Mary Hunt

7 Ways to Use Borax

A recent letter from a reader who used borax to solve her dishwasher woes got me thinking about all the…

3 years ago

An After-College Financial Plan

Graduating from college is one of life's most exhilarating events. Finishing my degree, walking the aisle in cap and gown…

3 years ago

I’ve Got a Question on Withholding, People-Pleasers, Cosigning

As faithful readers know, my inbox fills up quickly. While it's impossible to respond personally to each of your letters…

3 years ago

A Good Speech Is a Terrible Thing to Waste

I wasn't invited to give a graduation speech this spring. Still, I was prepared, and since a good speech is…

3 years ago

Help! I Get Clumps of Crystals in My Homemade Laundry Detergent

Several times over the past years, I have wished with all my heart I could call Mr. Migaki, my favorite…

3 years ago

When Not to File an Insurance Claim

Insurance is a funny thing. You pay a small fortune to get it and keep it. Then, if you have…

3 years ago

Ask Me Anything: Recycle Prescription Bottles, Help with Student Financial Aid

Dear Cheapskate: Do you know of any place where I can donate empty plastic prescription bottles? It seems such a…

3 years ago

7 Easy-to-Fix Reasons Your Dishwasher is Not Cleaning as it Should

Few things are more disappointing than opening the dishwasher to put away its clean contents, only to be greeted by…

3 years ago

These 7 Plants Are Natural Repellents to Keep Fruit Flies Out of Your Home

Fruit flies are perhaps the most annoying of household pests. They barge right in and make themselves quite at home.…

3 years ago

The Cheapskate Gardener

The only difference between gardeners and cheapskate gardeners is the amount of money they spend to achieve the same results.…

3 years ago

How to Build a Great Credit Score

If you are a legal adult U.S. resident, somewhere there is a three-digit number between 300 and 850 with your…

3 years ago

Pay Down, or Pay Ahead? It Can Be Confusing

Years ago, I learned a lesson I won't have to learn again. It was that poignant. It was during a…

3 years ago

How to Use Wool Dryer Balls and Why You Should

A previous column on fabric softener products struck a chord with thousands of readers. I know because you send me…

3 years ago

Turn Your Junk to Cash in a Weekend

It's spring and I can't think of a better time to clean out the drawers, closets and disaster areas that…

3 years ago

From Luxury Taxes to Quick Scissor-Sharpening

Over the years, I've noticed something. People who live comfortably do not do so because they are particularly wealthy. It's…

3 years ago