TIP OF THE MONTH. Doggy door flap replacements are expensive; my pet store wanted $35 for one. So why not make your own? Check out the carpet section at your local discount department store, and pick up a rubber-backed doormat for a couple of dollars. Then just cut it to fit using the old door flap as a template. I only spent about $2. -- Shirley R., Missouri

Congratulations to Shirley R. for winning our Tip of the Month contest. What a great idea -- and a brand-new one for Mary and the Debt-Proof Living staff. Shirley wins a one-year membership to the members-only section of DPL Online (DebtProofLiving.com).

TRAVEL SMART. My husband and I looked into purchasing travel bags that would hold one complete outfit per day for our upcoming trip, but they were too expensive. So we rolled our stuff and packed it all in those clear plastic zippered bags our linens came in, and it worked perfectly. We could pull out one bag (with shorts, socks, T-shirts, etc.) and see exactly what we had the option of wearing every day. -- Kama M., Texas

QUICK PAINT FILTER. If you are starting a paint job and find you are out of paint filters, take old knee-high hose, and pull them tight over the paint can. The hose will trap all unwanted gunk. They work much better and are a lot cheaper than the paper filters you buy at the paint store. -- Davena Z., Illinois

DECORATOR'S HELPER. When my daughter got married, I was in charge of decorating the church and reception hall. I found myself running all day between the two buildings because I left something I needed in the other spot. I now recommend to all my friends that they get a large industrial apron with pockets to hold scissors, wire, tape, glue, cell phone, etc. It would have saved a mile of walking had I known sooner! -- Janet R., e-mail

GIVING BACK WITH COUPONS. When I shop using coupons, sales and two-for-one offers, sometimes I find a great deal on an item I don't need or use. I still take advantage of the savings and then donate the item to my local food bank or shelter. Toiletries, mints and gum also make a nice care package for our service members overseas. Cat food and dog food help my local animal shelter. -- Matthew L., California

CHEAP LUNCH CONTAINERS. Instead of using nice Tupperware to take my lunch to work, I just use old containers of sour cream, cottage cheese, butter or any other container that may fit my lunch. That way I don't end up losing my good Tupperware when I bring my lunch to work. These containers are easy to wash and reuse. -- Jared H., Utah

Would you like to send a tip to Mary? You can 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" and "Tiptionary 2." 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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