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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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You Can Stop Living Paycheck-to-PaycheckDear Mary: As a new member of Debt-Proof Living (DebtProofLiving.com), I am very excited about having a plan in action and not living paycheck to paycheck. My question is about spending categories for irregular expenses, specifically gifts. It's hard to save for birthdays and car maintenance when I'm already scrimping to get food on the table for my family. What's your advice on getting started putting aside money in my Freedom Account? — Ann, Ohio Dean Ann: I am so happy to welcome you to my DPL Family! As for your question about setting up your Freedom Account, let's use the category of gifts, which you mention. Make that a subaccount or category in your Freedom Account (for readers, this is simply a separate bank account you create in which you accumulate money in anticipation of specific events). Estimate how much you need in a year's time to pay for what you're reasonably sure you will want to give. Start with birthdays and Christmas, then anniversaries, weddings, new babies and special holidays. It adds up quickly! Ignoring it won't make those gift-giving occasions go away, either. Let's say that you determine you will need $500 for gifts over the coming year. That's roughly $45 per month, or $12 a week. Repeat for other categories you want to establish. Let's say that altogether you determine you need to be setting aside $89 a month into your Freedom Account. The easiest and most painless way to do this is to make it automatic. One way is to instruct your bank to transfer a set amount from your regular household account into your new Freedom Account. When you need to purchase a gift or cover a car repair, you'll have the money saved and ready to go. What freedom! Dear Mary: I am looking for a really good recipe for macaroni and cheese.
Dear Sue: I've tested and tried so many recipes for macaroni and cheese, and have several favorites. But this one is the most kid-friendly — and it's always a hit with the adults, too. I hope your daughters agree. Macaroni and Cheese 1 1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni 1/4 cup butter 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon dry mustard 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 cups milk 8 ounces mild Cheddar cheese, cubed 8 ounces processed cheese food (like Velveeta), cubed 1/4 cup seasoned dry bread crumbs (optional) Preheat oven to 400 degrees Farenheit. Butter a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish. In a saucepan, cook macaroni in lightly salted boiling water until al dente (not quite done). Drain. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Blend in the flour, mustard and pepper until smooth. Stir while cooking for about 3 minutes. Slowly whisk in the milk. Add cheeses, stirring constantly until the sauce is thick and smooth. Stir macaroni into the cheese sauce, and transfer to the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle bread crumbs over the top, if desired. Cover and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until sauce is thick and bubbly. If you like it browned on top, remove the cover during the final 7 minutes. Note: You are going to think this is too "soupy" when you pour it into the casserole. But don't worry. It thickens up while baking and will be just perfect. Do you have a question for Mary? Email 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, 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 2011 CREATORS.COM
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