love My Glass Cooktop
“Don’t re-invent the wheel,” we’ve cautioned you in ETR. No matter what major or minor problem you’re facing, someone has already faced – and solved – it.
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