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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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Doggy Door Do-Over Wins Tip of the MonthTIP OF THE MONTH. Doggy door flap replacements are expensive; my pet store wanted $35 for one. So why not make your own? Check out the carpet section at your local discount department store, and pick up a rubber-backed doormat for a couple of dollars. Then just cut it to fit using the old door flap as a template. I only spent about $2. -- Shirley R., Missouri
Congratulations to Shirley R. for winning our Tip of the Month contest. What a great idea -- and a brand-new one for Mary and the Debt-Proof Living staff. Shirley wins a one-year membership to the members-only section of DPL Online (DebtProofLiving.com). TRAVEL SMART. My husband and I looked into purchasing travel bags that would hold one complete outfit per day for our upcoming trip, but they were too expensive. So we rolled our stuff and packed it all in those clear plastic zippered bags our linens came in, and it worked perfectly. We could pull out one bag (with shorts, socks, T-shirts, etc.) and see exactly what we had the option of wearing every day. -- Kama M., Texas QUICK PAINT FILTER. If you are starting a paint job and find you are out of paint filters, take old knee-high hose, and pull them tight over the paint can. The hose will trap all unwanted gunk. They work much better and are a lot cheaper than the paper filters you buy at the paint store. -- Davena Z., Illinois DECORATOR'S HELPER. GIVING BACK WITH COUPONS. When I shop using coupons, sales and two-for-one offers, sometimes I find a great deal on an item I don't need or use. I still take advantage of the savings and then donate the item to my local food bank or shelter. Toiletries, mints and gum also make a nice care package for our service members overseas. Cat food and dog food help my local animal shelter. -- Matthew L., California CHEAP LUNCH CONTAINERS. Instead of using nice Tupperware to take my lunch to work, I just use old containers of sour cream, cottage cheese, butter or any other container that may fit my lunch. That way I don't end up losing my good Tupperware when I bring my lunch to work. These containers are easy to wash and reuse. -- Jared H., Utah Would you like to send a tip to Mary? You can 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 DebtProofLiving.com and author of 17 books, including "Debt-Proof Living" and "Tiptionary 2." To find out more about Mary and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.
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