Everyday Cheapskate from Creators Syndicate

If I Could Turn Back Time, I Wouldn't for 10/19/2009

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Yesterday I turned back time. Really! I had to set my lawn sprinkler's timer back an hour.

It was surreal to watch the numbers go backward — so much so that when I reached the desired time, I didn't stop. I let it go a full 24 hours back, one hour at a time.

As the numbers counted backward, I let my mind wander. If I could, would I want to relive time that has past? Would I ...

Updated: Mon Oct 19, 2009

A Solution for Every Smelly Situation for 10/20/2009

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Years ago, I became the proud owner of one of the best inventions known to womankind: a Singer Featherweight portable sewing machine, circa 1948. I found the perfect specimen on eBay. My Featherweight arrived, complete with original carrying case, manual, foot pedal and power cord. It looked and operated as if it had been brand-new! There was just one problem: Its odor knocked me out. Think of ...

Updated: Tue Oct 20, 2009

7 Ways To Clean for Less for 10/21/2009

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

As one who is living through the mess of a home remodel that includes a fabulous new shower, I was particularly drawn to today's first great reader tip. I wasted no time mixing up some of Debbie's "home brew," so I'm all ready to go as soon as the grout sets and the fixtures are installed. I can't wait!

SHOWER SPARKLE. The best shower cleaner I ever have used is 1 part Dawn dis ...

Updated: Wed Oct 21, 2009

Sorry, Buster, You've Got the Wrong Number for 10/22/2009

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Dear Mary: Someone who has the same name as my husband apparently has been running up his credit cards and not paying his bills. The credit collection companies mistakenly call our home with threatening messages for this man and his wife. We explain to the callers that they have the wrong person. My husband's credit reports contain no errors, and his credit is fine. We even have signed up with ...

Updated: Thu Oct 22, 2009

The Pitfalls of 'Keep the Change' for 10/26/2009

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

When I first heard the radio commercials for Bank of America's "Keep the Change" debit card, I was fairly impressed. I mean, with the slogan "save automatically with everyday purchases" and the promises that "you don't have to think about saving," that you can "double your savings" and that the bank will "match your Keep the Change savings at 100 per ...

Updated: Mon Oct 26, 2009

9 Free Web Sites Worth Their Weight in Gold for 10/27/2009

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

If you've become suspicious of anything that says it's free, you're a smart consumer. Normally, I would agree that "free" comes with a price, but every now and then, I find a useful Web site that truly is free. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. ASK THE COMPUTER LADY. Got computer-related questions? The Computer Lady, at http://www.AskTCL.com, has answers to your questions, esp ...

Updated: Tue Oct 27, 2009

7 Ways To Improve Your Laundry IQ for 10/28/2009

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Taking care of what you've got is one of the fundamental ways to make things last longer and save money. Nowhere is that more important than in your laundry. Today fellow readers share their best tips for how to remove stains successfully and stretch laundry supplies to cut costs.

GREASE POLICE. Sometimes I find grease stains on my clothing, and I've found that dish soap is the most effe ...

Updated: Wed Oct 28, 2009

Work From Home but Avoid Scams for 10/29/2009

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Dear Mary: I am employed full time, working 12-hour shifts three days a week. I am looking for a second, part-time job to generate more income, but I need to work from home. There are so many bad offers out there that I can't figure out which might be legitimate. Do you know of any solid, reliable "work from home" companies? Should I have to pay to get started? I have seen so many &qu ...

Updated: Thu Oct 29, 2009

5 Lessons I Wish I'd Learned Sooner for 11/02/2009

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

While I refuse to live with regret, I must admit there are a few things I wish I'd learned sooner. Because I don't want you to make the same mistakes, I'm going to give you my top five so you don't have to learn the hard way.

1. The lottery is a terrible tax on ignorance. In my life, I have contributed a small percentage of my income to the worthless pursuit of playing the lottery. I wis ...

Updated: Mon Nov 02, 2009

How To Jump Into the Coupon Game for 11/03/2009

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

A recent column about couponing produced a lot of mail. I recommended The Coupon Clippers as a way to choose the grocery coupons that you want and need, instead of taking a chance that you'll find them in the Sunday paper or elsewhere. I learned that you want to learn how to use manufacturer, store-issued, electronic and printable coupons effectively and that you are confused about where to sta ...

Updated: Tue Nov 03, 2009

Post Office Clerk Demonstrates New Flat Rate for 11/04/2009

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Today's first great reader tip, from Shirley in Indiana, brings new meaning to the term "flat rate" and also earns Shirley a one-year membership to Debt-Proof Living Online (at http://www.DebtProofLiving.com). You are going to love this:

TIP OF THE MONTH. Now that the U.S. Postal Service bases postage charges on the thickness of a letter, as well as its weight, use a rolling pi ...

Updated: Wed Nov 04, 2009

Swap Books You Have for Those You Want for 11/05/2009

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Dear Mary: I had the address of a Web site that allows you to list your books by ISBN and swap them with other members. My plan was to let my daughter enter all of our books into the system so she would have an allowance for her book purchases. Unfortunately, I have been unable to find that Web site again. Can you help? — Echo W., e-mail

Dear Echo: The site you are looking for is P ...

Updated: Thu Nov 05, 2009

How To Get Cash Back on Top of Great Deals for 11/09/2009

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

We are in the throes of a major remodel at my home. We are turning a 1972 master bedroom and bath suite into something a bit more up-to-date, and we're doing most of the work ourselves.

Which brings me to floor tile. We made a trip to a local discount tile store and found the perfect specimen. I gulped when I saw the price of almost $16 per square foot. We've saved up for a long time to ...

Updated: Mon Nov 09, 2009

How To Turn Scrap Gold Into Cash Without Getting Ripped Off for 11/10/2009

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

I promise not to ask whether you remember when the price of gold was fixed at $35 an ounce or when U.S. currency was tied to the gold standard. (Hint: The Gold Standard Act was passed March 14, 1900, but later suspended.) Things have changed drastically over the years, with gold now hovering around $1,050 per ounce.

Let's turn to your jewelry box, shall we? Remember all that gold you bou ...

Updated: Tue Nov 10, 2009

Travel Tips and Tricks for 11/11/2009

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

With increased security rules and higher costs, traveling is not as easy as it once was. Because I travel quite a bit, mostly by air, I love the clever tips and tricks that readers send in to make air travel easier and cheaper.

BREAKFAST IN A JAR. When you are traveling, carry 1/3 cup of powdered milk in a jar. For a cheap breakfast in your hotel room, just add 1 cup of ice water, and
Updated: Wed Nov 11, 2009

A Simple Spray Sends Stray Cats Away for 11/12/2009

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Dear Mary: We have two neighbor cats that think our front flowerbeds are their own personal toilets. They have found a spot right next to our front door to do their business, and we can't keep them out of it. Do you have any suggestions? — Cindi, Oregon

Dear Cindi: Cats hate the smell of citrus. So instead of throwing away orange, lemon and grapefruit peels, soak those rinds in a l ...

Updated: Thu Nov 12, 2009

For You: A Few of My Favorite Things for 11/16/2009

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Last year, a friend of mine had the best idea. She made gift baskets for her friends filled with her favorite things. Taking a nod from her, I'd like to give you a virtual basket filled with some of my personal favorite things.

—Real Salt. I'm not that great of a cook, but don't tell my friends and family. They think I am, and I owe it all to Real Salt, which is all-natural, kosher ...

Updated: Mon Nov 16, 2009

Why You Can't Afford Credit Card Debt for 11/17/2009

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Last year, the Federal Reserve Board announced new rules for banks that issue credit cards. The rules will remove unfair credit card practices. Months later, Congress passed into law the new Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009. Both of these become effective in February. That's like telling a rebellious teenager, "You're grounded ... in 10 months."

Updated: Tue Nov 17, 2009

7 Simple Ways To Stretch Food Further for 11/18/2009

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Buying groceries on sale and cooking meals at home are excellent ways to keep the cost of food under control, but there are other things we can do. Here, for your enjoyment, are simple ways other "Everyday Cheapskate" readers make food and kitchen supplies last longer and stretch further.

SUGARCOATED. Last year, I asked for a tea infuser for Christmas, and I got two. I use one ...

Updated: Wed Nov 18, 2009

Make Your Own Sanitizing Wipes for 11/19/2009

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 -0800

Dear Mary: I would like to find a recipe to make hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes. Do you know of one? — Delores, e-mail

Dear Delores: I have been thinking about the same thing, now that we're learning that products like Purell are typically 60 percent alcohol-based. Even though that rivals the potency of a 120-proof alcoholic beverage for a child who might ingest it, public hea ...

Updated: Thu Nov 19, 2009