Dear Mary: My husband and I are trying to get a mortgage to purchase a home. He does not have a credit history, and therefore, we have been declined. What can we do to build credit and, at the same time, get a mortgage? -- Carolann H., e-mail

Dear Carolann: Lenders of all kinds are reeling from the effects of the subprime debacle, when they basically gave big mortgages to anyone with a pulse who could sign his name. You may know how all of that is coming back to bite them. As a result, the pendulum has swung to the other extreme, and mortgage lenders are now loath to qualify just about anyone -- especially the person who actually needs a mortgage to buy a home.

As for your husband, he does need to move quickly to build a good credit history. There are several ways to do that, and he should consider doing all of them. First, you could add him as an additional owner (not an authorized user) on your credit card account. As an owner, the account's activities and history will be reported to his file. If that is not possible, he should get a new credit card -- one that has no annual fee, low interest and no goofy stuff in the fine print.

If he cannot get a good credit card, he should consider a "secured" card for the first six months or so and then transfer that account to a regular account. He needs to use said credit card several times a year, making sure to pay the balance in full during the grace period.

It will take a while for all of these things to land on his credit report, but they will.

Dear Mary: How do I get rust stains off my concrete sidewalk? -- Betty, e-mail

Dear Betty: I've had excellent results with household cleansers that contain bleach. Wet the stain, sprinkle on the cleanser (such as Ajax or Comet with bleach or even Bar Keepers Friend, which has no bleach). I use a stiff bristled broom to scrub it in so it leaves a kind of paste. Then I let it sit for a while, keeping pets and kids clear of the area. Rinse it well, and behold the extra-clean spot.

Dear Mary: Is there a way to make your own chili powder? My wife and I both love chili, and we go through the stuff so fast I'm hoping I can make it more quickly and more cheaply than buying it at the store. -- Terry L., e-mail

Dear Terry: Try this: 3 tablespoons paprika, 2 teaspoons ground oregano, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground turmeric, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and salt to taste. Measure all ingredients into a zip-lock bag, seal and shake. Store in a cool, dry place.

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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