ArcaMax

It's official. My readers are the best (and not bad-looking either). Not only are you loyal, but you've also made mail time the highlight of my day. Your letters and tips are fantastic, and when you send in advertisements, credit offers and consumer ripoffs, it shows me you're paying attention. And it seems you're getting pretty good at it too. ...Read more

Did you happen to catch the episode of "Dr. Phil" on weddings? One couple was having a major disagreement over the cost of their impending nuptials and came to Dr. Phil to help them find a solution. He has $2,500 in savings, she has none. That's OK, I thought. At least they are talking in terms of cash.

Then the bride dropped the bomb: Because ...Read more

Most of us prefer to think of spending money in ways that don't make us cringe. I suppose that's only natural. If we could truly see how every little purchase adds up in the grand scheme of things, maybe those "just a little treat" splurges wouldn't feel quite so harmless.

Take a page from Howard Schultz's book -- literally. In "Pour Your Heart...Read more

Fast food runs, deli detours and a grocery cart loaded with preprepared food can drain a food budget faster than a houseful of hungry teenagers. The secret to slashing your family's food bill is to cook at home. And the way to become confident in the kitchen is to learn a few strategic "trucs" of the trade.

Truc (rhymes with "fluke") is a ...Read more

Get ready for another round of your burning questions and my hopefully not-too-scorched answers as we tackle the financial dilemmas that can make even the savviest penny-pincher break into a sweat -- from the joys of insuring your teenage driver (and by joys, I mean sticker shock) to the temptation of throwing every windfall at those relentless ...Read more

Job redundancy, downsizing, cutbacks, layoffs -- whatever you call it, when that dreaded pink slip lands on your desk, it's about as welcome as a root canal. But living in constant fear that your job could disappear any day now? That's like waiting for a surprise party you really, really don't want.

Even if you're convinced your job is solid, ...Read more

Homeowners, gather 'round and clutch your wallets. These days, home loan scam artists are lurking in the shadows like that weird neighbor who's always "just checking in." They're hungry, they're relentless and they've got their beady little eyes on your home equity.

Meet the loan sharks -- or as I prefer to call them, predatory lenders. They've...Read more

As you know, because I tell you all the time, I get a ton of mail! Today, I reached into my virtual mailbag and pulled out two reader questions, neither of them having easy answers. But hopefully this will make you think of your own situation in light of these questions and my responses.

Dear Mary: I borrowed more money on my student loan than ...Read more

I love it when I open my email to find a question that makes me go "Oh, boy. Do I know about that feeling! That's exactly what happened to me. Been there, done that!"

Today's first great reader question is a perfect example. Yep, I've gone to get rid of shrunken clothing because I didn't know there was a possible remedy. But now I do, and you'...Read more

Dear Cheapskate: I often keep onions, garlic and potatoes in my cupboard for weeks before finding the time to cook with them -- and by then they've gone soft or sprouted! What's the best way to store these ingredients to keep them fresh as long as possible? Your column is fabulous! Keep up the good work. -- Amy M.

Dear Amy: Never refrigerate ...Read more

Inflation is hitting Americans hard these days. Rent, gas and utilities are all more expensive, and rising grocery bills aren't helping matters. Increased costs and supply chain shortages have pushed prices up, with food prices climbing around 11% recently -- though some folks have seen even steeper increases. Sticking to a reasonable grocery ...Read more