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6 Ways To Cut Pet Care Costs
As I write, a big, beautiful, brindled English bulldog is underfoot, sleeping soundly, as bulldogs do. I cannot claim ownership, but Newcastle ("Newkie" to his family) visits often. He's my granddog — and as precious as they come. So …Read more.
Fun (Cheap) Birthday Gift Ideas for Kids
Several months ago, I got a message from Elaine G., who recently had joined a moms group. With all of her newly minted friendships, she and her little one are getting invitations to lots of toddlers' birthday parties. Her dilemma took me back to …Read more.
What You Need To Know if Your Bank Fails
If it seems that more banks are closing this year than normal, you are absolutely right. Since January 2009, 106 banks and 19 credit unions have failed in the U.S. That's more than four times the number of closings in 2008. It's the most since the …Read more.
Make Your Own Sanitizing Wipes
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 …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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