photo by Jeff Keen
People read my column because they want to save money. Some want to save for a goal, such as investing or retirement, while others want to eliminate debt. Readers are always helpful and encouraging. Typically, new readers are pointed in the direction of tracking their spending and creating a budget. It’s hard to escape the numbers. But some folks have poor attitudes about money. Sometimes, they’re their own worst enemy. Their attitudes block them from reaching their goals. They’re simply not ready to listen. For some, their …

Move over, panini press. Do you remember the sandwich maker? The compact appliance with the triangular wells? It presses the edges to make toasted pockets of yummy molten goodness. Yes, it’s that gadget you had to have and then you shoved it into the closet, never to be seen again.
Take it out, clean it up, and put it to good use. You can make quick meals with less of a mess. Get your ingredients prepped while it’s heating up and your place settings ready without having to stand over …

photo by house of sims
DEAR SARA: My chili is too spicy. Is there anything I can add to take the zing (less like “zing,” more like “fire”) out of it? I can’t imagine young children eating this. Help, please! — Debbie, Texas
DEAR DEBBIE: Tone it down by adding more of the initial ingredients, such as tomatoes, beans and water. You can also add sugar or serve it with a dollop of sour cream. Adding potatoes to the pan will absorb some of the flavor, too.
DEAR SARA: I’m a volunteer …

photo by AMagill
One of the most common money leaks in the family budget is frequent dining out at restaurants. For many, cutting it from the budget entirely isn’t a viable option, so I’m sharing some frugal solutions that can make eating out lighter on your wallet.
PLATE SHARE: Share an entree. We always drink water instead of soda, too. — Deb, Kansas
Ask for an extra plate and let the little ones eat off your plate instead of buying them their own separate kid’s meal that they only half eat anyway. …

photo by misocrazy
Are you a haggler? I was never very good at haggling before I sold merchandise at flea markets. I was embarrassed to ask for a lower price on items at garage sales, secondhand stores and even flea markets. I accepted the price for whatever it was marked. I was introduced to reselling items at the flea market by a close friend who had been selling used items and collectibles for years. He asked me to help out one weekend, and I did. I had visited flea markets as …