Consumer
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Everyday Cheapskate: Life in a Crowded Nest
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
Everyday Cheapskate: The Mystery of Hair Conditioners Solved
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
Everyday Cheapskate: A Casserole Connoisseur's Guide to Healthy Substitutions
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
Everyday Cheapskate: A Simple Guide to Saving Money on Streaming Without a Household Uprising
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
Everyday Cheapskate: 7 Ways to Get Rid of Flies in the House
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
Everyday Cheapskate: How to Upsize a Cake Mix That's Too Small for the Recipe
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
Everyday Cheapskate: 6 Generics That Are Truly a Great Buy
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
Everyday Cheapskate: Staying Cool for Less in a Home Without Air Conditioning
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
Everyday Cheapskate: Practical Tips to Help With Home Maintenance and Repair
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
Everyday Cheapskate: Surprising Other Uses for Automatic Dishwasher Detergent
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
Everyday Cheapskate: How to Make Proper Iced Tea, According to My Mother-In-Law
The only thing more comforting than a tall glass of iced tea on a hot day is knowing how to make that perfect iced tea yourself with confidence -- for just pennies per serving.
My mother-in-law, a proud Canadian, taught me the difference between proper iced tea and the "swill" most restaurants pour, which in her opinion was, at best, a very ...Read more