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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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Investing in PillowsDear Mary: Any advice on buying pillows? I'll go to the store and pick one that's soft yet gives the support I want, but within a few months it's flat. How in the world do I pick a pillow that will stay full? — Kathy, Texas Dear Kathy: With pillows, like many things, you get what you pay for. A $5 pillow at Target will provide comfort for a period of time, but you can bet it will go flat. Natural-filled pillows such as pure down or down/feather blend are the most desirable but also the most expensive. Their durable nature and luxurious texture make them an investment that will provide you with years of comfort and resiliency. Down is the softest, while down/feather blends offer firm support and durability. Synthetic pillows are machine washable and less expensive than down. Some feature polyester clusters that mimic the qualities of natural down. You can refresh your synthetic pillow on your dryers' air fluff setting. This helps keep loft in the fiberfill and preserves its resiliency. High quality pillows are not cheap; however, I've found the best deals on pillows at Costco. Expect to pay at least $20 for a high-quality, hypoallergenic down-alternative pillow with at least a 300-three count cotton damask cover. That's not a bad investment when you consider you spend one-third of your life sleeping. Dear Mary: Several years ago, I cosigned student loans for my nephew.
Dear Terry: To answer your specific question, yes pay those loans now. In full. Then repay your savings account the $100 a month plus as much additional as you can. At least this way you are earning interest, not paying it. While you didn't ask, I will add that I do not understand how you let your nephew off the hook on this one. Federally guaranteed student loans are not dischargeable through bankruptcy. It was kind perhaps for you to accept the obligation, but since he's been relieved of other debt obligations, it seems to me he should be able to pay you back. Approach him with a payment schedule that both of you can live with, and then make it clear that you expect him to stick to it until you are completely repaid. That will be good for him and for you, too. 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. 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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