Known as 'The Witch of Wall Street', Hetty Green was all about the green. Her passion in life were money, money and more money. A strong-willed and capable woman, but also not the sort of person I would call my role model... Nevertheless, it takes all sorts so I've made this week’s bookplate about this financial sorceress.⠀
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Born 1834, Hetty grew up to become a financier and business woman during America's 'Gilded Age' (1870's ~ 1900). During this period of industrialisation and rapid economic growth, many garnered fortunes but Hetty was the only woman to do so, eventually becoming the richest woman in America. ⠀
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Yet, she was no Mother Theresa. A notorious miser she went to great lengths to keep her money, HER money. Here I have compiled a list of Hetty's Rich Witch Top Tips 🧙🏻♀️.⠀
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💰Never turn on the heat or use hot water. Only cold! Don't wash your hands either - that's a disgusting squandering of money. ⠀
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💰Have only one dress and wear it everyday. Make sure it's black for complete witch-factor. Only wash the dirty bits to save on soap. Also you only need to change your undergarments when they've completely worn out.⠀
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💰Keep biscuits in your hand bag so you never have to buy food when you're out. Only buy the cheapest kind, preferably something that tastes terrible.⠀
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💰Instead of paying rent, live in your office. ⠀
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💰Move frequently to stay ahead of the taxman.⠀
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💰Use the office radiator to heat your porridge. Eat only porridge. Sometimes a pie but only if it costs 15 cents or less. ⠀
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💰If your family members are sick, disguise yourself as a beggar and take them to the free clinic.⠀
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💰Put a 'F*ck the Patriarchy' sticker on your diary.⠀
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Ok I made that one up - but the rest of them allegedly are true! Unfortunately, Hetty died from a stroke while arguing with her maid about the virtues of skimmed milk. What a way to go. ⠀
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Fortunately she left her money to 2 children who managed to enjoy it more and easily weathered the Great Depression. They were less frugal than their mother and Hetty's daughter Sylvia left most of her $200 million fortune to hospitals, colleges, churches and other charities. I'm sure Hetty was turning in her grave.
