Dear Mary: I love to save money, and I love your column. Is there a place to check out As Seen On TV products to see whether they work? Sometimes I'll buy from Bed, Bath & Beyond because it has a good return policy, but I rather would do the research before I buy. — Barbara, Indiana

Dear Barbara: I suggest that you do an Internet search on the exact product you are considering. You're sure to find a plethora of sites and blogs that have reviewed it. Be prepared. You'll read everything from satisfied customers to those who are crying "scam!" You can evaluate their experiences and make an informed decision as to whether you want to take a chance.

I suggest that you not order from the TV infomercial itself. Wait, as you suggest, until it comes to a store near you. If you can't wait, check on eBay for the product. I think you will find that the returns on infomercial products often are liquidated on eBay. That is how I purchased four Chop Wizards for Christmas gifts one year. I got quite a bargain on one of my all-time favorite kitchen items. I love my Chop Wizard, which I purchased new on eBay for just $15 including shipping. Not bad!

Dear Mary: I have a 3-year-old daughter. My husband and I plan to have more children eventually. I have saved lots of baby things — clothing, toys and other items — but I am having trouble storing all of these things. They have taken over my guest room closet. I cannot take up any more space with these things. I have begun bags for donation and garage sales, but there are some things I need to keep for future children. I do not like the idea of paying for storage space elsewhere, but I am not sure what to do with these quickly accumulating things. Can you help? — Becky, Wisconsin

Dear Becky: Do you have friends or relatives with garage, basement or attic space you could use for a few years? If not, I suggest you decide what items you really need to retain. For all of the clothes, blankets and other soft items, get a few Space Bags, which easily are filled and compressed using your vacuum cleaner with a hose to suck out all the air. You can stash these under beds or in the tops of closets. As for equipment, get out your tools and disassemble it. Put all of the pieces into compact boxes that you can tuck away. Take photos during the process so you'll remember how to put these items back together when the new babies arrive.

Do you have a question for Mary? E-mail her at [email protected], 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.