photo by Meryl CA
DEAR SARA: I’ve heard about making homemade fabric softener. Do you have a recipe? I’d like to save money. Fabric softener is expensive. — Heidi, Ohio
DEAR HEIDI: Many people simply add 1/4-1/2 cup vinegar to their rinse cycle. Some people cut their dryer sheets in half. One unique tip is diluting liquid fabric softener with water and pouring it into an old Tupperware pickle keeper. You can …

photo by sunsurfr
I receive a lot of gift ideas for the mom-to-be and baby but rarely any ideas for the dads. The first tip is a cute gift idea for the new dad. He’ll have everything he needs for diaper duty.
DAD-TO-BE GIFT: You can make a tool belt filled with supplies. Use a canvas work apron (has pockets and ties around the waist), and fill it with supplies, such …

photo by Ethan Bloch
You see tips all the time to help build a successful savings — or, at the very least, ways to pare down your spending. Ever wonder what decisions will lead to financial failure? Identifying negative behaviors, thoughts or habits is important in order to work on changing them. Here’s a list of things you can learn to stop doing.
TRY TO KEEP UP: So and so has …

photo by o0karen0o
Tortillas can be bought or made cheaply, so they make an excellent key ingredient for frugal recipes. You can make tortilla wraps by adding your favorite sandwich fillings. Tortillas are delicious as part of breakfast burritos, too. Add scrambled eggs and your favorite toppings, such as cheese, salsa, crumbled bacon or sausage, cubed potatoes or onions, and roll it inside a warmed tortilla.
Here are a few more tortilla …