My favorite thing about being the humble EC columnist is getting feedback from my readers. Your letters are so kind and encouraging. Only now and then do I receive a note saying, "Shame on you!" or "Please choose your words better," comments I take into consideration for as long as it takes to hit "Delete." But your messages frequently contain tips and additional information regarding a topic I've written about, from which all of us can benefit.

RABBITS IN THE GARDEN. Blood meal (which can be found at your local garden center) works really well to keep bunnies away from flowers and vegetables. It is a natural rabbit and deer repellant, and it works incredibly well. Just sprinkle it on the soil around each plant. It keeps squirrels away, too! — Kath

BEST SHOE REPAIR. You asked us to send suggestions, so here's my contribution to the list of best shoe repair shops: Gene's Hartland Shoe Repair in St. Paul, Minnesota (it's the best of the Twin Cities — St. Paul and Minneapolis). Gene has been repairing shoes for many decades. His website (hartlandshoes.us) has tons of helpful information about caring for shoes. He's just the best. — Sue

DENTAL SAVINGS PLANS. My husband and I were able to use a Dental Savings Plan (www.everydaycheapskate.com/dentalplans) to save money on our son's braces, much of which was not covered by insurance. I just finished reading your column about a dental savings plan. Another option people could consider is getting treatments at a dental school at a university. While I attended college at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities I got my dental work there. It cost much less. Sometimes the visits take a little longer because the professors check the procedures and the students work slower. But I received exceptional care for a fraction of the price. I recently recommended this to a friend after her dentist told her it would cost $8,000 for one dental implant. I believe the price tag at the clinic was $3,000. — Joan

HOTEL SOAPS AND TOILETRIES. Local food pantries are always in need of personal care items. Having a supply of those items allows the food pantry to dedicate its limited income to purchasing food for clients, while still being able to provide personal care items to help clients maintain hygiene and feel better about themselves. Thank you for providing such a great forum to share and educate your reader community. — Lynlee

INEXPENSIVE APPLIANCES. If you will need a new appliance in the next few months, know that the best deals are on or near Black Friday (this year it will be Nov. 25). Since 99.8 percent of shoppers are shopping for Christmas gifts, not appliances, you can get the best model of just about any appliance for as much as 50 percent off. — Cathy

Dear Readers: Keep those cards, letters and messages coming! Your message just might show up right here.

Mary invites questions, comments and tips at [email protected], or c/o Everyday Cheapskate, 12340 Seal Beach Blvd., Suite B-416, Seal Beach, CA 90740. This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of www.DebtProofLiving.com, a personal finance member website and the author of "Debt-Proof Living," released in 2014. To find out more about Mary and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.