photo by fooey
DEAR SARA: When I was young, my mother used to bake Depression Chocolate Cake. Mom remembers making it, but not the amounts or the exact ingredients. It was my grandma’s recipe and didn’t have any eggs or butter. Instead, it used vinegar and baking soda to rise. I think the ingredients were baking soda, vinegar, flour, cocoa, salt and oil. It may have originally been from the “Great …

photo by daBinsi
The first tip is interesting because it offers a monetary incentive for kids to conserve energy. Most kids will follow your lead and want to do the right thing. If they see you’re respectful and responsible about energy, it becomes simply a way of life. But kids can be unaware of their own electrical usage, so rewarding them for their efforts can help them learn, understand, and create …

photo by Bill Robertson
Be smart when you’re in the market for new appliances. You don’t get much advance notice when a major appliance breaks. This leaves you in a vulnerable situation because you rely on these appliances on a daily basis. These big-ticket items can cost you a lot more if you’re not prepared. Here are a few ways to help you avoid spending more than you have to.
KNOW WHAT …

photo by ClevelandSGS
Frugality often seems like a lot of effort for a few cents. But it’s about making better choices that save larger amounts, too. Maybe you have a goal to pay down debt, such as your mortgage. One extra payment per year can shave a few years off your loan. But it’s tough sometimes to get everyone in your family on board when they can’t see the big picture. …