photo by danperry.com Many of you are working hard at frugality because you have to. I’m no exception. I’m tightening the belt more than ever. My readers talk about how they sometimes wish there were a “frugal fairy” who granted wishes. She could wave her magic wand and let them choose one area where they [...]
Valentine’s Day can be the most frustrating holiday. I see the tension rise as couples scramble to find the perfect romantic gift idea that isn’t a cliche or cheap and tacky. Most can’t afford luxury gifts, so the pressure is on to express their love within their means. It seems ridiculous. I feel sorry for [...]
photo by benbengraves Holiday gatherings are often highlighted by signature dishes — favorites that appear year after year. Without that single recipe, the celebration just wouldn’t be the same. Maybe it’s a recipe that has been handed down through the generations and evokes fond memories or a story. Eating it feels like home.
I’m sick of it! Yes. I’m completely sick and tired of manufacturers overpackaging toys. It seems everywhere I look, there’s a child or parent struggling to open a toy. It’s become dangerous. You’ve been there, or maybe you’ve heard me screaming for the toolbox to get my daughter’s doll out of the packaging. This was [...]
photo by alexdunn I receive countless desperate letters from readers who are experiencing hard times. Many are concerned about not being able to afford Christmas gifts for their young children. Now is a good time to get started preparing for the holidays. One way to plan ahead is to make homemade toys. Many can be [...]
photo by tinywhitelights This holiday season, many families are avoiding advertising and consumerism and are opting for a simpler celebration. Some call it an old-fashioned or homespun holiday, but the common thread is the desire to set reasonable expectations and budgets, and get back to basics. The following are frugal holiday strategies from readers.
photo by tbisaacs The holiday season is almost here. For some men, shopping for the women in their lives is a frustrating mystery. I’ve witnessed many men shopping around the holidays, and they appear not only clueless but downright desperate. In all fairness, some women have high expectations, so it’s understandable these men are completely [...]
photo by jef poskanzer Planning a unique party for girl ‘tweens can be difficult and costly. With the latest trend being hotel parties and amusement centers, budget-conscious families are challenged to please their kids while offering low-cost alternatives that are safe, fun and successful. Before you stress out or cave in to their whims, consider [...]
photo by laurenatclemson I’m not a total cheapskate, but I rarely purchase greeting cards. I am tempted on special occasions, but I resist. Looking through the card aisles, all I can think about is what I could give the recipient instead of a greeting card. I also can’t help but consider how quickly they are [...]
Wrapping gifts can be as expensive as the gift itself. I reuse materials I have on hand, give gift wrap that can be reused or wrap as inexpensively as possible so I can spend more money on the actual gift. An easy way to wrap inexpensively without resorting to using newspaper, brown-paper bags or reused [...]
photo by dsifry Holidays can be a costly time of year for most people and many tend to overindulge and overspend. Ideally, you want to pay cash for Christmas and not carry a burden of Christmas debt well into the following year. It’s important to budget carefully and some ways of planning ahead are to [...]
photo by Lori Greig Creating a gift closet is a wonderful way to plan ahead for gift giving occasions. It’s also handy for those last-minute emergency events that spring up throughout the year, may otherwise catch you by surprise, and send you on a mad dash to the store. Developing a system that will work [...]
photo by RogerBarker2 Did I miss something? Is it some sort of rite of passage to visit Disney World? I went when I was 10 years old, and I don’t remember it being magical. Not that it wasn’t: I just don’t remember. My trip to Washington, D.C., left a more lasting impression. Yet many parents [...]
photo by galant Low-budget meals are in high demand. They have the reputation of being high in fat or lacking nutrition, but you have to consider the ingredients you’re using. If you’re cooking a fatty cut of meat, then avoid pairing it with high-fat side dishes. Be creative and willing to compromise. Here are a [...]
photo by jasonjt The three R’s are in order — reduce, reuse and recycle. First, be aware of the products you bring into your home. Reduce waste by using and buying less and by choosing products that have less packaging. Buy larger containers versus single-serve containers, for example, or refuse to buy products sold with [...]
DEAR SARA: I was wondering if you have a suggestion on how to clean stainless steel. I have a hard time keeping my refrigerator looking nice. — Virginia, e-mail DEAR VIRGINIA: There are tons of stainless-steel appliance cleaners on the market. I’ve tried a few with good results (Stainless Steel Magic, Sheila Shine and Weiman). [...]
Microwaves get dirty and smelly. It can be a pain to keep clean if you don’t clean it immediately after splatters or spills. To clean your microwave with ease, simply add a microwave-safe bowl, a couple of tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 cup water (or 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar and 1/2 cup water). [...]
