Dear Mary: Several years ago, I visited a friend and was introduced to an item that keeps butter out of the refrigerator and on the counter to be nice and soft and fresh until consumed.
The butter somehow stays in a top container that is then suspended over a container of water. I don’t know the name of this thing, nor where to buy one. I have never seen one since my visit. Can you tell me what it is?—Lyn
Dear Lyn: You are describing the Original Butter Bell Crock by L. Tremain. I have one and you are right to recall it as being quite ingenious. Modeled after the original French butter crock, a Butter Bell keeps butter fresh and spreadable for up to 30 days without refrigeration; no odors or spoilage. Here’s how it works: You pack softened butter into the lid. Fill the base with cold water and place lid upside down into the base. The unique design keeps butter soft and fresh, using water as an insulator. The key is that you must change the water often, like every day or two at the longest. I have written much more about this delightful kitchen helper at EverydayCheapskate.com/butterbell. I hope you'll check it out!
Other manufacturers have produced their own knockoff versions of the Butter Bell, some of which are cheaper, based on the same principle and to mixed reviews.
Dear Mary: While my gal pals were out shopping for clothes, you'd find me in Electrics, checking out the vacuum cleaners! An odd quirk, but (my love for vacuum cleaners) has trailed behind me all these years.
In my lifetime, I have owned myriad vacs, always striving to find The One. Canisters, uprights, what have you. I’ve had them all, but none hit the mark.
Then I read your column about the Shark Lift-Away Navigator and my ears actually came to a point. The “Aha!” moment in all its glory. My vac nose told me this is The One.
I collared my hubby and drove madly to Walmart, urging John to drive faster!
Long story short, I don’t even put the thing away! There it sits, proudly, grandly, and just within reach.
Thanks for the info recommendation, and even if I discovered my Great White this late in life, I am still smiling. It is everything you’ve spoken of and so much more. Very best regards.—Elsa
Dear Elsa: I’m happy to know that you and your Shark are getting along so well. For the price, I just don’t think you can beat this vacuum. Now that I think about it, I don’t think it can be beat at any price. I’m with you. It is The One! Thanks for writing. Your letter made me smile. For my readers who are curious, I have written a lot about this vacuum, including my most embarrassing experience when Sharky and I first met. You can find all of that at EverydayCheapskate.com. Use the search icon using keyword “Shark.”
Dear Mary: I am slowly paying off my debts, but I got a shock today. One of my credit card companies (Company A) decided to sell my account to Company B. When I called, they said Company A no longer carries accounts in my state. I accepted that. But Company B’s interest rate is 26.4 percent. Company A was 16 percent. They’ve changed my rate to 26.4 percent, and not on just new purchases but on my entire balance as well. Is that legal?—Jon
Dear Jon: If you go back and reread the application you signed, in the fine print you will find something like “... terms of which may be changed at any time and for any reason.” While your chances of getting that interest rate reduced are slim, I suggest you exercise your only option: Beg for mercy. Call and, in your most assertive yet courteous manner, suggest that you may take your business elsewhere unless they would like to lower the rate. Don’t hold your breath, but if your payment history is exemplary, they might do it to keep you as a customer. If that doesn’t work, consider switching the entire balance to a low-rate, no-fee card. You can find a current list at IndexCreditCards.com
Dear Mary: I’ve heard that I can get government grants to help buy a home and also get out of debt. Is that right, and should I bite the bullet and shuck out $40 to buy the book that shows how? I’ve checked the library but they don’t have it. What do you think?—Jolene
Dear Jolene: I think you’ve been watching a little too much late-night TV. Look, if what you suggest is true, we'd all have government-paid-for houses, and no one would be in debt. These scam artists have been using the subject of government grants to swindle naive consumers for years. These crooks hit consumers where they’re most vulnerable, then take their last dime or, in your case, 40 bucks. The FTC is going after these scam artists with limited success.
I suggest you devote your creativity and energy to getting out of debt the right way by working hard and repaying what you owe. And get some sleep!
