Clearing up the confusion around date labels on packaged foods – Mary Hunt

by Mary Hunt, contributing writer, EverydayCheapskate.com No doubt, you’ve noticed that some food products come with dates and codes printed on them. And who isn’t noticing this more now as food costs are skyrocketing? Do those codes and dates mean the item must be consumed by that date or just sold by that date? What…

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Own less, live more – Mary Hunt

by Mary Hunt, contributing writer, EverydayCheapskate.com What would you do if you had to use — let alone actually enjoy — everything you own? Truth be told, most of us will never live long enough to accomplish such an overwhelming requirement. Instead, we pack it, stack it and pile it away — even pay rent…

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When long-run emotional spending is not soothing – Mary Hunt

by Mary Hunt, EverydayCheapskate.com, contributing writer Years ago, I discovered money was a great antidepressant. I spent to change my mood, to reward myself and to make myself feel better after a stressful week. I spent money when I felt sad and when I felt glad. I spent to get approval, to make my kids…

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Avoid these expensive tax mistakes – Mary Hunt

by Mary Hunt, “Everyday Cheapskate”, contributing writer You’ve rounded up your receipts, figured out all your deductions, and now you’re ready to load that onto your tax forms. This is not the time to get sloppy. Make sure you don’t run any of these red flags up the flagpole of your tax return, and you…

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Appliance maintenance you can do yourself – Mary Hunt

A man and woman looking at the dishwasher.

by Mary Hunt, contributing writer – EverydayCheapskate.com It was Christmas Eve several years ago. Everything was ready. Our overnight company would be arriving in a matter of hours. I opened the refrigerator to discover the inside had reached a balmy 70 F. This could not have happened at a worse time. Away to my computer…

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Readers share creative post-holiday tips and tricks – Mary Hunt

A table with wrapping paper and christmas ornaments.

by Mary Hunt, contributing writer, EverydayCheapskate.com I have so enjoyed the unique holiday tips and tricks you, my dear readers, have sent my way during the holidays. Over and again I find myself saying, “Wow! Why didn’t I think that?” A few weeks before Christmas, I was boiling mad at myself when I opened boxes…

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