Dear Mary: My family is planning on going on a Caribbean cruise in May. Do you have any pointers that will help us save money? Thanks for all your great articles. I enjoy all your advice. -- S.G., e-mail

Dear S.G.: You don't give me much information about the cruise line, ports of call or how long you will be gone. So I will assume this is a typical "all-inclusive" cruise, where you pay a flat rate for your accommodations, including meals and endless buffets.

My best advice is to start crash saving now because there will be additional expenses you may not have anticipated. Typically, the incidentals that accumulate on your tab while on board (cruise ships do not deal in cash while at sea; you have to put everything on your cruise tab) will be all of your beverages outside of the dining areas, the cost of cruise photos and incidentals from the gift shop. It can really add up; trust me.

Another significant expense will be tipping the service personnel. You will feel nearly tipped to death when you follow the standard guidelines. Tipping $10 per day per person for each of the stewards, waiters and other service personnel who take care of you is not unusual. If you are not sure what to expect, call the cruise line or your travel agent in advance to inquire.

It's good you're thinking about this now because I can tell you from experience, the number and amount of "required" tips can come as quite a surprise.

Dear Mary: You once published an easy soup recipe that used canned black beans and a few other canned ingredients.

I'd love to have another copy of that recipe. -- Betty J., e-mail

Dear Betty: Here it is -- a great recipe that is very inexpensive. If I am careful to buy the beans, tomatoes and even the turkey sausage when they're on sale and I have a coupon, I can make this entire recipe for less than $5. If I skip the turkey, the cost drops considerably. It is quick, easy and delicious. Served with piping hot cornbread, this makes a hearty meal.

Snowy Weekend Turkey and Bean Soup

-- 1 can diced tomatoes with garlic and onion

-- 3 15-ounce cans beans (black, white, great northern, pinto or a combination)

-- 1/3 cup barley

-- 1/3 cup dried lentils

-- 1/3 cup dry split peas

-- 1 14-ounce package turkey sausage (such as Butterball, low-fat OK), diced OR 2 cups leftover cooked chicken or turkey

-- 6-8 cups water (enough to fill the pot)

-- 2 chicken bouillon cubes

-- Salt and pepper to taste

-- Mix all ingredients together, bring to a boil, and simmer for 1 to 2 hours. Servings: 8.

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 17 books, including "Debt-Proof Living." 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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