Make Penny Pinching A Competitive Sport

When they fall down in the store trying to embarrass me into buying them something they don't need, I say: "I've got two words for you -- college fund."

During one such exchange, Olivia kept asking for something (I don't even remember what it was). I kept saying over and over again: "Two words -- college fund."

"Please, Mommy," she whined. "I know you have the money."

"You got that right. I have the money," I said. "Besides I've got two words for you -- college fund."

"Well, I have two words for you," Olivia said. "Nursing home."

True story.

So what's your penny-pinching story? Enter the Penny Pincher of the Year Contest and let others share in your frustration or pass on a helpful hint.

Just so you know, edited versions of entries may be published (so nothing too gross, folks). Only e-mail entries will be accepted. Send your entries by June 20 to colorofmoney@washpost.com . Please put "2005 Penny Pincher of the Year Contest" in the subject line. Include your address and daytime and evening phone numbers.

Michelle Singletary discusses personal finance Tuesdays on NPR's "Day to Day" and online athttp://www.npr.org. Readers can write to her at The Washington Post, 1150 15th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071. Send e-mail tosingletarym@washpost.com. Comments and questions are welcome, but because of the volume of mail, personal responses may not be possible. Please also note that comments or questions may be used in a future column, with the writer's name, unless a specific request to do otherwise is indicated.