ArcaMax

If you've read my book, "7 Money Rules for Life," you know that rule No. 1 is so simple it would be easy to overlook it as being too elementary. Here it is: Spend less than you earn.

Now, let's think about this. "Spend less than you earn" is not the same as "Don't spend more than you earn." That implies it would be OK to spend all that you earn...Read more

You know it's officially summer when the scent of grilled hot dogs hits you before your neighbor even says hello. Backyard BBQ season is one of life's simple pleasures -- until you're standing at the checkout line wondering how three packs of hamburger patties and a watermelon somehow added up to $87. And that's before you even hit the condiment...Read more

Whether your goal is to purge your home of stuff you no longer need, or you want to raise some cash -- or both -- you have options.

You can sell your items on an auction website like eBay.com, list them in the classified in a local newspaper or on craigslist.org. You can unload unwanted clutter on social platforms like Nextdoor and Facebook ...Read more

Cleaning the bathtub is one of those housekeeping chores that's more pain than pleasure for those with health issues that make bending and kneeling difficult. So hard on the back and knees that it just doesn't get cleaned well. Here to the rescue are three very effective and efficient ways to keep any bathtub sparkling clean -- even a tub that ...Read more

Bents, characteristics, abilities and tendencies are the conduits through which you can pass your values to your kids. But how exactly do you make the pass? It's though your life, the way you live.

Kids learn most effectively through observation and imitation. It's the witness of our lives -- more than anything we say -- that is taken in slowly...Read more

Let's talk about mosquitoes. Not the gentle, Disney-style ones with big eyes and a cartoon voice. I mean the real deal -- those tiny vampires who think your backyard is an all-you-can-eat buffet and your ankles are the appetizer.

I've tried it all. Citronella candles, bug zappers, garlic spray and whatever essential oil blend my neighbor swears...Read more

You just paid a small fortune for new eyeglasses. On top of the cost for prescription lenses and fashionable frames, you opted for anti-reflective, anti-scratch and UV-protection coatings. After all, eyesight is a precious thing, and it's only wise to do all you can to protect it, right? Absolutely! But here's the deal: You may be destroying ...Read more

Whatever summer adventures you have planned -- to the beach, pool, campground or even your own backyard -- these cool summer tips, tricks, hacks and DIYs will bring a smile to your face and, perhaps, even a sigh of relief. There's still plenty of time to get out there and do summer like a champ!

NO. 1: PACK A FITTED SHEET

Take a fitted bed ...Read more

There's something warm and inviting about a well-placed, thriving houseplant. Experts call this "interior landscaping," and it's becoming increasingly popular, not only in homes but in offices and other commercial settings. I would have assumed that's because houseplants can be quite inexpensive. But now, we're learning that houseplants offer ...Read more

Today, a cool collection of original household hacks to save your time, your money and your last nerve.

Let's face it -- life at home can be just as hectic as life outside. If you're the CEO of your household, then you're managing logistics, supply chains, customer service, inventory and waste removal, and occasionally refereeing minor civil ...Read more

It used to be that kids reaching adulthood could not wait to leave home and be on their own. That worked out well because their parents longed for an empty nest and quieter lives. But these days, young people are spoiling these plans.

Estimates out there indicate that, currently, some 50% of U.S. college graduates plan to move back home with ...Read more

Hair conditioners fall into general categories according to what they do and the problems they solve. Using the wrong product for the specific condition of your hair will produce disappointing results. For example: If your hair is thin and fine, you are not going to be happy with an industrial-strength conditioner for thick, coarse, frizzy or ...Read more

I grew up in church, literally. My father, the minister, saw to it that the preacher's kids never missed a gathering. Even when not a scheduled event, we were still in church cleaning, folding bulletins or just hanging out. I credit my heritage for my expertise as a connoisseur of the all-American casserole. There's just nothing quite like a ...Read more

Remember when canceling cable was supposed to save us a ton of money? Good times. Now we've got a dozen streaming services, and somehow we're still paying more than we did for cable -- just with fewer remotes and more confusion.

If your household is juggling subscriptions like hot potatoes and your credit card is begging for mercy, it may be ...Read more

Flies are a nearly unavoidable nuisance in most homes, especially during the warmer months of the year. Annoying for sure, but more than just pesky, houseflies (Musca domestica) can carry and transmit disease and cause illness. Consider these seven simple ways to banish these pests from the house and keep them out for good.

BLOCK THE ENTRANCES ...Read more

In my kitchen, I have a small collection of cookbooks, which I consider prized possessions. One of them, the classic Betty Crocker Cookbook, was a wedding gift, and trust me, it's seen more than its share of splatters and dog-eared/ripped pages. And I wouldn't part with it for anything.

Another features 100 things to do with an ordinary cake ...Read more

What do you associate with the word "generic?" Do the words "inferior" or "tastes like cardboard" come to mind? Or do you, like many people, associate name brands with people who are well-to-do, while people in poverty opt for generics? That's complete nonsense but a commonly held attitude. The truth is that generics are often a great buy ...Read more

Living without air conditioning in the middle of summer is like camping ... inside your house ... with all the bugs and none of the marshmallows. But before you decide to store your pillow in the freezer or start googling "affordable igloos," take heart: You don't need a high electric bill or a window unit that rattles like a shopping cart to ...Read more

Maintenance costs can put a serious dent in your budget and savings -- a dent that's tough to repair. While there are certain things you definitely need an expert to handle, there are plenty of other situations in which you can make minor but meaningful repairs without calling for professional support -- while saving serious cash.

From closet ...Read more

It's no secret that dishwasher detergent is specifically formulated to be used in automatic dishwashers whether it comes as powder, pods, pacs, liquid or gel. What may come as a big surprise is that these products' grease and dirt-busting abilities can be used outside the dishwasher in many useful ways.

Case in point: my microfiber cloths. I ...Read more