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Tips That Make You Feel Like a Genius
Secretly, I feel like a genius when I discover a secondary use for this or that — in case I run out of this, but have plenty of that! Like using a paper coffee filter to wash a glass top or mirror when I'm in a pinch for paper towels. Or using …Read more.
Supermarket Tricks That Makes Us Spend More
I've always thought of myself as pretty sharp when it comes to spotting supermarket trickery. I'm not even fazed by an end-cap display announcing, "Special." I know their ways. They hope we'll just assume that "special" means …Read more.
The Struggle to Actually Use up Gift Cards
My love-hate relationship with gift cards has intensified. What a pain, really. I'm one who just forgets to use them, and when I remember, I try to figure out how to use each one to the last cent. I was reminded of my situation recently when I …Read more.
Commingle Personal and Business Finances? Never!
Dear Mary: I am reading your book, "Debt-Proof Living," and have begun tracking my expenses. I have a home-based business. Should I include business expenses or just personal expenses in the tracking? — Lucy, Vermont
Dear Lucy: You …Read more.
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Close Down That Buffet in the DishwasherDear Mary: I have ants in my dishwasher, and I do not want to use toxic chemicals to kill them. I worry about residue getting on my dishes. Do you know how I can get rid of these ants? — Mistie B., e-mail Dear Mistie: Yours is a fairly common problem this time of year, as the summer heat sends ants in search of food and water. Ants can get into the dishwasher from a variety of places, such as the dryer vents and even the drain. Here's how to rid your dishwasher of pests: Pour a gallon of white vinegar into the bottom of the dishwasher. Close the door, and let it sit for an hour or so. That will take care of any ants that come in through the drain. Then run the dishwasher empty on the hottest cycle. Once the cycle is complete, spray the inside surfaces of the dishwasher with a solution of water and lemon juice. Ants hate citrus. In the future, do not store dirty dishes in the dishwasher, as it turns into an inviting buffet for ants. Dear Mary: I'm married and am responsible for my own credit card. When I applied, they sent me two cards, including one in my husband's name. Does this mean that this is a shared account, creating a shared credit history? I intended to use this account to establish my own credit history and credit score, not for it to be shared with my husband. — Le K., e-mail Dear Le: That second card with your husband's name means that he is either a secondary owner on the account or an authorized user.
Dear Mary: I am 64 years old and plan to retire when I am 66. My boss is urging me to retire now, which would leave me with $200 a month less than I would get if I retired at 66. If I do not retire now, he says he may have to pare down my salary because the company is cutting back. Do you think I should retire now? — Marge G., Illinois Dear Marge: I believe you are referring to the amount of money you would receive from Social Security if you were to begin drawing on that now instead of when you reach 66. I think you would be better off remaining employed as long as possible, even if that means having to take a pay cut to do so. Get serious now about cutting your expenses in every way possible so you don't feel a big pinch when your income is reduced. Do you have a question for Mary? E-mail her at mary@everydaycheapskate.com, or write to Everyday Cheapskate, P.O. Box 2135, Paramount, CA 90723. Mary Hunt is the founder of www.DebtProofLiving.com and author of 18 books, including "Can I Pay My Credit Card Bill With a Credit Card?" To find out more about Mary and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2009 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC.
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