photo by foshie
DEAR SARA: A friend’s birthday is coming soon, and, before I started being frugal, I used to spend about $30 on friends for birthdays. But I need to get that number down now. I was wondering if you have given thrift-store finds as gifts and if there were any negative reactions from it. I think this particular friend wouldn’t mind, because she shops at them and is also …

photo by boo licious
DEAR SARA: Just wondering if you have any tried-and-true home remedies for sore throats. I’ve had a mild sore throat for the past two to three days off and on, and I’m getting tired of it. My throat looks red and irritated. Any help would be much appreciated. — Q.M., forums
DEAR Q.M.: I’m not a doctor, so my first suggestion is to see your physician to rule …

photo by Ayelie
DEAR SARA: I’m having trouble coming up with snack ideas to cook from scratch to save money. I have made popcorn, cookies and brownies. What else can I make? My family loves chips, and I hate constantly dropping money on a not-so-healthy semi-expensive snack. — Andrea, e-mail
DEAR ANDREA: You can make muffins or quick breads, quesadillas, homemade applesauce, gelatin or cinnamon or cheese toast. Many snacks don’t have …

photo by mom the barbarian
DEAR SARA: I’m looking for a cereal-cookie recipe. I looked for the recipe on your forum, but couldn’t find it. I’m sure I saw it on your Web site. It’s a recipe that uses up small amounts of cereal left in the boxes. — Cheryl, Michigan
DEAR CHERYL: Here are two cereal-cookie recipes from the forums.
Apple Jacks Cereal Cookies
1 cup butter
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2-3/4 cups flour
1 …