Rules of Thumb

Figure $3 per item to estimate the cost of your groceries at the checkout counter. Inflation is not a factor; as prices rise, packages shrink.

For long trips and expeditions, plan on taking at least two pounds of food per person per day.

In a public washroom, always use the toilet farthest away from the door. It’s typically cleaner and used less than the others.

It takes the average person an hour to paint 1,000 square feet, plus an additional hour for each window or door.

When getting ready for a run outside in cooler weather, dress as though it were 20 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than it is.

Homeowners should plan on reserving $100 a month for a home-repair fund. Total net costs for repairs per year can be 40 to 45 percent more than your base mortgage.

When using shredded cheese in a recipe, you can substitute up to half fat-free cheese without hurting the flavor. The same is true for substituting fat-free or 2% milk for whole milk.

When moving to a new home, set up your bed first. By the end of the day you’ll be glad to have a comfy place in which to pass out.

you have young children, your life insurance should be five or six times your salary. If you don’t have children, the amount should be enough to pay off your debt.

flower arrangement should usually be about one and a half times the height or width of the container.