It was a lovely meal. The conversation was engaging, the entree delightful. A good time was had by all. The guests are long gone, and now you are stuck with an ugly red wine stain on your prized tablecloth. Is this linen destined for the ragbag? Not if you know this super simple solution. Red…

Once again my very clever readers have reminded me that it’s the little ways we avoid spending money that add up. I hope you enjoy today’s tips as much as I have. Would you like to see your tip published in an upcoming column? Send it to me (cheapskate@unitedmedia.com) and I’ll see what I can…

Cheap Cold-Water Wash I wash my wool sweaters, skirts and blankets in cold water (either by hand or in the washing machine depending on how delicate the item is) with sudsy household ammonia, which I buy at my grocery store. I use an amount similar to the amount of laundry detergent I would use for…

In the cupboard right above my washing machine, there’s a bar of Fels-Naptha laundry soap standing in a coffee mug. I’m sure it’s five years old, and it appears that it will be good for at least another five. When I come across a stain, I grab the soap, dip the end into water and…