Everyday Cheapskate: Three Daughters and a Ring

Got a question? Lots of readers do, and chances are pretty good their questions just might be your questions too. At the very least, you may find these answers to be somewhat educational, if not entertaining!

Dear Cheapskate: I have a big problem and have told my daughters and their daughters that I am going to accept your advice to solve it. I have only one asset of significant value: a ring given to me many years ago by my mother. All of them want it when I die. This has caused a huge argument. I know there will be hard feelings no matter who I decide will receive this ring in my will. I had the ring appraised and it is of significant value. Thank you for helping me before time runs out. -- Dorothy

Dear Dorothy: The way I see this, you have two choices: 1) Leave the ring to your first-born, which is a kind of traditional way that heirlooms are passed down to the next generation, or 2) Sell the ring now and divide the proceeds equally among your heirs. If I were you, I would go with option #2. I predict that once they hear your decision, there will be a sudden change of attitude to preclude you carrying through with a sale.

Dear Cheapskate: The rust in our city water leaves an unsightly brown buildup in my bathroom sink made of vitreous china. I have tried homemade remedies and store-bought products, but nothing has worked in completely ridding the unsightly stains. Can you recommend something that will help make my sink look new again? -- Diane

Dear Diane: Bar Keepers Friend, available in the household cleanser aisle of most supermarkets and discount stores, will remove those stains without harming the enamel coating on porcelain, known as vitreous china. The active ingredient in Bar Keepers Friend is oxalic acid, an organic acid that works as a bleach and rust remover. I think you will be amazed by the ability of BKF to remove these stains! As always, it is vitally important that you test any product in an inconspicuous place first to make sure it will not be damaged before proceeding.

Dear Cheapskate: I need a dark spot corrector for the face. There are so many products out there (most of which are quite costly) that, if they worked, might be worth it. However, I have yet to find anything that works! -- Nellie

Dear Nellie: I have a homemade remedy that's super inexpensive and very effective for most people. But it requires daily diligence. Ready to commit to doing this for six weeks? Great! Blend one onion in a blender until it is well pureed. Mix the blended onion with a cup of apple cider vinegar (no substitutes, please). Mix well, then pour this through a small sieve and place the liquid into a small container that has a lid.

To use: Dip a cotton ball into this potent concoction and dab onto the brown spots. Leave the mixture on the spot for about 30 minutes. Continue doing this daily (or twice daily if you can manage and want a faster result) for about six weeks to see improvements.

Dear Cheapskate: My children love the apple slices available prepackaged at the grocery store. I really appreciate the convenience, but I hate the price tag. I would love to prepare the slices at home myself for a fraction of the cost; however, I'm at a loss for the ingredient that keeps the apple slices from turning brown before their time. Any suggestions? -- Michelle P., email

Dear Michelle: Citric acid is the best way to keep apple slices from turning brown. An easy way to accomplish this is to create a citric acid bath -- one gallon of cold water into which you have dissolved a package of unsweetened lemon Kool-Aid -- the cheapest source of citric acid! Dip the apple slices in this bath, then place them in zip-type plastic bags. Remember, this trick will only slow the browning process, not eliminate it.

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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."