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How To Stay On Track When Paying Off Debt
Dear Mary: I read your book "Debt-Proof Living" and was excited to implement your Rapid Debt-Repayment Plan. We did well the first month, but we have fallen off the wagon and are behind on payments again. Even though I feel discouraged, we …
Cheapest Parent Wins 2nd Award!
This month's Tip of the Month was won by virtue of the fact that it's a tip we never had heard before. Sure, we've received thousands having to do with laundry and ways to soften dryer loads cheaply, but this one left us smiling:
TIP OF THE MONTH. …
How To Take Advantage of the New Tax Laws
So you think the new administration's stimulus plan and economic initiatives have nothing in them for you? You might be wrong, says Kelli B. Grant, who is the senior consumer reporter for SmartMoney, in a recent article for Good Housekeeping …
It's Not Easy To Win the Rebate Game
A recent letter from Elle S. in Texas stirred up my personal ire on the subject of rebates. I detest them! It's a game in which the deck is stacked against the consumer. Always.
Elle writes: "I purchased my Sprint phone in May 2008. I should …
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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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