Breakfast for dinner is a popular frugal meal. But sometimes serving plain old eggs and toast doesn't go over well at the dinner hour. Adding sides such as yogurt, hash browns, oatmeal, cheese, fruit, biscuits or bagels can make a simple egg meal more appealing. When that stops working, it's time to add an element of surprise. The following recipes aren't expensive and can round off your "evening breakfast" plan, so everyone looks forward to it anytime of day.

DEAR SARA: I have about 10 plastic three-ring binders that I bought for back to school two years ago. My kids never used them. Do you have any great ideas on ways to upcycle them? -- Andrea, West Virginia

Some produce comes wrapped on foam trays. Rather than throwing them away, they can be reused as paint palettes, crafts or packing material. You can place them in your pantry under items such as oil or honey that might drip or leak on your shelves, too. The first reader tip shares more ways to use them.

You can be one question away from saving money. If you don't ask for discounts, you're missing opportunities to hang on to more of your hard-earned cash. It can be tough to muster up the courage, but it gets easier once you've done it a few times. You don't have to be a tough negotiator. Be honest, undemanding and prepared for rejection. Many places offer unadvertised student, senior, military and employer discounts or will reduce the price if you buy in bulk, merchandise is slightly flawed, or if you're a frequent and good customer. Where have you been successful asking for a discount?

Frugal people have quirks. We can't help ourselves. We know that our frugal habits make a difference. Often, these little frugal ways can drive our families crazy. But we all know who is right in the thermostat wars. Ha! You deserve some validation. What frugal things do you do that make your family roll their eyes?

Recipes with just a few ingredients are often cheaper, but they don't have to lack in flavor. They don't have a lot of steps and measurements so they are simple to prepare. You'll have most everything you need already in your kitchen, too. The following recipes can be jazzed up with additional ingredients or left basic and hassle-free.

Being frugal can be difficult when you're just starting out as a young couple. Newlyweds are filled with hopes, dreams and challenges. To help young couples get off on the right foot, readers share their advice.

"Small events and choices determine the direction of our lives just as small helms determine the directions of great ships." -- M. Russell Ballard

DEAR DR. GOTT: I recently switched jobs and had to move to a new state. I also switched insurance to the one offered by the company I work for because it is more cost-efficient for me. My problem now is that I have to pick a new healthcare provider. I was given a book that lists all the available providers in the area that accept this insurance, but the list is quite extensive. I noticed that there are also several types of providers: MD, DO, APRN, NP and PA. I know that an MD is a typical medical doctor, but I don't know what any of the others are and wonder if they are perhaps a better choice.

DEAR SARA: Help. Do I take a gift? One of the ladies on my block invited me to a brunch that she has invited all the other ladies on the street to. They did it last year (I wasn't able to attend), and, from what I understand, it is an informal get-together. Should I bring a hostess gift? I asked her what I could do to help/bring, and she insisted nothing over and over, but I don't feel quite right about that. I do not know her very well (friendly conversations passing in the street is about the extent of it), so I have no idea of tastes, likes or dislikes. My normal gift would be a bottle of wine; however, she may not drink. What should I do? Listen to her and show up empty-handed? Is that the norm? As you can see, I don't do many ladies brunches. Should I take a small gift? A potted plant or something? And I don't want to show up with something and make everyone else feel bad if this is not what is done. Help me please! Thank you. -- S.S., Indiana

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a 65-year-old female. For about five years, I suffered from unpredictable fecal incontinence and diarrhea. Both afflictions were unpleasant and caused me considerable anxiety.

Trim your candlewicks each time you use them. You'll save money because they'll last longer and will prevent your candles from smoking. The first tip shares a simple household tool you can use.

DEAR DR. GOTT: Ten years ago, I was diagnosed with palindromic rheumatoid arthritis. I didn't want to take the medication, so I did a lot of reading. The first information I found is to avoid foods that worsen the condition. They're usually the ones you eat every day and think you can't live without. Corn was a major one for me, and it's in many processed foods. I also found that alternating food families so that each was eaten only once every four days brought me relief. It takes some work to figure out what foods are in the same family, but there are sources.

You don't have to sacrifice happiness if you're frugal. Small pick-me-ups or indulgences can help you maintain your frugality without completely blowing your budget. You simply need to redefine luxuries. If you think about it, there are plenty of enjoyable low-cost splurges. Some can be impulsive, and others can be worked into your budget. But don't buy what you can't afford. It's the little joys in life that can re-energize you. An indulgence can encourage you to slow down and savor the moment. These indulgences can make your hard work in other areas easier to bear. You'll also be less likely to overindulge and overspend.

Eating out can be a large expense. While it's easy to rely on it as a quick solution, it's often not a healthy choice. It's easier said than done to have meals prepared in the freezer for emergencies. Slow cookers work well if you know ahead of time that your schedule is busy. What do you have as a backup plan for dinner instead of getting takeout or dining out?

Winter is the perfect time for home-baked bread. It's not hard to do, but it can be time-consuming. The smell that fills your home and the taste makes the effort worthwhile. I've included three easy recipes that will round off your bread-baking repertoire. The monkey bread is so simple that kids can help you make it.