If you've ever had a big ol' ugly red stain in your otherwise beautiful carpet, you know the meaning of heartbreak. You've tried everything to get it out, but still it's there. What you wouldn't give to find some kind of magic potion that would erase it once and for all. Right? Well, today is your lucky day because you're about to discover just what that potion is.

RED CARPET STAIN SOLUTION. Need to remove a horrible carpet stain left by a red drink? Or coffee? Try Folex, which is a clear spray in a non-aerosol bottle. It is available online for about $10, and also at some Wal-Mart and Home Depot stores. Simply spray the stain and work the product into the stained fibers with your fingertips. Blot with a clean cloth. No rinsing is necessary. I've used Folex on dark red wine stains, on ivory-colored carpet and also on the shadows of old coffee stains. Folex removed every trace. I highly recommend! — Rebecca

ABANDONED PHONE CHARGERS. Once on a trip, I forgot to pack a phone charger. I was so desperate, I asked at the hotel's front desk if they had one I might use. A security guard took me to the storage room where there were at least 12 large plastic bins full! I dug through the spaghetti-like mess and found one. When I offered to return it, he said, "Keep it, we probably have 300 more just like it!" Somehow, someone needs to figure out how to get local hospitals that could really use phone chargers for their patients and nearby hotels (that have way too many) together on this phone charger issue! I always enjoy your columns. Thanks! — Deborah

DEHUMIDIFIER REBATE. Mary's review and recommendation for a home dehumidifier came at just the right time. I was able to purchase one at my local home store and also discovered that it qualified for a $25 rebate from my electric company. It's possible that other energy providers are offering a similar rebate on an Energy Star rated dehumidifier. It can't hurt to ask. — Brett

FREEBEE FIRE STARTERS. I make my own fire starters from dryer lint, cardboard egg cartons and old candle stubs. To get started, place an empty carton near the clothes dryer. As you clear the lint trap of the dryer, don't throw the stuff in the trash. Instead, stuff it into the egg holes as tightly and as much as each will hold. Once all are filled, melt old candles in a tin can that has been placed in a pot of water over medium heat on the stovetop. Remove the lid off the egg carton and place it under the bottom half to make it double-strength. Carefully pour hot wax over all until the lint in each compartment is well-saturated. Once cooled, break into 12 cubes. When you need to light a fireplace, campfire or other type of fire, place use a few in the bottom of the fire and light. Once ignited, place wood on top, sit back and enjoy! — Janet

Mary invites questions, comments and tips at mary@everydaycheapskate.com, or c/o Everyday Cheapskate, 12340 Seal Beach Blvd., Suite B-416, Seal Beach, CA 90740. This column will answer questions of general interest, but letters cannot be answered individually. Mary Hunt is the founder of www.DebtProofLiving.com, a personal finance member website and the author of "Debt-Proof Living," released in 2014. To find out more about Mary and read her past columns, please visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com.