ArcaMax

Over the years, I've received thousands of money-saving tips from readers -- many of which I've shared in books, newsletters and this column. And there are plenty that I've not shared for a variety of reasons, but mostly because they don't work.

Some work so poorly, they actually end up costing time and money, not saving anything. One of those ...Read more

Some time ago, I wrote about simple things you can do to get better gas mileage, which means less time and money spent at the gas pump.

One of those tips was to make sure your car's tires are always properly inflated because underinflated tires cause the engine to work harder than necessary, which wastes fuel, while overinflation causes tires ...Read more

So you're getting ready to sell your house. Just thinking about it can be an overwhelming experience.

Should you hire a real estate agent? Should you do a FSBO (for sale by owner) to keep from paying that big commission? Should you spend a lot of money to paint and re-carpet -- at least the front rooms?

Where do you start, and what can you do ...Read more

If your bank account seems to be on a diet and you can't figure out why, check your subscriptions. Between streaming services, beauty boxes, and apps that promised to "change your life," you might be leaking money like a slow-drip faucet.

I'm not against subscriptions. I love a good one when it actually makes life easier. But most of us sign up...Read more

Dear Mary: What is a safe disinfectant for colored clothes, such as underwear and bath towels? I can't use chlorine bleach, and since I usually wash my colored clothes in cold water, I do not feel like I am getting them sanitized enough. Thanks. -- Sherri

Dear Sherri: Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill tested ...Read more

Discouragement plagues all of us from time to time. If you're discouraged about your situation -- be it financial, family, job or just basic uncertainty about the future -- there are some things you can do to counter those feelings and attitudes. The most important is to know this will not last forever.

Let's say your neighbor just got a ...Read more

You should see my email inbox. Yikes! It's overflowing with questions, tips, stories, feedback, rebuttals and all kinds of love from you, my dear readers. Today, I'm making a tiny dent in the pile with these responses to a handful of your questions on auto leasing, homemade laundry detergent and more.

Dear Cheapskate: My wife and I are ...Read more

If you've ever left a perfectly good pair of sunglasses in a restaurant bathroom, dropped them off a boat, or sat on them in your car, you know the sinking feeling: There goes $50, $75 -- maybe even $200 -- down the drain. I've learned (the hard way) that sunglasses don't have to cost a small fortune to protect your eyes from the sun and look ...Read more

There are a number of ways to buy prescription eyeglasses, including from local opticians, independent optometrists, optical departments in big-box retailers and online-only vendors. Regardless of the option you choose, the good news is that prescription eyeglasses do not have to cost hundreds of dollars.

There are two ways you can purchase ...Read more

Dear Mrs. Mary Hunt: My name is Abby. I am 13 years old. So, my mom got your book, "Raising Financially Confident Kids." She is on Chapter 9, and she wants to do that -- give your kids money and make them buy their clothes, shoes, etc., each month.

Well, I didn't really like the idea. I actually thought it was stupid. But I didn't say anything....Read more

If I were keeping track of the number of responses from my readers that are filled with praise and gratitude, there would be thousands of hash marks next to Tub and Shower Soap Scum Cleaner. And the word used most often to describe it? "Magical"!

But now and then, a response will report problems having to do with allergies and, well, that smell...Read more

There are a few things I like to keep handy at all times -- nail file, a good pair of sunglasses, and binder clips. Yes, binder clips. The small, black ones with shiny silver handles that come in myriad sizes. The kind you can find in bulk at office supply stores for about the price of a fancy coffee.

I keep binder clips in nearly every room of...Read more

Longtime readers of this column may remember the reader who wanted to know where she could donate her fabric scraps. I offered details on a small organization in Texas that turns new fabric scraps into quilts for shelters, churches and other charities.

Apparently, reader G.W. was not the only reader with fabric scraps too good to throw away. "...Read more