ArcaMax

Not all companies are starving for business these days. If my mailbag is a good indicator, businesses that offer any kind of repair do better during economically turbulent times.

Makes sense. After all, it doesn't require a Mensa membership to know that it is often cheaper to repair than to replace. And how about those dollar stores? They're in...Read more

You spend a perfectly nice Saturday pulling weeds, trimming roses and finally conquering that corner of the yard that's been giving you side-eye since spring. You feel productive, a little sunburned and oddly proud. Fast-forward to 3 a.m. -- you're wide awake and scratching like you rolled around in fiberglass. What on earth happened?

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Q: I’m about to sell our condo, and the new buyers want to rent it for the weekend before closing. Have you ever heard of this? Should I say yes, or is this a reason for them to cancel the sale if they don’t like staying there? — Doug

A: While it is not uncommon for buyers to ask for early access to a property before closing, you should ...Read more

For a good deal of my life, I lived under a dark cloud of fear that I would end up financially destitute -- a bag lady. Studies reveal that I'm not the only one. Most of us have felt that way, not because we're broke but because we lack confidence. That makes us timid, worried and financially insecure.

Look, we don't have to accept financial ...Read more

I am always entertained and often educated by the tips readers mail in. Today is no exception. I'm pretty sure you're about to agree with me.

SAFELY FROZEN

I am on a waiting list to get a safe deposit box at my bank. While I wait, I am keeping my important papers in a heavy freezer bag, in the deep freeze. I hear that in a fire, the inside of ...Read more

There are many things in my life that I enjoy but would not be completely devastated if required to give them up. My dishwasher is not one of them.

During our last kitchen remodel, we donated the old appliances to Habitat for Humanity -- all except for my stripped down 14-year-old Whirlpool dishwasher.

Even though it has been replaced, it ...Read more

When my kids were little, I shelled out a pile of hard-earned dollars to make matching Popeye the Sailor Man costumes. I spent entire evenings determined to make them authentic to the muscular guy himself, right down to the boys each carrying a can of spinach! I'm still not convinced anyone under age 25 had any idea who they were supposed to be....Read more

Q: I live in an apartment, and my upstairs neighbor gets up to work out every day at 5 a.m. He’s often loud, dropping the weights and waking me up. I’m kind of at my wits’ end. I really don’t want to have to report him to the community, but I also need to get some sleep. What can I do? — Adrian

A: Living in an apartment comes with its...Read more

They're convenient and tasty, but have you ever considered the high cost of your favorite prepared mixes and spices?

In less time than it takes you to run to the market to pick up a box of Rice-A-Rani or Shake'N Bake, you could make them yourself -- and save a bundle in the process.

With each of these "copycat" recipes, I've indicated the ...Read more

If you don't have enough money to pay all your bills, which should you pay first, and which ones can slide for a while? That's the question frequently showing up in my email inbox these days. The past year has been so difficult for so many. And with each request for help I receive, the more my heart breaks for my dear readers going through such ...Read more

If it seems as though you never have enough money to consistently save some of it for emergencies -- consistent, regular deposits out of every paycheck that go straight into a savings account -- perhaps it's time to consider that you're handing over your savings to restaurants, drive-thrus, diners and coffee shops. Think about it.

No matter ...Read more