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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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Secrets of Frugality ExpertsRecently, an interviewer asked how she should refer to me. "Are you a financial planner, an investment professional ... just what are you?" Now and then, I do refer to myself as a cheapskate, but that didn't seem to fit the situation. "I'm a frugality expert," I replied. I like that, and she appreciated it as well. By the looks of my mailbox, we're growing lots of frugality experts here at Everyday Cheapskate, and that warms my heart. It's not big dramatic things we do now and then to save money, but the little things we do all the time that add up to a way of life that allows us to live below our means. FLIPPING THE BERRIES. Some of the blueberries at the bottom of the container get moldy faster than ones at the top. So now I turn the container over every night. I also do this with grapes, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and other produce that's similarly packed in containers. — Elaine, Pennsylvania ORGANIZED ENVELOPE SYSTEM. I like to use a coupon organizer as my envelope system. I re-label each category with my envelope names, such as gas, groceries, allowance, tithe, etc. This way I have all of my "envelopes" together in one place/pouch, and it's a little less conspicuous to hold my cash stash. — Stacy, Texas CORD CONTROL. I use empty toilet paper rolls to help organize the cords from appliances when not in use. I just fold the cords over and slip the roll over them. This is very useful when transporting a slow cooker somewhere.
GRAVY, NO LUMPS PLEASE. When making gravy or thickening a soup or stew, add flour or cornstarch and a little liquid to an empty jar. Screw on the lid, shake until everything is mixed, and pour the mixture into the hot pot or pan. Doing this makes the gravy lump-free every time. — Edwin, North Carolina JEWELRY ON DISPLAY. I found I wasn't wearing many of my lovely necklaces and other jewelry because they were not in sight when I got dressed each day. I was in a dollar store and noticed the expandable cup racks. I bought two racks and hung them in the space next to my closet door. I hung necklaces, bracelets and even my colorful watches on the dowels meant for coffee cups. Now I see my jewelry every day and rarely miss wearing something from the rack. I even bought a few more and hang my many scarves in full view, as well. — Sue, email DISHWASHER-FREE SPACE. With the kids gone, I enjoy washing the few dishes my husband and I use. After realizing that we rarely used our new dishwasher, we sold it. Now I have a handy, out-of-the-way place for my kitchen trash, the gallon jugs of rug cleaner and vinegar, and my containers of everyday cleaning supplies. After 10 years, I still do not miss the dishwasher. — Carmen, Oregon 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 2135, Paramount, CA 90723. 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 her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2012 CREATORS.COM
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