Category: Everyday Cheapskate

Forget the Mayonnaise for Removing Water Rings on Furniture

Dear Mary: How can I get rid of white water rings on wood tables? Thanks! —Amy Dear Amy: There are homemade remedies, but I’ve had only marginal results using things such as mayonnaise or other household products to remove the infuriating white marks you describe. I suggest you save yourself a lot of time and…


Don’t Let Mistakes Set You Back

I love to watch home remodeling television shows. They give me confidence that I really could remodel a kitchen, build a shed, or even install new windows all by myself. Usually, the feeling passes quickly, but I do find myself feeling comfortable around power tools, and I enjoy a good home improvement store. Recently, the…


How to Turn Scrap Gold Into Cash Without Getting Ripped Off

I promise not to ask if you remember when the price of gold was fixed at $35 an ounce or when U.S. currency was tied to the gold standard (hint: The Gold Standard Act was passed on March 14, 1900, but later suspended). Things have changed drastically over the years, with gold now hovering around…


How to Make Fruit and Veggie Wash

Dear Mary: What is the best way to wash fresh fruits and vegetables to assure they are safe and clean? —Sherry Dear Sherry: While it’s tempting to eat fresh produce straight out of the grocery bag, I don’t think that’s a good idea. Commercial produce sanitation may be up to speed with excellent guidelines and…


A Number as Useful as Your Credit Score

Looking to become a homeowner this year? Or maybe you want to sell your current home to move to a different location or into a larger property. More than likely, that means you’ll be shopping for a mortgage—a home loan that will allow you to make that move. Whether you know your credit score or…


Chicken Soup for the Sick?

Have you ever wondered if chicken soup really does have medicinal effects against colds and the flu? Me, too. Recently, I decided to find out. Here’s what I learned: There is some scientific evidence to suggest that homemade chicken soup contains several ingredients that affect the body’s immune system. Dr. Stephen Rennard of University of…


The Dark Side of Gift Cards

These days, you can buy gift cards (the modern replacement for the gift certificate) from just about every store imaginable. They are convenient, and for many people, gift cards appear to be the perfect gift solution. They’re not. I am so opposed to gift cards that I’m this close to declaring an all-out boycott. Why?…


Smart Ways to Save Money on Pet Care

Recently, I read about a family who spent $1,000 to cat-proof their backyard so their two cats, who they consider full-fledged family members, could roam outside without escaping to the outside world. And that’s not all. Their felines also have lots of cat furniture, and they regularly dine on cat food that costs north of…


A Towel is Just a Towel, Right? Wrong!

When asked to describe the perfect bath towel, most people would include the words “thick” and “thirsty.” Cotton Inc., a research and marketing company, agrees and goes on to say that the perfect towel can also stand up to constant use and laundering for at least a decade. The secret to buying the perfect towel…


Worried You Might Lose Your Job?

Before the pandemic hit, employment in the United States was reaching historic highs. Now, in the wake of the coronavirus, many who are fortunate enough to have a job are suffering from lingering anxiety about the future. Worried about layoffs? You’re not alone. Millions of Americans are worried that they will lose their jobs due…