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Swap Books You Have for Those You Want
Dear Mary: I had the address of a Web site that allows you to list your books by ISBN and swap them with other members. My plan was to let my daughter enter all of our books into the system so she would have an allowance for her book purchases. …Read more.
Post Office Clerk Demonstrates New Flat Rate
Today's first great reader tip, from Shirley in Indiana, brings new meaning to the term "flat rate" and also earns Shirley a one-year membership to Debt-Proof Living Online (at http://www.DebtProofLiving.com). You are going to love this:
…Read more.
How To Jump Into the Coupon Game
A recent column about couponing produced a lot of mail. I recommended The Coupon Clippers as a way to choose the grocery coupons that you want and need, instead of taking a chance that you'll find them in the Sunday paper or elsewhere. I learned …Read more.
5 Lessons I Wish I'd Learned Sooner
While I refuse to live with regret, I must admit there are a few things I wish I'd learned sooner. Because I don't want you to make the same mistakes, I'm going to give you my top five so you don't have to learn the hard way.
1. The lottery is a …Read more.
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Stay-at-Home AdventuresThis summer, a cash shortage need not eliminate the idea of a family vacation. Clever and creative parents can turn time off work into amazing vacation experiences without leaving town. —Make a plan. Determine the dates of your "staycation." Create an itinerary that includes activities and meals. Make a big colorful chart, and allow the kids to participate in the planning. —Notification. Let everyone know the dates you'll be on vacation. In the same way you would not be available if you were flying to another country, they need to know you will not be available during your vacation. —Think like a tourist. Do an Internet search with the name of your town plus the word "tourist." You'll be amazed at what you discover. We're talking hiking trails, bike paths, community events, museums and playgrounds that you may not know exist. Look for special deals and coupons local merchants are offering. —Change the rules. This is the fun part. Decide to break all the rules during your stay-at-home vacation, within reason. Unplug the phone; sleep in late; stay up later; watch videos; play games; go on bike rides; explore places you never have been. A few days of junk food is not likely to create any serious problems. —Camp out. Kids love to camp, so haul out your basic camping gear (borrow or rent if you need to), and set it up in the backyard. Create a fire pit so you can sit around the campfire late into the night. Be sure to use proper care, and be mindful of local rules and guidelines. Brush up on campfire songs. —Unplug. This is the challenge for parents during staycations: Everyone has to surrender cell phones and computers to a central holding area for the duration. Sure, it will be an adjustment, but it possibly will be the best move of all. Let the mail collect, to be opened when you "return home." When you are not taking some well-deserved naps, let your kids know they have your undivided attention. That will make this a true vacation because you will "vacate" the normal routines and stresses of life. —Story tapes. Check your library for audio books suitable for the whole family. If you're looking to buy, a terrific Internet source is Great Tapes for Kids, at http://www.GreatTapes.com. Tapes, DVDs and CDs start at about $10 plus shipping and handling, not a bad buy if they become family favorites. I recommend "King Arthur and His Knights" and "The Three Musketeers/Robin Hood," which are told by Jim Weiss, who spins tales so that a 5-year-old can enjoy them. Other family favorites include stories of fantasy and hope, such as "The Golden Drum" and "Little Heroes," by masterful storyteller Jay O'Callahan. —Memories. Be sure to take lots of pictures, and let the kids help to create a scrapbook of memories. Don't be surprised when they call it the best vacation ever! Mary Hunt is the founder of www.DebtProofLiving.com and author of 18 books, including her latest, "Can I Pay My Credit Card Bill With a Credit Card?" You can e-mail her at mary@everydaycheapskate.com, or write to Everyday Cheapskate, P.O. Box 2135, Paramount, CA 90723. To find out more about Mary Hunt and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2009 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC.
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