Dear Mary: I love your column and am so thankful for the invaluable advice you give. We are a family of four on one income and just scraping by. We would love to take our children (ages 4 and 5) on a "kid-friendly" vacation but aren't sure how to swing the expense. I figured if anyone knew how to do it, it would be you. -- Shelli C., Colorado

Dear Shelli: If I were you, I'd plan a "staycation" -- a stay-at-home vacation. Google your city or state plus the word "tourist" to see what's available in your area. You likely will find coupons and other specials you didn't know existed. I was surprised to learn how many scenic hikes and bikes paths are in Orange County, Calif., where I live -- and other fun and cheap activities I never knew existed.

Create a campground in your backyard, complete with tent and fire pit if you are allowed to do that in your area. Take day trips that include fun activities, and then come back to your "campground" at night. Remember, it's the mom who sets the tone in the family. If you get excited and creative about your summer staycation, the kids will buy into it, too. You'll create memories they never will forget.

Dear Mary: Our neighbor's cat got in our car and urinated everywhere. We have tried everything to get the car clean and the smell out! Yes, even baking soda. Can you help us? -- Susie B., e-mail

Dear Susie: You are dealing with one of the most difficult odors on earth and one that just won't go away on its own. It's time to bring out the big guns: a product called Nok-Out. Unlike other products you've tried that only mask the smell for a short time, Nok-Out really eliminates it. It's nontoxic, EPA-certified and completely harmless to humans and pets. But boy, does it work! You can use Nok-Out directly on the carpet.

Because that cat may have sprayed the entire inside of your car, you may need to scrub down every surface with Nok-Out to make sure it's gone. But it will be worth your time and effort.

You can get Nok-Out online at www.NokOut.com. By the way, it's not only for pet odors. Nok-Out also will eliminate cigarette odor, bathroom odors and mold and mildew in cars, homes and health care facilities. I guess you can tell that I really love the stuff.

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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