It’s mailbag day, when I reach into my virtual mailbag and pull out a few questions from my dear readers, attempting to respond with specific help and resources.
These days, there are lots of shysters trying to pose as reputable counselors and advisers. You cannot be too careful. Once accepted into their program (I think you are a good candidate), they will contact your creditors and work out a payment schedule you can handle. The cost will be very reasonable, if any. Go to www.nfcc.org to get started, or call toll free 1-800-388-2227. Follow the prompts. You will be matched to the Consumer Credit Counseling Services office near you. You can trust NFCC to direct you to a certified CCCS office, so please do this today. I won’t be able to sleep until I know you can, too.
By my rough calculations,1 yard of cheesecloth (18 square feet) can be cut into 36 (6x6-inch) bags. At $3.50 per yard, making your own bags in this way will cost about 10 cents per bag. Of course, you could try to reuse them, but for me, this method allows them to be disposable.
If you really want to spend your money on premade spice bags, The Spice House, an online retailer, offers five-pack Bouquet Garni Bags for $5. Shipping and handling will run about $8, bringing the cost per bag to a hefty $2.60 each. You can find other options at Amazon.
Fill your bathtub with tepid water and add 1 tablespoon of the soap (it is very concentrated). Lay the quilt in fan fashion in the water. Gently press down by hand and up on the quilt, forcing water through the layers. Rinse in clean water several times, following the same procedure. Drain. Press and squeeze to remove as much water from the quilt as possible. Place a bed sheet under the wet quilt and lift out of the tub using the sheet. Allow to dry opened out and out of sunlight. Enjoy this beautiful treasure.
For links and more information on the resources mentioned above plus a few more that may be helpful, go to EverydayCheapskate.com/qa101.