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Handy Tools Ease the Pain
Manufactures have been making a name — and a profit — for themselves creating tools and gadgets to help consumers get a "better grip" on countless household tasks. And I'm not knocking it. But I love it when I don't have to …Read more.
Let the Decluttering Begin
I know it's time. It's been time for at least five years, possibly longer. I need to clean my kitchen. Now, before you send the Health Department to my address, let me explain. What I mean by "clean" is that I need to clean out and …Read more.
A Glimmer of Hope to Cling To
Think back to a low point in your life. Don't struggle with this, just try to recall when you were going through a difficult season and life seemed bleak. Now recall that first glimmer of hope you clung to as you could see that things were beginning …Read more.
Homemade Solutions Are Budget-friendly
Dear Mary: Do you have a homemade recipe for bathroom air freshener refills? I have Air Wick brand, and I'm wondering if there is an easier and cheaper way to refill it when it runs dry. — D.R., California
Dear D.R.: Four to eight drops of …Read more.
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In Recessionary Times, Thrift Stores Are BoomingI love to read about the ingenious ways people are dealing with the effects of this unrelenting recession. Reminds me of a news story I read recently about the rise in popularity of thrift stores. They're becoming so popular, in fact, new ones are popping up about as fast as traditional retailers are closing. It's all about supply and demand, and clever ways to pay less for the things we need and want. This came to mind when I received today's first great reader tip. VACATION TOYS. I recently went to Florida on a vacation with a friend and her young child. Instead of packing bulky beach toys, we made a quick stop at a local thrift store when we arrived. For a couple of dollars, she got cups, strainers, spoons, shovels, toys and all sorts of things to play with in the sand. The toys were new and exciting, and my friend's child had hours of enjoyment. When the vacation was over, we gave them to a family with kids also vacationing at the beach. — Maribeth, Ohio CHEAP MASCARA. I was eager to ditch my expensive brand of mascara and try something cheaper, so I jumped when I found a coupon for a brand that was also on sale. I didn't like the applicator brush, but remembered reading that mascaras are basically the same except the design of the applicator brush. So I cleaned the one from my old mascara and found that it fit the new bottle. I couldn't be happier. I really can't tell the difference from the expensive brand! — Abby, Minnesota HEIRLOOM HISTORY.
COIN JAR FOR VACATIONS. We keep a jar that we put all our change into during the year. At vacation time, that change becomes spending money for the kids. They contribute all the change they have during the year, too. This teaches them to save for something they want on vacation. Before we leave, we cash in the money and divide it between the two of them. They get to spend it how they want during our vacation. We've saved between $200 and $400 each year, just in change! — Angie, email Would you like to send a tip to Mary? You can email her at mary@everydaycheapskate.com, or write to Everyday Cheapskate, P.O. Box 2099, Cypress, CA 90630. Include your first and last name and state. Mary Hunt is the founder of www.DebtProofLiving.com and author of 20 books, including her January 2012 release "7 Money Rules for Life." To find out more about Mary and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2012 CREATORS.COM
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