Everyday Cheapskate

Dear Mary: My daughter has been out of work for about one year. She cannot find a job that pays the wages that she was making before she was laid off, so now she is looking at jobs that pay less. I am thinking about taking my savings and paying off her home for her because she wants to withdraw her retirement money to pay it down. This would take all of my savings, but she could rebuild my nest egg when she got a job instead of making mortgage payments. I'm 72, and I live comfortably on my income. My daughter will inherit my estate when I pass away, so why not help her out now? — Donna B., e-mail

Dear Donna: This sounds like a really bad idea to me, but don't take my word for it. Make an appointment to speak with a reputable estate planner who can look at your current situation, help you project what you will need over the next 25 years for your own care and security, and advise you accordingly. If you do proceed with this plan, you will need a professional to help you create a legal note and a deed of trust or another document that gives you a legal position in the property so that in the event of her death, the property reverts to you.

Dear Mary: I have your "Cheapskate Solutions" booklet, which I love. However, I have not been able to find a cleaning solution for laminate flooring, such as Pergo. Do you have any solutions for this? Also, you mention "soap flakes" in your booklet for many recipes.

What are these, and where can they be purchased? — Cathy E., e-mail

Dear Cathy: Here are a couple of solutions for your laminate floors: Add 2 tablespoons of baby shampoo to 1 gallon of warm water. Use this to mop your floors. Rinse with clear water, and then dry the floors as quickly as possible. You do not want to leave water standing on laminate flooring, as it will seep into the product.

Another solution is 1 cup of white vinegar mixed with 1 gallon of warm water. Mop as you would with any other cleaner. No need to rinse.

Soap flakes, sadly, have been discontinued, so they are no longer available in stores. But not to worry. You can make your own soap flakes by grating a bar of Ivory soap with a cheese grater.

"Cheapskate Solutions" is a 56-page booklet filled with more than 200 recipes for household cleaners, beauty care items, garden concoctions and craft supplies. You can download this booklet ($3.99) or order a print copy ($6) to be sent to you by mail. Both are available in the bookstore at http://www.DebtProofLiving.com or by calling 800-550-3502 during regular business hours Pacific time.

Do you have a question for Mary? 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 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.

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