In the same way that there are rules in life for things, like how to drive a car, how to cook a meal, or how to manage your money, there are a few simple rules for how to wash white clothes to keep them looking brilliant and clean. And if they happen to get a…

There are many reasons not to carry credit card debt. The most obvious is that it’s really expensive. And here’s a reason often overlooked: It seems so much harder to work for money you’ve already spent. But what if you do not carry any credit card debt at all? There are some who would say…

Dear Mary: We live in Nevada and own a second home in Arizona. My husband wants to sell the Arizona property and then use the proceeds to pay off our credit debt, auto loan, and home equity loan on the Nevada property—about $165,000 total. I disagree. I think we should rent the Arizona property to…

How’s your health? Not your physical fitness, but your financial well-being. For most of us, how much we earn tells us how we’re “feeling” financially. But your income is only one part of the equation. How much of your income do you actually keep? Not very much, I’ll bet. Your income is low, you say;…

I reset my lawn sprinkler timer, which was more than an hour off due to the spring ritual known as daylight saving time. Rather than move it one hour ahead, I decided to let it run backward. It was mesmerizing to see time back up—so much so that when I reached the desired time, I…

Driven to save myself and my family from financial ruin, I jumped into the deep end of the industrial real estate industry. I knew nothing about negotiating. All I knew was that I had to close deals—bringing interested parties together, getting them to agree, and seeing that everyone walks away a winner. I no longer…

It’s official. My readers are the best, and not bad-looking, either. Not only are you loyal, but you’ve also made mail time the high point of my days. Your letters and tips are great, and when you send in advertisements, credit offers, and consumer rip-offs, it tells me you’re paying attention. It appears you are…

Dear Mary: What does it mean to “balance” my bank account? How do I do that? Why should I? I really appreciate you answering my question. I’m sure I should know this, but honestly, I don’t. —Josey Dear Josey: This is a great question, and I’m sure you’d be surprised to know just how many…

Dear Mary: We have decided to pay off a bunch of bills and do some much-needed repairs on our house. Can you tell me the difference between a home equity loan and a home equity line of credit? Which would be better? —Scott Dear Scott: With a home equity loan, or a HEL, you walk…