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Everyday Cheapskate: Epsom Salt: The Frugal Fix-All You Didn't Know You Needed
Let's talk about one of the most underrated items in your bathroom cabinet -- Epsom salt. It's cheap, it's unassuming and it has more uses than a Swiss Army knife at a Boy Scout jamboree.
But what is Epsom salt anyway? Is it salt? Is it magic? Nope. It's a naturally occurring mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate -- nothing close to (...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: A Clever Use for Useless Candle Stubs
One of the unfortunate side effects of embracing a frugal lifestyle is that gnawing tendency to never throw anything away. Fight the feeling, folks. Turning into a hoarder will only create a new problem in your life. Now, about all those useless candle stubs you're hanging onto -- get them out and keep them by your fireplace or wood burning ...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: What's Your Grocery Shopping Personality?
Once upon a time, a big "SPECIAL" sign was enough to make us think we were getting a deal at the grocery store. But today's shoppers aren't so easily fooled. We've become wiser, knowing there's more to shopping smart than flashy tags and end-of-aisle displays.
A number of studies now promise we can categorize ourselves into four grocery-...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: The Lowdown on Chair Yoga, Free Resources, Real Benefits, No Gimmicks
Chair yoga -- it's the latest exercise trend making waves on social media, popping up in feeds with promises of gentle stretches and easy movement for all ages. And let's be honest, who hasn't felt the appeal of something that requires little more than a chair and the willingness to try?
But are the promises real or just another passing fad? ...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: How an Instant Pot Can Practically Pay for Itself
When the Instant Pot hit the scene back in 2010, it wasn't just another kitchen gadget -- it was like someone had unlocked a secret to faster, easier home-cooked meals. And if you ask the millions who swear by it, it's become as essential as salt and pepper in the kitchen
When this magic pot made its debut, it introduced a new way of cooking ...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: The Joys of Raising Financially Confident Teens
Dear Cheapskate: As a teen, my daughter wanted name-brand jeans, clothing, shoes -- whatever she thought all the "cool" kids had. She wouldn't step into a thrift shop or discount store. It was a constant battle until I decided she would have a clothing/necessity allowance.
I gave her a set amount of money each month to cover those expenses. If ...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: Fresh Produce 101
Psssst! Could you use an extra $300? You might want to take a look in your garbage.
Recent studies indicate that food waste remains a significant issue in American households. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that 31% of the food supply at retail and consumer levels is lost or wasted, amounting to approximately 133 billion pounds ...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: 'Plan' is Not a Four-Letter Word
A friend -- I'll call her Sally -- in her early 30s moved from Arizona to Florida in search of a better job and a new life. Not that many months later she decided a change of scenery wasn't the solution she thought it would be and moved back.
She decided that what she really wanted was to settle down and buy a house.
She'd had surgery the year...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: Boomerang Kids: Leaving the Nest on a Round-Trip Ticket
Ah, the blissful day when your young adult finally moves out. You revel in the newfound quiet, reclaim a closet or two and might even consider turning that old bedroom into a hobby space. But just as you're settling into this next phase, in walks your fully grown child, suitcase in hand, declaring that they're home again. Welcome to the world of...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: Sandwiched Between Aging Parents and Adult Children
A lovely new assisted living complex is under construction close to where I live. As beautiful as this place is, it has become a daily reminder to me of how difficult it can be to talk to aging parents about their health and future needs.
If you're 40 or older, you're part of the Sandwich Generation, which refers to middle-aged individuals who ...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: A Nappy Solution for a Common Problem
I love to discover a second use for something most of us have around the house or can easily find. Today's first tip may give you a big surprise but for sure a big laugh. By the way, this really works!
Plant Potty Liner: Line the bottom of baskets and pots with a disposable diaper (yes, clean and unused!) before you put in the potting soil and ...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: Three Daughters and a Ring
Got a question? Lots of readers do, and chances are pretty good their questions just might be your questions too. At the very least, you may find these answers to be somewhat educational, if not entertaining!
Dear Cheapskate: I have a big problem and have told my daughters and their daughters that I am going to accept your advice to solve it. I...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: 3 Fun Ways to Avoid the Heartbreak of Post-Holiday Stress Disorder
Who among us hasn't at some time during the hectic days of December said those old familiar words, "Next year I'm going to get started earlier!" I don't know what you meant by "earlier," but today seems about right.
Here for your consideration are three ideas meant to encourage you to head off the heartbreak of post-holiday stress disorder ...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: A Little Change Can Really Make a Difference
Years ago, I read a news story about Starbucks Corp. that left me stunned. In a nutshell, it seems that the company practice has been to place "tip jars" by the cash registers where customers can drop their loose change to tip the baristas. In California, there is a law that prohibits managers and supervisors from sharing in employee tips. And ...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: When All Else Fails, Cover It With Chocolate
As the story goes, the local inventor invited the town's pastry makers to observe his latest invention: an automated pastry-making machine. To his dismay, the bakers deemed it unfit because it could not consistently turn out perfect pastries.
Not one to give up easily, the inventor took one of the chefs aside and asked, "What do YOU do when you...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: Home Prep Guide: What You Need to Last 2 Weeks in an Emergency
Let's face it: Life loves to throw curveballs when you least expect it. One day you're breezing through your to-do list, and the next, you're staring at your flashlight like it's the Holy Grail because the power's out and you have no idea where the batteries are.
We've all been there, unprepared. It's time to change that. Let's chat about what ...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: My Newly Discovered, Super Helpful Household Tips
Having lived and breathed time- and money-saving tips for over three decades now, I thought I knew it all. I cannot fathom how many thousands of tips and tricks my readers have shared together with all I've discovered on my own (borne out of desperation or just plain frugality). So far, I've learned enough to fill three hefty published books ("...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: Tasty Ways to Stretch Your Budget with Thrifty Meals
These days, grocery prices can make you feel like you need a financial adviser just to navigate the supermarket aisles. But instead of cringing every time you see the price of your favorite items, there's a better solution -- thrifty meals that don't sacrifice taste or nutrition. I'm talking about meals that fill us up, make us smile, and don't ...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: Realistically Simple Ways to Make Your Car (Virtually) Unstealable
I know what you're thinking. "Unstealable"? That's a pretty bold claim. But hear me out. You might not be able to make your car completely theftproof, but you can make it such a pain to steal that thieves will take one look, roll their eyes and move on to an easier target.
LOCK YOUR DOORS AND WINDOWS (NO, SERIOUSLY)
This is where I hit you ...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: Productive Hobbies That Will Make You Smarter and Happier
Let's be honest. Most of us have dabbled in hobbies that didn't quite lead to anything. We've all spent a little too much time scrolling social media or binge-watching shows (I see you, entire weekend lost to Netflix). But what if your hobbies could actually make you smarter? I'm talking about productive hobbies -- the ones that not only fill ...Read more