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6 Ways To Cut Pet Care Costs
As I write, a big, beautiful, brindled English bulldog is underfoot, sleeping soundly, as bulldogs do. I cannot claim ownership, but Newcastle ("Newkie" to his family) visits often. He's my granddog — and as precious as they come. So …Read more.
Fun (Cheap) Birthday Gift Ideas for Kids
Several months ago, I got a message from Elaine G., who recently had joined a moms group. With all of her newly minted friendships, she and her little one are getting invitations to lots of toddlers' birthday parties. Her dilemma took me back to …Read more.
What You Need To Know if Your Bank Fails
If it seems that more banks are closing this year than normal, you are absolutely right. Since January 2009, 106 banks and 19 credit unions have failed in the U.S. That's more than four times the number of closings in 2008. It's the most since the …Read more.
Make Your Own Sanitizing Wipes
Dear Mary: I would like to find a recipe to make hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes. Do you know of one? — Delores, e-mail
Dear Delores: I have been thinking about the same thing, now that we're learning that products like Purell are …Read more.
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Stay-at-Home AdventuresThis summer, a cash shortage need not eliminate the idea of a family vacation. Clever and creative parents can turn time off work into amazing vacation experiences without leaving town. —Make a plan. Determine the dates of your "staycation." Create an itinerary that includes activities and meals. Make a big colorful chart, and allow the kids to participate in the planning. —Notification. Let everyone know the dates you'll be on vacation. In the same way you would not be available if you were flying to another country, they need to know you will not be available during your vacation. —Think like a tourist. Do an Internet search with the name of your town plus the word "tourist." You'll be amazed at what you discover. We're talking hiking trails, bike paths, community events, museums and playgrounds that you may not know exist. Look for special deals and coupons local merchants are offering. —Change the rules. This is the fun part. Decide to break all the rules during your stay-at-home vacation, within reason. Unplug the phone; sleep in late; stay up later; watch videos; play games; go on bike rides; explore places you never have been. A few days of junk food is not likely to create any serious problems. —Camp out. Kids love to camp, so haul out your basic camping gear (borrow or rent if you need to), and set it up in the backyard. Create a fire pit so you can sit around the campfire late into the night. Be sure to use proper care, and be mindful of local rules and guidelines. Brush up on campfire songs. —Unplug. This is the challenge for parents during staycations: Everyone has to surrender cell phones and computers to a central holding area for the duration. Sure, it will be an adjustment, but it possibly will be the best move of all. Let the mail collect, to be opened when you "return home." When you are not taking some well-deserved naps, let your kids know they have your undivided attention. That will make this a true vacation because you will "vacate" the normal routines and stresses of life. —Story tapes. Check your library for audio books suitable for the whole family. If you're looking to buy, a terrific Internet source is Great Tapes for Kids, at http://www.GreatTapes.com. Tapes, DVDs and CDs start at about $10 plus shipping and handling, not a bad buy if they become family favorites. I recommend "King Arthur and His Knights" and "The Three Musketeers/Robin Hood," which are told by Jim Weiss, who spins tales so that a 5-year-old can enjoy them. Other family favorites include stories of fantasy and hope, such as "The Golden Drum" and "Little Heroes," by masterful storyteller Jay O'Callahan. —Memories. Be sure to take lots of pictures, and let the kids help to create a scrapbook of memories. Don't be surprised when they call it the best vacation ever! Mary Hunt is the founder of www.DebtProofLiving.com and author of 18 books, including her latest, "Can I Pay My Credit Card Bill With a Credit Card?" You can e-mail her at mary@everydaycheapskate.com, or write to Everyday Cheapskate, P.O. Box 2135, Paramount, CA 90723. To find out more about Mary Hunt and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2009 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC.
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