![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
I went out and bought a gorgeous pink microfiber blanket I at first in tended to cut it up for small after butt whopping care squares, but it's to soft and cute to cut up hehe, that and It need to be mitt shaped not square. or it needs to be rectangular, so you could slip your arm inside. I also bought some pretty blue flannel sheets with leaf designs on them, with the idea of cutting a head hole and wearing them as a poncho, but I don't know they're so soft and nice if they fit the bed I may keep it for the bed, and try to find just a sheet, not a sheet set at walmart or on freecycle. I also figure if it's a plain white one you can snazz it up by decorating it yourself with iron ons and stuff, and maybe it can even represent an ageplay clothing artical.
Weekend Sewing: More Than 40 Projects and Ideas f... by Heather Ro
Stitched in Time: Memory-Keeping Projects to Se... by Alicia Paulson
Amy Butler's Little Stitches by Amy Butler
Sew Darn Cute: 30 Sweet & Simple Projects to Sew &... by Jenny Ryan
*
Linen, Wool, Cotton: 25 Simple Projects to Sew with... by Akiko Mano
4.0 out of 5 stars (4) $12.21
*
Sew & Stow: 31 Fun Sewing Projects to Carry,... by Betty Oppenheimer
3.9 out of 5 stars (10) $11.53
*
The Gentle Art of Domesticity: Stitching, Baking,... by Jane Brocket
3.6 out of 5 stars (24) $23.10
*
Material Obsession: Modern Quilts with Traditiona... by Sarah Fielke
4.9 out of 5 stars (9) $16.47
*
Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing for Baby... by Lotta Jansd
Bend-the-Rules Sewing: The Essential Guide to a Whol... by Amy Karol
Sewing in No Time: 50 Step-by-step Weekend Projects... by Emma Hardy
Sew Pretty Homestyle by Tone Finnanger
Sew What! Skirts: 16 Simple Styles You Can... by Francesca DenHartog
http://www.amazon.com/Sew-What-Skirts-F
Getting ready for baby : 50 fast and easy sewing projects for grandmothers, aunts, and mothers-to-be / Ann Poe and Kandy Schneider.
Sew Fabulous Fabric by Alice Butcher
The New Handmade: Simple Sewing for Contemporary... by Cassie Barden
Bend the Rules with Fabric: Fun Sewing Projects with... by Amy Karol
Quilts, Baby!: 20 Cuddly Designs to Piece, Patch &... by Linda Kopp
Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson
Doodle Stitching: Fresh & Fun Embroidery for Beginners by Aimee Ray
Sew Sunny Homestyle by Tone Finnanger
Crafty Chica's Guide to Artful Sewing:... by Kathy Cano-Murillo
Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing: Pattern... by Lotta Jansdotter
Pretty Little Patchwork (Pretty Little Series) by Lark Books
Denyse Schmidt Quilts: 30 Colorful Quilt and Pa... by Denyse Schmidt
Chic & Simple Sewing: Skirts, Dresses, Tops,... by Christine Haynes
Colorful Stitchery: 65 Hot Embroidery Project... by Kristin Nicholas
Embroidered Effects: Projects and Patterns to Inspi... by Jenny Hart
Craft Challenge: Dozens of Ways to Re purpose a pillow case... by Suzanne J.E. Tourtillott
Pretty Little Potholders (Pretty Little Series) by Lark Books
Free-Style Handmade Bags & Skirts by Woon Jin
Pretty Little Presents (Pretty Little Series) by Lark Books
Last-Minute Fabric Gifts: 30 Hand-Sew, Machine-S... by Cynthia Treen
Sew Everything Workshop by Diana Rupp
Lotta Prints: How to Print with Anything, fro... by Lotta Jansdotter
Sew U Home Stretch: The Built by Wendy Guide to S... by Wendy Mullin
Sweet Booties!: And Blankets, Bonnets... by Valerie Van Arsdale S.
One-Yard Wonders: 101 Fabulous Fabric Projects by Rebecca Yaker
Carefree Clothes for Girls: 20 Patterns for Outdoor Frocks, Playdate Dresses, and More (Make Good: Crafts + Life) (Paperback)
by Junko Okawa
Sew-It Kit: 15 Simple and Stylish Sewing Projects f... by Amy Butler
Softies Only a Mother Could Love: Lovable Friends... by Jess Redman
Sew Special Fat Quarter Gifts by Julie Johnson
Sew, So Cute! (Leisure Arts #4809) by Mary Engelbreit
Crafting Springtime Gifts: 25 Adorable Projects... by Tone Finnanger
Simple Gifts to Stitch: 30 Elegant and Easy Pr... by Jocelyn Worrall
Simple Sewing with a French Twist: An Illustrated... by Celine Dupuy
Sublime Stitching: Hundreds of Hip Embroidery Patte... by Jenny Hart
Bag Bazaar: 25 Stylish Bags to Sew in an Afternoon by Megan Avery
The Perfect Apron: 35 Fun and Flirty Designs fo... by Robert Merrett
Kanzashi in Bloom: 20 Simple Fold-and-Sew Proj... by Diane Gilleland
Sew What! Fleece by Carol Jessop
Sew Liberated: 30 Stylish Projects for the Modern... by Meg McElwee
Applique Outside the Lines with Piece O'Ca... by Becky Goldsmith
Romantic Home Sewing: Cottage-Style Projects... by Christina Strutt
Weekend Sewing: More Than 40 Projects and Ideas f... by Heather Ro
Stitched in Time: Memory-Keeping Projects to Se... by Alicia Paulson
Amy Butler's Little Stitches by Amy Butler
Sew Darn Cute: 30 Sweet & Simple Projects to Sew &... by Jenny Ryan
*
Linen, Wool, Cotton: 25 Simple Projects to Sew with... by Akiko Mano
4.0 out of 5 stars (4) $12.21
*
Sew & Stow: 31 Fun Sewing Projects to Carry,... by Betty Oppenheimer
3.9 out of 5 stars (10) $11.53
*
The Gentle Art of Domesticity: Stitching, Baking,... by Jane Brocket
3.6 out of 5 stars (24) $23.10
*
Material Obsession: Modern Quilts with Traditiona... by Sarah Fielke
4.9 out of 5 stars (9) $16.47
*
Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing for Baby... by Lotta Jansd
Bend-the-Rules Sewing: The Essential Guide to a Whol... by Amy Karol
Sewing in No Time: 50 Step-by-step Weekend Projects... by Emma Hardy
Sew Pretty Homestyle by Tone Finnanger
Sew What! Skirts: 16 Simple Styles You Can... by Francesca DenHartog
http://www.amazon.com/Sew-What-Skirts-F
Getting ready for baby : 50 fast and easy sewing projects for grandmothers, aunts, and mothers-to-be / Ann Poe and Kandy Schneider.
Sew Fabulous Fabric by Alice Butcher
The New Handmade: Simple Sewing for Contemporary... by Cassie Barden
Bend the Rules with Fabric: Fun Sewing Projects with... by Amy Karol
Quilts, Baby!: 20 Cuddly Designs to Piece, Patch &... by Linda Kopp
Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson
Doodle Stitching: Fresh & Fun Embroidery for Beginners by Aimee Ray
Sew Sunny Homestyle by Tone Finnanger
Crafty Chica's Guide to Artful Sewing:... by Kathy Cano-Murillo
Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing: Pattern... by Lotta Jansdotter
Pretty Little Patchwork (Pretty Little Series) by Lark Books
Denyse Schmidt Quilts: 30 Colorful Quilt and Pa... by Denyse Schmidt
Chic & Simple Sewing: Skirts, Dresses, Tops,... by Christine Haynes
Colorful Stitchery: 65 Hot Embroidery Project... by Kristin Nicholas
Embroidered Effects: Projects and Patterns to Inspi... by Jenny Hart
Craft Challenge: Dozens of Ways to Re purpose a pillow case... by Suzanne J.E. Tourtillott
Pretty Little Potholders (Pretty Little Series) by Lark Books
Free-Style Handmade Bags & Skirts by Woon Jin
Pretty Little Presents (Pretty Little Series) by Lark Books
Last-Minute Fabric Gifts: 30 Hand-Sew, Machine-S... by Cynthia Treen
Sew Everything Workshop by Diana Rupp
Lotta Prints: How to Print with Anything, fro... by Lotta Jansdotter
Sew U Home Stretch: The Built by Wendy Guide to S... by Wendy Mullin
Sweet Booties!: And Blankets, Bonnets... by Valerie Van Arsdale S.
One-Yard Wonders: 101 Fabulous Fabric Projects by Rebecca Yaker
Carefree Clothes for Girls: 20 Patterns for Outdoor Frocks, Playdate Dresses, and More (Make Good: Crafts + Life) (Paperback)
by Junko Okawa
Weekend Sewing: More Than 40 Projects and Ideas f... by Heather Ro
Stitched in Time: Memory-Keeping Projects to Se... by Alicia Paulson
Amy Butler's Little Stitches by Amy Butler
Sew Darn Cute: 30 Sweet & Simple Projects to Sew &... by Jenny Ryan
*
Linen, Wool, Cotton: 25 Simple Projects to Sew with... by Akiko Mano
4.0 out of 5 stars (4) $12.21
*
Sew & Stow: 31 Fun Sewing Projects to Carry,... by Betty Oppenheimer
3.9 out of 5 stars (10) $11.53
*
The Gentle Art of Domesticity: Stitching, Baking,... by Jane Brocket
3.6 out of 5 stars (24) $23.10
*
Material Obsession: Modern Quilts with Traditiona... by Sarah Fielke
4.9 out of 5 stars (9) $16.47
*
Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing for Baby... by Lotta Jansd
Bend-the-Rules Sewing: The Essential Guide to a Whol... by Amy Karol
Sewing in No Time: 50 Step-by-step Weekend Projects... by Emma Hardy
Sew Pretty Homestyle by Tone Finnanger
Sew What! Skirts: 16 Simple Styles You Can... by Francesca DenHartog
http://www.amazon.com/Sew-What-Skirts-F
Getting ready for baby : 50 fast and easy sewing projects for grandmothers, aunts, and mothers-to-be / Ann Poe and Kandy Schneider.
Sew Fabulous Fabric by Alice Butcher
New From Old: How to Transform and Customize Your Clothing
Denim Revolution: Dozens of Ways to Turn Denim Cast-Offs into Fashion Must-Haves
Altered Style: Sewing & Embellishing Wearable Fashions
Jean Therapy: Denim Deconstruction for the Conscientious Crafter (Domestic Arts for Crafty Girls) by Scatha G. Allison,
Designs on Denim with Sticker and Other (Classic Craft Cases)
Denim by Design by Barb Chauncey
Quick-Sew Denim: With No-Sew Options
Fashion Sweatshirts: 25+ Easy Projects to Alter a... by Lorine Mason
Sweatshirts: 15+ Stylish Designs to Sew and Wear
Low-Sew Boutique: 25 Quick & Clever Project...
ABCs of Serging: A Complete Guide To Serger Sewing
Denim Mania: 25 Stylish Ways to Transform Your jeans
Simply Sublime Bags: 30 No-Sew, Low-Sew Projects
Fashion T-Shirts: Easy-Sew Projects for Fun Fashion
The Perfect Bag: 101 Stylish Looks from Simple Projects...
Sew Many Bags. Sew Little Time
101 Fabulous Fat-Quarter Bags with M'lis
Pattern fitting with confidence
Designer Style Handbags: Techniques and Projects f... by Sherri Haab
Save This Shirt: Cut It. Stitch It. Wear It Now!
Complete Embellishing: Techniques and Projects by Kayte Terry
The Perfect Fit: The Classic Guide to altering patterns
90-Minute Quilts: 15+ Projects You Can Make in an afternoon
Complete Feltmaking: Easy Techniques and 25 Gre... by Gillian Harris
Chic Bags: 22 Handbags, Purses, Totes, and accessories to make
One-Piece Wearables: 25 Chic Garments and Accessories... by Sheila Brennan
2 tbs heated marinara sauce
3 tbs shredded part skim mozzarella cheese
Whole grain soft rolls or crusty French bread
Broil chicken cutlets 2 min. per side. Turn off broiler and top each cutlet with marinara sauce and cheese. Heat until cheese melts. Serve on rolls or French bread..
June 15, 2009
Volume 14, Number 24
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"The Dollar Stretcher" and Dollar Stretcher, Inc. does not
assume responsibility for advice given. All advice should be
weighed against your own abilities and circumstances and
applied accordingly. It is up to the reader to determine if
advice is safe and suitable for his/her own situation.
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In This Issue:
Introduction
-- Surviving Tough Times --
Finding a New Job
by Tricia Goss
When finding a job is your job
In The Dollar Stretcher Community
I Can't Get These Credit Cards Paid Off Fast Enough!
Ouch. Credit card interest rates are going up for everyone, it
seems.
-- Surviving Tough Times --
Help With Prescriptions
by Kirby Horton
How to save money on your medicine
Dollar Stretcher Community Poll
Your Saving Rate
Have you adjusted your saving rate due to the economy?
-- Surviving Tough Times --
Food Away from Home
by Gregory Karp
3 ways to reduce the cost of eating out
Bloggles: Blogs that will blow your mind
Next Year's Perennials
It's June; your annuals are coming along or in pots. Your
perennials are growing fast. So why not just sit back and not
worry about your flowerbeds until next spring?
Wood for Projects
by E. E. Kane
You don't need to go to the lumberyard and pay full price
Tips, Quips, Quotes & Questions
On www.Stretcher.com This Week
========================================
Introduction
by Gary Foreman
gary@stretcher.com
Hello to all my Frugal Friends!
We have a winner! (actually 2 winners - as promised!) It
wasn't easy, but our team of crackerjack experts made the hard
choices, and after collecting more information from a selected
group of contestants, we made a decision. We had a lot of
excellent entries. We could easily have chosen a dozen or
more. There were that many great ideas. Just not enough prizes
to go around!
Our two winners are Denise Mendenhall of Fort Dodge, IA and
Matt Lichlyter of Littleton, CO. Denise wants to market her
stained glass creations and Matt wants to promote food safety.
They both have interesting stories, but we'll let them share
that in the blogs that each will be starting here on The
Dollar Stretcher. We'll let you know what the URL is for each
in an upcoming issue.
I also want to thank everyone who entered. As I said, I was
impressed with the many excellent ideas presented. I've been
giving financial advice and managing people and businesses for
over 30 years. Had successes and failures. I believe that
there are many workable ideas among those we received.
And, while we couldn't give every great idea SBI!, I really
believe that there are other businesses that can be built with
time, effort and the proper guidance. Don't give up your
dream. Often the difference between success and failure is
just a matter of trying one more time.
I also believe that SBI! is a superb tool for those who want
to build their own e-business. As I said, I've been around the
block a few times and like to think I can identify what's
real. I've worked with the people at SBI! and can confidently
say that they're the real deal. No smoke and mirrors. Just
sound advice that added to your focus and hard work can give
you the best possible odds at success. So don't let losing a
contest shut your down. If you still dream of building an e-
business, you owe it to yourself to check them out. You'll
find more information about SBI! here
<http://www.stretcher.com/recommended/sbi3.cfm>
Keep on Stretching Those Dollars!
Gary
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tips and articles on ways to help you survive financially
as the cost of everyday items rise and economic times become
tougher. Each issue features six or seven articles and tips
to help you stretch your dollar!
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-- Surviving Tough Times --
Finding a New Job
by Tricia Goss
When finding a job is your job
These days no one is immune from sudden job loss. The position
you once considered completely secure one day might be
eliminated the next. If it happens to you, it is perfectly
understandable and acceptable to take a little time off. Give
yourself a chance to lick your wounds, brush up your resume
and possibly rethink your career path. After a week or two,
though, it is time to start pounding the proverbial pavement.
To land the next terrific job in the least amount of time, you
much treat your job search as a full-time position.
Shoot for forty hours each week. Get up, shower and get
dressed to the shoes every single weekday. This type of
dedication will pay off in helping you find a job more
quickly. It will also help you maintain a sense of purpose and
stave off feelings of hopelessness. Besides, you never know
whom you might run into at the mailbox or corner store and
making a good first impression is crucial.
Begin by creating a schedule. Use your Outlook or Google
calendar, your day planner, or simply a small notepad. At the
beginning of the week, whether that is Sunday afternoon or
early Monday morning for you, browse the help wanted ads and
online job listings. Make three columns on a sheet of paper
when reading the classifieds. In the first column, note ads
with phone numbers to call. In the second column, enter those
with walk-in addresses. In the third column, list employers
requesting mailed or emailed resumes.
Make optimal use of business hours. First thing Monday
morning, begin calling those in Column 1. If you are unable to
speak to the hiring manager at that time, leave a message,
adding politely that you will call again later. When you have
made all of the calls, head to the employers listed in Column
2. After applying for these, head home and call back those you
were unable to reach in the morning. Send off resumes to the
employers in Column 3 at the end of the day.
Networking is considered the best way to land a new job. Spend
an ample amount of your forty hours each week doing so. Make a
list of everyone who would be able to put a face to your name
over the phone. Along with family and friends, list people
from church, your child's school, former jobs, and so on. Call
the first person on the list and relay your situation. Ask
each contact if there are any openings where they work, as
well as if they know of someone else you might call. Make sure
they know how to reach you if they hear about something later.
Take copious notes and graciously thank each contact, whether
or not they provided any new information.
Follow up with employers you called, visited or emailed at the
end of each week. Ask outright if you might schedule an
interview. With the current number of candidates all vying for
a limited number of jobs, your resume may not be prominent. A
courteous phone call stating your deep interest in a position
might be the key that gets your foot in the door.
If you are taking all of these steps but still have some of
those forty hours to spare, don't zone out in front of the TV.
Instead, take a class that will boost your employability.
Check your community college's schedule or contact local high
schools to ask about classes in topics like computer software
programs, business management or accounting.
Another great way to spend this time is performing volunteer
work. Helping others will allow you to forget your own
troubles for a while. Volunteering looks good on your r,sum,,
and it just might connect you with someone who knows of a job
that is perfect for you.
Finally, make sure you document any costs incurred during your
job search. Be certain to retain receipts and break down
expenses, such as mileage driven and cell phone minutes used.
Depending on your circumstances, these costs may very well be
tax-deductible.
Take the Next Step:
- For more on finding a new job, please visit
http://www.stretcher.com/menu/topic-r.h
- Subscribe to our new weekly "Surviving Tough Times:
Inflation fighters" newsletter by sending
<mailto:subscribe-inflationfighters@hub.thedollarstretcher.com>
This free email newsletter will provide ways to help you save
money as the cost of everyday items rise. Each issue features
six or seven articles to help you stretch your dollar!
========================================
In The Dollar Stretcher Community
I Can't Get These Credit Cards Paid Off Fast Enough!
Ouch. Credit card interest rates are going up for everyone, it
seems.
http://community.stretcher.com/foru
========================================
-- Surviving Tough Times --
Help With Prescriptions
by Kirby Horton
How to save money on your medicine
Anyone who takes medicine knows that the cost of prescription
medication is rising in this country. For a lot of us,
prescriptions help us live a more productive, happier life,
but only if we can afford to take them. Here are some ideas
that may help you pay less.
- Talk to your doctor. Not being able to afford medications is
nothing to be embarrassed about. Your doctor wants to know
everything that affects your healthcare, including whether or
not you can pay for your medications. If the price means you
may not fill your prescriptions and take your medicine, then
it is important to be honest about this with your doctor.
Taking your prescriptions helps him help you! There may be a
cheaper generic drug or a similar medicine that you can take,
but your doctor may not consider these unless you explain that
you cannot pay for the more expensive drug. Your doctor may
also have samples of your medicine that he can give you at no
cost.
- Shop around. Studies have shown that prices can vary a
substantial amount from pharmacy to pharmacy. Surprisingly, a
medicine may be cheaper at one pharmacy than at another. As
much as you may like to have everything at one store and may
like a particular pharmacist, shop around to help lower your
prescription medicine costs. You should ask your pharmacy if
it can match the lower price. You can also ask the pharmacist
for part of the prescription if there is the possibility that
the side effects will mean you cannot take this drug. Ask your
pharmacist if you can fill the rest of the prescription at no
extra cost if the prescription works for you.
- Consider buying online. Savings can be huge. Some very
reputable Canadian drug stores offer the original, brand name
medicine and can save you up to 70%! Be very cautious though.
Do not buy from sites that will sell prescription medicines
without a prescription. That is the first sign that they are
not legit. If it's too good to be true, it probably isn't
true, so don't send money or a credit card number.
- Look for $4 Generics. Recently, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and
Target announced that their stores now offer generic medicine
for $4 per prescription fill or refill. Walgreens and other
pharmacies are considering meeting this price. Be aware that
not all generic drugs are offered through these programs and
some local pharmacies have been offering the drugs, on the
lists, at a similar price. Some critics say that this pricing
is a "bait and switch" tactic because many of the drugs on the
lists are older generics that are rarely used. For example,
Wal-Mart hopes people who can't get their medication for $4
may buy it at the higher price then shop at the store before
leaving.
- Study your medical benefits carefully. If you have health
insurance, know what is covered and whether or not there is a
limit to the total amount of coverage each year. You can get
help with insurance questions through a SHIP (State Health
Insurance Assistance Program).
- Look for Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs). If you have a
low income and haven't checked out these programs, do so. Rx
Help is available to individuals who meet criteria set by each
individual drug company. PAPs provide low-cost or free
medication for those who qualify. Remember to look for all
your medicines, not just the most expensive.
- Check out Assistance for Specific Diseases and Conditions.
In this category, you can find help with a variety of medical
expenses, ranging from insurance co-pay assistance to medical
supplies. These programs are listed by particular ailment and
are sometimes limited to specific geographic areas.
There is prescription help out there; you just need to be
creative and assertive to get the medicine that you
desperately need.
__________________
Kirby Horton is Founder, President and CEO of Rx HELP
<http://www.rxhelp4u.com>, a Prescription Assistance Company.
He has over 30 years experience helping Americans with their
healthcare needs. He can be reached at 866-960-9497
Take the Next Step:
- Subscribe to our new weekly "Surviving Tough Times:
Inflation fighters" newsletter by sending
<mailto:subscribe-inflationfighters@hub.thedollarstretcher.com>
This free email newsletter will provide ways to help you save
money as the cost of everyday items rise. Each issue features
six or seven articles to help you stretch your dollar!
========================================
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Dollar Stretcher Community Poll
Your Saving Rate
Have you adjusted your saving rate due to the economy?
http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09j
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-- Surviving Tough Times --
Food Away from Home
by Gregory Karp
3 ways to reduce the cost of eating out
Excerpted with permission from "The 1-2-3 Money Plan: The
Three Most Important Steps to Saving and Spending Smart"
<http://www.amazon.com/1-2-3-money-plan-important-> by
Gregory Karp (FT Press; $17.99)
The first rule of dining out for less is to do it
infrequently. By all means, go out to celebrate a wedding
anniversary or job promotion. But try to avoid loading the
family in the car and going to a restaurant because you're a
poor meal planner. And when dining out, look for reasonable
ways to cut your tab without cutting enjoyment.
Food Away from Home, 1-2-3
1. Make freezer meals.
2. Use coupons and discounts.
3. Skimp on what you don't care about.
1. Make Freezer Meals
We've all done it. Dinnertime sneaks up on us, and we don't
have anything planned and don't feel like cooking. The easiest
solution is takeout, delivery, or schlepping to the nearest
chain restaurant.
The simple solution is freezer meals. It's different from
simple leftovers in the fridge. With freezer meals, you make
double and triple batches when you cook. Then on those harried
evenings, you're only microwave minutes away from a quicker,
more healthful, and less-expensive entree than you probably
would get dining out. Whip up a few quick sides, and presto! A
meal.
A little meal planning goes a long way toward saving money,
and not just on dinner. Taking lunch to work instead of buying
is, admittedly, obvious and tired advice. But do you brown-bag
it every day? Ask yourself why not. And what about that
morning latte from Starbucks that every money advice-giver
wants to cut from your morning routine? Well, that's up to
you, of course. Just make sure it's truly how you want to
spend your money. You might have seen the math before, but
I'll repeat it here: Cut a $4 coffee and $7 lunch each
workday, and you save $2,750 a year. If nearly three grand is
no big deal to you and you don't need to spend it on something
else, then eat out.
2. Use Coupons and Discounts
Granted, if a man is on a first date, he might not want to
whip out coupons when the bill comes, unless he knows his date
is of like-minded frugality. But coupons and discounts can
save significant money on dining out.
One secret method keeps anyone from knowing you're getting a
discount. Sign up at www.RewardsNetwork.com. Tell them what
credit cards and debit cards you use to pay for meals, and if
you dine at a participating restaurant, you get a discount
automatically credited to your credit or debit account. You do
nothing. Discounts are typically 5 percent to 10 percent.
Also check out Restaurant.com
<http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-457969-10422977>,
www.OpenTable.com, and the ubiquitous Entertainment book from
Entertainment.com <http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-457969->. If you're looking for a cheap way to take the kids
out, look for special deals at www.KidsMealDeals.com.
3. Skimp on What You Don't Care About
Sometimes, we're on autopilot at a restaurant, ordering a soft
drink, appetizer, entree, and dessert. Then we wonder why
we're so uncomfortably full when we leave. Cut out what you
don't care about. Do you like free water just as well as a $3
soft drink? Can you wait until you get home for a beer or
glass of wine? Can you skip the appetizer or eat an appetizer
and skip the entree? Are the portions big enough to share an
entree? What about skipping the tempting dessert and coming
back some other time for dessert only?
This isn't rocket science, but it does take discipline and a
willingness to break your routine. Listen to your body about
how hungry you actually are and order less. And look for
reasonable substitutions that will cut your tab without
cutting your enjoyment.
_________________
Greg Karp is the author of "The 1-2-3 Money Plan" You can
learn more from Greg by checking out his blog at
www.SpendingSmart.net
Take the Next Step:
- Subscribe to our new weekly "Surviving Tough Times:
Inflation fighters" newsletter by sending
<mailto:subscribe-inflationfighters@hub.thedollarstretcher.com>
This free email newsletter will provide ways to help you save
money as the cost of everyday items rise. Each issue features
six or seven articles to help you stretch your dollar!
========================================
Bloggles: Blogs that will blow your mind
Next Year's Perennials
It's June; your annuals are coming along or in pots. Your
perennials are growing fast. So why not just sit back and not
worry about your flowerbeds until next spring?
<http://community.stretcher.com/blogs/dollar_stretcher_guest_bloggers/archive/>
here
========================================
Wood for Projects
by E. E. Kane
You don't need to go to the lumberyard and pay full price
Walk into any building supply that sells lumber and you might
be surprised at the price of wood. But you don't need to pay
that price. There are other sources that could cost much less.
In fact, some sources of wood are free.
Wood Pallets
Eco artist Mark Dabelstein found a new line of work, featured
on www.PalletArt.com , when he began making whimsical pieces
from pallets he noticed discarded in dumpsters. Pallet wood
may not be top-grade material, but it is not much different
from what you will buy at big-box home improvement stores. You
will have to fill some holes, but you can't argue with free.
Ask for discarded pallets at warehouses (it helps to know a
friend). Use pallet wood to frame windows, build shelves, or
for any small project.
Culled Wood Bundles
The next time you walk through any purveyor of lumber, ask the
manager at the contractor's desk if they have culled wood
bundles. The bundles are made up of a variety of lesser-
quality planks culled from stock. These culled bundles are
sold at a deep discount, sometimes up to 75%. If your project
does not require perfect lumber, a culled wood bundle is a
bargain.
Reclaimed Wood
You can't buy old growth wood at your local building supply,
but it was the standard material a century or so ago. Thanks
to a renewed appreciation for the quality of old wood and the
eco-conscious desire to reuse it, you can buy reclaimed wood
from de-constructed homes, barns and old factories. Reclaimed
wood is centuries old and rich with resin and the patina that
only comes from age. This wood was center-cut from trees that
grew slowly in dense forests, producing tight inner rings that
yield strength and beauty that current fast-growth trees can
never rival. The reclamation process of removing nails, sawing
and re-milling old wood is usually more expensive.
Reclaimed wood is a worthy investment for any home, but if
your budget will not allow for it, you might obtain it by good
old initiative and sweat equity. Ask friends, put an ad in the
paper or online like Craigslist, and take frequent drives in
the country looking for falling-down structures. Ask the owner
of such a structure if he will allow you to take the wood in
exchange for cleaning up the site.
Be forewarned that deconstruction is a huge and sometimes
dangerous undertaking, and it helps if you know what you are
doing. Wear safety gear and gather several friends who will
share the proceeds for their help and contribution of
equipment needed, like a tractor, trucks, pry bars and claw
hammers. Make sure that you make safety your number one
priority.
Salvaged Building Material Suppliers
Baseboard, crown molding, fireplace mantels and solid wood
doors are available at a salvaged building materials supplier.
Search online for a local salvaged materials supplier. Similar
options exist through the following websites:
www.PlanetReuse.com - A nation-wide free source for anyone in
the construction business, both professional and layperson.
You can advertise or browse listed materials, then click on an
ad to let Planet Reuse set up an interface between you and the
seller.
www.Freecycle.org - Available in most major cities, the great
thing about Freecycle is that everything is free, even
membership. You can make requests or offer unwanted items.
Freecycle sends daily emails, so be prepared for an overloaded
inbox. Be ready to respond quickly if you see what you want.
Finding inexpensive sources of wood is a great bargain,
especially for someone who loves to work with it!
========================================
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Tips, Quips, Quotes and Questions
*********
Can You Help This Reader?
*********
Ant Invasion!
Little black ants used to make a yearly invasion at one spot
in the house like the front door. I'd suck them up in the
vacuum and throw some borax around the door and we were done.
But not this year! First they were at the back door and then
the front door! Now they are coming into the house by the
front door through the cracks in the wood floor. Nothing has
worked to get rid of them. With pets, little kids and a
teenager in the house, clean floors are a five-minute memory.
At least the kids kill them now instead of playing with them.
Any family friendly ideas?
MarthaMFI
Please send your answers mailto:CanYouHelp@stretcher.com with
"Ant Invasion" as the subject or join the discussion in The
Dollar Stretcher Community
<http://community.stretcher.com/forums/t/12096.aspx>. We'll
include the best solutions in future issues.
*********
Yes, We Can Help This Reader
Dumping a Timeshare
*********
If this goes to collections, they can get court ordered
garnishment of your income unless you are on Social Security.
They can also freeze your bank account. Technically, they
can't freeze one that has mostly Social Security benefits
going into it, but it still happens. And it can be a while
before you can get back into court to get this cleared up. In
the meantime, there is no way to pay bills or buy food. If you
really don't have any savings, what happens when the car quits
and you need a loan for a new one?
If it's the ethics of the timeshare board that is bothering
you and you are just making a statement by not paying it, it
would be better to turn them into the Attorney General's
office and keep making a small payment every month to keep the
collectors away from you.
Short of selling it (impossible if it's run down), I think you
are stuck unless the company goes under. Check with a
bankruptcy attorney if you are way over your head with other
debts. You may be able to unload this asset with court backing
and get out of the maintenance contract.
Christine
editor's note: more suggestions at
<http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15a.cfm> or join the
discussion in The Dollar Stretcher Community
<http://community.stretcher.com/forums/p/11781/122653.aspx>.
*********
Free Internet for Month?!
Before you go on vacation, check with your Internet provider
to see if you can get a credit for the time you're away and
not using your connection. My Internet provider allows for two
vacation credits per year. It never would have occurred to me
to ask if the guy setting up our Internet connection hadn't
mentioned it. If you pay $30/month for your service and go
away twice during the year for two weeks at a time, that would
equal $30 in savings, which is the equivalent of one free
month of service.
Sheri R.
*********
$5 Fridays
Since my son-in-law was laid off at the first of this year,
money for the family has been tight. My daughter used to take
her five kids out to breakfast or lunch every Friday while her
husband was working. Since that is no longer an option, she
and the kids have come up with $5 Fridays.
They can buy $5 worth of balloons and have a water balloon
fight. One Friday evening they can walk to the library and
choose books to read, then make snow cones for a treat.
Sometimes they take a picnic of peanut butter sandwiches,
homemade iced tea, and fruit to the park. Another time they'll
pop popcorn and rent a movie they've been wanting to see.
Well, you get the idea. They all have to come up with
something that doesn't cost more than $5, and everyone has
some input for their special times together. Even though they
don't spend a lot of money, they are really enjoying their
summer.
Judy
*********
Re-purpose Redecorating
I've always enjoyed decorating and arranging my home
differently, so it always looks neat and fresh. I found an
"old" throw blanket that has a print of one of Thomas
Kinkade's paintings on it. It's a bit too thin for my taste to
use as an actual throw blanket, so I re-purposed it to be a
throw rug under my coffee table in the living room. It really
makes a nice focal point.
If you have any old throws or wall hangings, consider re-
purposing these items. It makes a large change in the way your
home looks, and costs nothing but a few minutes of your time.
Candy J. in TN
*********
Little Luxury:
Movie Night
We live outside a metropolitan area that is surrounded by
small towns. Some of our small towns still have small movie
theaters that are still running. Typically these small
theaters show second run movies (the blockbuster that was in
the mega-plex last month) or even limited release or imported
movies that you just won't find at the mega-plex. Tickets at
our small town theater (which has been in business since the
1950's!) are $3.50 most nights. On Tuesdays it's $2.50.
Sometimes they even run $2 matinees. They show one movie at a
time since they only have one screen. Sometimes they have two
movies, and one shows at the early show time the other at the
later show time. Fountain drinks are $1 and the rest of the
concession goodies are about the same.
So instead of taking out a mortgage to take the family to the
movie, we just wait until it gets to our little theater and
then have a lovely night out. Most of the small town theaters
in our area are old theaters that have either been lovingly
maintained or have been painstakingly restored. Typically
local business people and families run these small town
theaters. By being patient, you get a great night out without
breaking the bank and you support local business. What more
could you ask for?
Oh, you said free? Then check out your local library! One of
our local public libraries has free family movie nights about
once a month, but you have to wait for the day of the movie to
find out what is showing. In the summer, this library also
hosts free music concerts on their lawn! Another small public
library near us has free kids movies. They often show them on
days when the kids are out of school and a couple times a
month in the summer. They even give the kids free popcorn and
a cup of juice! I took my daughter and the neighbor kids on
the day after Christmas. It was a nice way to get out of the
house for a few calm hours during the holiday hustle and
bustle. In the summer, it's a great way to get out of the
heat. One of our local mega-plexes has also gotten in on the
act. During the summer months, they offer free mid-morning
kids movies (some of these are several years old but the kids
don't care). My daughter's summer camp took advantage of these
movies and took the campers to the movies once a week. Even
the concession stand has discount prices.
Jennifer D.
editor's note: Many of us have given up a lot because of the
economy. So we're looking for "Little Luxuries" that we can
share with everyone. If you have an inexpensive way to make
yourself feel good, please send it by
mailto:gary@stretcher.com?subject=Little
the best ones in future issues.
*********
What would you do with an extra $100? Last month, Janet from
Sherwood, AR won a $100 check just for sending in a favorite
time or money saving idea. This month it could be you. Just
send your suggestion by mailto:Tips@stretcher.com.
If we use your tip in any of our publications, we'll send you
the next three issues of our print newsletter as a "thank you"
and you'll automatically be entered into our monthly $100
drawing!
Receive Dollar Stretcher Tips twice each week. More great
ideas for saving money! Just send
mailto:sub-ds-tips@hub.thedollarstretche
========================================
On www.Stretcher.com This Week
<http://www.stretcher.com>
editor's note: Hotmail and WebTV users may have trouble with
some addresses. Please access them from our front page
[Error: Irreparable invalid markup ('<www.stretcher.com>') in entry. Owner must fix manually. Raw contents below.]
The Dollar Stretcher "Living Better...For Less"
June 15, 2009
Volume 14, Number 24
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"The Dollar Stretcher" and Dollar Stretcher, Inc. does not
assume responsibility for advice given. All advice should be
weighed against your own abilities and circumstances and
applied accordingly. It is up to the reader to determine if
advice is safe and suitable for his/her own situation.
===========================================================
In This Issue:
Introduction
-- Surviving Tough Times --
Finding a New Job
by Tricia Goss
When finding a job is your job
In The Dollar Stretcher Community
I Can't Get These Credit Cards Paid Off Fast Enough!
Ouch. Credit card interest rates are going up for everyone, it
seems.
-- Surviving Tough Times --
Help With Prescriptions
by Kirby Horton
How to save money on your medicine
Dollar Stretcher Community Poll
Your Saving Rate
Have you adjusted your saving rate due to the economy?
-- Surviving Tough Times --
Food Away from Home
by Gregory Karp
3 ways to reduce the cost of eating out
Bloggles: Blogs that will blow your mind
Next Year's Perennials
It's June; your annuals are coming along or in pots. Your
perennials are growing fast. So why not just sit back and not
worry about your flowerbeds until next spring?
Wood for Projects
by E. E. Kane
You don't need to go to the lumberyard and pay full price
Tips, Quips, Quotes & Questions
On www.Stretcher.com This Week
===========================================================
Introduction
by Gary Foreman
gary@stretcher.com
Hello to all my Frugal Friends!
We have a winner! (actually 2 winners - as promised!) It
wasn't easy, but our team of crackerjack experts made the hard
choices, and after collecting more information from a selected
group of contestants, we made a decision. We had a lot of
excellent entries. We could easily have chosen a dozen or
more. There were that many great ideas. Just not enough prizes
to go around!
Our two winners are Denise Mendenhall of Fort Dodge, IA and
Matt Lichlyter of Littleton, CO. Denise wants to market her
stained glass creations and Matt wants to promote food safety.
They both have interesting stories, but we'll let them share
that in the blogs that each will be starting here on The
Dollar Stretcher. We'll let you know what the URL is for each
in an upcoming issue.
I also want to thank everyone who entered. As I said, I was
impressed with the many excellent ideas presented. I've been
giving financial advice and managing people and businesses for
over 30 years. Had successes and failures. I believe that
there are many workable ideas among those we received.
And, while we couldn't give every great idea SBI!, I really
believe that there are other businesses that can be built with
time, effort and the proper guidance. Don't give up your
dream. Often the difference between success and failure is
just a matter of trying one more time.
I also believe that SBI! is a superb tool for those who want
to build their own e-business. As I said, I've been around the
block a few times and like to think I can identify what's
real. I've worked with the people at SBI! and can confidently
say that they're the real deal. No smoke and mirrors. Just
sound advice that added to your focus and hard work can give
you the best possible odds at success. So don't let losing a
contest shut your down. If you still dream of building an e-
business, you owe it to yourself to check them out. You'll
find more information about SBI! here
<http://www.stretcher.com/recommended/sbi3.cfm>
Keep on Stretching Those Dollars!
Gary
===========================================================
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Surviving Tough Times, a free email newsletter, provides
tips and articles on ways to help you survive financially
as the cost of everyday items rise and economic times become
tougher. Each issue features six or seven articles and tips
to help you stretch your dollar!
To subscribe to Surviving Tough Times free ezine, email
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-- Surviving Tough Times --
Finding a New Job
by Tricia Goss
When finding a job is your job
These days no one is immune from sudden job loss. The position
you once considered completely secure one day might be
eliminated the next. If it happens to you, it is perfectly
understandable and acceptable to take a little time off. Give
yourself a chance to lick your wounds, brush up your resume
and possibly rethink your career path. After a week or two,
though, it is time to start pounding the proverbial pavement.
To land the next terrific job in the least amount of time, you
much treat your job search as a full-time position.
Shoot for forty hours each week. Get up, shower and get
dressed to the shoes every single weekday. This type of
dedication will pay off in helping you find a job more
quickly. It will also help you maintain a sense of purpose and
stave off feelings of hopelessness. Besides, you never know
whom you might run into at the mailbox or corner store and
making a good first impression is crucial.
Begin by creating a schedule. Use your Outlook or Google
calendar, your day planner, or simply a small notepad. At the
beginning of the week, whether that is Sunday afternoon or
early Monday morning for you, browse the help wanted ads and
online job listings. Make three columns on a sheet of paper
when reading the classifieds. In the first column, note ads
with phone numbers to call. In the second column, enter those
with walk-in addresses. In the third column, list employers
requesting mailed or emailed resumes.
Make optimal use of business hours. First thing Monday
morning, begin calling those in Column 1. If you are unable to
speak to the hiring manager at that time, leave a message,
adding politely that you will call again later. When you have
made all of the calls, head to the employers listed in Column
2. After applying for these, head home and call back those you
were unable to reach in the morning. Send off resumes to the
employers in Column 3 at the end of the day.
Networking is considered the best way to land a new job. Spend
an ample amount of your forty hours each week doing so. Make a
list of everyone who would be able to put a face to your name
over the phone. Along with family and friends, list people
from church, your child's school, former jobs, and so on. Call
the first person on the list and relay your situation. Ask
each contact if there are any openings where they work, as
well as if they know of someone else you might call. Make sure
they know how to reach you if they hear about something later.
Take copious notes and graciously thank each contact, whether
or not they provided any new information.
Follow up with employers you called, visited or emailed at the
end of each week. Ask outright if you might schedule an
interview. With the current number of candidates all vying for
a limited number of jobs, your resume may not be prominent. A
courteous phone call stating your deep interest in a position
might be the key that gets your foot in the door.
If you are taking all of these steps but still have some of
those forty hours to spare, don't zone out in front of the TV.
Instead, take a class that will boost your employability.
Check your community college's schedule or contact local high
schools to ask about classes in topics like computer software
programs, business management or accounting.
Another great way to spend this time is performing volunteer
work. Helping others will allow you to forget your own
troubles for a while. Volunteering looks good on your r,sum,,
and it just might connect you with someone who knows of a job
that is perfect for you.
Finally, make sure you document any costs incurred during your
job search. Be certain to retain receipts and break down
expenses, such as mileage driven and cell phone minutes used.
Depending on your circumstances, these costs may very well be
tax-deductible.
Take the Next Step:
- For more on finding a new job, please visit
http://www.stretcher.com/menu/topic-r.htm#workfind
- Subscribe to our new weekly "Surviving Tough Times:
Inflation fighters" newsletter by sending
<mailto:subscribe-InflationFighters@hub.thedollarstretcher.com>
This free email newsletter will provide ways to help you save
money as the cost of everyday items rise. Each issue features
six or seven articles to help you stretch your dollar!
===========================================================
In The Dollar Stretcher Community
I Can't Get These Credit Cards Paid Off Fast Enough!
Ouch. Credit card interest rates are going up for everyone, it
seems.
http://community.stretcher.com/forums/p/10874/113167.aspx
===========================================================
-- Surviving Tough Times --
Help With Prescriptions
by Kirby Horton
How to save money on your medicine
Anyone who takes medicine knows that the cost of prescription
medication is rising in this country. For a lot of us,
prescriptions help us live a more productive, happier life,
but only if we can afford to take them. Here are some ideas
that may help you pay less.
- Talk to your doctor. Not being able to afford medications is
nothing to be embarrassed about. Your doctor wants to know
everything that affects your healthcare, including whether or
not you can pay for your medications. If the price means you
may not fill your prescriptions and take your medicine, then
it is important to be honest about this with your doctor.
Taking your prescriptions helps him help you! There may be a
cheaper generic drug or a similar medicine that you can take,
but your doctor may not consider these unless you explain that
you cannot pay for the more expensive drug. Your doctor may
also have samples of your medicine that he can give you at no
cost.
- Shop around. Studies have shown that prices can vary a
substantial amount from pharmacy to pharmacy. Surprisingly, a
medicine may be cheaper at one pharmacy than at another. As
much as you may like to have everything at one store and may
like a particular pharmacist, shop around to help lower your
prescription medicine costs. You should ask your pharmacy if
it can match the lower price. You can also ask the pharmacist
for part of the prescription if there is the possibility that
the side effects will mean you cannot take this drug. Ask your
pharmacist if you can fill the rest of the prescription at no
extra cost if the prescription works for you.
- Consider buying online. Savings can be huge. Some very
reputable Canadian drug stores offer the original, brand name
medicine and can save you up to 70%! Be very cautious though.
Do not buy from sites that will sell prescription medicines
without a prescription. That is the first sign that they are
not legit. If it's too good to be true, it probably isn't
true, so don't send money or a credit card number.
- Look for $4 Generics. Recently, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and
Target announced that their stores now offer generic medicine
for $4 per prescription fill or refill. Walgreens and other
pharmacies are considering meeting this price. Be aware that
not all generic drugs are offered through these programs and
some local pharmacies have been offering the drugs, on the
lists, at a similar price. Some critics say that this pricing
is a "bait and switch" tactic because many of the drugs on the
lists are older generics that are rarely used. For example,
Wal-Mart hopes people who can't get their medication for $4
may buy it at the higher price then shop at the store before
leaving.
- Study your medical benefits carefully. If you have health
insurance, know what is covered and whether or not there is a
limit to the total amount of coverage each year. You can get
help with insurance questions through a SHIP (State Health
Insurance Assistance Program).
- Look for Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs). If you have a
low income and haven't checked out these programs, do so. Rx
Help is available to individuals who meet criteria set by each
individual drug company. PAPs provide low-cost or free
medication for those who qualify. Remember to look for all
your medicines, not just the most expensive.
- Check out Assistance for Specific Diseases and Conditions.
In this category, you can find help with a variety of medical
expenses, ranging from insurance co-pay assistance to medical
supplies. These programs are listed by particular ailment and
are sometimes limited to specific geographic areas.
There is prescription help out there; you just need to be
creative and assertive to get the medicine that you
desperately need.
__________________
Kirby Horton is Founder, President and CEO of Rx HELP
<http://www.rxhelp4u.com>, a Prescription Assistance Company.
He has over 30 years experience helping Americans with their
healthcare needs. He can be reached at 866-960-9497
Take the Next Step:
- Subscribe to our new weekly "Surviving Tough Times:
Inflation fighters" newsletter by sending
<mailto:subscribe-InflationFighters@hub.thedollarstretcher.com>
This free email newsletter will provide ways to help you save
money as the cost of everyday items rise. Each issue features
six or seven articles to help you stretch your dollar!
===========================================================
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Dollar Stretcher Community Poll
Your Saving Rate
Have you adjusted your saving rate due to the economy?
http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01p.cfm
===========================================================
-- Surviving Tough Times --
Food Away from Home
by Gregory Karp
3 ways to reduce the cost of eating out
Excerpted with permission from "The 1-2-3 Money Plan: The
Three Most Important Steps to Saving and Spending Smart"
<http://www.amazon.com/1-2-3-Money-Plan-Important-
Spending/dp/0137141734/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243609581&sr=8-1> by
Gregory Karp (FT Press; $17.99)
The first rule of dining out for less is to do it
infrequently. By all means, go out to celebrate a wedding
anniversary or job promotion. But try to avoid loading the
family in the car and going to a restaurant because you're a
poor meal planner. And when dining out, look for reasonable
ways to cut your tab without cutting enjoyment.
Food Away from Home, 1-2-3
1. Make freezer meals.
2. Use coupons and discounts.
3. Skimp on what you don't care about.
1. Make Freezer Meals
We've all done it. Dinnertime sneaks up on us, and we don't
have anything planned and don't feel like cooking. The easiest
solution is takeout, delivery, or schlepping to the nearest
chain restaurant.
The simple solution is freezer meals. It's different from
simple leftovers in the fridge. With freezer meals, you make
double and triple batches when you cook. Then on those harried
evenings, you're only microwave minutes away from a quicker,
more healthful, and less-expensive entree than you probably
would get dining out. Whip up a few quick sides, and presto! A
meal.
A little meal planning goes a long way toward saving money,
and not just on dinner. Taking lunch to work instead of buying
is, admittedly, obvious and tired advice. But do you brown-bag
it every day? Ask yourself why not. And what about that
morning latte from Starbucks that every money advice-giver
wants to cut from your morning routine? Well, that's up to
you, of course. Just make sure it's truly how you want to
spend your money. You might have seen the math before, but
I'll repeat it here: Cut a $4 coffee and $7 lunch each
workday, and you save $2,750 a year. If nearly three grand is
no big deal to you and you don't need to spend it on something
else, then eat out.
2. Use Coupons and Discounts
Granted, if a man is on a first date, he might not want to
whip out coupons when the bill comes, unless he knows his date
is of like-minded frugality. But coupons and discounts can
save significant money on dining out.
One secret method keeps anyone from knowing you're getting a
discount. Sign up at www.RewardsNetwork.com. Tell them what
credit cards and debit cards you use to pay for meals, and if
you dine at a participating restaurant, you get a discount
automatically credited to your credit or debit account. You do
nothing. Discounts are typically 5 percent to 10 percent.
Also check out Restaurant.com
<http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-457969-10422977>,
www.OpenTable.com, and the ubiquitous Entertainment book from
Entertainment.com <http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-457969-
10573314>. If you're looking for a cheap way to take the kids
out, look for special deals at www.KidsMealDeals.com.
3. Skimp on What You Don't Care About
Sometimes, we're on autopilot at a restaurant, ordering a soft
drink, appetizer, entree, and dessert. Then we wonder why
we're so uncomfortably full when we leave. Cut out what you
don't care about. Do you like free water just as well as a $3
soft drink? Can you wait until you get home for a beer or
glass of wine? Can you skip the appetizer or eat an appetizer
and skip the entree? Are the portions big enough to share an
entree? What about skipping the tempting dessert and coming
back some other time for dessert only?
This isn't rocket science, but it does take discipline and a
willingness to break your routine. Listen to your body about
how hungry you actually are and order less. And look for
reasonable substitutions that will cut your tab without
cutting your enjoyment.
_________________
Greg Karp is the author of "The 1-2-3 Money Plan" You can
learn more from Greg by checking out his blog at
www.SpendingSmart.net
Take the Next Step:
- Subscribe to our new weekly "Surviving Tough Times:
Inflation fighters" newsletter by sending
<mailto:subscribe-InflationFighters@hub.thedollarstretcher.com>
This free email newsletter will provide ways to help you save
money as the cost of everyday items rise. Each issue features
six or seven articles to help you stretch your dollar!
===========================================================
Bloggles: Blogs that will blow your mind
Next Year's Perennials
It's June; your annuals are coming along or in pots. Your
perennials are growing fast. So why not just sit back and not
worry about your flowerbeds until next spring?
<http://community.stretcher.com/blogs/dollar_stretcher_guest_bloggers/archive/
2009/06/05/next-year-s-perennials.aspx>
<a
href="http://community.stretcher.com/blogs/dollar_stretcher_guest_bloggers/archi
ve/2009/06/05/next-year-s-perennials.aspx">here</a>
===========================================================
Wood for Projects
by E. E. Kane
You don't need to go to the lumberyard and pay full price
Walk into any building supply that sells lumber and you might
be surprised at the price of wood. But you don't need to pay
that price. There are other sources that could cost much less.
In fact, some sources of wood are free.
Wood Pallets
Eco artist Mark Dabelstein found a new line of work, featured
on www.PalletArt.com , when he began making whimsical pieces
from pallets he noticed discarded in dumpsters. Pallet wood
may not be top-grade material, but it is not much different
from what you will buy at big-box home improvement stores. You
will have to fill some holes, but you can't argue with free.
Ask for discarded pallets at warehouses (it helps to know a
friend). Use pallet wood to frame windows, build shelves, or
for any small project.
Culled Wood Bundles
The next time you walk through any purveyor of lumber, ask the
manager at the contractor's desk if they have culled wood
bundles. The bundles are made up of a variety of lesser-
quality planks culled from stock. These culled bundles are
sold at a deep discount, sometimes up to 75%. If your project
does not require perfect lumber, a culled wood bundle is a
bargain.
Reclaimed Wood
You can't buy old growth wood at your local building supply,
but it was the standard material a century or so ago. Thanks
to a renewed appreciation for the quality of old wood and the
eco-conscious desire to reuse it, you can buy reclaimed wood
from de-constructed homes, barns and old factories. Reclaimed
wood is centuries old and rich with resin and the patina that
only comes from age. This wood was center-cut from trees that
grew slowly in dense forests, producing tight inner rings that
yield strength and beauty that current fast-growth trees can
never rival. The reclamation process of removing nails, sawing
and re-milling old wood is usually more expensive.
Reclaimed wood is a worthy investment for any home, but if
your budget will not allow for it, you might obtain it by good
old initiative and sweat equity. Ask friends, put an ad in the
paper or online like Craigslist, and take frequent drives in
the country looking for falling-down structures. Ask the owner
of such a structure if he will allow you to take the wood in
exchange for cleaning up the site.
Be forewarned that deconstruction is a huge and sometimes
dangerous undertaking, and it helps if you know what you are
doing. Wear safety gear and gather several friends who will
share the proceeds for their help and contribution of
equipment needed, like a tractor, trucks, pry bars and claw
hammers. Make sure that you make safety your number one
priority.
Salvaged Building Material Suppliers
Baseboard, crown molding, fireplace mantels and solid wood
doors are available at a salvaged building materials supplier.
Search online for a local salvaged materials supplier. Similar
options exist through the following websites:
www.PlanetReuse.com - A nation-wide free source for anyone in
the construction business, both professional and layperson.
You can advertise or browse listed materials, then click on an
ad to let Planet Reuse set up an interface between you and the
seller.
www.Freecycle.org - Available in most major cities, the great
thing about Freecycle is that everything is free, even
membership. You can make requests or offer unwanted items.
Freecycle sends daily emails, so be prepared for an overloaded
inbox. Be ready to respond quickly if you see what you want.
Finding inexpensive sources of wood is a great bargain,
especially for someone who loves to work with it!
===========================================================
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Tips, Quips, Quotes and Questions
*********
Can You Help This Reader?
*********
Ant Invasion!
Little black ants used to make a yearly invasion at one spot
in the house like the front door. I'd suck them up in the
vacuum and throw some borax around the door and we were done.
But not this year! First they were at the back door and then
the front door! Now they are coming into the house by the
front door through the cracks in the wood floor. Nothing has
worked to get rid of them. With pets, little kids and a
teenager in the house, clean floors are a five-minute memory.
At least the kids kill them now instead of playing with them.
Any family friendly ideas?
MarthaMFI
Please send your answers mailto:CanYouHelp@stretcher.com with
"Ant Invasion" as the subject or join the discussion in The
Dollar Stretcher Community
<http://community.stretcher.com/forums/t/12096.aspx>. We'll
include the best solutions in future issues.
*********
Yes, We Can Help This Reader
Dumping a Timeshare
*********
If this goes to collections, they can get court ordered
garnishment of your income unless you are on Social Security.
They can also freeze your bank account. Technically, they
can't freeze one that has mostly Social Security benefits
going into it, but it still happens. And it can be a while
before you can get back into court to get this cleared up. In
the meantime, there is no way to pay bills or buy food. If you
really don't have any savings, what happens when the car quits
and you need a loan for a new one?
If it's the ethics of the timeshare board that is bothering
you and you are just making a statement by not paying it, it
would be better to turn them into the Attorney General's
office and keep making a small payment every month to keep the
collectors away from you.
Short of selling it (impossible if it's run down), I think you
are stuck unless the company goes under. Check with a
bankruptcy attorney if you are way over your head with other
debts. You may be able to unload this asset with court backing
and get out of the maintenance contract.
Christine
editor's note: more suggestions at
<http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15a.cfm> or join the
discussion in The Dollar Stretcher Community
<http://community.stretcher.com/forums/p/11781/122653.aspx>.
*********
Free Internet for Month?!
Before you go on vacation, check with your Internet provider
to see if you can get a credit for the time you're away and
not using your connection. My Internet provider allows for two
vacation credits per year. It never would have occurred to me
to ask if the guy setting up our Internet connection hadn't
mentioned it. If you pay $30/month for your service and go
away twice during the year for two weeks at a time, that would
equal $30 in savings, which is the equivalent of one free
month of service.
Sheri R.
*********
$5 Fridays
Since my son-in-law was laid off at the first of this year,
money for the family has been tight. My daughter used to take
her five kids out to breakfast or lunch every Friday while her
husband was working. Since that is no longer an option, she
and the kids have come up with $5 Fridays.
They can buy $5 worth of balloons and have a water balloon
fight. One Friday evening they can walk to the library and
choose books to read, then make snow cones for a treat.
Sometimes they take a picnic of peanut butter sandwiches,
homemade iced tea, and fruit to the park. Another time they'll
pop popcorn and rent a movie they've been wanting to see.
Well, you get the idea. They all have to come up with
something that doesn't cost more than $5, and everyone has
some input for their special times together. Even though they
don't spend a lot of money, they are really enjoying their
summer.
Judy
*********
Re-purpose Redecorating
I've always enjoyed decorating and arranging my home
differently, so it always looks neat and fresh. I found an
"old" throw blanket that has a print of one of Thomas
Kinkade's paintings on it. It's a bit too thin for my taste to
use as an actual throw blanket, so I re-purposed it to be a
throw rug under my coffee table in the living room. It really
makes a nice focal point.
If you have any old throws or wall hangings, consider re-
purposing these items. It makes a large change in the way your
home looks, and costs nothing but a few minutes of your time.
Candy J. in TN
*********
Little Luxury:
Movie Night
We live outside a metropolitan area that is surrounded by
small towns. Some of our small towns still have small movie
theaters that are still running. Typically these small
theaters show second run movies (the blockbuster that was in
the mega-plex last month) or even limited release or imported
movies that you just won't find at the mega-plex. Tickets at
our small town theater (which has been in business since the
1950's!) are $3.50 most nights. On Tuesdays it's $2.50.
Sometimes they even run $2 matinees. They show one movie at a
time since they only have one screen. Sometimes they have two
movies, and one shows at the early show time the other at the
later show time. Fountain drinks are $1 and the rest of the
concession goodies are about the same.
So instead of taking out a mortgage to take the family to the
movie, we just wait until it gets to our little theater and
then have a lovely night out. Most of the small town theaters
in our area are old theaters that have either been lovingly
maintained or have been painstakingly restored. Typically
local business people and families run these small town
theaters. By being patient, you get a great night out without
breaking the bank and you support local business. What more
could you ask for?
Oh, you said free? Then check out your local library! One of
our local public libraries has free family movie nights about
once a month, but you have to wait for the day of the movie to
find out what is showing. In the summer, this library also
hosts free music concerts on their lawn! Another small public
library near us has free kids movies. They often show them on
days when the kids are out of school and a couple times a
month in the summer. They even give the kids free popcorn and
a cup of juice! I took my daughter and the neighbor kids on
the day after Christmas. It was a nice way to get out of the
house for a few calm hours during the holiday hustle and
bustle. In the summer, it's a great way to get out of the
heat. One of our local mega-plexes has also gotten in on the
act. During the summer months, they offer free mid-morning
kids movies (some of these are several years old but the kids
don't care). My daughter's summer camp took advantage of these
movies and took the campers to the movies once a week. Even
the concession stand has discount prices.
Jennifer D.
editor's note: Many of us have given up a lot because of the
economy. So we're looking for "Little Luxuries" that we can
share with everyone. If you have an inexpensive way to make
yourself feel good, please send it by
mailto:gary@stretcher.com?subject=Little_Luxuries We'll share
the best ones in future issues.
*********
What would you do with an extra $100? Last month, Janet from
Sherwood, AR won a $100 check just for sending in a favorite
time or money saving idea. This month it could be you. Just
send your suggestion by mailto:Tips@stretcher.com.
If we use your tip in any of our publications, we'll send you
the next three issues of our print newsletter as a "thank you"
and you'll automatically be entered into our monthly $100
drawing!
Receive Dollar Stretcher Tips twice each week. More great
ideas for saving money! Just send
mailto:sub-ds-tips@hub.thedollarstretcher.com
===========================================================
On www.Stretcher.com This Week
<http://www.stretcher.com>
editor's note: Hotmail and WebTV users may have trouble with
some addresses. Please access them from our front page
<www.stretcher.com>
Money
http://www.stretcher.com/money/index.cfm
----------------------------------------
Dumping a Timeshare
Is there another choice besides just turning it back to the
association?
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15a.cfm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15a.cfm
</a>
Dollar Stretcher Community Poll
Your Saving Rate
Have you adjusted your saving rate due to the economy?
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01p.cfm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01p.cfm
</a>
Don't Default on Student Loans
If making student loan payments is tough, you can set up a new
payment plan, among several other options.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun06a.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun06a.htm </a>
Your Wealth Blog: Women and Wealth
Whatever your means, spending below them is a lesson well
learned.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun08c.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun08c.htm </a>
Bad Certified Check Won't Damage Credit
Cashing a counterfeit certified check at a bank will not
damage the credit score of the payee.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun04f.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun04f.htm </a>
IRA CD Ladder Smoothes Retirement Bumps
Breaking a single IRA CD into multiple versions is easy if you
use a laddering technique.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun04g.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun04g.htm </a>
Cashing in Savings Bonds to Fund 529 Plan
Parents who qualify can use the Education Savings Bond Program
to help trim college costs.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03k.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03k.htm </a>
Fiance's Debt Won't Ding Woman's Credit
A fiancee isn't obligated to repay her betrothed's existing
debts when she becomes his wife.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03j.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03j.htm </a>
Small-Business Microlending on the Rise
As more banks shy away from making business loans,
microlending is finding a market niche.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun05c.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun05c.htm </a>
5 Economic Indicators to Watch
Economic indicators are gauges of hope and despair. We explain
what they mean and why they matter.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03f.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03f.htm </a>
Personal Savings Rate Could Soar
Consumers are stashing more away. So how can they make the
most of their newfound personal savings?
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03h.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03h.htm </a>
Ex Still Beneficiary of Retirement
IRA A woman wants her ex removed as primary beneficiary of an
IRA she started to secure her retirement.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun09b.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun09b.htm </a>
Soft Inquiry Won't Harm Credit Score
An employer's so-called "soft inquiry" on your credit report
will not hurt your FICO score.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun08e.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun08e.htm </a>
Son Can't Flee Bank Checking Account
There's no easy way for a son to remove his name from his
mother's bank checking account.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun05f.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun05f.htm </a>
In Critical Condition
http://www.stretcher.com/critical/index.cfm
-------------------------------------------
4 Limits on Modifying Bankruptcy
You can lower your Chapter 13 bankruptcy payment, if you're
not hung up by one of these obstacles.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun09a.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun09a.htm </a>
Bad Credit? Fix It Yourself and Save
Costly credit repair firms can't perform magic. What they can
do, you can do for free.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun08b.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun08b.htm </a>
Don't Ignore Creditors on Debt Collection
Creditors may be willing to work with you, if they know you're
unemployed and without an income.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun04c.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun04c.htm </a>
Just Starting Out
http://www.stretcher.com/startingout/index.cfm
----------------------------------------------
Young Adults and Credit
by Bill Hardekopf, CEO LowCards.com
Will new law solve credit card problems for young adults?
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15g.cfm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15g.cfm
</a>
Family
http://www.stretcher.com/family/index.cfm
-----------------------------------------
A Beginner's Guide to Frugal Cloth Diapering
by Jacqueline Harris-Stone
What you need to know to save money on diapers
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15f.cfm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15f.cfm
</a>
5 School Options for Children
How do you pick the best school? Choose one that caters to
your child's learning style and interests.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03b.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03b.htm </a>
Financial Planning for Dogs and Cats
Your pet depends on you. Plan for the unexpected by getting
pet health insurance and a pet trust.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03e.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03e.htm </a>
Home and Auto
http://www.stretcher.com/homeauto/index.cfm
-------------------------------------------
Wood for Projects
by E. E. Kane
You don't need to go to the lumberyard and pay full price
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15e.cfm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15e.cfm
</a>
Surrendering the Suburbs
Yesteryear's flight to the suburbs is yielding to a return to
the cities, thanks to sustainable elements, transit access and
pricing. What to look for.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03a.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03a.htm </a>
10 Ways to Turn Off a Homebuyer
Homeowners hoping to sell their homes in a tough market should
avoid these 10 buyer turnoffs.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun08a.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun08a.htm </a>
Think Twice About Becoming a Landlord
The current economy may not be the best time to try out
landlording.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03c.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03c.htm </a>
16 Costly Car Noises
These common car noises can spell trouble and cost a lot of
money, especially if ignored.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03d.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03d.htm </a>
8 Freebies Builders May Give Away
It's a fact of life -- home builders are hurting big time.
Unfortunate for them but it gives you a great chance to buy a
brand new home and get a slew of extras thrown in.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun08d.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun08d.htm </a>
11 Car Fix-Ups for Spring
A little time, effort and money can reduce costly repairs on
your car and boost resale value.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun06b.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun06b.htm </a>
New Fuel Standard Could Raise Vehicle Cost
The cost of a car could jump $1,300, depending on its actual
fuel-efficiency and how much you drive.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun05a.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun05a.htm </a>
Mechanic Faulted for Engine Damage
The shop may replace your damaged engine, but don't expect a
new car out of the deal.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun05b.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun05b.htm </a>
Want to Modify Mortgage? Get a Trial Run
We answer 10 questions about how the required Home Affordable
Modification trial period works.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun04a.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun04a.htm </a>
Video: Questions to Ask before Refinancing
With mortgage rates near record low, is it time to refinance?
Find out if it will benefit you.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun04b.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun04b.htm </a>
Utility Firms Help Some Pay Bill
Some needy customers stay cool in summer with financial
assistance from Sun Belt utility firms.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03g.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03g.htm </a>
Today's Reality: Small Homes New Big Thing
Welcome to the new realty reality. Ostentation is pass,. Size
is so not cool. Small is the new big. And oh, by the way --
have you hugged your home lately?
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun04e.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun04e.htm </a>
Lifestyle
http://www.stretcher.com/lifestyle/index.cfm
--------------------------------------------
Finding a New Job
by Tricia Goss
When finding a job is your job
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15b.cfm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15b.cfm
</a>
Help With Prescriptions
by Kirby Horton
How to save money on your medicine
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15c.cfm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15c.cfm
</a>
Food Away from Home
by Gregory Karp
3 ways to reduce the cost of eating out
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15d.cfm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15d.cfm
</a>
Eating Right when the Budget Is Tight
Simple changes can help you cook up savings and health
advantages
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15h.cfm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15h.cfm
</a>
Cooking Up Car Engine Cuisine
Some rolling road-trip recipes perfect for the recession.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun04d.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun04d.htm </a>
Your Taxes
----------
Disputing an IRS Letter
When the IRS sends a letter saying you owe more income tax,
get your facts in order.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun09c.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun09c.htm </a>
Roth IRA Can Offset Tax Loss
When offsetting a Schedule E tax loss, you can recharacterize
excess Roth IRA conversions.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun04h.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun04h.htm </a>
Everything Else
---------------
Online Poll: Is Your Job Secure?
Take this quiz about jobs and job security and compare your
answers to those of other Americans.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun05d.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun05d.htm </a>
Older Workers Hit Harder by Economy
Bankrate's poll reveals a schism between older and younger
workers in their outlook on job security.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun05e.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun05e.htm </a>
Readers' Tips
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15t.cfm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15t.cfm
</a>
===========================================================
Decision-Making Tools
For Your Home
- <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/home1.htm">
Rent or Buy Your Next Home?</a>
- <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/home2.htm">
Mortgage Calculator</a>
- <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/home3.htm">
15-Year or 30-Year Mortgage?</a>
- <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/home4.htm">
Fixed or Adjustable Rate Mortgage?</a>
- <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/home5.htm">
Mortgage Points Adviser</a>
For Your Car
- <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/car1.htm">
How much car can you afford?</a>
- <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/car2.htm">
Buy or lease your next car?</a>
- <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/car3.htm">
Your next car:</a> New or used?
- <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/car4.htm">
Auto Loan Calculator</a>
- <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/car5.htm">
Is a hybrid car right for you?</a>
===========================================================
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June 15, 2009
Volume 14, Number 24
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"The Dollar Stretcher" and Dollar Stretcher, Inc. does not
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applied accordingly. It is up to the reader to determine if
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In This Issue:
Introduction
-- Surviving Tough Times --
Finding a New Job
by Tricia Goss
When finding a job is your job
In The Dollar Stretcher Community
I Can't Get These Credit Cards Paid Off Fast Enough!
Ouch. Credit card interest rates are going up for everyone, it
seems.
-- Surviving Tough Times --
Help With Prescriptions
by Kirby Horton
How to save money on your medicine
Dollar Stretcher Community Poll
Your Saving Rate
Have you adjusted your saving rate due to the economy?
-- Surviving Tough Times --
Food Away from Home
by Gregory Karp
3 ways to reduce the cost of eating out
Bloggles: Blogs that will blow your mind
Next Year's Perennials
It's June; your annuals are coming along or in pots. Your
perennials are growing fast. So why not just sit back and not
worry about your flowerbeds until next spring?
Wood for Projects
by E. E. Kane
You don't need to go to the lumberyard and pay full price
Tips, Quips, Quotes & Questions
On www.Stretcher.com This Week
===========================================================
Introduction
by Gary Foreman
gary@stretcher.com
Hello to all my Frugal Friends!
We have a winner! (actually 2 winners - as promised!) It
wasn't easy, but our team of crackerjack experts made the hard
choices, and after collecting more information from a selected
group of contestants, we made a decision. We had a lot of
excellent entries. We could easily have chosen a dozen or
more. There were that many great ideas. Just not enough prizes
to go around!
Our two winners are Denise Mendenhall of Fort Dodge, IA and
Matt Lichlyter of Littleton, CO. Denise wants to market her
stained glass creations and Matt wants to promote food safety.
They both have interesting stories, but we'll let them share
that in the blogs that each will be starting here on The
Dollar Stretcher. We'll let you know what the URL is for each
in an upcoming issue.
I also want to thank everyone who entered. As I said, I was
impressed with the many excellent ideas presented. I've been
giving financial advice and managing people and businesses for
over 30 years. Had successes and failures. I believe that
there are many workable ideas among those we received.
And, while we couldn't give every great idea SBI!, I really
believe that there are other businesses that can be built with
time, effort and the proper guidance. Don't give up your
dream. Often the difference between success and failure is
just a matter of trying one more time.
I also believe that SBI! is a superb tool for those who want
to build their own e-business. As I said, I've been around the
block a few times and like to think I can identify what's
real. I've worked with the people at SBI! and can confidently
say that they're the real deal. No smoke and mirrors. Just
sound advice that added to your focus and hard work can give
you the best possible odds at success. So don't let losing a
contest shut your down. If you still dream of building an e-
business, you owe it to yourself to check them out. You'll
find more information about SBI! here
<http://www.stretcher.com/recommended/sbi3.cfm>
Keep on Stretching Those Dollars!
Gary
===========================================================
Our Sponsor
Surviving Tough Times
Surviving Tough Times, a free email newsletter, provides
tips and articles on ways to help you survive financially
as the cost of everyday items rise and economic times become
tougher. Each issue features six or seven articles and tips
to help you stretch your dollar!
To subscribe to Surviving Tough Times free ezine, email
mailto:subscribe-inflationfighters@hub.thedollarstretcher.com
or visit http://www.stretcher.com/subscribe/subscribeIF.cfm
===========================================================
-- Surviving Tough Times --
Finding a New Job
by Tricia Goss
When finding a job is your job
These days no one is immune from sudden job loss. The position
you once considered completely secure one day might be
eliminated the next. If it happens to you, it is perfectly
understandable and acceptable to take a little time off. Give
yourself a chance to lick your wounds, brush up your resume
and possibly rethink your career path. After a week or two,
though, it is time to start pounding the proverbial pavement.
To land the next terrific job in the least amount of time, you
much treat your job search as a full-time position.
Shoot for forty hours each week. Get up, shower and get
dressed to the shoes every single weekday. This type of
dedication will pay off in helping you find a job more
quickly. It will also help you maintain a sense of purpose and
stave off feelings of hopelessness. Besides, you never know
whom you might run into at the mailbox or corner store and
making a good first impression is crucial.
Begin by creating a schedule. Use your Outlook or Google
calendar, your day planner, or simply a small notepad. At the
beginning of the week, whether that is Sunday afternoon or
early Monday morning for you, browse the help wanted ads and
online job listings. Make three columns on a sheet of paper
when reading the classifieds. In the first column, note ads
with phone numbers to call. In the second column, enter those
with walk-in addresses. In the third column, list employers
requesting mailed or emailed resumes.
Make optimal use of business hours. First thing Monday
morning, begin calling those in Column 1. If you are unable to
speak to the hiring manager at that time, leave a message,
adding politely that you will call again later. When you have
made all of the calls, head to the employers listed in Column
2. After applying for these, head home and call back those you
were unable to reach in the morning. Send off resumes to the
employers in Column 3 at the end of the day.
Networking is considered the best way to land a new job. Spend
an ample amount of your forty hours each week doing so. Make a
list of everyone who would be able to put a face to your name
over the phone. Along with family and friends, list people
from church, your child's school, former jobs, and so on. Call
the first person on the list and relay your situation. Ask
each contact if there are any openings where they work, as
well as if they know of someone else you might call. Make sure
they know how to reach you if they hear about something later.
Take copious notes and graciously thank each contact, whether
or not they provided any new information.
Follow up with employers you called, visited or emailed at the
end of each week. Ask outright if you might schedule an
interview. With the current number of candidates all vying for
a limited number of jobs, your resume may not be prominent. A
courteous phone call stating your deep interest in a position
might be the key that gets your foot in the door.
If you are taking all of these steps but still have some of
those forty hours to spare, don't zone out in front of the TV.
Instead, take a class that will boost your employability.
Check your community college's schedule or contact local high
schools to ask about classes in topics like computer software
programs, business management or accounting.
Another great way to spend this time is performing volunteer
work. Helping others will allow you to forget your own
troubles for a while. Volunteering looks good on your r,sum,,
and it just might connect you with someone who knows of a job
that is perfect for you.
Finally, make sure you document any costs incurred during your
job search. Be certain to retain receipts and break down
expenses, such as mileage driven and cell phone minutes used.
Depending on your circumstances, these costs may very well be
tax-deductible.
Take the Next Step:
- For more on finding a new job, please visit
http://www.stretcher.com/menu/topic-r.htm#workfind
- Subscribe to our new weekly "Surviving Tough Times:
Inflation fighters" newsletter by sending
<mailto:subscribe-InflationFighters@hub.thedollarstretcher.com>
This free email newsletter will provide ways to help you save
money as the cost of everyday items rise. Each issue features
six or seven articles to help you stretch your dollar!
===========================================================
In The Dollar Stretcher Community
I Can't Get These Credit Cards Paid Off Fast Enough!
Ouch. Credit card interest rates are going up for everyone, it
seems.
http://community.stretcher.com/forums/p/10874/113167.aspx
===========================================================
-- Surviving Tough Times --
Help With Prescriptions
by Kirby Horton
How to save money on your medicine
Anyone who takes medicine knows that the cost of prescription
medication is rising in this country. For a lot of us,
prescriptions help us live a more productive, happier life,
but only if we can afford to take them. Here are some ideas
that may help you pay less.
- Talk to your doctor. Not being able to afford medications is
nothing to be embarrassed about. Your doctor wants to know
everything that affects your healthcare, including whether or
not you can pay for your medications. If the price means you
may not fill your prescriptions and take your medicine, then
it is important to be honest about this with your doctor.
Taking your prescriptions helps him help you! There may be a
cheaper generic drug or a similar medicine that you can take,
but your doctor may not consider these unless you explain that
you cannot pay for the more expensive drug. Your doctor may
also have samples of your medicine that he can give you at no
cost.
- Shop around. Studies have shown that prices can vary a
substantial amount from pharmacy to pharmacy. Surprisingly, a
medicine may be cheaper at one pharmacy than at another. As
much as you may like to have everything at one store and may
like a particular pharmacist, shop around to help lower your
prescription medicine costs. You should ask your pharmacy if
it can match the lower price. You can also ask the pharmacist
for part of the prescription if there is the possibility that
the side effects will mean you cannot take this drug. Ask your
pharmacist if you can fill the rest of the prescription at no
extra cost if the prescription works for you.
- Consider buying online. Savings can be huge. Some very
reputable Canadian drug stores offer the original, brand name
medicine and can save you up to 70%! Be very cautious though.
Do not buy from sites that will sell prescription medicines
without a prescription. That is the first sign that they are
not legit. If it's too good to be true, it probably isn't
true, so don't send money or a credit card number.
- Look for $4 Generics. Recently, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and
Target announced that their stores now offer generic medicine
for $4 per prescription fill or refill. Walgreens and other
pharmacies are considering meeting this price. Be aware that
not all generic drugs are offered through these programs and
some local pharmacies have been offering the drugs, on the
lists, at a similar price. Some critics say that this pricing
is a "bait and switch" tactic because many of the drugs on the
lists are older generics that are rarely used. For example,
Wal-Mart hopes people who can't get their medication for $4
may buy it at the higher price then shop at the store before
leaving.
- Study your medical benefits carefully. If you have health
insurance, know what is covered and whether or not there is a
limit to the total amount of coverage each year. You can get
help with insurance questions through a SHIP (State Health
Insurance Assistance Program).
- Look for Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs). If you have a
low income and haven't checked out these programs, do so. Rx
Help is available to individuals who meet criteria set by each
individual drug company. PAPs provide low-cost or free
medication for those who qualify. Remember to look for all
your medicines, not just the most expensive.
- Check out Assistance for Specific Diseases and Conditions.
In this category, you can find help with a variety of medical
expenses, ranging from insurance co-pay assistance to medical
supplies. These programs are listed by particular ailment and
are sometimes limited to specific geographic areas.
There is prescription help out there; you just need to be
creative and assertive to get the medicine that you
desperately need.
__________________
Kirby Horton is Founder, President and CEO of Rx HELP
<http://www.rxhelp4u.com>, a Prescription Assistance Company.
He has over 30 years experience helping Americans with their
healthcare needs. He can be reached at 866-960-9497
Take the Next Step:
- Subscribe to our new weekly "Surviving Tough Times:
Inflation fighters" newsletter by sending
<mailto:subscribe-InflationFighters@hub.thedollarstretcher.com>
This free email newsletter will provide ways to help you save
money as the cost of everyday items rise. Each issue features
six or seven articles to help you stretch your dollar!
===========================================================
Our Sponsor
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===========================================================
Dollar Stretcher Community Poll
Your Saving Rate
Have you adjusted your saving rate due to the economy?
http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01p.cfm
===========================================================
-- Surviving Tough Times --
Food Away from Home
by Gregory Karp
3 ways to reduce the cost of eating out
Excerpted with permission from "The 1-2-3 Money Plan: The
Three Most Important Steps to Saving and Spending Smart"
<http://www.amazon.com/1-2-3-Money-Plan-Important-
Spending/dp/0137141734/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243609581&sr=8-1> by
Gregory Karp (FT Press; $17.99)
The first rule of dining out for less is to do it
infrequently. By all means, go out to celebrate a wedding
anniversary or job promotion. But try to avoid loading the
family in the car and going to a restaurant because you're a
poor meal planner. And when dining out, look for reasonable
ways to cut your tab without cutting enjoyment.
Food Away from Home, 1-2-3
1. Make freezer meals.
2. Use coupons and discounts.
3. Skimp on what you don't care about.
1. Make Freezer Meals
We've all done it. Dinnertime sneaks up on us, and we don't
have anything planned and don't feel like cooking. The easiest
solution is takeout, delivery, or schlepping to the nearest
chain restaurant.
The simple solution is freezer meals. It's different from
simple leftovers in the fridge. With freezer meals, you make
double and triple batches when you cook. Then on those harried
evenings, you're only microwave minutes away from a quicker,
more healthful, and less-expensive entree than you probably
would get dining out. Whip up a few quick sides, and presto! A
meal.
A little meal planning goes a long way toward saving money,
and not just on dinner. Taking lunch to work instead of buying
is, admittedly, obvious and tired advice. But do you brown-bag
it every day? Ask yourself why not. And what about that
morning latte from Starbucks that every money advice-giver
wants to cut from your morning routine? Well, that's up to
you, of course. Just make sure it's truly how you want to
spend your money. You might have seen the math before, but
I'll repeat it here: Cut a $4 coffee and $7 lunch each
workday, and you save $2,750 a year. If nearly three grand is
no big deal to you and you don't need to spend it on something
else, then eat out.
2. Use Coupons and Discounts
Granted, if a man is on a first date, he might not want to
whip out coupons when the bill comes, unless he knows his date
is of like-minded frugality. But coupons and discounts can
save significant money on dining out.
One secret method keeps anyone from knowing you're getting a
discount. Sign up at www.RewardsNetwork.com. Tell them what
credit cards and debit cards you use to pay for meals, and if
you dine at a participating restaurant, you get a discount
automatically credited to your credit or debit account. You do
nothing. Discounts are typically 5 percent to 10 percent.
Also check out Restaurant.com
<http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-457969-10422977>,
www.OpenTable.com, and the ubiquitous Entertainment book from
Entertainment.com <http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-457969-
10573314>. If you're looking for a cheap way to take the kids
out, look for special deals at www.KidsMealDeals.com.
3. Skimp on What You Don't Care About
Sometimes, we're on autopilot at a restaurant, ordering a soft
drink, appetizer, entree, and dessert. Then we wonder why
we're so uncomfortably full when we leave. Cut out what you
don't care about. Do you like free water just as well as a $3
soft drink? Can you wait until you get home for a beer or
glass of wine? Can you skip the appetizer or eat an appetizer
and skip the entree? Are the portions big enough to share an
entree? What about skipping the tempting dessert and coming
back some other time for dessert only?
This isn't rocket science, but it does take discipline and a
willingness to break your routine. Listen to your body about
how hungry you actually are and order less. And look for
reasonable substitutions that will cut your tab without
cutting your enjoyment.
_________________
Greg Karp is the author of "The 1-2-3 Money Plan" You can
learn more from Greg by checking out his blog at
www.SpendingSmart.net
Take the Next Step:
- Subscribe to our new weekly "Surviving Tough Times:
Inflation fighters" newsletter by sending
<mailto:subscribe-InflationFighters@hub.thedollarstretcher.com>
This free email newsletter will provide ways to help you save
money as the cost of everyday items rise. Each issue features
six or seven articles to help you stretch your dollar!
===========================================================
Bloggles: Blogs that will blow your mind
Next Year's Perennials
It's June; your annuals are coming along or in pots. Your
perennials are growing fast. So why not just sit back and not
worry about your flowerbeds until next spring?
<http://community.stretcher.com/blogs/dollar_stretcher_guest_bloggers/archive/
2009/06/05/next-year-s-perennials.aspx>
<a
href="http://community.stretcher.com/blogs/dollar_stretcher_guest_bloggers/archi
ve/2009/06/05/next-year-s-perennials.aspx">here</a>
===========================================================
Wood for Projects
by E. E. Kane
You don't need to go to the lumberyard and pay full price
Walk into any building supply that sells lumber and you might
be surprised at the price of wood. But you don't need to pay
that price. There are other sources that could cost much less.
In fact, some sources of wood are free.
Wood Pallets
Eco artist Mark Dabelstein found a new line of work, featured
on www.PalletArt.com , when he began making whimsical pieces
from pallets he noticed discarded in dumpsters. Pallet wood
may not be top-grade material, but it is not much different
from what you will buy at big-box home improvement stores. You
will have to fill some holes, but you can't argue with free.
Ask for discarded pallets at warehouses (it helps to know a
friend). Use pallet wood to frame windows, build shelves, or
for any small project.
Culled Wood Bundles
The next time you walk through any purveyor of lumber, ask the
manager at the contractor's desk if they have culled wood
bundles. The bundles are made up of a variety of lesser-
quality planks culled from stock. These culled bundles are
sold at a deep discount, sometimes up to 75%. If your project
does not require perfect lumber, a culled wood bundle is a
bargain.
Reclaimed Wood
You can't buy old growth wood at your local building supply,
but it was the standard material a century or so ago. Thanks
to a renewed appreciation for the quality of old wood and the
eco-conscious desire to reuse it, you can buy reclaimed wood
from de-constructed homes, barns and old factories. Reclaimed
wood is centuries old and rich with resin and the patina that
only comes from age. This wood was center-cut from trees that
grew slowly in dense forests, producing tight inner rings that
yield strength and beauty that current fast-growth trees can
never rival. The reclamation process of removing nails, sawing
and re-milling old wood is usually more expensive.
Reclaimed wood is a worthy investment for any home, but if
your budget will not allow for it, you might obtain it by good
old initiative and sweat equity. Ask friends, put an ad in the
paper or online like Craigslist, and take frequent drives in
the country looking for falling-down structures. Ask the owner
of such a structure if he will allow you to take the wood in
exchange for cleaning up the site.
Be forewarned that deconstruction is a huge and sometimes
dangerous undertaking, and it helps if you know what you are
doing. Wear safety gear and gather several friends who will
share the proceeds for their help and contribution of
equipment needed, like a tractor, trucks, pry bars and claw
hammers. Make sure that you make safety your number one
priority.
Salvaged Building Material Suppliers
Baseboard, crown molding, fireplace mantels and solid wood
doors are available at a salvaged building materials supplier.
Search online for a local salvaged materials supplier. Similar
options exist through the following websites:
www.PlanetReuse.com - A nation-wide free source for anyone in
the construction business, both professional and layperson.
You can advertise or browse listed materials, then click on an
ad to let Planet Reuse set up an interface between you and the
seller.
www.Freecycle.org - Available in most major cities, the great
thing about Freecycle is that everything is free, even
membership. You can make requests or offer unwanted items.
Freecycle sends daily emails, so be prepared for an overloaded
inbox. Be ready to respond quickly if you see what you want.
Finding inexpensive sources of wood is a great bargain,
especially for someone who loves to work with it!
===========================================================
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===========================================================
Tips, Quips, Quotes and Questions
*********
Can You Help This Reader?
*********
Ant Invasion!
Little black ants used to make a yearly invasion at one spot
in the house like the front door. I'd suck them up in the
vacuum and throw some borax around the door and we were done.
But not this year! First they were at the back door and then
the front door! Now they are coming into the house by the
front door through the cracks in the wood floor. Nothing has
worked to get rid of them. With pets, little kids and a
teenager in the house, clean floors are a five-minute memory.
At least the kids kill them now instead of playing with them.
Any family friendly ideas?
MarthaMFI
Please send your answers mailto:CanYouHelp@stretcher.com with
"Ant Invasion" as the subject or join the discussion in The
Dollar Stretcher Community
<http://community.stretcher.com/forums/t/12096.aspx>. We'll
include the best solutions in future issues.
*********
Yes, We Can Help This Reader
Dumping a Timeshare
*********
If this goes to collections, they can get court ordered
garnishment of your income unless you are on Social Security.
They can also freeze your bank account. Technically, they
can't freeze one that has mostly Social Security benefits
going into it, but it still happens. And it can be a while
before you can get back into court to get this cleared up. In
the meantime, there is no way to pay bills or buy food. If you
really don't have any savings, what happens when the car quits
and you need a loan for a new one?
If it's the ethics of the timeshare board that is bothering
you and you are just making a statement by not paying it, it
would be better to turn them into the Attorney General's
office and keep making a small payment every month to keep the
collectors away from you.
Short of selling it (impossible if it's run down), I think you
are stuck unless the company goes under. Check with a
bankruptcy attorney if you are way over your head with other
debts. You may be able to unload this asset with court backing
and get out of the maintenance contract.
Christine
editor's note: more suggestions at
<http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15a.cfm> or join the
discussion in The Dollar Stretcher Community
<http://community.stretcher.com/forums/p/11781/122653.aspx>.
*********
Free Internet for Month?!
Before you go on vacation, check with your Internet provider
to see if you can get a credit for the time you're away and
not using your connection. My Internet provider allows for two
vacation credits per year. It never would have occurred to me
to ask if the guy setting up our Internet connection hadn't
mentioned it. If you pay $30/month for your service and go
away twice during the year for two weeks at a time, that would
equal $30 in savings, which is the equivalent of one free
month of service.
Sheri R.
*********
$5 Fridays
Since my son-in-law was laid off at the first of this year,
money for the family has been tight. My daughter used to take
her five kids out to breakfast or lunch every Friday while her
husband was working. Since that is no longer an option, she
and the kids have come up with $5 Fridays.
They can buy $5 worth of balloons and have a water balloon
fight. One Friday evening they can walk to the library and
choose books to read, then make snow cones for a treat.
Sometimes they take a picnic of peanut butter sandwiches,
homemade iced tea, and fruit to the park. Another time they'll
pop popcorn and rent a movie they've been wanting to see.
Well, you get the idea. They all have to come up with
something that doesn't cost more than $5, and everyone has
some input for their special times together. Even though they
don't spend a lot of money, they are really enjoying their
summer.
Judy
*********
Re-purpose Redecorating
I've always enjoyed decorating and arranging my home
differently, so it always looks neat and fresh. I found an
"old" throw blanket that has a print of one of Thomas
Kinkade's paintings on it. It's a bit too thin for my taste to
use as an actual throw blanket, so I re-purposed it to be a
throw rug under my coffee table in the living room. It really
makes a nice focal point.
If you have any old throws or wall hangings, consider re-
purposing these items. It makes a large change in the way your
home looks, and costs nothing but a few minutes of your time.
Candy J. in TN
*********
Little Luxury:
Movie Night
We live outside a metropolitan area that is surrounded by
small towns. Some of our small towns still have small movie
theaters that are still running. Typically these small
theaters show second run movies (the blockbuster that was in
the mega-plex last month) or even limited release or imported
movies that you just won't find at the mega-plex. Tickets at
our small town theater (which has been in business since the
1950's!) are $3.50 most nights. On Tuesdays it's $2.50.
Sometimes they even run $2 matinees. They show one movie at a
time since they only have one screen. Sometimes they have two
movies, and one shows at the early show time the other at the
later show time. Fountain drinks are $1 and the rest of the
concession goodies are about the same.
So instead of taking out a mortgage to take the family to the
movie, we just wait until it gets to our little theater and
then have a lovely night out. Most of the small town theaters
in our area are old theaters that have either been lovingly
maintained or have been painstakingly restored. Typically
local business people and families run these small town
theaters. By being patient, you get a great night out without
breaking the bank and you support local business. What more
could you ask for?
Oh, you said free? Then check out your local library! One of
our local public libraries has free family movie nights about
once a month, but you have to wait for the day of the movie to
find out what is showing. In the summer, this library also
hosts free music concerts on their lawn! Another small public
library near us has free kids movies. They often show them on
days when the kids are out of school and a couple times a
month in the summer. They even give the kids free popcorn and
a cup of juice! I took my daughter and the neighbor kids on
the day after Christmas. It was a nice way to get out of the
house for a few calm hours during the holiday hustle and
bustle. In the summer, it's a great way to get out of the
heat. One of our local mega-plexes has also gotten in on the
act. During the summer months, they offer free mid-morning
kids movies (some of these are several years old but the kids
don't care). My daughter's summer camp took advantage of these
movies and took the campers to the movies once a week. Even
the concession stand has discount prices.
Jennifer D.
editor's note: Many of us have given up a lot because of the
economy. So we're looking for "Little Luxuries" that we can
share with everyone. If you have an inexpensive way to make
yourself feel good, please send it by
mailto:gary@stretcher.com?subject=Little_Luxuries We'll share
the best ones in future issues.
*********
What would you do with an extra $100? Last month, Janet from
Sherwood, AR won a $100 check just for sending in a favorite
time or money saving idea. This month it could be you. Just
send your suggestion by mailto:Tips@stretcher.com.
If we use your tip in any of our publications, we'll send you
the next three issues of our print newsletter as a "thank you"
and you'll automatically be entered into our monthly $100
drawing!
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ideas for saving money! Just send
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On www.Stretcher.com This Week
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Money
http://www.stretcher.com/money/index.cfm
----------------------------------------
Dumping a Timeshare
Is there another choice besides just turning it back to the
association?
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15a.cfm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15a.cfm
</a>
Dollar Stretcher Community Poll
Your Saving Rate
Have you adjusted your saving rate due to the economy?
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01p.cfm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01p.cfm
</a>
Don't Default on Student Loans
If making student loan payments is tough, you can set up a new
payment plan, among several other options.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun06a.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun06a.htm </a>
Your Wealth Blog: Women and Wealth
Whatever your means, spending below them is a lesson well
learned.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun08c.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun08c.htm </a>
Bad Certified Check Won't Damage Credit
Cashing a counterfeit certified check at a bank will not
damage the credit score of the payee.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun04f.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun04f.htm </a>
IRA CD Ladder Smoothes Retirement Bumps
Breaking a single IRA CD into multiple versions is easy if you
use a laddering technique.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun04g.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun04g.htm </a>
Cashing in Savings Bonds to Fund 529 Plan
Parents who qualify can use the Education Savings Bond Program
to help trim college costs.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03k.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03k.htm </a>
Fiance's Debt Won't Ding Woman's Credit
A fiancee isn't obligated to repay her betrothed's existing
debts when she becomes his wife.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03j.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03j.htm </a>
Small-Business Microlending on the Rise
As more banks shy away from making business loans,
microlending is finding a market niche.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun05c.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun05c.htm </a>
5 Economic Indicators to Watch
Economic indicators are gauges of hope and despair. We explain
what they mean and why they matter.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03f.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03f.htm </a>
Personal Savings Rate Could Soar
Consumers are stashing more away. So how can they make the
most of their newfound personal savings?
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03h.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03h.htm </a>
Ex Still Beneficiary of Retirement
IRA A woman wants her ex removed as primary beneficiary of an
IRA she started to secure her retirement.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun09b.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun09b.htm </a>
Soft Inquiry Won't Harm Credit Score
An employer's so-called "soft inquiry" on your credit report
will not hurt your FICO score.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun08e.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun08e.htm </a>
Son Can't Flee Bank Checking Account
There's no easy way for a son to remove his name from his
mother's bank checking account.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun05f.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun05f.htm </a>
In Critical Condition
http://www.stretcher.com/critical/index.cfm
-------------------------------------------
4 Limits on Modifying Bankruptcy
You can lower your Chapter 13 bankruptcy payment, if you're
not hung up by one of these obstacles.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun09a.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun09a.htm </a>
Bad Credit? Fix It Yourself and Save
Costly credit repair firms can't perform magic. What they can
do, you can do for free.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun08b.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun08b.htm </a>
Don't Ignore Creditors on Debt Collection
Creditors may be willing to work with you, if they know you're
unemployed and without an income.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun04c.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun04c.htm </a>
Just Starting Out
http://www.stretcher.com/startingout/index.cfm
----------------------------------------------
Young Adults and Credit
by Bill Hardekopf, CEO LowCards.com
Will new law solve credit card problems for young adults?
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15g.cfm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15g.cfm
</a>
Family
http://www.stretcher.com/family/index.cfm
-----------------------------------------
A Beginner's Guide to Frugal Cloth Diapering
by Jacqueline Harris-Stone
What you need to know to save money on diapers
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15f.cfm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15f.cfm
</a>
5 School Options for Children
How do you pick the best school? Choose one that caters to
your child's learning style and interests.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03b.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03b.htm </a>
Financial Planning for Dogs and Cats
Your pet depends on you. Plan for the unexpected by getting
pet health insurance and a pet trust.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03e.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03e.htm </a>
Home and Auto
http://www.stretcher.com/homeauto/index.cfm
-------------------------------------------
Wood for Projects
by E. E. Kane
You don't need to go to the lumberyard and pay full price
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15e.cfm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15e.cfm
</a>
Surrendering the Suburbs
Yesteryear's flight to the suburbs is yielding to a return to
the cities, thanks to sustainable elements, transit access and
pricing. What to look for.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03a.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03a.htm </a>
10 Ways to Turn Off a Homebuyer
Homeowners hoping to sell their homes in a tough market should
avoid these 10 buyer turnoffs.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun08a.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun08a.htm </a>
Think Twice About Becoming a Landlord
The current economy may not be the best time to try out
landlording.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03c.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03c.htm </a>
16 Costly Car Noises
These common car noises can spell trouble and cost a lot of
money, especially if ignored.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03d.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03d.htm </a>
8 Freebies Builders May Give Away
It's a fact of life -- home builders are hurting big time.
Unfortunate for them but it gives you a great chance to buy a
brand new home and get a slew of extras thrown in.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun08d.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun08d.htm </a>
11 Car Fix-Ups for Spring
A little time, effort and money can reduce costly repairs on
your car and boost resale value.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun06b.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun06b.htm </a>
New Fuel Standard Could Raise Vehicle Cost
The cost of a car could jump $1,300, depending on its actual
fuel-efficiency and how much you drive.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun05a.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun05a.htm </a>
Mechanic Faulted for Engine Damage
The shop may replace your damaged engine, but don't expect a
new car out of the deal.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun05b.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun05b.htm </a>
Want to Modify Mortgage? Get a Trial Run
We answer 10 questions about how the required Home Affordable
Modification trial period works.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun04a.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun04a.htm </a>
Video: Questions to Ask before Refinancing
With mortgage rates near record low, is it time to refinance?
Find out if it will benefit you.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun04b.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun04b.htm </a>
Utility Firms Help Some Pay Bill
Some needy customers stay cool in summer with financial
assistance from Sun Belt utility firms.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03g.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun03g.htm </a>
Today's Reality: Small Homes New Big Thing
Welcome to the new realty reality. Ostentation is pass,. Size
is so not cool. Small is the new big. And oh, by the way --
have you hugged your home lately?
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun04e.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun04e.htm </a>
Lifestyle
http://www.stretcher.com/lifestyle/index.cfm
--------------------------------------------
Finding a New Job
by Tricia Goss
When finding a job is your job
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15b.cfm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15b.cfm
</a>
Help With Prescriptions
by Kirby Horton
How to save money on your medicine
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15c.cfm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15c.cfm
</a>
Food Away from Home
by Gregory Karp
3 ways to reduce the cost of eating out
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15d.cfm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15d.cfm
</a>
Eating Right when the Budget Is Tight
Simple changes can help you cook up savings and health
advantages
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15h.cfm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15h.cfm
</a>
Cooking Up Car Engine Cuisine
Some rolling road-trip recipes perfect for the recession.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun04d.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun04d.htm </a>
Your Taxes
----------
Disputing an IRS Letter
When the IRS sends a letter saying you owe more income tax,
get your facts in order.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun09c.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun09c.htm </a>
Roth IRA Can Offset Tax Loss
When offsetting a Schedule E tax loss, you can recharacterize
excess Roth IRA conversions.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun04h.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun04h.htm </a>
Everything Else
---------------
Online Poll: Is Your Job Secure?
Take this quiz about jobs and job security and compare your
answers to those of other Americans.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun05d.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun05d.htm </a>
Older Workers Hit Harder by Economy
Bankrate's poll reveals a schism between older and younger
workers in their outlook on job security.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun05e.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09jun05e.htm </a>
Readers' Tips
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15t.cfm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun15t.cfm
</a>
===========================================================
Decision-Making Tools
For Your Home
- <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/home1.htm">
Rent or Buy Your Next Home?</a>
- <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/home2.htm">
Mortgage Calculator</a>
- <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/home3.htm">
15-Year or 30-Year Mortgage?</a>
- <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/home4.htm">
Fixed or Adjustable Rate Mortgage?</a>
- <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/home5.htm">
Mortgage Points Adviser</a>
For Your Car
- <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/car1.htm">
How much car can you afford?</a>
- <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/car2.htm">
Buy or lease your next car?</a>
- <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/car3.htm">
Your next car:</a> New or used?
- <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/car4.htm">
Auto Loan Calculator</a>
- <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/car5.htm">
Is a hybrid car right for you?</a>
===========================================================
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32 frozen fully cooked meatballs, thawed
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1" squares
1 green bell pepper, cut into 1" squares
1/4 cup apricot jam
1/4 cup barbecue sauce
Heat grill. Thread meatballs and peppers alternately onto 8 skewers. Microwave jam in small microwaveable bowl on high 15 seconds. Stir in barbecue sauce, brush half onto kabobs. Grill 10 min. or until meatballs are heated through, turning occasionally and brushing with remaining jam mixture the last 2 min. Serve with corn on the cob and a salad, if desired. Makes 4 servings.
2 Cornish game hens
12 oz jar cherry preserves
1.25 oz pkt Hunter sauce mix
1.) Heat oven to 400 degrees. Tie game hens legs together. Rub each hen with 1/2 tsp oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place in roasting pan. Roast hens 40 min. Melt 1/2 cup preserves, brush hens with some. Roast 10 min. brush again with preserves. Roast 10 min. more.
2.) Remove hens to serving platter, tent with foil. Whisk 1 cup water, the sauce mix and the remaining preserves into drippings in roasting pan. Place over heat, stir to dissolve browned bits and simmer until a bit thickened. Cut hens in half, serve with sauce. MAKES 4 SERVINGS.*
1 1/2 c Cottage cheese
1 1/2 c Sour cream
2 c Chopped ham
2 Eggs, slightly beaten
1/2 ts Salt
1/2 c Chopped green bell pepper
1/2 c Finely chopped celery
1/4 c Finely chopped onion
Pepper to taste
6 tb Melted butter
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 3-quart casserole.
Put the cooked noodles into a bowl and toss with the remaining ingredients until well mixed. Spoon into the casserole and bake 50 to 60 minutes, or until bubbling and set.
And on CSI they showed Mack packing some powder down and vibrating it and then pouring liquid that set up to be rubbery, to make a mold, does making a mold this way really work?
And then the Monical, how would I make My partner a costume monical. I am thinking out of Plexiglas glass but how'd you smooth it and stuff so it'll be safe to wear up against the eye, and then drill the hole, how'd you do that.
Subscription Information: "The Dollar Stretcher Tips" is a free newsletter. To Subscribe: send mailto:subscribe-ds-tips@hub.thedollarstretcher.com or visit http://www.stretcher.com/menu/subscrib.cfm To Unsubscribe: send mailto:leave-3480206-3328670.b42c7cc54da2045e3dc984e3aead9859@hub.thedollarstretcher.com "Dollar Stretcher Tips" and Dollar Stretcher, Inc. does not assume responsibility for advice given. All advice should be weighed against your own abilities and circumstances and applied accordingly. It is up to the reader to determine if advice is safe and suitable for his/her own situation. =========================================================== Our Sponsor "What the heck... I'll give it a try!" "I have to say I'm so glad I purchased your DebtIntoWealth System! I was skeptical at first, so I went to the website. It sounded good, so I figured "what the heck," I'll give it a try. My goal was to pay off $5000 in credit card debt and a car loan so I could buy a new home, and get me and my 4 girls out of our 2-bedroom apartment. It worked! It's now 9 months later and ALL of my debt is paid off, and I just signed a contract on a new 5-bedroom house! There is no better feeling than to have NO debts, and a savings account too! Thanks to your system, my family is going to have a better life by not being enslaved to debt." - Katrina S. in Houston, TX What the heck... Give DebtIntoWealth a try, today! Click: http://www.debtintowealth.com/dstips.html =========================================================== Doggie Care I just got my eleven-pound dog spayed and she had stitches on her belly that she started to lick, which, of course, is not good. I tried a bandage, which lasted about 30 seconds. We didn't get that silly lampshade for her head, which was $15 from the vet and I'm sure not the most comfortable thing to wear. We found a miracle solution, which was a 12-month onezie that I had from my kids. It fit her perfectly and snapped at the rear. When I let her outside, I just had to unsnap the bottom and she could go do her business and come back in. Michelle V. ********* How Much? I've noticed that laundry detergent lids have markings that are difficult to read. They have lines inside, but who can see them? Manufacturers assume we will just give up and fill the cup, wasting more detergent. The result is overuse of detergent when it's unnecessary. To remedy this, use a black marker or nail polish before using it the first time to clearly mark the lines in the cup, or instead of using their cup, use your own to measure. A little goes a long way so don't waste expensive and precious drops of detergent. Shannon W. ********* Free Starter Pots I have found that two-liter and one-liter empty soda bottles make great starter pots for flowers, herbs, etc. Cut the top off and poke a hole in the bottom of the "pot." Now you have air circulation and the bumps on the bottom will catch extra water. You can adjust the height of the pot easily. Roots can easily be seen for transplanting purposes. Any color soda bottle will do! You can't beat the price of these "pots" and these can be used multiple times. Once your pot has proved its purpose, just toss in to the recycling bin! Frances C. =========================================================== Our Sponsor Save 30-50% on Dental Care at over 66,000 Dentist Nationwide! Aetna Dental Access(SM) is a discount or reduced-fee dental program. This program is designed for health conscious consumers looking to maintain their oral health and minimize their dental care expenses. Aetna Dental Access(SM) provides enrollees access to over 66,000 available dental practice locations nationwide. Participants can save 30% to 50% on certain dental services. Simply present your ID card for immediate savings at the time services are rendered. Find out more today! http://stretcher.myvipgateway.com =========================================================== Avoiding Scorched Casserole Dishes If you are making a deep dish casserole or thick lasagna, put the casserole or lasagna on top of an insulated cookie sheet while baking it in the oven. I have found that this prevents the bottom of the lasagna from burning and/or sticking to the pan. Especially with the deep pans, it can be difficult to cook the dish thoroughly without burning the bottom. Also, this method keeps the casserole or lasagna moister, so noodles or pasta don't become rubbery. Of course, insulated cookie sheets are great for making cookies, too! Therese ********* Little Luxuries: Sharing a Glass... We were missing our evening glass of wine together. It was a pleasant winding-down time; a time to catch up on the events of the day and even to look ahead a bit. To get us back in the habit, my husband now makes his own wine. He can make a five- gallon batch for about the price of a gallon of the cheap labels, and his homemade tastes like the $25 stuff. It's the real thing with no shortcuts. Since we have fruit trees, his wine is made of pears, apples, elderberries, apricots, peaches or whatever is in season. Friends bring over their contributions of fruit and receive a bottle of wine or a lesson in home winemaking. Caught up in the excitement, he has planted four grapevines of different varieties. There was a modest outlay of about $50, but the savings on the wine will more than pay that back in a summer. I think our lives have been enriched by his hobby! Coreen editor's note: Many of us have given up a lot because of the economy. So we're looking for "Little Luxuries" that we can share with everyone. If you have an inexpensive way to make yourself feel good, please send it by mailto:gary@stretcher.com?subject=Little_Luxuries We'll share the best ones in future issues. ********* What would you do with an extra $100? Last month, Shaunna of Fargo, ND won a $100 check just for sending in a favorite time or money saving idea. This month it could be you. Just send your suggestion by mailto:Tips@stretcher.com. If we use your tip in any of our publications, we'll send you the next three issues of our print newsletter as a "thank you" and you'll automatically be entered into our monthly $100 drawing! =========================================================== On www.Stretcher.com This Week editor's note: Hotmail and WebTV users may have trouble with some addresses. Please access them from our front page <www.stretcher.com> Money http://www.stretcher.com/money/index.cfm ---------------------------------------- Someone to Pay My Credit Card Bills? by Gary Foreman Circumstances have changed some financial rules <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09may25b.cfm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09may25b.cfm </a> 5 Low-Tech Ways to Manage Cash Here are tried-and-true ways to budget that require little more than diligence and a pencil. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may19a.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may19a.htm </a> Video: Save More Money We offer you tips in this video to help you beef up your bank account and savings. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may19c.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may19c.htm </a> Coverdells Versus 529 Plans 529 plans don't have the $2,000 annual limit of a Coverdell, allowing family to open more accounts. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may18d.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may18d.htm </a> 7 Steps to Security after a Job Loss Take steps to ensure your financial survival during the tumultuous period following a job loss. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may15a.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may15a.htm </a> Retire Student Loan before You Retire School debt is forgiven in only some instances, so it's best to plan on repaying it instead. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may14c.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may14c.htm </a> Psst! Myelin May Make You Rich Humor columnist Jay MacDonald learns that practice can turn a substance called myelin into money. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may14d.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may14d.htm </a> Are Variable Annuities Safe? Investors bought annuities to protect against market declines, but now some insurers are suffering. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may13g.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may13g.htm </a> When Is the Best Time to Pay Credit Card? To improve your credit score, it helps to pay before the closing date of the statement. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may13h.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may13h.htm </a> In Critical Condition http://www.stretcher.com/critical/index.cfm ------------------------------------------- Tips on Avoiding Foreclosure Scams Help from the experts at the Federal Reserve Board <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09may25c.cfm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09may25c.cfm </a> Divorce Could Alter Bankruptcy The higher cost of separate households could force a change from Chapter 13 to Chapter 7 bankruptcy. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may19b.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may19b.htm </a> Facing Foreclosure: Now What? With the bank foreclosing, you have more options than you think. Don't just give up. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may15e.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may15e.htm </a> Video: Forestalling Foreclosure When you're in mortgage trouble, the best thing to do is make a phone call. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may14b.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may14b.htm </a> Family http://www.stretcher.com/family/index.cfm ----------------------------------------- Chill Out This Summer by Tawra Kellam Fun recipes to keep the kids busy <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09may25g.cfm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09may25g.cfm </a> Home and Auto http://www.stretcher.com/homeauto/index.cfm ------------------------------------------- How Much Car Insurance Do You Really Need? courtesy of Edmunds.com It's bad enough you have to buy it, but don't buy more than you need <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09may25d.cfm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09may25d.cfm </a> I'm Hot - Turn On The Furnace by Rich Finzer No, you didn't hear him wrong <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09may25e.cfm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09may25e.cfm </a> What Will $400,000 Buy Today? That all depends on what you want. And, more importantly, where you want it. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may13a.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may13a.htm </a> Time to Become a Landlord? Thanks to mounting foreclosures and the scarcity of new mortgages the housing rental business is looking up. Or is it? <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may13b.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may13b.htm </a> Do Car Dealer Loyalty Plans Save Cash? Car dealerships are rolling out loyalty programs that promise to put savings in drivers' pockets. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may18a.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may18a.htm </a> Video: What's Your Car Worth? Determining a used car's value is difficult in today's economy. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may18b.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may18b.htm </a> Pros, Cons of Paying Car Loan with HELOC The interest on the HELOC is tax deductible, but your line of credit may outlive the car. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may18c.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may18c.htm </a> Top 5 Renovations to Sell that House With thousands of homes sitting on the market unsold, it's critical to understand which improvements really will help get that house sold. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may13c.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may13c.htm </a> An Upside to Chrysler's Plight The government is guaranteeing warranties while incentives lock in a killer car deal for buyers. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may15b.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may15b.htm </a> Pay Federal Tax on Car's Sale? If you make less from a car's sale than the original price, you aren't required to pay income tax. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may15c.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may15c.htm </a> Video: DIY or Hire a Pro? DIY saves money, but sometimes the job is more than you can handle. Here's how to tell when you need help. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may15d.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may15d.htm </a> Mortgage Modification Scams Here are the red flags to look for when applying for a loan modification. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may13d.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may13d.htm </a> Dirt-Cheap Loans on New Homes Homebuilders are offering discounted interest rates to lure buyers back into the market. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may14a.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may14a.htm </a> Lifestyle http://www.stretcher.com/lifestyle/index.cfm -------------------------------------------- Choosing a Breadmaker Readers share their breadmaker experiences <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09may25a.cfm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09may25a.cfm </a> Food Psychology by Nikki Willhite Using color and texture to make economical meals more appealing <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09may25f.cfm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09may25f.cfm </a> Garage Sales by Olivia Fox Knowing how to find the hidden treasures <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09may25h.cfm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09may25h.cfm </a> Bitten by Bankrupt Business? Bite Back. When a business you use goes under, what rights do you have? <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may13e.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may13e.htm </a> How Secure Is Life Insurance? Life insurers' losses make them seem vulnerable. Can they keep their promises to consumers? <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may13f.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may13f.htm </a> Your Taxes ---------- Beneficiaries Avoid Big Tax Bill One common misconception is that the beneficiaries of an estate wind up with a big tax bill. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may15f.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may15f.htm </a> Imputed Interest on a CD The bank says that the interest on a one-year CD purchased in January can be taxed in 2008 and 2009. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may15g.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may15g.htm </a> Payroll Taxes on Health Insurance? Employers usually set up health plans to be tax-free. So why is this employee taxed? <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may15h.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may15h.htm </a> Everything Else --------------- Readers' Tips <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09may25t.cfm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09may25t.cfm </a> =========================================================== Decision-Making Tools For Your Home - <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/home1.htm"> Rent or Buy Your Next Home?</a> - <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/home2.htm"> Mortgage Calculator</a> - <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/home3.htm"> 15-Year or 30-Year Mortgage?</a> - <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/home4.htm"> Fixed or Adjustable Rate Mortgage?</a> - <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/home5.htm"> Mortgage Points Adviser</a> For Your Car - <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/car1.htm"> How much car can you afford?</a> - <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/car2.htm"> Buy or lease your next car?</a> - <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/car3.htm"> Your next car:</a> New or used? - <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/car4.htm"> Auto Loan Calculator</a> - <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/car5.htm"> Is a hybrid car right for you?</a> =========================================================== To Subscribe: send mailto:subscribe-ds-tips@hub.thedollarstretcher.com or visit http://www.stretcher.com/menu/subscrib.cfm To Unsubscribe: send a blank message to the address: mailto:leave-3480206-3328670.b42c7cc54da2045e3dc984e3aead9859@hub.thedollarstretcher.com To Change Your Address send mailto:admin@stretcher.com?subject=AddChg Please include which ezine you get and indicate your old and new email address. If you have a problem subscribing or unsubscribing send mailto:admin@stretcher.com and a real live human being will try to solve the problem. Thanks! Publication Information: Copyright "The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." 2009. All Rights reserved. Copies may be distributed without alteration electronically free of charge. This newsletter may be reproduced, without alteration, for non-commercial purposes without prior permission. It is assumed that any questions, tips, or replies to questions may be reprinted. The name and email address of the sender will not be used unless specifically requested or approved. All letters become the property of "The Dollar Stretcher, Inc". Sponsorship Information: The Dollar Stretcher publishes eight different ezines and reaches over 400,000 readers each week. Information about rates and availability by mailto:marketing@stretcher.com The Dollar Stretcher, Inc. (c) 2009 All rights reserved. The Dollar Stretcher 6695 Cortez Rd W. Bradenton FL 34210 gary@stretcher.com http://www.stretcher.com phone: 941-761-7805 fax 941-761-8301
ubscription Information: "The Dollar Stretcher Tips" is a free newsletter. To Subscribe: send mailto:subscribe-ds-tips@hub.thedollarstretcher.com or visit http://www.stretcher.com/menu/subscrib.cfm To Unsubscribe: send mailto:leave-3482773-3328670.b42c7cc54da2045e3dc984e3aead9859@hub.thedollarstretcher.com "Dollar Stretcher Tips" and Dollar Stretcher, Inc. does not assume responsibility for advice given. All advice should be weighed against your own abilities and circumstances and applied accordingly. It is up to the reader to determine if advice is safe and suitable for his/her own situation. =========================================================== Our Sponsor The Dollar Stretcher Store We are pleased to offer you some of our Tips in eBook form. After purchase you will be able to download these publications to your computer. We've collected all the Dollar Stretcher Tips from our newsletters (The Dollar Stretcher, Dollar Stretcher for Parents and Dollar Stretcher Tips)in ebook form and we've assembled them all in one ebook (219 time- and money-saving pages!). You can choose the "tips big book" (for $10) or you may select one of eight ebooks that each cover one specific section of our financial lives for only $2.00 each. Please check out the store at: www.stretcher.com/r/289.htm =========================================================== Green Bags I did my own experiment at home. I purchased red and yellow peppers at the same time and at the same supermarket. Then placed one red and one yellow pepper in the green bag and left the other in the refrigerator wrapped in the package they came in. The green bagged peppers lasted three weeks longer than the ones left wrapped in the original package. Also I tried this with celery and left one stalk in the original bag and put the other one in a green bag. The stalk in the original bag has already been thrown away. The one in the green bag is still crisp and usable. It has been over two weeks so far. I am a true believer in the green bags! My produce often went to waste before I started using the green bags! Renee editor's note: a couple of weeks ago we had competing views about the so-called 'green bags' so we asked you what your experiences were. We've complied some of the responses at <http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01b.cfm>. I'm sure that you'll find them interesting. ********* Clearance Rack Redecorating Check out the clearance racks when shopping. We were at our local Wal-Mart and found a soap dish for our bathroom marked down. We later were visiting a family member and stopped at a different Wal-Mart and found matching towels on discount. At yet another one, we found the matching shower curtain and rug. I was able to redecorate my entire bathroom at clearance prices (except for the paint). I could have gotten the paint at discount through our local Habitat for Humanity Store. It was exciting being able to spruce up our home and do it for very little money. My kids were thrilled. Tina ********* Fruit On the Go I like to take fresh fruits and/or vegetables to work for snacking, but I hate the runny mess in the plastic baggies from the water I used to wash the fruit in the morning. I put a half sheet of a paper towel in the bottom of the bag and put my clean fruit on top of it and seal it up. When I get to my snack later in the day, I have dry, clean fruit and I also have a moist towel to use to wash my hands. I can even save the paper towel and reuse it after it dries out again. This works great and even allows me to eat the fruit at a meeting or in my car without a mess. Laurie =========================================================== Our Sponsor P u t A n E n d T o P a p e r P i l e s T o d a y! Organize Your Finances with EasyFile Home Filing System! Disorganized records are perhaps the biggest obstacle in taking control of your finances. Simply managing receipts, records & household paperwork can make a big difference in both your personal & financial life. Simplify the task, with EasyFile. Because...A paper saved has no value if you can't locate it! EasyFile Home & Homeschool Filing Systems & Garage Sale Kit www.easyfilesolutions.com/AIDLink.php?BID=11321&AID=30427 FishTales Fishing Logs - Makes A great Father's Day Gift! www.fishtaleslog.com/AIDLink.php?BID=11319&AID=32896 =========================================================== Save on Deli Meats In order to save money on deli meat, I purchased a relatively inexpensive meat slicer (about $40 through the Internet). Now, I purchase a whole turkey breast, whole boneless ham, or beef roast at a warehouse club for about $3 or less a pound. I cook them in the slow cooker for several hours (the meat remains tender and juicy doing this). Then cool it in the refrigerator. When sufficiently cooled, I slice the meat into my desired thickness, bag what I can't use right away, and store in the freezer. By slicing my own meat, I save about $3 a pound. The meat slicer is easily cleaned, is quick and easy to use, and folds for easy storage in between uses. We have plenty of low fat meat at a reasonable price for sandwiches. Carol W. ********* Little Luxuries: Clothing Give-Aways I got to go shopping with my kids this weekend for free. Several churches in our area have free clothing giveaways at various times of the year. This weekend we attended one, and they had clothes for everyone in the family plus shoes and accessories. We had a great time and even helped some of our friends. If you know your friend needs this or that, pick it up for them. It makes you feel so good to surprise them with it. I gave my neighbor three sweaters and pants to match them. Her husband also got three pairs of pants for work. Sometimes you will be surprised how random acts of kindness can work out. Try it and see. Now we just have to get rid of some of our clothes to make room for the new ones. Janice U. editor's note: Many of us have given up a lot because of the economy. So we're looking for "Little Luxuries" that we can share with everyone. If you have an inexpensive way to make yourself feel good, please send it by mailto:gary@stretcher.com?subject=Little_Luxuries We'll share the best ones in future issues. ********* What would you do with an extra $100? Last month, Janet from Sherwood, AR won a $100 check just for sending in a favorite time or money saving idea. This month it could be you. Just send your suggestion by mailto:Tips@stretcher.com. If we use your tip in any of our publications, we'll send you the next three issues of our print newsletter as a "thank you" and you'll automatically be entered into our monthly $100 drawing! =========================================================== On www.Stretcher.com This Week editor's note: Hotmail and WebTV users may have trouble with some addresses. Please access them from our front page <www.stretcher.com> Money http://www.stretcher.com/money/index.cfm ---------------------------------------- Learning 101 by Gary Foreman Could what you think you know hurt you? <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01c.cfm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01c.cfm </a> Savings Bonds Could you have a hidden savings account in old or lost savings bonds? <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01f.cfm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01f.cfm </a> Starting a Business on the Cheap by Ida Rowlands Money-saving tips that will boost your bottom line <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01j.cfm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01j.cfm </a> Dollar Stretcher Community Poll Your Saving Rate Have you adjusted your saving rate due to the economy? <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01p.cfm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01p.cfm </a> Borrowers Use Personal Lines of Credit Personal lines of credit can offer a source of quick funds, but they have a few drawbacks. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may26a.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may26a.htm </a> 10 Ways to Rate Your Financial Adviser Here are five signs your financial adviser may be a dud -- and five qualities the best advisers share. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may29a.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may29a.htm </a> Paying Your Ex's Student Loan A judge may have ordered him to pay, but you're on the hook because you co-signed the loan. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may26b.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may26b.htm </a> Franchising: 5 Points to Weigh Franchising grows during a downturn. But are you sure it's right for you? Here are five considerations. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may21e.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may21e.htm </a> Don't Raid Retirement to Raise Child Tapping retirement funds to raise a child is unwise, but possible. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may20d.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may20d.htm </a> In Critical Condition http://www.stretcher.com/critical/index.cfm ------------------------------------------- No Company Can Erase Bad Debt Be careful of false claims. A credit repair firm can only advise you on ways to improve your credit. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may29b.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may29b.htm </a> Charge Off Could Hurt Credit A utility might not report the charge off at all, but don't bet a future mortgage on it. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may21c.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may21c.htm </a> Just Starting Out http://www.stretcher.com/startingout/index.cfm ---------------------------------------------- Video: Credit Cards for College Students Credit card offers abound on college campuses. Here's what students need to know. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may22c.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may22c.htm </a> Competition Heats Up for Internships In lieu of entry-level jobs, many college graduates find internships are their best hope. Here's how to get the best one. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may20a.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may20a.htm </a> Family http://www.stretcher.com/family/index.cfm ----------------------------------------- Replacing Cable TV with Your PC Eliminating a bill <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01a.cfm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01a.cfm </a> Video: Funeral Costs The key to keeping funeral costs down is to plan ahead. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may20c.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may20c.htm </a> Home and Auto http://www.stretcher.com/homeauto/index.cfm ------------------------------------------- Homemade Cleaners by Tawra Kellam Just as clean...for less! <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01e.cfm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01e.cfm </a> 5 Off-the-Wall Ways to Sell Your House As many are painfully aware, it's not easy to sell your home anymore. But if you let your imagination run a little you might come up with some offbeat methods. Like these. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may26c.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may26c.htm </a> 12 Tips to Buying a Home at Auction There are differences between large regional home auctions and those on the courthouse steps. Here are 6 tips for each. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may29c.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may29c.htm </a> Lender GMAC Becomes an 'Ally' Auto lender GMAC moves to stabilize with TARP money and takes on new consumer-friendly name. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may22a.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may22a.htm </a> Dealer Errs on Contract, Wants More Cash Don't be too fast to pay up. There are other avenues to take before parting with your money. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may22b.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may22b.htm </a> Can You Get an Obama Loan Modification? Find out if you qualify for the federal government's new program to reduce mortgage payments. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may21a.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may21a.htm </a> Video: Pricing Your Home Pricing your home the right way can thaw the freeze in home sales. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may21b.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may21b.htm </a> Staying Put? How Stimulus Plans May Help The current real estate market is tough on buyers and sellers. And those staying put aren't real happy either. Here's how the stimulus plans may help the "homebound." <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may21d.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may21d.htm </a> Lifestyle http://www.stretcher.com/lifestyle/index.cfm -------------------------------------------- Green Bags Do they really keep produce longer? <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01b.cfm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01b.cfm </a> Computer Upgrades on a Budget by Jonathan Moeller Maybe you don't need a whole new computer <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01d.cfm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01d.cfm </a> Nearly Free Vacation by Pamela Parks Yes, you still can have a vacation this year! <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01g.cfm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01g.cfm </a> Day-Old Deals by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant Your grocery store discount shelf could provide lots of great foods...if you know how to use them <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01h.cfm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01h.cfm </a> Your Taxes ---------- Depreciation on a Condo How should you handle the cost of land when deducting a condo used for rental purposes? <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may26d.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may26d.htm </a> Claiming a Tax-Exempt Child after Divorce A divorced dad who wants to claim his child as tax-exempt will have to provide proof to the IRS. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may26e.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may26e.htm </a> Everything Else --------------- Readers' Tips <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01t.cfm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01t.cfm </a> =========================================================== Decision-Making Tools For Your Home - <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/home1.htm"> Rent or Buy Your Next Home?</a> - <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/home2.htm"> Mortgage Calculator</a> - <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/home3.htm"> 15-Year or 30-Year Mortgage?</a> - <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/home4.htm"> Fixed or Adjustable Rate Mortgage?</a> - <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/home5.htm"> Mortgage Points Adviser</a> For Your Car - <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/car1.htm"> How much car can you afford?</a> - <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/car2.htm"> Buy or lease your next car?</a> - <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/car3.htm"> Your next car:</a> New or used? - <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/car4.htm"> Auto Loan Calculator</a> - <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/car5.htm"> Is a hybrid car right for you?</a> =========================================================== To Subscribe: send mailto:subscribe-ds-tips@hub.thedollarstretcher.com or visit http://www.stretcher.com/menu/subscrib.cfm To Unsubscribe: send a blank message to the address: mailto:leave-3482773-3328670.b42c7cc54da2045e3dc984e3aead9859@hub.thedollarstretcher.com To Change Your Address send mailto:admin@stretcher.com?subject=AddChg Please include which ezine you get and indicate your old and new email address. If you have a problem subscribing or unsubscribing send mailto:admin@stretcher.com and a real live human being will try to solve the problem. Thanks! Publication Information: Copyright "The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." 2009. All Rights reserved. Copies may be distributed without alteration electronically free of charge. This newsletter may be reproduced, without alteration, for non-commercial purposes without prior permission. It is assumed that any questions, tips, or replies to questions may be reprinted. The name and email address of the sender will not be used unless specifically requested or approved. All letters become the property of "The Dollar Stretcher, Inc". Sponsorship Information: The Dollar Stretcher publishes eight different ezines and reaches over 400,000 readers each week. Information about rates and availability by mailto:marketing@stretcher.com The Dollar Stretcher, Inc. (c) 2009 All rights reserved. The Dollar Stretcher 6695 Cortez Rd W. Bradenton FL 34210 gary@stretcher.com http://www.stretcher.com phone: 941-761-7805 fax 941-761-8301
Subscription Information: "The Dollar Stretcher for Parents" is a free newsletter. To Subscribe: send mailto:sub-dollar-stretcher-parents@hub.thedollarstretcher.com or visit http://www.stretcher.com/menu/subscrib.cfm To Unsubscribe: send a blank mailto:leave-3482880-3117740.7806147a98024aec4462e1624a8ca779@hub.thedollarstretcher.com "Dollar Stretcher for Parents" and Dollar Stretcher, Inc. does not assume responsibility for advice given. All advice should be weighed against your own abilities and circumstances and applied accordingly. It is up to the reader to determine if advice is safe and suitable for his/her own situation. <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> IN THIS ISSUE Introduction -- Surviving Tough Times -- Nearly Free Vacation by Pamela Parks Yes, you still can have a vacation this year! In The Dollar Stretcher Community Recipes Slow cooked baked beans, quick rolls, cake mix cookies and a lot more scrumptious (but frugal) food. -- Surviving Tough Times -- Day-Old Deals by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant Your grocery store discount shelf could provide lots of great foods...if you know how to use them Dollar Stretcher Community Poll Your Saving Rate Have you adjusted your saving rate due to the economy? Starting a Business on the Cheap by Ida Rowlands Money-saving tips that will boost your bottom line Bloggles: Blogs that will blow your mind What I'm Doing Differently What habits will last and what will disappear once the economy recovers Readers' Tips On Stretcher.com This Week <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Introduction by Gary Foreman gary@stretcher.com Hello to all my Frugal Friends! Wanted to cover tell you about an exciting development here at The Dollar Stretcher before you get into this week's issue. As our regular readers know, we like to encourage people. And, one of the ways that we've done that is by recommending SiteBuildIt! <http://stretcher.com/recommended/sbi3.cfm>. They provide all the tools needed to build a successful, money- making website. The exciting news is that we're teaming up with the folks at SBI! to give away two licenses to their product. Yes, that's right. You could win what you need to create a new source of income for your family. The rules are really pretty simple. Just send mailto:editor@stretcher.com?subject=Contest with "Contest" as the subject. In that email take 100 words or less to tell us how building a money-making website would change your life. What dreams or goals would you reach? How will we select the winner? In part based on your story. (note: please don't make up a "compelling" story like you want to make money so you can put your invalid grandmother through law school) As you know, here at The Dollar Stretcher.com we don't believe in get-rich-quick schemes. So we expect that our winners will be willing to work for their success. If you're just hoping for lightning to strike, please don't bother entering (or buying SiteBuildIt! either). Other Rules. Only one entry per household. Please! We don't have a huge staff to review these things. And, no one who collects a check from The Dollar Stretcher, Inc. or their families are eligible. That would include contributors/writers. Why are we doing this? For a couple of reasons. First, we think that in this economic environment it's important for people to focus on what they can do, rather than what they can't. The Dollar Stretcher.com was started as a layoff project back in 1996. So we know it can be done. But, we also know that it's more difficult now that the Internet has matured. Still it CAN be done. We expect to have two examples in process with our winners. Second, we'd like the winners to commit to blogging on The Dollar Stretcher.com site. It'll be good for both of us. The winner will get some free publicity for their site. And, we'll have the opportunity to see first-hand how SiteBuildIt! works. We're not asking you to give SiteBuildIt! a good review. Just report on the facts as you see them. If you find something that you don't like, we want you to blog about it. Who knows? It might even be the impetus for a product improvement! The Deadline. We'll cut off entries at 11:59pm eastern on 6/8. We'll post the two winners and then let you know where they're posted. Oh, and one last thing. Even if you don't win, don't give up on your dreams. They're probably more important in tough times. I'd be willing to bet that there are many wonderful ideas out there. And your idea could be one of the best! You'll find more information about the contest here <http://stretcher.com/contest/sbcontest.cfm> All the Best! Gary <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Our Sponsor !! Trade What You Have For What You Want !! Hundreds of Categories! Thousands of Items! Clothes...Computers...electronics... jewelry...gifts...magazine subscriptions... hotels...cars...vacations... And much, much more! Don't have any cash? You don't need any. Just use your Target$$$ for the purchase! Almost like magic! a website where you can trade what you have, for what you want! It's free to join and by special arrangement ... click on this link to get a $1000 line of credit to start It's easy just Click, Join & List An Item To Trade ! http://www.stretcher.com/r/286.htm <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> -- Surviving Tough Times -- Nearly Free Vacation by Pamela Parks Yes, you still can have a vacation this year! It's time to start planning for your big summer vacation! Want to go someplace exciting that you have never been to before? Might I suggest a charming little Bed and Breakfast, which looks remarkably like your own home? When I was a foreign exchange student in Japan, I learned a phrase, edokko. It means "Tokyo Native." (Edo is the former name for Tokyo, much like Istanbul was Constantinople.) Edokko is kind of the joking way you refer to someone who has lived all his life in Tokyo, and yet has never seen a Kabuki play or the Imperial Palace or even gone to Tokyo Disneyland. Are you an edokko in your own town? Start your vacation planning with your own Chamber of Commerce. Also, on your next errand out, stop by the largest hotel you know of and pick up one of each brochure they have at the counter. Make a list of everything you've been meaning to go to. Include the things you had heard about somewhere but weren't really sure what they were. Add in the stuff that you didn't know you had in your town. How about all those museums you've heard of but never investigated? I don't mean just art museums. Look for natural history museums, boating museums, farming museums, etc. If you live in a university town, you're in even better luck. Some museums have free days. By and large, museums are not terribly expensive when compared to amusement parks. County fairs are a staple of summertime, and probably within a short drive of where you are. Pack your own picnic and fill up your water bottles at the drinking fountain. Most fairs offer unlimited ride wristbands at a discount if you purchase them at "participating retailers" a week or two before the fair. Not only do county fairs have rides, but they also have animal shows, rock concerts, and a kind of mini "home show" with vendor tables selling things like jewelry, hair products, home repair tools, toys, bumper stickers, gardening tools, storage sheds, etc. The most popular vendor is always the one who is demonstrating massage chairs to all the people with tired feet. Do you have small kids? How about randomly choosing a different neighborhood's playground and going there for an afternoon? I have found that even a small playground that is unfamiliar is sometimes more exciting than one the kids are used to. As you peruse your brochures, you will find that there are seasonal events you never heard of going on annually. Ever been to a renaissance faire? A Viking celebration? Cherry blossom festival? A vegetarian food-sampling event? A Civil War reenactment? A model train show? Many parks have free summer concerts. Some even have movies in the park. If you live near a university, every choir, orchestra, and band class is gearing up for its final performance. Since this is for the students' grade, they rarely charge admission. Is there a store you've never been to or rarely go to? I know that this sounds like spending money, so you have to have discipline. But consider how interesting it would be to walk around a musical instrument store that really truly carries everything, such as lutes and steel drums. Or a retro toy store? How about test-driving that expensive car you honestly will never buy? One of my favorite places to go is a water garden supply store. The store itself is a tiny mobile office, and there are acres of ponds, each set up to look different from the others. There are also the basics of fun. Since you are saving money by not traveling, you can do all the standard things you have neglected in this economy, like bowling, ice skating or roller skating and miniature golfing. Maybe you haven't done these things in a while. (I know I haven't!) Let's turn our attention to the Bed and Breakfast part. Since this is your vacation, start planning your menus now. You probably won't want to walk the beach all day and then come home and cook. Now is the time to check out a "once-a-month cooking" cook book, and freeze the meals you will want. I have found that it is easier to take cranky kids home and wait 30 minutes for a lasagna to cook than to wait 30 minutes in a restaurant for your food to come to the table. And I am more relaxed because I didn't spend my week's grocery budget on just one measly meal! Make this the summer vacation to remember! No waiting in line at the airport, no tired legs from a long drive, and a budget completely in control. Take the Next Step: - Want to try once-a-month cooking? Our favorite cookbook is Deborah Taylor- Hough's "Frozen Assets: Cook for a Day, Eat for a Month" <http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1891400614?ie=UTF8&tag=dollarstretcher&linkCod e=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1891400614> - Entertainment Coupon Books can save you money on tickets, meals, and more. Click <http://www.tkqlhce.com/click-457969-10660534> for your 2009 Entertainment Book. - Subscribe to our new weekly "Surviving Tough Times: Inflation fighters" newsletter by sending <mailto:subscribe-InflationFighters@hub.thedollarstretcher.com> This free email newsletter will provide ways to help you save money as the cost of everyday items rise. Each issue features six or seven articles to help you stretch your dollar! <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> In The Dollar Stretcher Community Recipes Slow cooked baked beans, quick rolls, cake mix cookies and a lot more scrumptious (but frugal) food. http://community.stretcher.com/forums/37.aspx <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Our Sponsor More Time and More Money! Find out how menu planning can save you hundreds of dollars and hours in planning and cooking time every month. Two week trial for just a penny! Busy Mom Menu Features: Meal Makeovers Nutrition Data Monthly Bonuses And receive a free bonus with your subscription: "How to Make the Most of Roast Chicken" http://www.menus4moms.com/amember/go.php?r=2157&i=l2 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> -- Surviving Tough Times -- Day-Old Deals by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant Your grocery store discount shelf could provide lots of great foods...if you know how to use them Most bargain-savvy shoppers head straight to the clearance bin or discount shelf in the grocery store to score a low price, but if the goods go bad before you can use them, you save nothing. Instead of lamenting their demise, use them up in dishes to eat right away or to pop in the freezer for later. Here are a few ways to use and/or preserve perishables so your "day-old" deals will prove to be frugal. Fruit is commonly discounted when it's on the verge of spoilage. Of course, for bananas that are really brown, banana bread, muffins and cake can make good use of them; however, for those still firm and just flecked with brown, pop them in the freezer (right in their peels) and peel them later for use in smoothies. Bananas will last a little longer for fresh consumption sliced and put in a gelatin dessert or tossed with fruit juice in a fruit salad. With most fruit that is still firm and wholesome, you can also prepare it as if you're going to eat it and puree it for convenient baby food (add a little water if needed) or use in future smoothies or sorbet. Frozen in ice cube trays, fruit cubes may be stored in freezer bags for a few months. Who says it always has to be applesauce? Try saucing pears, peaches, pineapple and other firm-flesh fruits and freezing for enjoying later. Don't let fruit have all the fun. Orange-colored veggies just past their prime like sweet potatoes and carrots can also sneak into smoothies. Try grated carrots and sweet potatoes in spice muffins and cakes. As with fruit, cook and puree veggies for baby food cubes. Soft avocados work best in guacamole. Clean and freeze spinach for using shredded in lasagna, quiche and frittata later. With many veggies, bad spots may be cut out and discarded and the rest may be used, but to prevent illness, thoroughly cook the produce. Hard cookies? You know the drill. Pop a slice of bread or apple in an airtight container with them. Ground-up, day-old cookies also make terrific crumb crusts for tortes, pies, and cheesecakes. Bread usually dries out even more in the freezer; however, if your intended use is for stuffing (it's not just for Thanksgiving and try it with chicken and pork), French toast, or for topping casseroles or grinding into breadcrumbs, just transfer the loaves to freezer-safe containers for long-term storage. If you plan to use it within three weeks, the original wrappers work. Day-old pastries and doughnuts can be revived to moistness by microwaving them for a few moments. Or cut them up for using in a trifle (layer pastry cubes, prepared pudding, whipped cream and chunks of fruit with juice in a trifle pan). Depending on the variety, over-the-hill cereal can also be blended into smoothies, ground into crumb crusts and used to top casseroles. Be careful about using it to make cereal bars or marshmallow-based treats because adding just a couple of ingredients won't mask the stale taste for discriminating palates. Dairy products remain wholesome a week after their expiration date. Skim and low-fat milk tends to freeze better than whole milk, but transfer it to a freezer-safe container to allow room for the milk to expand. If you find the milk isn't palatable after freezing, it may be used for cooking, as long as milk isn't the star ingredient, such as pudding or a white sauce. If the milk has really gone downhill, whip up recipes calling for sour milk. Some baked goods use it and you can freeze them for later use. Most kinds of firm cheese freeze well, but as with bread, repackage it for freezing long-term. To use up cheese in a hurry, you can add it to many dishes to pump up the protein and calcium. Use it in soups, pre-made dishes that already have some cheese (like frozen pizzas), tuna casserole, and scrambled eggs. Speaking of eggs, you can use them up in a jiffy if you fire up your oven and bake. Quiche, frittata and cheesecake use up lots of eggs and they freeze well, too. Double or triple the recipes and divide the dishes into family-sized portions for handy defrosting. ____________________ Deborah Jeanne Sergeant's website is www.skilledquill.net Take the Next Step: - Subscribe to our new weekly "Surviving Tough Times: Inflation fighters" newsletter by sending <mailto:subscribe-InflationFighters@hub.thedollarstretcher.com> This free email newsletter will provide ways to help you save money as the cost of everyday items rise. Each issue features six or seven articles to help you stretch your dollar! <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Dollar Stretcher Community Poll Your Saving Rate Have you adjusted your saving rate due to the economy? http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01p.cfm <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Our Sponsor The Dollar Stretcher Store We are pleased to offer you some of our Tips in eBook form. After purchase you will be able to download these publications to your computer. We've collected all the Dollar Stretcher Tips from our newsletters (The Dollar Stretcher, Dollar Stretcher for Parents and Dollar Stretcher Tips) in ebook form and we've assembled them all in one ebook (219 time- and money-saving pages!). You can choose the "tips big book" (for $10) or you may select one of eight ebooks that each cover one specific section of our financial lives for only $2.00 each. Please check out the store at: www.stretcher.com/r/290.htm <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Starting a Business on the Cheap by Ida Rowlands Money-saving tips that will boost your bottom line Starting a small business is always an exciting venture and most people who decide to become entrepreneurs do so with flair and a certain amount of gusto; unfortunately, a large percentage of new business start-ups fail within a short period of time. The wise business owner learns very quickly that maintaining a firm grip on the purse strings is not only a prudent move, but is one that will result in increased profits. The following list of money saving tips may get you started on the path to boosting your bottom line. Office Supplies and Equipment: 1. Unless your business is contingent on regular mass mailings, you may want to consider using stamps on your correspondence rather than renting a postal meter. 2. Search online for free business forms. There are hundreds of sites that provide access to free forms that can be readily customized to fit many universal transactions. 3. Prior to purchasing new computer programs, look into downloading a free trial version from the software provider so you can determine whether or not it meets your particular needs. Make sure any programs you download to your system come from a reputable, secure site so that you do not inadvertently infect your computer with spyware or a virus. 4. When purchasing office equipment you may want to consider buying used instead of new. There are hundreds of auction houses and warehouses where good, used computers, copiers, phones or other items can be attained at a fraction of the cost of new. Very often you can get great deals on gently used desks, chairs, filing cabinets, etc. simply by perusing newspaper classified or one of the many free "buy & sell" sites on the Internet. Marketing: 1. Make sure you take advantage of every opportunity to market your business. When sending out invoices, you may want to include a promotional flyer or coupon. In addition to saving money on postage, this point-of-purchase technique provides another means of securing additional recognition for your business. 2. Another economical way of promoting your service is to promote a joint venture with other businesses in your area. By sharing mailing lists, contacts and distribution methods with other small businesses, you can develop a good rapport with other business owners while developing a whole new stream of networking opportunities. Events such as multi-business sidewalk sales or moonlight madness sales are a great way to increase your customer base. 3. Blow your own horn. A simple and effective way of promoting your business is to distribute your business card freely. Other effective ways to get recognized without spending a cent are to volunteer in your neighborhood, offer to teach a class at the local community center, speak at meetings or write a small column for the local newspaper. With today's ever escalating costs and a declining economic arena, it is more important now than ever to watch your pennies so that the dollars take care of themselves. ________________ Ida Rowlands is a freelance writer. You can reach her at mailto:irowlands@cogeco.ca <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Bloggles: Blogs that will blow your mind What I'm Doing Differently What habits will last and what will disappear once the economy recovers <http://community.stretcher.com/blogs/yankee_20/archive/2009/05/19/what-i-m- doing-differently.aspx> <a href="http://community.stretcher.com/blogs/yankee_20/archive/2009/05/19/what-i- m-doing-differently.aspx">here</a> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Readers' Tips ********* Yes, We Can Help This Reader Replacing Cable TV with Your PC ********* I can watch a lot of TV shows and videos from the Web on my television because I have a TiVo. The TiVo itself cost under $300 and the monthly plan is about $13 a month unless you buy it by the year or a lifetime plan. My TiVo will work with an antennae or cable (I have cable). The reason I am able to watch video from the Internet is because my TiVo is wireless and set up to work with my broadband Internet. There are tons of ways to download and watch videos from the TiVo, including transferring .avi files to the TiVo using free software available online. If I were also subscribing to Netflix, I would have unlimited instant video to watch through them and the TiVo also. Paying the monthly TiVo service and subscribing to Netflix is probably cheaper than paying for most cable packages. Linda More suggestions on replacing cable with your PC at <http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01a.cfm> or join the discussion in The Dollar Stretcher Community <http://community.stretcher.com/forums/p/11492/119355.aspx>. ********* Better Grillin' My children grill a great deal over the summer and I noticed an aluminum pan filled with water. I asked my son-in-law about the pan and he said it keeps everything he grills moist. What a great idea! Jeanne W. in Dublin, OH ********* Protecting Boy's Pants My son goes through pants at an amazing rate. After he wore through the knees on several pairs after only wearing them a couple times, I decided I had to do something. I've found that sewing or ironing knee patches on the inside of the jeans or pants before they get holes will extend their life dramatically. Initially, I was concerned the patches would rub my son's knees, but he says he doesn't even feel them. Since I've started doing this, he actually outgrows his pants! Karen G. in Haymarket, VA ********* Just One More Day If you normally grocery shop every week, try spending your normal budgeted amount for food, but try to last eight days until the next shopping trip. Shop and spend the budgeted amount for food and try to last until eight days instead of seven again. In two weeks, you have saved two days on food. In seven weeks, you should be able to save one whole week's grocery money. Using this tip, in a year, you should save over seven weeks of food budget! In my house, seven weeks at $80 per week saves me $560. Janet M. ********* Little Luxuries: Instead of Kids' Meals My kids love going through the drive through for expensive kids' meals. With three kids, that's almost $15 each time! What we've started doing is keeping the bags of microwave chicken nuggets from the grocery store in the freezer. Whenever we want kids' meals, we simply go through the drive through and get an order of large fries for $2 and prepare the nuggets and drinks at home. Each time we do this, we save almost $13! As an added bonus, we don't have the huge collection of drive-through toys. Christina in Las Vegas editor's note: Many of us have given up a lot because of the economy. So we're looking for "Little Luxuries" that we can share with everyone. If you have an inexpensive way to make yourself feel good, please send it by mailto:gary@stretcher.com?subject=Little_Luxuries We'll share the best ones in future issues. ********* What would you do with an extra $100? Last month, Janet from Sherwood, AR won a $100 check just for sending in a favorite time or money saving idea. This month it could be you. Just send your suggestion by mailto:Tips@stretcher.com. If we use your tip in any of our publications, we'll send you the next three issues of our print newsletter as a "thank you" and you'll automatically be entered into our monthly $100 drawing! If you'd like more great money saving ideas from readers, you can subscribe to our twice weekly "Dollar Stretcher Tips" by sending a blank <mailto:subscribe-dstips@hub.thedollarstretcher.com> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> On www.Stretcher.com This Week: editor's note: Hotmail and WebTV users may have trouble with some addresses. Please access them from our front page <www.stretcher.com> Money http://www.stretcher.com/money/index.cfm ---------------------------------------- Learning 101 by Gary Foreman Could what you think you know hurt you? <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01c.cfm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01c.cfm </a> Savings Bonds Could you have a hidden savings account in old or lost savings bonds? <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01f.cfm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01f.cfm </a> Starting a Business on the Cheap by Ida Rowlands Money-saving tips that will boost your bottom line <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01j.cfm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01j.cfm </a> Dollar Stretcher Community Poll Your Saving Rate Have you adjusted your saving rate due to the economy? <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01p.cfm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01p.cfm </a> Borrowers Use Personal Lines of Credit Personal lines of credit can offer a source of quick funds, but they have a few drawbacks. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may26a.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may26a.htm </a> 10 Ways to Rate Your Financial Adviser Here are five signs your financial adviser may be a dud -- and five qualities the best advisers share. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may29a.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may29a.htm </a> Paying Your Ex's Student Loan A judge may have ordered him to pay, but you're on the hook because you co-signed the loan. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may26b.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may26b.htm </a> Franchising: 5 Points to Weigh Franchising grows during a downturn. But are you sure it's right for you? Here are five considerations. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may21e.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may21e.htm </a> Don't Raid Retirement to Raise Child Tapping retirement funds to raise a child is unwise, but possible. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may20d.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may20d.htm </a> In Critical Condition http://www.stretcher.com/critical/index.cfm ------------------------------------------- No Company Can Erase Bad Debt Be careful of false claims. A credit repair firm can only advise you on ways to improve your credit. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may29b.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may29b.htm </a> Charge Off Could Hurt Credit A utility might not report the charge off at all, but don't bet a future mortgage on it. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may21c.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may21c.htm </a> Just Starting Out http://www.stretcher.com/startingout/index.cfm ---------------------------------------------- Video: Credit Cards for College Students Credit card offers abound on college campuses. Here's what students need to know. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may22c.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may22c.htm </a> Competition Heats Up for Internships In lieu of entry-level jobs, many college graduates find internships are their best hope. Here's how to get the best one. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may20a.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may20a.htm </a> Family http://www.stretcher.com/family/index.cfm ----------------------------------------- Replacing Cable TV with Your PC Eliminating a bill <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01a.cfm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01a.cfm </a> Video: Funeral Costs The key to keeping funeral costs down is to plan ahead. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may20c.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may20c.htm </a> Home and Auto http://www.stretcher.com/homeauto/index.cfm ------------------------------------------- Homemade Cleaners by Tawra Kellam Just as clean...for less! <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01e.cfm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01e.cfm </a> 5 Off-the-Wall Ways to Sell Your House As many are painfully aware, it's not easy to sell your home anymore. But if you let your imagination run a little you might come up with some offbeat methods. Like these. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may26c.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may26c.htm </a> 12 Tips to Buying a Home at Auction There are differences between large regional home auctions and those on the courthouse steps. Here are 6 tips for each. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may29c.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may29c.htm </a> Lender GMAC Becomes an 'Ally' Auto lender GMAC moves to stabilize with TARP money and takes on new consumer-friendly name. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may22a.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may22a.htm </a> Dealer Errs on Contract, Wants More Cash Don't be too fast to pay up. There are other avenues to take before parting with your money. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may22b.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may22b.htm </a> Can You Get an Obama Loan Modification? Find out if you qualify for the federal government's new program to reduce mortgage payments. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may21a.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may21a.htm </a> Video: Pricing Your Home Pricing your home the right way can thaw the freeze in home sales. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may21b.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may21b.htm </a> Staying Put? How Stimulus Plans May Help The current real estate market is tough on buyers and sellers. And those staying put aren't real happy either. Here's how the stimulus plans may help the "homebound." <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may21d.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may21d.htm </a> Lifestyle http://www.stretcher.com/lifestyle/index.cfm -------------------------------------------- Green Bags Do they really keep produce longer? <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01b.cfm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01b.cfm </a> Computer Upgrades on a Budget by Jonathan Moeller Maybe you don't need a whole new computer <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01d.cfm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01d.cfm </a> Nearly Free Vacation by Pamela Parks Yes, you still can have a vacation this year! <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01g.cfm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01g.cfm </a> Day-Old Deals by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant Your grocery store discount shelf could provide lots of great foods...if you know how to use them <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01h.cfm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01h.cfm </a> Your Taxes ---------- Depreciation on a Condo How should you handle the cost of land when deducting a condo used for rental purposes? <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may26d.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may26d.htm </a> Claiming a Tax-Exempt Child after Divorce A divorced dad who wants to claim his child as tax-exempt will have to provide proof to the IRS. <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may26e.htm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may26e.htm </a> Everything Else --------------- Readers' Tips <a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01t.cfm "> Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01t.cfm </a> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Decision-Making Tools For Your Home - <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/home1.htm"> Rent or Buy Your Next Home?</a> - <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/home2.htm"> Mortgage Calculator</a> - <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/home3.htm"> 15-Year or 30-Year Mortgage?</a> - <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/home4.htm"> Fixed or Adjustable Rate Mortgage?</a> - <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/home5.htm"> Mortgage Points Adviser</a> For Your Car - <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/car1.htm"> How much car can you afford?</a> - <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/car2.htm"> Buy or lease your next car?</a> - <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/car3.htm"> Your next car:</a> New or used? - <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/car4.htm"> Auto Loan Calculator</a> - <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/car5.htm"> Is a hybrid car right for you?</a> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Subscription Information: "The Dollar Stretcher for Parents" is a free newsletter. To Subscribe: send mailto:sub-Parents@stretcher.com or visit http://www.stretcher.com/menu/subscrib.cfm To Unsubscribe: send a blank message to mailto:leave-3482880-3117740.7806147a98024aec4462e1624a8ca779@hub.thedollarstretcher.com To Change Your Address send mailto:admin@stretcher.com?subject=AddChg Please include which ezine you get and indicate your old and new email address. If you have a problem subscribing or unsubscribing send mailto:admin@stretcher.com and a real live human being will try to solve the problem. Thanks! Sponsorship Information: is available by mailto:marketing@stretcher.com Publication Information: Copyright "The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." 2009. ISSN: 1531-5126. All Rights reserved. Copies may be distributed without alteration electronically free of charge. This newsletter may be reproduced, without alteration, for non-commercial purposes without prior permission. All articles are printed with the author's prior consent. It is assumed that any questions, tips, or replies to questions may be reprinted. The name and email address of the sender will not be used unless specifically requested or approved. All letters become the property of "The Dollar Stretcher, Inc". The Dollar Stretcher, Inc. (c) 2009 All rights reserved. The Dollar Stretcher 6695 Cortez Rd W. Bradenton FL 34210 gary@stretcher.com http://www.stretcher.com phone: 941-761-7805 fax 941-761-8301
Steaks that are made at home can be even better than those from a restaurant! Quality butchers dry-age meat to improve flavor and texture. I do the same thing to the bargain-priced steaks that I buy on sale. While the best steakhouses use prime grade beef, most supermarkets sell the next grade below that, which is "choice." The bargain steaks that are on sale are the lowest of the three grades, which is "select." The main difference is the amount of internal fat marbling in the meat, which contributes flavor and tenderness. Dry-aging can make a select steak taste like prime! Start with a steak that is thicker than you want your final steak to be. Rub a generous amount of salt onto both sides of the steaks and put them in the fridge on a rack over a tray for two to three days, flipping the steaks once halfway through. The steak will shrink as it loses moisture and might develop a hard layer on the outside. The water loss concentrates the flavor and increases the fat-to-lean ratio so it is more like prime grade. Inside of the steak, enzymes are working to break down proteins in the meat, making it more tender. After the steaks are dry, they can be frozen as-is and the outer layer acts as protection against freezer burn. A thin layer needs to be shaved off of the outside of the steak before cooking it. This is made even easier if the steak is partially frozen to make it firmer. You lose some of the steak this way, but it is worth it for what is gained in flavor and tenderness. This is why buying dry-aged meat at the butcher is so expensive. Having aged steak for dinner at home tastes better than our local steakhouse at a fraction of the cost. We don't mind staying in and cooking this meal instead of going out to eat! Christine in Texas
*********
Quicken Imitates "Envelope System"
I have often read about the envelope system of managing cash.
It sounded good, but I could never make it work. I have been
using Quicken to track my money for years. I devised my own
"envelope system," using Quicken.
When money comes into my checking account, I figure out what
bills I have to pay. I allocate the money in the Quicken check
register, using notation RES (reserved) instead of a check
number. This deducts that amount from the register, just as
though I had written a check. If I have a bill that covers
more than one month, I enter its prorated monthly amount and
the money accumulates over two or three (or more) months. When
it's time to pay the bill, I zero out the RES listing, and the
money goes into my balance to pay the bill.
I can print out a listing of the items with the RES notation,
so I know how much I have saved for upcoming bills. There are
no surprises. I always have money there when I need it for a
bill.
Catherine S.
*********
Detergent Additive
You can save detergent simply by using much less, but I have
been using an old "grandma's tip" for years. I put a cup of
white vinegar into my wash along with a small amount of
detergent. The vinegar cleans whites, darks and colors so much
better and deodorizes them, too. Needless to say, vinegar is
dirt-cheap. Pardon the pun!
Patricia M. in Charlotte, NC
Our Backyard Sanctuary
Our family of four is on the go all the time. Unlike past
summers, we plan to stay home more this summer in order to
save money. With little to no time in the past, our family
rarely spent time on our 1000-square-foot deck. To change that
since we would be home a lot more, I bought a cheap vinyl
tablecloth ($4) for the deck patio set to start my backyard
sanctuary.
The spice color in the table cloth gave me a great starting
place for coordinating other accessories, including planters
filled with dark coral (almost spice color) petunias, dusty
miller, etc. I bought these starter plants cheaply from our
local nursery that supplies plants to the major box stores in
our area. We had most of the other accessories (wire rack to
hold the plants, candles, vases, plastic gallon tubs for the
plants, compost pile dirt, etc.).
My husband, who was an adamant opponent of the deck makeover,
now finds ways to spend time out there. For example, we BBQ
more and eat more meals outside now, and it helps attract more
friends and family to pay a visit. This may be a great start
to future summers and vacations at home. We didn't know what
we were missing!
Leona in Spokane, WA
*********
Little Luxuries:
Day Off from Job Hunting
My local museum and art museum offer free admission one day a
week. I am recently unemployed, and taking advantage of these
offers. This gives me a nice day out between applying for jobs
and interviewing at no cost.
Jennifer in Milwaukee
editor's note: Many of us have given up a lot because of the
economy. So we're looking for "Little Luxuries" that we can
share with everyone. If you have an inexpensive way to make
yourself feel good, please send it by
mailto:gary@stretcher.com?subject=Little_Luxuries We'll share
the best ones in future issues.
earning 101
by Gary Foreman
Could what you think you know hurt you?
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01c.cfm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01c.cfm
</a>
Savings Bonds
Could you have a hidden savings account in old or lost savings
bonds?
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01f.cfm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01f.cfm
</a>
Starting a Business on the Cheap
by Ida Rowlands
Money-saving tips that will boost your bottom line
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01j.cfm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01j.cfm
</a>
Dollar Stretcher Community Poll
Your Saving Rate
Have you adjusted your saving rate due to the economy?
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01p.cfm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01p.cfm
</a>
Borrowers Use Personal Lines of Credit
Personal lines of credit can offer a source of quick funds,
but they have a few drawbacks.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may26a.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may26a.htm </a>
10 Ways to Rate Your Financial Adviser
Here are five signs your financial adviser may be a dud -- and
five qualities the best advisers share.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may29a.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may29a.htm </a>
Paying Your Ex's Student Loan
A judge may have ordered him to pay, but you're on the hook
because you co-signed the loan.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may26b.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may26b.htm </a>
Franchising: 5 Points to Weigh
Franchising grows during a downturn. But are you sure it's
right for you? Here are five considerations.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may21e.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may21e.htm </a>
Don't Raid Retirement to Raise Child
Tapping retirement funds to raise a child is unwise, but
possible.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may20d.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may20d.htm </a>
In Critical Condition
http://www.stretcher.com/critical/index.cfm
-------------------------------------------
No Company Can Erase Bad Debt
Be careful of false claims. A credit repair firm can only
advise you on ways to improve your credit.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may29b.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may29b.htm </a>
Charge Off Could Hurt Credit
A utility might not report the charge off at all, but don't
bet a future mortgage on it.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may21c.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may21c.htm </a>
Just Starting Out
http://www.stretcher.com/startingout/index.cfm
----------------------------------------------
Video: Credit Cards for College Students
Credit card offers abound on college campuses. Here's what
students need to know.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may22c.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may22c.htm </a>
Competition Heats Up for Internships
In lieu of entry-level jobs, many college graduates find
internships are their best hope. Here's how to get the best
one.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may20a.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may20a.htm </a>
Family
http://www.stretcher.com/family/index.cfm
-----------------------------------------
Replacing Cable TV with Your PC
Eliminating a bill
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01a.cfm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01a.cfm
</a>
Video: Funeral Costs
The key to keeping funeral costs down is to plan ahead.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may20c.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may20c.htm </a>
Home and Auto
http://www.stretcher.com/homeauto/index.cfm
-------------------------------------------
Homemade Cleaners
by Tawra Kellam
Just as clean...for less!
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01e.cfm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01e.cfm
</a>
5 Off-the-Wall Ways to Sell Your House
As many are painfully aware, it's not easy to sell your home
anymore. But if you let your imagination run a little you
might come up with some offbeat methods. Like these.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may26c.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may26c.htm </a>
12 Tips to Buying a Home at Auction
There are differences between large regional home auctions and
those on the courthouse steps. Here are 6 tips for each.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may29c.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may29c.htm </a>
Lender GMAC Becomes an 'Ally'
Auto lender GMAC moves to stabilize with TARP money and takes
on new consumer-friendly name.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may22a.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may22a.htm </a>
Dealer Errs on Contract, Wants More Cash
Don't be too fast to pay up. There are other avenues to take
before parting with your money.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may22b.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may22b.htm </a>
Can You Get an Obama Loan Modification?
Find out if you qualify for the federal government's new
program to reduce mortgage payments.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may21a.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may21a.htm </a>
Video: Pricing Your Home
Pricing your home the right way can thaw the freeze in home
sales.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may21b.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may21b.htm </a>
Staying Put? How Stimulus Plans May Help
The current real estate market is tough on buyers and sellers.
And those staying put aren't real happy either. Here's how the
stimulus plans may help the "homebound."
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may21d.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may21d.htm </a>
Lifestyle
http://www.stretcher.com/lifestyle/index.cfm
--------------------------------------------
Green Bags
Do they really keep produce longer?
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01b.cfm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01b.cfm
</a>
Computer Upgrades on a Budget
by Jonathan Moeller
Maybe you don't need a whole new computer
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01d.cfm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01d.cfm
</a>
Nearly Free Vacation
by Pamela Parks
Yes, you still can have a vacation this year!
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01g.cfm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01g.cfm
</a>
Day-Old Deals
by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Your grocery store discount shelf could provide lots of great
foods...if you know how to use them
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01h.cfm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01h.cfm
</a>
Your Taxes
----------
Depreciation on a Condo
How should you handle the cost of land when deducting a condo
used for rental purposes?
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may26d.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may26d.htm </a>
Claiming a Tax-Exempt Child after Divorce
A divorced dad who wants to claim his child as tax-exempt will
have to provide proof to the IRS.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may26e.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/09/09may26e.htm </a>
Everything Else
---------------
Readers' Tips
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01t.cfm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/09/09jun01t.cfm
</a>
===========================================================
Decision-Making Tools
For Your Home
- <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/home1.htm">
Rent or Buy Your Next Home?</a>
- <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/home2.htm">
Mortgage Calculator</a>
- <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/home3.htm">
15-Year or 30-Year Mortgage?</a>
- <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/home4.htm">
Fixed or Adjustable Rate Mortgage?</a>
- <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/home5.htm">
Mortgage Points Adviser</a>
For Your Car
- <a href="http://www.stretcher.com/brm/car1.htm">
How much car can you afford?</a>
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Source: dLife Baked zucchini with creamy thyme and garlic sauce.
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 Ingredients | Makes <input ... > Servings  2 Cooking Spray, canola, with butter flavor, 1/3 sec spray 6 medium zucchini , cut in half lengthwise and sliced into 1-inch pieces 4 tbsp plain nonfat yogurt 1 1/2 tsp fresh thyme , minced 2 medium garlic cloves , minced | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Directions 1 Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Spray a nonstick baking pan with cooking spray. 2 Set the zucchini in the pan, and gently spray with the cooking spray. Cook for approximately 5 to 6 minutes. 3 Mix yogurt, thyme, and garlic in a bowl. Combine the zucchini and the yogurt mixture. Toss to mix | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Source: dLife A winning combination of sherry, garlic, ginger, crushed red pepper and hoisin sauce makes this brisket a very favorable and tasty dish.
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| Ingredients | Makes <input ... > Servings 3 lb Beef, brisket, whole, lean, raw 9 oz Mushrooms, canned, drained, whole, large 2 tbsp quick cooking tapioca 1/4 cup hoisin sauce 1/4 cup water 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce 2 tbsp cooking sherry 1 tbsp fresh ginger root , grated 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1 pinch hot red pepper flakes 1/2 cup fresh chopped green onion , or sliced 1 cup cooked long grain brown rice (if desired) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Directions 1 Remove any excess fat from meat. If necessary, cut meat to fit into a 3 1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker. Place meat in cooker. Add mushrooms and tapioca. 2 For sauce, combine in a small bowl, hoisin sauce, water, soy sauce, dry sherrry, ginger, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper. Pour over mixture in cooker. 3 Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 10 to 12 hours or on high-heat setting for 5 to 6 hours. 4 Transfer meat and mushrooms to a serving platter. Skim fat from sauce, if necessary. Spoon some of the sauce over meat and mushrooms and sprinkle with green onions. Serve with hot cooked rice (optional). Pass remaining sauce. Additional Information Very flavorful dish. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ource: dLife A tasty snack or great with other foods!
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| Ingredients | Makes <input ... > Servings 2 tsp Butter, unsalted 1 floz Seasoning, Liquid Aminos (Bragg's) 1 tsp ground ginger 1 cup slivered almonds | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Directions 1 Preheat oven to 350F. 2 Combine butter, Bragg's Liquid Aminos, and ginger in a microwave safe bowl and microwave on high for 30 seconds or until the butter is melted. Blend well. 3 Spray a shallow baking sheet with nonstick spray and spread the almonds evenly on it. Place in oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, stiring occasionally, until lightly golden. 4 Pour the seasoned butter mixture over the almonds, and stir. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, then cool. 5 Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Additional Information Great by themselves or in combination with other foods! | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Source: dLife Chicken kabobs with veggies and flavorful seasonings.
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| Ingredients | Makes <input ... > Servings 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts , cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces 2 small zucchini , cut into 1-inch slices 8 Mushrooms, fresh, large 1 cup chopped red bell peppers (or yellow or green) 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce 2 tbsp cooking sherry 1 tsp sesame oil , dark 2 medium garlic cloves , minced 2 fresh green onions , cut into 1 inch pieces | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Directions 1 In a large plastic resealable food storage bag, place chicken with zucchini, mushrooms and bell peppers. 2 In a small bowl combine soy sauce, sherry, oil and garlic. 3 Pour mixture over chicken and vegetables and seal bag. 4 Turn bag to coat contents and allow to marinate in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. 5 Place 4 (12-inch) skewers in water to cover and let soak 20 minutes. 6 Remove chicken and vegetable bag from refrigerator and drain reserving the marinade. 7 Thread chicken and vegetables alternately with onions onto skewers. 8 Take threaded skewers and place on rack of broiler pan. 9 Take half of marinade reserve and brush on kabobs. 10 Place kabobs 5 to 6 inches from heat and broil for 5 minutes. 11 Turn kabobs over on broiler and brush with remaining marinade. 12 Broil kabobs for an additional 5 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. 13 Take kabobs out of broiler and serve warm. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Source: dLife A delicious rich blend of apricots, sugar, and brandy.
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| Ingredients | Makes <input ... > Servings 12 fresh apricots , pared and pitted 2 tbsp brandy (apricot flavored) 1 cup frozen low fat whipped topping , thawed 1 tbsp sugar 1/2 cup fresh strawberries (or 4 strawberries) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Directions 1 Puree the apricots in a blender before transferring to a mixing bowl. 2 Add the brandy, whipped topping, and sugar to apricots. 3 Cover and freeze for 30 minutes until firm. 4 Remove from freezer and beat with a wire whisk until smooth. 5 Divide mixture between 4 dessert dishes and top each with a strawberry. Additional Information Makes a delicious light dessert. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
