photo by gemsling
Are you making a new budget? Now is a good time to start fresh and buckle down on your spending. Look over last year’s numbers. Decide what worked and what didn’t. Renew any frugal strategies that may have gone by the wayside, too. Refocus your frugal objectives, and identify wasteful areas by tracking your spending. Set monthly goals, such as completing projects or learning new skills. Make this …

photo by Darcy Norman
Sometimes it can be depressing to read and watch the news. Add dreary weather or fears of an impending job loss, and it can be a recipe for disaster. Some people take it in stride, but others feel the weight of the economy and their personal finances on their shoulders. Their fears and anxiety sometimes take over. This is when a little escapism can be healthy.
That’s …

photo by cote
DEAR SARA: I warmed some smoked meat a couple of weeks ago, and the microwave still smells like smoke every time we use it. The inside has been wiped clean with kitchen cleaner, which helped some, but it is still a strong, noticeable smell. Any suggestions for removing the odor? — Dawn, Kansas
DEAR DAWN: Fill a bowl with water, then cut a lemon into sections (or use lemon …

photo by chesi fotos
Frugal folks are finding cheap entertainment solutions right at or close to home. Some opt for frugal date nights instead of more costly options, such as dining out or going to a movie theater. Cheap? Sure it is. But it’s also a smart way to save some money when it’s tough to justify frivolous spending. One reader, T.M. in Ohio, shares: “My husband and I had a …