Dear Ila: It may surprise you that running your dishwasher actually costs less than doing a load of dishes by hand in the sink, according to the Department of Energy. You also might find it surprising that when you wash your dishes in the dishwasher, 80 percent of your energy costs are associated with heating the water, while only 20 percent are from actual machine energy usage. And because washing your dishes by hand can consume nine to 24 gallons of water each time you wash, whereas your dishwasher only uses six to 10 gallons, you actually can save energy, money and time by using the dishwasher. Just make sure you only run the dishwasher when it's fully loaded, and you'll use even less water.

Dear Mary: Where is the best place to put money you are saving for a big purchase? I want to save for a car, and I am thinking about getting a certificate of deposit to help my money earn a bit more interest. Any suggestions? -- Terry, e-mail

Dear Terry: You have several options, and a certificate of deposit would be one. However, keep in mind that with a CD, you have to leave that money until that CD matures, or you will lose some of your interest as a penalty for early withdrawal. If your money isn't liquid ("liquid" means it is available to you at any time), you could miss out on the car deal you've been waiting for.

To get the better rates, you need to leave your money in a CD for a long time. A six-month CD as I write is earning 2.74 percent; a five-year CD is at 3.59 percent.

Another idea would be to park it in an online savings account, such as INGDirect.com. You'll earn interest and have quicker access to your funds when you find that cream puff you're looking for. Surprisingly, as I write, an Orange Savings Account at ING Direct is earning about 3 percent interest, no minimum, no fees.

Dear Mary: Please help! I need a solution to get rid of the mineral ring that has formed in my commode. -- Richard S., Louisiana

Dear Richard: You need a pumice stone, available at a home improvement center or in the foot-care aisle of your local drugstore. Rub that stone on the ring, and it will vanish. You actually will be sanding it away, without damaging the porcelain finish in the toilet bowl.

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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