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Debit Cards and Motorcycles Just Aren't Safe
For decades, I've pleaded with you to not use debit cards because they are not safe. And for years, I warned my sons about the dangers of riding motorcycles because they are not safe.
Has anyone listened and taken heed? Debit cards are more popular …Read more.
Overspent and Overloaded? You Need Margin
Bill Smith sits down to his most dreaded chore — paying bills. Every month, it's the same story: Pay the most urgent, and leave the rest. There's never enough money, no matter how hard he works.
Jane Miller flies into the school office …Read more.
Bounce Back From Bankruptcy
Dear Mary: Please give me some pointers on bouncing back from bankruptcy. Will this have any effect on future employment opportunities? — Henry, email
Dear Henry: Live on cash. Have only one credit card, and if you use it, pay it in full every …Read more.
With Knowledge Comes Savings
Many things that we buy are simply not negotiable. The salesperson at Macy's won't negotiate with you over the price of that newly arrived collection. The supermarket checker won't haggle with you over the price of eggs. But a ring at your local …Read more.
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Don't Break the Rules of Self-EmploymentDear Mary: My husband and I have really gotten ourselves in deep this time. At the time, we thought starting a franchise using our personal credit cards was a good idea. The manager we hired was inept and untrustworthy. Now we are in credit-card debt to the tune of $250,000. We are trying to crawl out from under this problem and are out of working capital to keep things going. We can't find anyone who will make us a consolidation loan. We are sinking fast! — Name withheld, Texas Dear Nameless: I wish you'd written before you headed down such a dangerous path. Instead, you violated nearly every rule of self-employment: You went into business with borrowed funds. You hired employees before you were profitable. You thought of credit as "working capital." Need I go on? I will say that if there's one thing you did right, it was not taking out a home-equity loan to fund this nightmare. As much as your unsecured creditors may scream and yell, hassle and harangue, they cannot take your home. But they can sue you if you are unable to keep up with your monthly minimum payments. While bankruptcy is legal, I find it to be neither moral nor ethical. While you might be relieved of the burden through bankruptcy, discharged debts don't disappear, and there might be tax implications. However, it pains me greatly to suggest it's probably time for you to consult with a bankruptcy attorney. Dear Mary: I enjoy your column very much. You have shared and taught me many ways to save money and time.
Dear Wylodean: This is likely a job for a professional, since you describe them as heavy scratches. You need to call a company that specializes in removing scratches from storefront windows and doors, or a windshield repair specialist. Not all cracks can be repaired, but most scratches can, so it should be worth your time to at least get a professional opinion. I would also get an estimate on replacing the glass, which you may find to be more economical. Dear Mary: How do you remove rust from metal muffin pans? My husband let them soak overnight and then didn't dry them. Now I can't get the rust off. I have tried Brillo, scrubbing and even begging, but to no avail. Help! Thanks. — Diana, Florida Dear Diana: I have two magic words for you: Bar Keepers Friend. This is a fabulous household cleanser that removes difficult stains from stainless steel, aluminum, copper, china, plastic, brass, grouting, tiles, Corian countertops and composition sinks. Look for it in the cleaning aisle next to other household cleansers like Comet and Ajax or online at Amazon.com. Do you have a question for Mary? Email her at mary@everydaycheapskate.com, or write to Everyday Cheapskate, P.O. Box 2099, Cypress, CA 90630. Mary Hunt is the founder of www.DebtProofLiving.com, a personal finance member website and the author of "Cheaper, Better, Faster: Over 2,000 Tips and Tricks to Save You Time and Money Every Day," released in 2013. To find out more about Mary and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2013 CREATORS.COM 
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