ArcaMax

Q: Our association board members never seem to enforce the rules, and recently, this ended up with someone getting hurt. Is our association liable because of this? Are the board members? — Andy

A: Community associations are responsible for maintaining the community and enforcing its rules. When board members fail to enforce these rules, it ...Read more

Dear Mary: What is a safe disinfectant for colored clothes, such as underwear and bath towels? I can't use chlorine bleach, and since I usually wash my colored clothes in cold water, I do not feel like I am getting them sanitized enough. Thanks. -- Sherri

Dear Sherri: Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill tested ...Read more

Discouragement plagues all of us from time to time. If you're discouraged about your situation -- be it financial, family, job or just basic uncertainty about the future -- there are some things you can do to counter those feelings and attitudes. The most important is to know this will not last forever.

Let's say your neighbor just got a ...Read more

You should see my email inbox. Yikes! It's overflowing with questions, tips, stories, feedback, rebuttals and all kinds of love from you, my dear readers. Today, I'm making a tiny dent in the pile with these responses to a handful of your questions on auto leasing, homemade laundry detergent and more.

Dear Cheapskate: My wife and I are ...Read more

If you've ever left a perfectly good pair of sunglasses in a restaurant bathroom, dropped them off a boat, or sat on them in your car, you know the sinking feeling: There goes $50, $75 -- maybe even $200 -- down the drain. I've learned (the hard way) that sunglasses don't have to cost a small fortune to protect your eyes from the sun and look ...Read more

There are a number of ways to buy prescription eyeglasses, including from local opticians, independent optometrists, optical departments in big-box retailers and online-only vendors. Regardless of the option you choose, the good news is that prescription eyeglasses do not have to cost hundreds of dollars.

There are two ways you can purchase ...Read more

Q: I live in a homeowners’ association, and I decorated my house and yard for the holidays. They made me take it down under threat of a fine. Are they allowed to do this? – Gunther

A: Living in a community association means following a set of rules and regulations you agreed to when you purchased your home. These rules often govern how you ...Read more

Dear Mrs. Mary Hunt: My name is Abby. I am 13 years old. So, my mom got your book, "Raising Financially Confident Kids." She is on Chapter 9, and she wants to do that -- give your kids money and make them buy their clothes, shoes, etc., each month.

Well, I didn't really like the idea. I actually thought it was stupid. But I didn't say anything....Read more

If I were keeping track of the number of responses from my readers that are filled with praise and gratitude, there would be thousands of hash marks next to Tub and Shower Soap Scum Cleaner. And the word used most often to describe it? "Magical"!

But now and then, a response will report problems having to do with allergies and, well, that smell...Read more

There are a few things I like to keep handy at all times -- nail file, a good pair of sunglasses, and binder clips. Yes, binder clips. The small, black ones with shiny silver handles that come in myriad sizes. The kind you can find in bulk at office supply stores for about the price of a fancy coffee.

I keep binder clips in nearly every room of...Read more

Longtime readers of this column may remember the reader who wanted to know where she could donate her fabric scraps. I offered details on a small organization in Texas that turns new fabric scraps into quilts for shelters, churches and other charities.

Apparently, reader G.W. was not the only reader with fabric scraps too good to throw away. "...Read more

Would you be willing to accept a reduction in pay if you could work fewer hours to spend more time with your family? It is a lovely thought, but how realistic is it? Working less usually means earning less -- hardly an option for most people.

But that doesn't mean we cannot take small steps to simplify our complicated lives. A little bit here ...Read more

It might be the rising cost of groceries, or perhaps you've lost your job or have already been living paycheck-to-paycheck with no cushy emergency fund to fall back on. For whatever reason, suddenly this month you can't pay all your bills.

You're scared, angry, worried and overwhelmed. What are you supposed to do right now? Which bills should ...Read more

I used to think houseplants were nothing more than expensive dust collectors. Then I bought a pothos, neglected it shamelessly and watched it grow anyway. That's when it clicked: Maybe these leafy roommates are doing more for me than I realized.

Science agrees. Indoor plants aren't just for looks. They can help you breathe easier, sleep better ...Read more

Dear Mary: I've heard that adding someone to your credit card will help that person establish a credit history, even if they do not use the card. Is that true? How would I go about doing it? -- Pat

Dear Pat: It is true. You would add this adult (at least age 18) as an "authorized user" to your account by calling your credit card issuer's ...Read more