Recent comments

  • 5 Reasons Why It's OK to Get a Tax Refund   15 years 6 weeks ago

    I used to feel guilty about getting more than I paid in. Here is how I look at it now. I receive from my employer (by way of the U.S. Government) what he should have paid me anyway. If it weren't for people like me, the rest of you would have to get a real job. I add value to the GDP, like farmers, fisherman and miners do. So all you smart people that can wear the same clothes tomorrow that you wore today because you didn't get anything on them? Thank you!

  • Ask The Readers: Do You Have Pets?   15 years 6 weeks ago

    My boyfriend and I have three cats, all of which we adore. They provide constant entertainment and affection. We feed them good food (grain free - Taste of the Wild - and mix it with some water) in order to avoid costly vet visits in the long run. It can be slightly expensive, but we love them and wouldn't consider anything less. We've also found that the best pet toys are the cheap/free ones (cardboard boxes, rubber bands, onion netting, and they even like to play with q-tips).
    We're about to move in with my parents, who have two cats and a bird. It should be interesting!

  • Ask The Readers: Do You Have Pets?   15 years 6 weeks ago

    We have a dog, 3 rabbits, and had a guinea pig that recently crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. We didn't plan to have so many pets, but once you start adopting, it is hard to stop. Plus, the shelter will ask if you will take additional pets. Costs are low with rabbits, most money is spent on buying fresh greens. It is $300 when they go to the vet for bloat, but after you do it once, you can treat them at home with future attacks. Being part of online rabbit groups also helps. Any ideas on cheap dog teeth cleaning?

  • Ask The Readers: Do You Have Pets?   15 years 6 weeks ago

    My dog Coconut is worth every penny and more! I saved her from a shelter and have unconditional love for my gal. You have to think about all the money you are saving in the long run when you have a dog! She helps me stay sane and grounded so I will probably never have to see a doctor for those mental issues! She's also my fitness partner. I've been able to save money on gym fees, explore the outdoors and stay in shape because even on a rainy day, we still need those walks! She has taught my children to love, be loved and have responsibility which is priceless. She's given my senior dad a companionship which you couldn't get at a nursing home. There are just too many to list. I've saved so much already just having one dog,...maybe I'll add a few more to my family!

  • Ask The Readers: Do You Have Pets?   15 years 6 weeks ago

    i just took in a stray cat about two weeks ago and my daughter LOVES her... she's growing on me as well.

    I'm a single mom on a budget so any tips are greatly appreciated. Does anyone know of cost friendly vets in the Nashville, TN area.

  • 10 Outdated Job-Search Techniques to Avoid   15 years 6 weeks ago

    I became unemployed around the holidays and decided to apply online to numerous companies via LinkedIn and jobstreet. I found out that companies are looking for you online if your profile matches their preferences. You just have to be confident in yourself and let people know that you're good at what you do.

  • 6 Tips for Spring Cleaning on a Budget   15 years 6 weeks ago

    Great reminder to start cleaning. Maybe I'll sort clothes first to get some new cleaning rags.;0) I like the ideas of natural solutions. I love vinegar. I rather smell that than chemicals.

  • Frugal Gluten-Free Living: Flour Tortillas that Taste Great!   15 years 6 weeks ago

    Do you have a recipe for Flour Tortillas without corn as well?

    I've been working with a four bean flour and it works alright but four bean flour seems to have a slight funny taste. (Four bean as in Fava, Garbanzo, Sorghum, Tapioca, Potato Starch.) I usually end up throwing in mexican seasonings or cumin to cover the taste of the flour.

  • Ask The Readers: Do You Have Pets?   15 years 6 weeks ago

    One golden retriever with bad hips, one american long hair domestic cat, one dutch rabbit, and a three legged fire belly toad aptly named Stumpy. We love our pets. We also vacuum a lot.

  • Ask The Readers: Do You Have Pets?   15 years 6 weeks ago

    Our dog, Goldie, is truly part of our family. She's been with us for 12 years and I just can't imagine life without her!

  • Ask The Readers: Do You Have Pets?   15 years 6 weeks ago

    Two dogs, both of them from a shelter. They are small dogs, which helps with the food costs, but they are also non-shedders, which require regular grooming. I figure the reduced time spent cleaning up dog hair is worth it. I love them both and wouldn't trade them for the world.

  • Ask The Readers: Do You Have Pets?   15 years 6 weeks ago

    I have 2 dogs and a cat.

  • 9 Items Every New Doggy Parent Should Own   15 years 6 weeks ago

    I couldn't agree more about the advantages of crate training. They are invaluable in house breaking as well as keeping your house from becoming broken! It makes for a much saner household and a calmer puppy (except for our crazy, giant Aussie-mix who was never calm unless he was sleeping).

    Also, bitter orange was a real furniture saver, due to above mentioned pup.

    And by all means go to puppy kindergarten, etc. Our big, noisy puppy and I were finishing up puppy kindergarten when a family emergency called me out of town for several months. The pup never made it back to class and my family didn't work with him so by the time I got back home he was back to his old tricks. Now he's 105 lbs. and more than a handful. I've worked with him so he's better, but even small dogs need to learn you are the leader of the pack.

  • Homemade Gluten-Free Trail Mix Bars for About 30 Cents Each   15 years 6 weeks ago

    Hi, Sue! I'm not sure how they would work since the honey is being used as a glue to tie all the ingredients together. I'll tell you what I've done in the past when I want a good pick me up without all the sugars; I just throw all the dry stuff in a ziplock and eat it out of the bag. It's still delicious, even though it lacks it the adorable bar-shaped design.

  • Ask The Readers: Do You Have Pets?   15 years 6 weeks ago

    My husband and I have three cats - and they are like part of our family. They're affectionate and fun. Our oldest cat, Sassy, was my father's and we adopted her after he died. She is the prettiest cat imaginable - a tiny (she only weighs 9 lbs) sealpoint Siamese with enormous blue eyes.

    Our second cat, Frodo Huxley, we got from the pound - our thinking was that Sassy would be lonely with us at work all day and would like to have a companion. We adopted him as an adult cat - you would think an older cat from the pound would be shy or standoffish but he is very, very affectionate and very talkative.

    Our third and youngest cat is Oliver. Our neighbor's daughter found him as a kitten and kept him in their yard and garage. When the weather turned cold, they couldn't keep him, as everyone in the family was allergic to cats except the daughter so they couldn't bring him indoors. The idea of the poor little kitten being taken to the pound was so sad, that my husband and I were easily talked into adopting him.

    We do our best to be frugal pet owners - regular veterinary care and good quality food (to keep them healthy), I use coupons and shop sales for the food and litter, and as for toys - I don't need to buy any, they seem happy enough with string, crumpled paper wads, cardboard boxes to play with.

  • Ask The Readers: Do You Have Pets?   15 years 6 weeks ago

    Two cats that I've had since college. They've been with me through everything. Even for a cross country roadtrip

  • Ask The Readers: Do You Have Pets?   15 years 6 weeks ago

    We now have 2 cats, Sunny, 13 years, and Grimmie, 14 years. We had 14 cats for 12 years. The neighbors left 5 feral cats behind when they moved and by the time I had them all spayed and neutered there were 14! Taking care of them was very expensive at times but the benefits of having these cats as part of my life far outweigh the costs.

    I've made my own cat food for several years. I started making it when one of my guys got very ill and being a feral cat, 'pilling' him was out of the question. It cost me about $60 a month to feed two cats raw turkey with chicken livers, eggs and supplements. It takes me 2 hours every 24 days or so to mix up a batch of food. Feeding them commercial food is just not a consideration. They are healthier and have less vet visits because they're eating a high quality diet.

  • Ask The Readers: Do You Have Pets?   15 years 6 weeks ago

    I have a dog (Buddy), and he meets me at the door every time I come in, even if I was only gone a few minutes. I always feel better when I see him, even if I had a very bad day!

  • Ask The Readers: Do You Have Pets?   15 years 6 weeks ago

    Three cats..... one long-haired solid black cat, a purebred blue point siamese, and a purebred seal point siamese.

  • Ask The Readers: Do You Have Pets?   15 years 6 weeks ago

    I have pets 5 cats and 1 dog. They are worth the expense.

  • Ask The Readers: Do You Have Pets?   15 years 6 weeks ago

    We have two dogs, a cat, fish, and a "froglet" coming in the mail soon. Yes, they are worth it! I grew up with no animals because of my brothers allergies and my mothers aversion to animal hair. My kids love having them around, and since I work from home, I consider them my "co-workers". In addition, a dog with a mean bark is an inexpensive security system. As far as cost.... we spend the extra for special food, but find in the long run that it equals less trips for the vet.

  • Ask The Readers: Do You Have Pets?   15 years 6 weeks ago

    No pets for me. Not allowed where I rent. I plan to have a dog some day when I have a house.

  • Ask The Readers: Do You Have Pets?   15 years 6 weeks ago

    We have one older cat, who has to have prescription food. I would love to get a dog but our cat is afraid of them and we really can't afford it right now.

  • Ask The Readers: Do You Have Pets?   15 years 6 weeks ago

    No pets. No children. I like not having that additional responsibility.

  • 5 Reasons Why It's OK to Get a Tax Refund   15 years 6 weeks ago

    So if it's a forced saving plan why not do an actual savings plan? "Only" $30 - ok, why don't you send it to me, I'm sure you won't miss it.