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Everyday Cheapskate: Great Readers, Great Tips!
Once again, my very clever readers have reminded me that it's the little ways we avoid spending money that add up. It makes us feel good, too. I hope you enjoy today's tips as much as I have.
WORKS THE SAME. I use the Clorox ReadyMop, but my tip works equally well with a Swiffer. The replacement pads for both brands are quite expensive so I ...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: Simple Tips to Ensure Your Safety in Any Emergency
In today's unpredictable world, being prepared for emergencies is not just smart but essential. No matter where you live or what you do, disaster can strike at any moment, and being equipped with the right knowledge and resources can be a lifesaver.
Whether it's a natural disaster like a hurricane or a man-made crisis like a power outage, ...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: How Clearing Out Clutter Can Improve Your Life
Getting organized is like dieting. Everyone knows how to do it, but the problem is getting around to it -- to clearing out clutter, cleverly organizing what remains and then maintaining the results.
When we remodeled our kitchen a few years ago, I emptied every cupboard and drawer, carefully labeling every box and bin with its contents. That ...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: Cleaning Tips and Tricks That Promise to Cut Costs and Save Time
Cleaning is the one chore that most of us dread, but we all know it has to be done. And while none of these cheapskate cleaning methods pretend to make it fun, they do promise to cut costs and save time. Also, most of these tips can be implemented with everyday items you probably already have.
ADD LEMON
Salt and ice together are great for ...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: A Pizza Challenge
Some consider pizza the perfect food. It has complex carbohydrates, vegetables, dairy and protein. OK, maybe "perfect" is stretching it a bit, but I remember when pizza was something you shouldn't eat too much of because it might spoil your dinner. Now it is dinner.
Millions of families rely on pizza because it is quick, cheap and ...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: Could Your Credit or Debit Card Be Making You Fat?
I've heard of blaming one's weight on a lot of things, but credit and debit cards? That was a new one for me and a theory reported at TheStreet.com that, when considered carefully, does seem to carry a lot of weight.
Now that restaurants, coffee shops, restaurants, DoorDash and every fast-food and restaurant app on earth accepts credit and ...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: Cetaphil's New Anti-Aging Collection: A Review
In the ever-evolving world of skincare, finding effective anti-aging products that deliver noticeable results without breaking the bank can feel like an endless, expensive quest. However, Cetaphil, a trusted name in skincare known for being gentle yet effective, has recently introduced a new line of four anti-aging products I've been using since...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: My Secret Housecleaning Weapon
Keeping a pristine home doesn't have to be a daunting or expensive task. I want to let you in on my secret weapon sitting front and center in my cleaning cupboard. It's Bar Keepers Friend (BKF) and I wouldn't want to clean without it.
BKF is a simple, versatile cleaning product that has been trusted by homeowners for over a century. Developed ...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: How to Remove Stains on Aluminum Cookware After an Unfortunate Trip Through the Dishwasher
When aluminum pans get stained and discolored from frequent use, it's time for a thorough cleaning. But what happens when these pieces appear to be all but ready for the landfill after an unfortunate trip through the dishwasher?
Dear Cheapskate: I inherited a lovely set of vintage aluminum cookware. For some reason, I assumed I could clean ...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: The People You Meet, the Books You Read
The late humorist and master of salesmanship, Charlie "Tremendous" Jones, said one of my favorite quotes of all time: "You are the same today that you are going to be in five years from now except for two things: the people with whom you associate and the books you read."
While he didn't specify, I'm nearly certain Jones was talking about ...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: Saving: An Acquired Addiction
As personality traits go, "compulsive" and "addictive" are not generally considered all that terrific. Those of us with an inclination to be obsessive struggle to overcome our obsessions.
But hold on a minute! Being compulsive -- easily addicted and slightly obsessive -- can be a good trait when that propensity is harnessed and channeled in the...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: How to Clean Suede Shoes and Keep Them Looking Sharp
Suede shoes are a timeless fashion statement, but let's face it, they're not the easiest to keep clean. Whether it's dirt, water or oil stains, suede seems to attract them all. But fear not! With a little know-how and some TLC, you can keep your suede shoes looking fresh and fabulous. In this guide, I'll walk you through the process of cleaning ...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: Reader Mail on Cleaning Mushrooms, Whiteboards and Pfaltzgraff Dishes
Dear Mary: In a recent column, you suggested to not wash mushrooms but to simply brush them well with a vegetable brush or clean towel. While I agree with you 99% of the time, on this one I had to write. Did you know that mushrooms are usually grown in manure? You must wash them. I use a commercial veggie wash and brush, too. -- Patricia
Dear ...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: Thank-You Notes Never Out of Style
Today's column was prompted by a young man, age 10, who asked me recently, "Do I have to send a thank-you note when someone gives me a gift?"
In these high-tech times, when text messaging and email are the preferred methods of written communication, my answer, in a word, was yes. It's right; it's proper; it's good for you. We may be frugal, but...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: Reader Mail on Roller-Coaster Income and Debit Cards for Kids
Recently, I heard from one of my dear readers, Jenn. The topic of her message? Her family's roller-coaster income. No, they don't work at an amusement park. But given their financial situation, it feels like they're on some kind of scary, rickety, spine-chilling carnival ride.
Dear Mary: My husband has two jobs. He is an artist and a salesman. ...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: Things to Stock Up on in March
Even though it still feels like winter, home improvement centers are hauling out air conditioners this month and putting them on sale. And March is National Frozen Food Month, so plan to fill your freezer. But that's not all. Check out all these things you'd be smart to stock up on this month.
SNACKS AND SODAS
The NCAA calls it their ...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: Turns Out It's Not Just Me -- It's AFS
I've written about it a lot over the years, and by "it" I refer to my six-figure credit card debt and how it affected me mentally, physically and spiritually. I speak of it routinely as I have addressed audiences across the U.S. and around the world. While my debt has been paid off for many years now (my gratitude knows no limits), I can recall ...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: The Art of Consignment Shopping
Everything I know about buying and selling clothes on consignment I owe to my friend Kathleen, a remarkably well-dressed woman. She shops for clothing exclusively in consignment stores, but only those that are located in upscale areas. And boy, can she dress!
Kathleen is a consignment seller, too. In fact, I've known her to buy an outfit from ...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: The Dirty Dishes Dilemma
As you might imagine, I get a lot of mail. And since I could never respond to all your letters, questions and comments individually, I love to reach into the mail bag, selecting some of your letters to answer right here.
Dear Cheapskate: Is it cheaper to wash dishes by hand since I wash most of my pots and pans by hand anyway, or use the ...Read more
Everyday Cheapskate: Delete, Please
I have a love-hate relationship with the delete button on my computer keyboard, but not so much on my phone. For some reason, after more than 20 years of having a mobile phone, the two of us have never bonded. Most of the time, I don't even know for certain where it is. But my laptop? Oh, yes, the bond is tight.
I know where it is at every ...Read more