Tag: Everyday Cheapskate

Yes, You Can Put Silver in the Dishwasher

Contrary to popular belief, you can put silver in the dishwasher without causing harm, provided you are careful to follow a simple set of rules. I grew up being fearful of the oddest things. I wasn’t bold enough to question why, so I just did as I was told. Here’s one: Never ever put silver…


How to Get Washed Salad Greens Perfectly Without a Spinner

I was way off base when I guessed “egg-gathering basket.” Leslie Hindman, host of the TV show “Appraisal Fair,” held up this round cage contraption with folding sides and asked us to guess, “What the Heck Is It?” Salad spinner was the right choice, but who knew people were wasting their money on needless pieces…


Financial Planners 101

Over the years, I’ve noticed a growing trend in my mailbox: readers in search of financial planners or advisers—or assistants. When taken in the message’s context, it’s pretty clear that not everyone means the same thing when they refer to a financial planner-adviser-assistant-helper. One reader wanted to know where to find a financial planner who…


How to Clean and Care for Wood Floors to Keep Them Looking Beautiful

Of all the choices in home flooring, wood stands out for many as the most beautiful. Wood is durable and coordinates well with any decor, and most real estate agents agree it improves the home’s value at resale. Knowing how to protect and clean wood floors is essential—and surprisingly easy. As It Happens To protect…


Why You May or May Not Need an Air Fryer

Air fryers are sweeping the nation. But what is an air fryer? How does it work? And, most importantly, do you need one? Here’s the lowdown. Several years ago, a “miraculous” kitchen appliance appeared on the scene promising us that we could fry with air. A new treat for your health—up to 90 percent less…


Got a Problem? Try WD-40

The year is 1953. Rocket Chemical, a struggling company in San Diego, sets out to create a rust-preventive solvent that can displace water. On the 40th attempt (note: 39 failures), they nailed it. Thus, WD-40 was born. While the ingredients remain a well-guarded secret more than 50 years later (the company insists there’s nothing in…


How to Curb the Urge to Splurge

When it comes to compulsive tendencies, there’s no question I received more than the standard allotment. I can sit down fully intending to watch the evening news and end up owning a pasta machine. I can stop by the mall to just look around and come out with three outfits I’ll never wear, a gift…


7 Reasons You Would Be Smart to Add Borax to Every Wash Load

Borax, a combination of sodium, boron, and oxygen, is a natural substance mined from the earth in its crude form, found in abundance in the deserts of California and Nevada. Powdered borax is white, consisting of soft, colorless crystals that dissolve in water. Borax is an ingredient in many detergents, cosmetics, and enamel glazes. The…


What Do ‘Best Before,’ ‘Use By,’ and Other Dates on Food Products Really Mean?

No doubt, you’ve noticed that some food products come with dates and codes printed on them. And who isn’t noticing this more now as food costs are skyrocketing? Do those codes and dates mean the item must be consumed by that date or just sold by that date? What about canned or packaged goods that…


Got Debt? Do Something About It!

Doing something about consumer debt is good for your finances—and just about every other area of your life. Health Experts say there’s no question that carrying a lot of debt can be stressful, causing all kinds of health issues. It can result in worry, sleeplessness, communication breakdown, depression, and anxiety. Credit card debt takes a…