Mary Hunt

Financial Planners and Other Mysteries of Life

I am noticing a growing trend in my mailbox — readers in search of financial planners or advisors. Or assistants.…

3 years ago

A Shelter in the Time of Storm

The most important thing you can do to make your personal economy strong is to have an umbrella — a…

3 years ago

The Ultimate Risk-Free, High-Yield, Guaranteed Investment

From time to time, this kind of question pops up in my inbox: How can I get started investing in…

3 years ago

Easy Ways to Cut the High Cost of Pet Care

If the cost to keep your pets fed, healthy, cared for, and looking good has gotten so high, you're the…

3 years ago

How Not to Feel Poor on a Fixed Income

It's no secret that more and more people — especially seniors on fixed incomes — are sinking deeper into credit…

3 years ago

7 Ways to Keep Brown Sugar Soft

How maddening to reach for the brown sugar, expecting it to be soft and fluffy, only to find a rock-hard…

3 years ago

A Valuable Money Lesson for the Kids

Don't assume your kids are going to learn in school how to manage money well. There is a growing recognition…

3 years ago

Physical and Emotional Clutter

Not long ago, a Realtor dropped off the flier announcing plans for the annual neighborhood garage sale. "Join us to…

3 years ago

Reality vs. Perception Makes My Head Hurt

Had it not been required to graduate, I would never have taken the class titled simply: Philosophy. Abstract thinking makes…

3 years ago

Homegrown Tomatoes: $37 Each

I don't know what I was thinking the year that I bought three dozen tomato plants (they were small), plus…

3 years ago

Great Reader Tips

Readers agree that vinegar, household ammonia and shaving cream all have uses beyond the ordinary that will help save time…

3 years ago

The 10-Year Bar of Soap, Plus More Great Reader Tips

In the cupboard right above my washing machine, there's a bar of Fels-Naptha laundry soap standing in a coffee mug.…

3 years ago

The Value of Trivial Pursuits

For decades, I've been collecting and disseminating timesaving and money-saving tips. Readers email them to me, comment with them on…

3 years ago

Ask Me Anything: Secured Cards, Nail Polish Stains and More

Every day, it seems, my virtual mailbag fills up with mail from my dear readers. Many messages include questions about…

3 years ago

Cyber Shopping and Debit Cards Do Not Mix

Planning to shop online this holiday season? I have one very important piece of advice: Do not use a debit…

3 years ago