As soon as we met Pam Sherman we knew she’d be the perfect PoorLittleRichGirl to profile in our Career Issue. Pam is the owner and founder of Chicago Anytime Assistants, a personal assistant service for busy Chicagoans, and a self-proclaimed “sale freak.” Pam dreamed up CAA when she found herself having to decide whether to spend her time outside of work running errands or hanging with her friends and family. “Sometimes all you need is someone to be at your home to let the cable guy in, but if you’re working full time that can be a big inconvenience,” Pam says. She knew there were plenty of other Chicagoans who were struggling with the same time (and inevitable budget) pressures that come with big city life. 

Pam combined her years of experience in advertising with her knack for saving time and money to create CAA, whose team can assist with just about anything you might not have time to do, “As long as it’s legal,” Pam says. So, if you’re strapped for time and need help booking a vacation, writing thank you notes, picking up dry cleaning or even gift-wrapping, Pam’s your gal. Oh, and true to PLRG form, she makes sure to check for any coupons or discounts she can use to save her clients’ money!

Finding a PoorLittleRichGirl who’s a pro and managing money and time? We had to pick her brain to find out what makes this PLRG tick:

What makes you a “PoorLittleRichGirl?”

I’ve been cheap my whole life and I’ve always been able to find things for less than retail price. My mom is the one who taught me how to bargain shop. It gives me a feeling of satisfaction to buy something for less than retail. I also like to save the tags from my clothes to prove what a deal I got!

Can you give any advice to our readers on how to stay on top of what’s hot and affordable?

For my clients, I do alot of exploring and searching for deals on my own. I am always talking to people and asking questions. Being curious can build a good knowledge of what’s out there and how to save money.

What’s your best, no fail tip for saving money?

Let sales and coupons be your guide and tell you when to buy things. For example, Bloomies was having a 50% off sale and I was able to stock up on some birthday gifts ahead of time and save. Also, before I  go shopping for anything, for myself or a client, I search coupon and promo code sites. You are able to specify exactly what you need and it will let you know what coupons or discounts are out there.

What’s your favorite spot for Cheap Eats and why?

Chicago Pizza And Oven Grinder Co. ($9-$15). It’s a great value for how much food you get and they fill their glasses of wine right to the top! It’s always great, but remember it’s cash only.

What’s your favorite store/boutique for affordable fashion?

Loehmann’s! More than half of my wardrobe is from that store! It’s like a home away from home. Pretty much any “fancy” designer item I own is from there. They also have an “Insider’s Club,” so they send me discounts, coupons, you can earn points and even get 15% off on your birthday. I was able to combine my discount from my points and my birthday discount to get 35%! Instead of a dinner or drinks, I made my friends take me to Loehman’s in the suburbs for my birthday.

What is your favorite (and reasonably priced) event in Chicago? Could be any time of year.

Zoolights. It has some sentimental value for me because my husband and I went on one of our first dates there. It really is an easy, cheap date idea and you can head over to R.J. Grunts afterward!

If you woke up one day and weren’t a “PoorLittleRichGirl” anymore- say you won the lottery- what would you do with the money/your life?

I know this sounds corny, but I would share the money. I think that if I won a bunch of money and had no one to share it with, I wouldn’t  enjoy myself. This way, “everyone wins” so to speak, and we can all enjoy it!

 
(Lacey Brenly)