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Dear Cheapskate: I have become more thrifty and aware now that I read this column. Thank you! I wanted to return the favor by sharing a recent experience:

My family of six wanted me to make chili. I didn't have ground turkey or beef in the freezer, and I only buy meat on sale. I couldn't find either on sale in my area. I was just about to cave in and buy a 2-pound package for nearly $9 when I saw a sign for "Whole Lean Chuck Shoulder Roast $1.97 a pound." I walked up to the butcher with a 4-pound roast and asked if he could grind it for me into two packages. He was happy to help and returned with two beautiful packages of the freshest ground beef I had ever seen for only $1.97 a pound -- half the regular ground beef price. -- Christina E., California

Dear Christina: What a great idea! You pulled off a beautiful act of frugality with poise and grace. Feels good, doesn't it? Thanks for reading Everyday Cheapskate and for being such a loyal fan!

Dear Cheapskate: I love your hints. I have found so many great ideas and so much good common sense in them. Do you have a recipe for homemade mulling spices? I want to make spiced cider for the holidays. -- Anita G., email

Dear Anita; Here's my favorite recipe for wassail that should do the trick to keep you warm and cozy all through the coming holiday season!

1 1/2 cups white sugar

8 whole cloves

3 cups water

3 cinnamon sticks

1 1/2 cups orange juice

1 cup lemon juice

1 gallon apple juice

In a saucepan, combine the sugar, cloves, water and cinnamon. Bring to a boil, and continue to boil for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, cover and allow to cool for 1 hour. Stir in the orange juice, lemon juice and apple juice. Return to the heat, and boil for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove cloves and cinnamon sticks before serving.

Dear Cheapskate: Do you have any suggestions for less expensive Christmas gifts? I want to buy gifts for my five college-aged kids, but I want to cut down on the cost. I usually spend $75 to $100 on each of them. I want to stay within a budget without being a Scrooge. -- Sheryl, B. email

Dear Sheryl: I have a terrific idea. But first, let's establish the fact that retailers are very worried this holiday season about the state of the economy. They are planning unprecedented tactics to attract shopping dollars, and I'm talking about sales like we've likely not witnessed for many years. Here's the way to do your Christmas shopping for half the price this year:

Let's say you set your old budget, but instead of $75 a person, call it a $75 gift per person. What's the difference? A lot. Here's an example: You find a beautiful sweater in your daughter's favorite color and exact size. The regular price is $75, but you found it on sale for $37.50. Bingo! That's a $75 gift, right? No one needs to know you bought it for half price. Let the retail price fit within your budget but let the real price soothe your wallet.

Need more ideas? My book "Debt-Proof Your Christmas" (EverydayCheapskate.com/books) is packed with ideas for gifts from your kitchen, gifts from the heart and so many ways that you can make the holidays memorable this year -- using only the cash you have to spend (no matter how little that might be).

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Mary invites you to visit her at EverydayCheapskate.com, where this column is archived complete with links and resources for all recommended products and services. Mary invites questions and comments at https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/contact/, "Ask Mary." This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of EverydayCheapskate.com, a frugal living blog, and the author of the book "Debt-Proof Living."

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