Dear Mary: What's the deciding factor on when to drop full insurance coverage from an older vehicle? I've just paid off the loan on a 1999 Buick Regal. It's in fair shape and has about 106,000 miles on it. -- Barbara E., e-mail

Dear Barbara: It just might be time to dump both collision and comprehensive insurance on this car because it is fully paid for (many people still are making payments on their "older" vehicles because lenders now are making seven- and even eight-year auto loans!) and it is not some kind of classic that is appreciating in value. Do this: Get out your insurance-premium statement. If the annual cost for collision and comprehensive insurance on your car is more than 10 percent of what you'd get from your insurer in the event of a loss, then it's time to consider dropping them.

Dear Mary: I am turning 15 this August and would like to throw myself a birthday party. However, my family barely is getting by on one income. I recently baby-sat and earned $20, so I am planning on spending only that. My guests will be family and friends, ages 10 to 16. Any suggestions on how to entertain them on only $20? -- Liz, e-mail

Dear Liz: When my friend's daughter Nancy wanted to throw an extra-special birthday party for one of her friends and they had no money to do it, they came up with this clever idea:

All 16 of the teens piled into cars and headed for the largest mall in the area, armed only with a camera and a roll of film.

They proceeded to walk the mall, store by store, selecting gifts for the birthday girl that they would like to buy her if they had the money. Instead of buying the items, however, they took pictures of themselves with the "gifts" and the birthday girl. After all, it is the thought that counts.

They went to the finest stores and were very polite with the salesclerks, who really got into it and allowed them to photograph expensive jewelry, clothes, electronics, etc. As I recall, a car dealership got into the act, as well.

When the evening was over, the pictures were developed, and the birthday girl had a photo album to parallel none other, not to mention the "hit" party of the year!

If anyone in your group has a digital camera, you can skip the cost of getting pictures developed, send them by e-mail and use the $20 to buy a pizza. Let me be the first to wish you a happy 15th birthday!

Do you have a question for Mary? E-mail her at mary@everydaycheapskate.com, or write to Everyday Cheapskate, P.O. Box 2135, Paramount, CA 90723. Mary Hunt is the founder of DebtProofLiving.com and author of 17 books, including "Debt-Proof Living." To find out more about Mary and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.
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