ArcaMax

Feeding a family is complicated enough without worrying about the cost of groceries. But here we are in a world where food costs continue to soar. If you're feeling a particularly sharp pinch at the supermarket, you're not alone. Inflation and continued supply chain issues are impacting consumers around the globe. Luckily, there are plenty of ...Read more

If you've been reading this column for any length of time, you know that my husband and I have repaired or performed regular maintenance on a number of our home appliances. And I love hearing when my readers do the same. Today's first great reader tip is a good reminder for anyone with a dishwasher.

EASY DISHWASHER MAINTENANCE

Dear Mary: We ...Read more

If you were to take a peek inside my refrigerator, you'd have to stand on your head to read labels. Food seems to last longer when stored upside-down in a container with a tightly fitting lid. It's something about the food sealing itself. All I know is it works. I can't remember the last time I had to toss out sour cream, cottage cheese, etc. ...Read more

Every summer, we're told the same thing: Turn up the thermostat. Raise it a degree. Maybe two. Learn to love being slightly uncomfortable.

While that advice certainly has merit, it's not the only way to reduce cooling costs. In fact, some of the most effective ways to keep your home cooler have nothing to do with the thermostat at all. The real...Read more

As you may know, the mission of this column is to discover ways to save time and money every day. You help me by sending me your great tips, tricks and ideas; I help you by boiling it all down here. That answers what the column is for, but why should you read this column?

Why should anyone be concerned about saving money? Have you ever thought ...Read more

I have a theory that most of us would be more than willing to let go of the stuff that's cluttering our homes if we knew these things would serve a worthwhile cause or help someone else. And I know too well the conflict.

It's nearly impossible for me to let go of things that are not worn out or broken -- clothing or household items that are ...Read more

Any time I can eliminate or lower my stress level when traveling, I'm a happy camper. I am always on the lookout for travel tips and tricks. Now I can't wait for my next flight so I can try today's first great reader tip!

ARRIVALS FOR DEPARTURES

Dear Mary: I travel a lot, and sometimes if I'm in a time crunch getting to the airport, I pull ...Read more

Summer has a way of making us appreciate cold things: cold drinks, cold watermelon, cold air conditioning and, sometimes, cold relief for a headache, a sore muscle, a bee sting or a lunch that's trying to survive a long afternoon in the car.

Many of these kinds of cooling products sold in stores are simply inexpensive materials packaged with a ...Read more

My vacuum sealing machine is one of my favorite kitchen appliances. I vacuum seal fresh fruit to extend the use by at least two weeks, often much longer. I vacuum seal meat before I freeze it to stave off freezer burn, which keeps it perfect for a year or longer. I could go on and on about how my FoodSaver (www.everydaycheapskate.com/...Read more

I like an organized home. When things get all chaotic and messy, I find that my mind kind of gets that way too. But when everything has a place -- and everything is in its place -- I feel a sense of peace. I can think straight, relax and enjoy.

I like an organized garage too. At least I've enjoyed the pictures I've seen of garages that function...Read more

I'm one lucky gal. My husband's favorite menu item is pasta -- any shape or recipe. He would opt for a pasta dish every meal of the day if that were an option. And that's great because he is as tall and slim as the day we married. While he has no desire to actually prepare pasta, I love to cook. Add these things together and it's pretty much a ...Read more

It's hard to believe we're already halfway through the year, but July has arrived -- and with it comes a handful of opportunities to save money, plan ahead and make the most of the season.

When people think about stocking up, they often focus only on sales. That's certainly part of the equation. But timing matters too. Some products are at ...Read more

A number of years ago, I met Kathryn and Galen. They'd won a contest sponsored by Woman's Day magazine. The prize? A money makeover and financial coaching with ... me! From our first meeting, we became fast friends. Not only were they drowning in debt but Galen was also dealing with a protracted season of unemployment. Their financial situation ...Read more

CREDIT UNIONS VERSUS BANKS

Dear Mary: What is the difference between a bank and a credit union? -- Justina

Dear Justina: Great question! A bank is a for-profit financial business run by paid board members that's primary purpose is to make profits for the shareholders.

A credit union is a nonprofit financial business that's owned by its ...Read more

It's amazing how saving a little here and a little there can add up to big savings. Each of these great reader tips doesn't really save much on its own. But added up over time? In a way that changes your attitude and keeps you focused? That can really make a difference.

Don't believe me? Think about the amount of cosmetics you've tossed because...Read more

There comes a point every summer evening when the house starts behaving like it's hosting a chili cookoff.

The sun goes down. The birds settle in. The neighborhood quiets. Yet somehow your living room still feels like it's stuck on HOT and a stale sigh that says "Good luck sleeping tonight."

That's when most people march straight to the ...Read more

"True wealth is about taking control of your future and making conscious decisions about what you really want in life," say authors Marc Eisenson, Gerri Detweiler and Nancy Castleman in their book "Invest In Yourself: Six Secrets to a Rich Life."

To create a rich life, these three respected consumer advocates encourage readers to diversify ...Read more

Have you ever figured how many hours you'll have to work to pay for the new car of your dreams or fancy restaurant meal? Perhaps you should, suggests one of my readers who starts out today's batch of clever reader tips:

CURB THE URGE

My husband and I have finally found a way to curb our runaway spending. When we see something we want (eating ...Read more

Affluence is not measured by your annual income. Affluence is determined by how many of your resources you manage not to spend -- the amount of income you keep.

The idea that you should live below your means is obvious, isn't it? It's not like this is the first time you've ever heard of the concept. You know that cutting spending is hard work. ...Read more

There's a particular smell that tells you summer has officially arrived. Not fresh-cut grass. Not sunscreen. Not barbecue smoke drifting through the neighborhood.

I'm talking about that sharp, chemical cloud that settles over patios, garages and occasionally entire ZIP codes once people begin attacking bugs with the enthusiasm of a medieval ...Read more