Lots of readers have expressed interest in other columns about freebies or low-cost merchandise.
Websites pay consumers for outdated electronics
CONSUMER WATCH COLUMN
Last week’s column featured estate sales as a way to shore up some new savings, but the modern world’s used electronics can sometimes bring a goodly amount, too. (And, yes, you can donate last week’s treasures and this week’s items for a fair market price as deductions for the calendar year’s income tax.)
Q: Any hints on winterizing my home to save money? —Samuel Saver
In honor of my daughter's 44th birthday, which is today, I thought some suggestions for birthday freebies and other deals would be fun. I partake of many of these myself; readers will enjoy them, too.
As a consumer specialist, have you heard about recent problems with glass bakeware shattering and causing injuries? I own a good bit, so I'm very concerned. -- Cindi Cook
As we continue with last week's estate planning errors, per Bottom Line Personal, be careful to check with your attorney to see whether a trust makes sense for you.
I've been hearing all kinds of rumors about estate planning errors. Even though my wife and I have a trust, I'm a bit concerned about these rumors. What's the straight story about the federal estate tax that expired in 2009?
As readers may recall, I think writer Mary Hunt is the crème de la crème of financial advisers. One of her recent newsletters dealt with clever ways in which to recycle, and I’ve stolen a few ideas to pass on, (paraphrased, of course).
I know our really cold weather is ahead of us so what can I do to help salvage energy bills?
’T is the Saturday of Christmas
More gift ideas abound, some of which arrived from readers. While all are interesting, I never would have thought of some of them when shopping at non-traditional "gift" stores.
Q: With funds so short and lots of family coming for the holidays, do you have any suggestions to conserve money instead of spending too much on gifts? -- Sam and Sara Saver
As holiday gift-giving time approaches, a few money-saving tips may be just the thing to offer. Just be sure to read any and all fine print before all purchases to ensure you're getting exactly what you want. (Also use the gift card tips after the holiday
I'd like to send long-distance flowers to my parents for their anniversary but I got burned the last time I sent my wife Valentine's Day flowers. Any advice on what to watch for?
Q: Now that the new cars are coming out, what's some purchase advice you can give me other than the same old buy at the end of the month, etc.? -- Hettie Haggle A: Dear Ms. Haggle: That "same old" is still a great strategy to save money when buying a new vehicle.
