Everyday Cheapskate

Outstanding college student debt in this country has now exceeded the amount of outstanding credit-card debt. That simply boggles my mind, not only because I cannot get my head around $800 billion, but even more challenging is to imagine how this number will continue to grow as higher education becomes more and more expensive. That's why I was thrilled to be reminded of a college that for years has been bucking that system. Today's first reader tip shares the scoop:

GRADUATE DEBT-FREE. At College of the Ozarks in Hollister, Mo., students don't pay tuition. Instead, they work for their education and graduate without debt. — Myra, email

FILTER THE CORK. If the cork breaks while opening a bottle of wine, filter the wine while pouring through a coffee filter. — Brenda, California

SPACE-SAVING ORGANIZER. I live in a very small house where space is at a premium. The hanging pocket shoe organizers, in hanger or over-the-door models, is a lifesaver. I use these for toiletries and first aid supplies. I hang it on the inside of our linen closet, but it can be suspended from any door or wall. Best of all, when we go out of town I can grab it and take the whole thing with us. — Simon, email

SHINY DISHES. We have hard water, and my drinking glasses were a mess until a friend told me to use Lemi Shine dishwasher additive. I fill the soap compartment about half full of Walmart-brand dishwasher detergent, and add about 1 tablespoon of Lemi Shine. Everything comes out clean and sparkly.

FURNITURE RECYCLE. I work at a senior apartment complex, and often family members are left with gently used unwanted furniture when cleaning out their loved one's apartment. If you give your name and the types of items you're interested in, the complex may call you when something comes available. — April, email

DIY FINGER COTS. I use finger cots when applying ointments or to cover a band aid. Instead of buying expensive pre-packaged finger cots ($6.00 for 30), I make my own. I buy disposable exam gloves at my local Costco and cut one finger from a glove each time I need a cot. At $8 for 300 gloves, that's 3,000 finger cots at less than a quarter of a penny each. The homemade cots don't slide off and are great for lots of things, including applying medicines on your pets that you don't want absorbed into your skin. — Juli, California

POPCORN IS IN THE BAG. I make my own microwave popcorn, which saves a lot of money and is healthier, too. I put a 1/4 cup of kernels in a brown lunch bag, fold over the top several times and microwave on High for 2 to 5 minutes. When popped, I pour in a bowl and add my own butter and seasonings. I'm not sure how much money I save, but we eat popcorn a few nights a week, and it's been months since I bought supplies.— Julie, Iowa

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 19 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.

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