Mary Hunt

Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, "Ask Mary." Tips can be submitted at tips.everydaycheapskate.com/ . This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book "Debt-Proof Living."

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…

4 hours ago

When You Should Opt Out of a Credit-Card Interest Rate Increase

Wouldn't it be great if low interest rates never changed? Sadly, the saying "All good things must come to an…

1 day ago

Tough Love for Financially Irresponsible Parents of Adult Children

Dear Cheapskate: I read stories about parents with grown children who constantly need bailouts. What do you do when it's…

2 days ago

7 Clever Ways to Build a Cash Stash

While a lot of us believe we're saving money when we buy things on sale, it's not true unless we…

3 days ago

Mark Your Territory With Citrus

Do neighborhood cats insist that your property (porch, door, flower beds) is their territory? Well, my dear reader, break out…

1 week ago

You Need a Kitchen Assistant

Professional chefs have sous chefs to do all the hard work and to see that meals get to the table…

1 week ago

Know Your Cheapskate Etiquette

Face it. Living below your means and staying out of debt, especially in the inflationary times in which America finds…

1 week ago

It Starts With Knowing How to Manage a Paycheck

Millennials, born between 1981 and '96, represent the largest, most educated and culturally diverse generation in American history. This demographic…

1 week ago

Stop Whining!

As the mother of two young world-class whiners, the behavior modification techniques described in the booklet "Stop Whining!" appeared too…

2 weeks ago

When You’re Stuck and Can’t Get Going

A question I receive nearly every day goes something like this: I'm ready to get started taking back control of…

2 weeks ago

How Much Is the Right Amount of Laundry Detergent?

Dear Cheapskate: I adore all your fantastic tips for washing machines and laundry, but could you lend some advice on…

2 weeks ago

6 Easy Ways to Upgrade Your Wardrobe Without Spending a Dime

Could your wardrobe use a long overdue boost? Maybe you're eyeing a career move, aiming to project a more polished…

2 weeks ago

Take it Slow and Easy!

That slow cooker you keep on reserve for the cold months of winter is a perfect solution for summer, too…

3 weeks ago

Bonus vs. Salary Bump, Family Squabbles, and More Reader Quandaries

Dear Cheapskate: I just had my annual review at work. My boss told me I'm doing a good job then…

3 weeks ago

Top 5 Brilliant Hacks to Kickstart Your Vegetable Garden

As you might imagine, I grew up with more than a few adults greeting me with, "Mary, Mary, quite contrary,…

3 weeks ago