Back to newsletter listDate:
Sun, March 04, 2007 09:00:01 PMFrom:
editor@stretcher.com
Subject:
3/05/07: The Dollar Stretcher
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The Dollar Stretcher
"Living Better...For Less"
March 5, 2007
Volume 12, Number 10
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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
Sudden Wealth
by A. B. Jacobs
7 foolish mistakes people make when they come into money
Telephone Excise Tax Refund
by Bill Hardekopf
Don't forget to claim what's rightfully yours
Guerrilla Car-Buying
by Mark Hoerrner
Mount your assault on the car dealer!
Defensive Financing
by Gary Foreman
Prepare for the unexpected now to avoid accidents later
Tips, Quips, Quotes & Questions
On www.Stretcher.com This Week
===========================================================
Introduction
by Gary Foreman
gary@stretcher.com
Hello to all my Frugal Friends!
Let's start this week with a laugh. It comes to us via a site
dedicated to home decorating and design
what one family did when their water bill skyrocketed.
Tracking down the source of the problem let them to an
interesting discovery. You'll find the story at
I'd also like to comment about our lead story this week. It's
about the mistakes that people make who suddenly find
themselves rich. You might think that it doesn't apply to you.
You're right. You probably won't win the lottery. But you very
well might see a 'windfall' sometime in your life. In fact,
many of you will get one via a tax refund. It couldn't hurt to
learn from others how easy it is to waste that windfall.
Hope that you have a wonderful week!
All the Best!
Gary
===========================================================
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Sudden Wealth
by A. B. Jacobs
7 foolish mistakes people make when they come into money
There is something uniquely human about the way many of us
mishandle money, particularly when it's received unexpectedly.
Whether it's a bequest, a court settlement, or a sweepstakes
winning, suddenly coming into cash can unhinge any of us.
Every day the media reports the misery befalling citizens who
previously struck it lucky, but then fell on hard times. We
chuckle over poor Joe Slidebuck who pocketed a $3.8 million
lottery winning just two years ago and is now filing
bankruptcy. Of course, we breathe a collective sigh of relief
that the misfortune is not ours, while wondering if we might
have fared better under similar circumstances. For various
reasons, many persons can't handle a windfall. Let's analyze
the mistakes made.
1. An urge to spend. Perhaps the single greatest weakness of
mankind, and womankind, is an inability to resist purchasing
things. The late English historian C. Northcote Parkinson
summed it up in his 1960 masterpiece "The Law and the
Profits": "Expenditures invariably rise to meet and exceed
available income." It's this impulse to spend whatever is
available that's the undoing of many otherwise rational
individuals. It's not necessarily human nature. Rather, it's a
learned reflex that must be unlearned if you hope to remain
solvent. If not held in check, spontaneous spending is a
recipe for disaster.
2. Voices out of the past. It's amazing how many people you
knew that you no longer see, that is until your name appears
in the paper. Within days cousin Calvin phones to remind you
how his current misfortune can be resolved if you can just see
your way clear to assisting him. And don't forget your former
classmate Ernie, with whom you stopped exchanging Christmas
cards a decade ago. His email extols the close camaraderie you
two always shared, adding that the technology IPO his
brokerage firm is underwriting is certain to be right up your
alley. If you fail to fend off these moochers and hangers-on,
you'll find yourself in deep trouble.
3. Take care with those who are closest. With newfound
prosperity, relations with friends and relatives begin to
change as you are viewed as something apart. It seems that
admiration and envy are opposite sides of the same coin, and
you will be the recipient of both emotions. Your advice and
assistance will be solicited, and although you may at first
welcome the attention as a novelty, you will eventually find
it more burdensome than complimentary. The pressures to be
placed upon you can become overwhelming. If you don't take a
step backward, life can become most unpleasant.
4. Loss of anonymity. You are now a known and recognized
commodity in your community and as such a natural target. You
may expect requests for contributions. Invitations to attend
various functions will be forthcoming. You may even find
yourself offered honorary positions or encouraged to become
involved in activities for which you have no real interest.
The toughest job of all will be to say "no."
5. The investment trap. For those without prior investment
expertise, coming into money can be an intimidating
experience. No one is born with an ability to astutely manage
assets. This is a talent that requires knowledge and practice.
Perhaps the safest procedure is to refrain from any investment
decisions for a full year, while any windfall is parked in
non-risk vehicles such as certificates of deposit, government
insured savings accounts, and treasury notes. During that
period of time, educate yourself. If you attempt to become
involved before you acquire an appreciation of the risks and
rewards, you are fair game for the thieves and charlatans who
regularly prey upon moneyed novices.
6. Charity is often uncharitable. Unfortunately, there is not
enough money in the world to satisfy the myriad of
organizations with outstretched hands. Charitable institutions
that are carefully selected and effectively monitored can be
an excellent way to share your good fortune in a meaningful
way, but simply pouring out dollars in a spastic impulse is no
way to accomplish any good.
7. Beware of yourself. I've saved for the last the most
potentially insidious mistake of all. A malevolent effect of
sudden prosperity can be your relationship with yourself.
Despite the personal unpleasantness of lack of money, it
imposes no demands on the ego. Affluence is another matter
entirely, and the pressures it creates can be formidable. It
is fulfilling the mundane requirements needed to meet daily
financial obligations that keeps many people in balance. When
this necessity is removed, the balance often goes with it. If
you then add to that the ability to acquire unneeded
possessions, exert unwanted influence on others, and seek
unwarranted involvement, the potential for impairment is
unlimited. One thing is certain: You must come to terms with
yourself or you will surely live to regret it.
___________________________
Al Jabocs has been a professional investor for nearly four
decades. His business experience ranges from real estate,
mortgage, and securities investment to appraisal, civil
engineering, and the operation of a private trust company. In
addition to managing his investments on a day-to-day basis, he
is a featured financial columnist for both online and print
publications. He is the author of "Nobody's Fool: A Skeptic's
Guide to Prosperity." You may subscribe to his financial
Newsletter, "On the Money Trail," at no cost or obligation, by
visiting www.onthemoneytrail.com.
Take the Next Step:
- Choose wisely what Investment Path you might want to take
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Telephone Excise Tax Refund
by Bill Hardekopf
Don't forget to claim what's rightfully yours
This year the IRS is providing the most wide-reaching tax
refund in U.S. history with the Telephone Excise Tax Refund.
The IRS predicts that more than 159 million filers may request
this refund; Department of Treasury economists estimate that
the total amount refunded to individuals will be about $10
billion. Households may receive up to a $60 refund. Businesses
and non-profits are also eligible for a refund.
Households and businesses have already paid this tax, they
just need to be aware of the refund to take advantage of the
opportunity to get a little of it back. This is an one-time
credit available on your 2006 federal income tax return, and
the IRS has actually made it easy to claim. However, if you
don't claim it now, you will not have another chance to
receive it. This payment will reduce the amount taxes you owe,
or it will increase your refund.
Since many households do not keep their old phone bills or do
not want to go through the trouble of adding up how much they
actually paid for the excise tax during the 41-month period
(after Feb. 28, 2003 and before Aug. 1, 2006), the IRS has
provided the following standard refund amounts:
* One exemption receives a $30 refund
* Two exemptions receive a $40 refund
* Three exemptions receive a $50 refund
* Four exemptions receive a $60 refund
If you had large monthly long distance bills and you kept a
copy of your bills for this period, it may be worth your time
to add up the amount you paid. You will receive a credit for
that amount, and not the standard refund. Don't forget to
include excise taxes paid on long distance usage with VoIP,
cell, fax, computer, and landline.
If you are taking the standard refund, just claim the credit
on line 71 of your 1040 form. If you add up the tax from your
phone bills, fill out form 8913 and attach it to your tax
return. If you do not file a tax return, you can submit the
new 1040 EX-T form (you can submit this electronically).
Business and non-profits will not receive the standard amount.
They must base their refund requests on the tax amount they
paid. They can review their phone bills for the 41-month
period for an actual amount, or they can review their bills
from two months and estimate their return with a formula
provided by the IRS. They must use form 8913 and attach it to
their returns.
Since this refund is bringing attention to long distance, this
is a good time to look at your phone bill to make sure you are
paying a low rate. If you are paying more than 2.5 or 3 cents
per minute, you can probably shop around and find a carrier
with lower rates. Surprisingly, cell phones and VoIP haven't
completely replaced long distance, as many analysts predicted;
many households still use long distance service on their
landlines.
________________
Bill Hardekopf is the CEO of SaveOnPhone.com (
http://www.SaveOnPhone.com ), which is a consumer resource
that ranks the lowest rate long distance carriers based on
rate, billing increments, monthly fees and customer service
wait time. It provides detailed rate and fee information that
is often difficult to find in the fine print. It also compares
and reviews bundled plans with local and long distance
service, calling card rates, and wireless rates.
Created by Hampton & Associates, the company has been
analyzing the telecommunications industry and supplying
objective websites on various consumer expenses for seven
years. ConsumerSearch.com has rated SaveOnPhone.com the #1
resource for comparing long distance service for two straight
years.
Take the Next Step:
- Put a note with your tax forms to remind you to take the tax
refund
===========================================================
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Guerrilla Car-Buying
by Mark Hoerrner
Mount your assault on the car dealer!
Most Americans approach a car dealership the same way they
would a live rattlesnake and that's with great caution and
distrust. They do so with good reason. Cars are expensive. And
the dealers have very well-trained people negotiating for
them. So how do you succeed against such an adversary? Here
are several tips to help you get the most from your car-buying
dollars:
- Change your mindset. You have the power. Many customers
enter a dealership already on the losing side mentally.
Dealerships are built to intimidate. It is vital to remember
that you, not the dealer, are in control. No force says that
you have to buy that day at that dealership. Nothing says you
have to buy a new car or one with all the available
accessories. Walk in knowing what you want and be determined
to get the best deal. If you don't get it, walk away. If you
can say no, the dealer has no power over you. If you walk,
they lose the sale and they know that. You have all the power.
You have all the power. Repeat this often.
- Know what your trade is worth. Do some research. Visit the
Kelley Blue Book, www.kbb.com, to get the current standard
value on your trade vehicle. It wouldn't hurt to get the
standard value for the car you intend to buy, either.
Remember, this is not necessarily the trade value you want to
accept as you always want to strive for more. Use this as your
starting point.
- Get financing before you hit the dealership. I tried to buy
a two-year-old Saturn with 35,000 miles on it a few years ago.
My credit was not perfect but not bad. The dealership offered
a double-digit interest rate and told me my credit score was
worse than it was. I was embarrassed and passed on the deal. I
called our credit union, and in 30 minutes, I garnered a loan
with interest rate that was 12 percent lower than the dealer's
offer. I also learned my true credit score. I could have
avoided the whole charade by going to the credit union first.
- If you finance through the dealership, understand dealer
financing. Dealers rarely indicate how much they can pay on a
trade-in and will also manipulate a number of variables to
give you the sense that you are getting "a really great deal."
You might even hear the phrase "I'm losing money on this
deal." That will never be true. A dealer might break even, but
it's highly unlikely. It's the old "I lose 10 cents on every
widget, but I make up for it in volume" fallacy.
- Be wary of the approximate payoff period (3-6 years) and
approximate interest rates thrown around by the salesperson.
If you tell him/her you can afford $350 a month, expect an
approximate payment of $400. When you come back the next day
to sign the papers, the deal may change. The interest rate and
payment go up slightly. The math doesn't work there. Back out
of the deal, which is the one thing the Finance Manager
doesn't expect you to do. Don't deal with a dealer who can't
deal straight with you. Every charge, every line of the
paperwork should be the same from your initial approval to the
final signature. Taxes and tag fees will apply beyond your
negotiated deal, but otherwise, hold them to the original
deal.
- The car price is never really the car price. The dealer is
almost always willing to do better, either on the trade or the
price. I found my used car on the Internet for $13,999. The
dealership immediately applied a discount of $2,000 for an
"Internet special" but also added in a nebulous $650 "dealer
fee." This fee is often a straight markup used to defray the
dealer's cost on expenses. It's pure profit. So now, we're at
$12, 649. I rejected the deal until they eliminated the dealer
fee, upped the trade-in by $2,000 and generally knocked
another $1,000 off the price. This took several trips by the
salesperson to the sales manager and the sales manager coming
back to personally negotiate the deal, which is a common
practice. Through negotiation, I saved $5,000. You can, too.
Take the Next Step:
- Visit Edmunds.com to get informed about car prices
===========================================================
Defensive Financing
by Gary Foreman
Prepare for the unexpected now to avoid accidents later
Back when I learned to drive, we were introduced to a concept
called "defensive driving." The idea was to expect the
unexpected. For instance, if you anticipated the driver in
front could suddenly stop, you'd be prepared to handle it if
it occurred.
I still use the strategy today and I'm sure that it's helped
me avoid accidents. It occurs to me that "defensive financing"
could help protect our money. Anticipating how things could go
badly is a good way to avoid financial accidents. Let's take a
look at some ways that we can use defensive financing.
For our first defensive financing technique, let's look at
auto financing. The length of auto loans continues to
increase. The reason is simple; people want lower monthly
payments. But, there's a catch. Longer loans mean that you owe
more than the car is worth for a longer period of time. Back
in the day of the three year auto loan your payments generally
outpaced the car's declining value.
With the advent of five and even six year auto loans, that's
no longer true. Today roughly one third of the people looking
to trade their vehicle are "upside down" and owe more than
their ride is worth. And, on average, they're upside down by
more than $4,000!
You might be thinking that's no big deal. You'll keep your car
six years or more. OK. But what happens if you have an
accident in the first few years and total the car? The
insurance company will cut you a check for the value of the
car, which won't be big enough to pay off the loan.
What's the auto defensive financing strategy? Keep your auto
loans to three or four years. That way, you'll be upside down
for a shorter period of time and for less money.
Now for our next tool, credit card defensive financing. We've
all seen the guy who looks like he's about to swerve into your
***. He's in his *** now, but you sense that he might
suddenly invade your space. Credit card debt can work the same
way. You can handle your monthly payment. And, you're not too
close to the credit limit. But what would happen if the
interest rate on your balance suddenly swerved to 30%? You'd
probably have a financial accident on your hands.
It could happen. Just one late payment could trigger all of
your credit cards to raise their rates dramatically. Most
banks have amended their credit card agreements to allow them
to raise your rates if you make a late payment on any credit
card account. According to a Government Accounting Office
study, that rate averages 30% today. So if you're one day late
with your MasterCard bill, your rate with Visa, Discover,
Target, etc. could shoot to 30%.
If you're like the many families that carry a balance in the
range of $10,000 that would be a problem. You'd be paying an
extra $100+ each month in interest alone.
What's the credit card defensive financing strategy? Either
make absolutely sure that your payment is on time or do what
it takes to pay down your credit card balance.
Next, let's try some homeowner's defensive financing. Seems
like lately everyone wants to own the largest home possible.
The McMansion is in. During the last 30 years, the average
home has gained 50% in size.
No problem, right? Maybe not if everything goes according to
plan. But what happens if energy costs increase by 50%? The
bigger the house the more energy it takes to heat or cool it.
Could you keep your budget from crashing if the summer
electric bill went from $200 to $300 a month?
Or the county commission could raise property taxes. Bigger,
more valuable homes will see the biggest increase. Same thing
if insurance rates get a boost. In this case, bigger is not
better.
The housing defensive financing strategy is to only buy as
much house as you need. If you find that you need more space
later, you'll have options available to you. And, the money to
do something about it.
Finally, have you noticed how dangerous people are when they
drive and talk on the cell phone? Seems like they forgot that
the purpose of driving was to get somewhere safely. Not to
visit with someone via cell phone.
Our mortgage defensive financing skill relates to a similar
issue. There was a time when people expected to pay off their
mortgages. The purpose of a mortgage was to allow them to pay
for a home over a period of time, usually 30 years.
Ah, but that was before a whole slew of new mortgages were
invented. Their purpose? To allow for the biggest loan
possible for the smallest monthly payment. They do it with
variable rates, negative amortization, balloons and 50 year
maturities.
What's the problem? Nothing if you're able to keep up with
your payments and the housing market goes up. But, if interest
rates increase by 1/2% per year for three years on a $200,000
mortgage, your payment will increase by $250 per month.
Or if housing prices drop and you need to sell before they
bounce back, you could be "upside down" in your home. Sell
your home? It's not easy for the seller to bring a big check
to the closing table.
How can you protect yourself? Same as when you see someone
talking and driving. Avoid them as much as you can!
Defensive financing, just like defensive driving, isn't
complicated. Just a matter of preparing for the unexpected so
that you can avoid accidents. Hopefully, all your financing
miles will be happy ones!
_______________________
Gary Foreman is a former financial planner who currently edits
The Dollar Stretcher.com website and newsletters. If you'd
like to stretch your day or your dollar visit today. You'll
find hundreds of helpful articles!
Take the Next Step:
- Take a few minutes and consider where the unexpected could
hurt your finances
===========================================================
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Tips, Quips, Quotes and Questions
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Can You Help This Reader?
*********
Cutting the Landline
Can you tell me the pros and cons of getting rid of our land
telephone line and just using our cell phones? We would save
$40 a month.
Marye S.
Please send your answers
mailto:CanYouHelp@stretcher.com?subject=Landline We'll include
the best solutions in future issues.
*********
Yes, We Can Help This Reader
Choosing Compact Florescent Bulbs
*********
The secret to knowing which CFL to choose is to learn about
light color, which is expressed as a Kelvin temperature. Not
all brands put this information on the label, but look for
brands that do. Warm white light that has a yellowish cast is
generally about 2700K. Home Depot's N:vision Bright White CFLs
are 3200K or 3500K if I remember correctly, which makes colors
look more realistic than the yellowish lights. Daylight bulbs
that are about 5000K simulate summer daylight, which is good
for bright lighting but may be more than you want indoors at
night. There are some bulbs sold as daylight that are 6500K. I
actually have a couple of those in my basement laundry area,
and they're good for finding stains or sorting dark blue socks
from dark brown or black ones, but I wouldn't like the bluish
light in a living area.
You may need to experiment a bit to find the color of light
you prefer, but remember to return those rejects to the store
and get your money back. I've done it several times at
different stores, and they always take them back. Don't waste
your money keeping something you won't use.
Barbara
more suggestions on finding the right compact florescent for
the right location in your home at
*********
Ahh, Peaches!
When peaches are in season, I vacuum seal them in several
sizes: 1 cup, 2 cup and lunch box size. It is a real treat to
throw a 1/4 to 1/2 cup vacuum sealed bag of peaches into my
lunch pail. I get fresh fruit and it serves as an ice pouch. I
get the smell and taste of fresh peaches for pennies!
Mary W-M
*********
Big-Time Clean-Ups
Wonder what to do with all the tissue paper that comes with
gifts or as packaging? I fold mine up, store it in the kitchen
and use it for big spills. There are no rags to wash or paper
towels to purchase, and recycling is accomplished!
Julie S.
*********
Special Engagement
A way to save a lot of money in the whole engagement/wedding
process is to go against the diamond hype, and buy an
engagement ring that doesn't have a huge diamond in it.
When my wife and I were dating, and I was getting ready to
propose, but hadn't found a ring, we went to a jewelry store
in the mall just to look, and she found the ring of her dreams
(and told me so in no uncertain terms). It was a relatively
simple gold ring that had a fairly large sapphire with several
tiny diamonds set around it to accent it. Since it wasn't
built with the intention of having a wedding band sit next to
it on the finger, it had to be modified slightly when we got
her wedding band. We had it welded to the wedding band to
replace some lost structure on the engagement ring. Even with
that added labor cost, the total price was still much less
than a comparably-sized diamond ring, and it's extra
meaningful because we happen to share sapphire as our
birthstone. Over the years (going on 10 since our engagement),
she has gotten a lot of compliments regarding her ring,
because it's so different.
Of course, anyone thinking about doing this would be well-
advised to make sure their significant other doesn't have her
heart set on a diamond ring.
Kurt in Dayton, OH
*********
What would you do with an extra $100? Last month Denise from
Juneau 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
editor's note: Hotmail and WebTV users may have trouble with
some addresses. Please access them from our front page
Your Money
----------
Sudden Wealth
by A. B. Jacobs
7 foolish mistakes people make when they come into money
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07mar05b.cfm
Defensive Financing
by Gary Foreman
Prepare for the unexpected now to avoid accidents later
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07mar05e.cfm
Improve Your Credit Score
Unhappy with your credit score? Boost it by following these
three steps
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07feb27a.htm
Nobody's Ready for Subprime Time
Desperate consumers often think they can get credit only via a
subprime card. But secured cards are a better way to go
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07feb27b.htm
Foreclosures and Deficiency Judgments
States vary in how they treat refinancings after foreclosure,
so be careful: You might accidentally reinstate a debt
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07feb27c.htm
Fame & Fortune
Phyllis Diller didn't even launch her comedy career until she
reached the ripe old age of 37, but five short years later
Fang's wife was headlining at Carnegie Hall
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07feb27d.htm
No Shame in Debt, Shame's Not Seeking Help
An interview with Susan C. Keating, president of the National
Foundation of Credit Counseling, on consumers and credit cards
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07feb26b.htm
Investing Basics: Types of CDs
Certificates of deposit are a good way to save, and you have a
variety of choices when buying one
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07feb26c.htm
Internet Scam Forecast for 2007
Identities are bought and sold on the Internet every day. This
year's no different. Here's what's coming and how to protect
yourself
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07feb23a.htm
Fame and Fortune
Diana DeGarmo's stolen identity drama -- Just as this teenage
star -- a runner-up in "American Idol" -- was tasting the
rewards of financial success, her identity was stolen
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07feb23b.htm
When Debt Collectors Call About Your Child
There are rules the debt collectors must follow under federal
law
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07feb23c.htm
MMAs, MMMFs: Know the Differences
Money market accounts and money market mutual funds sound
alike, but are structured very differently
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07feb27e.htm
Effect of Prepaying Mortgage on Taxes
Your goal to be mortgage free isn't a nightmare
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07feb26d.htm
Currency Conversion Tools
Bankrate's currency converter lets readers see near-current
rates on many common currencies
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07feb23d.htm
Understanding Series I Bond Rates
The variable-rate component changes every six months depending
on when the bond was purchased
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07feb22c.htm
Refinancing a Piggyback Mortgage
It might make sense, depending on how long you intend to stay
in your home
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07feb21c.htm
Your Family
-----------
Bogged Down By Baby Gear?
by Katie Bayless
Save money and space with products that multi-task
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07mar05f.cfm
10 College Financial Aid Pitfalls
Score more money for college by avoiding these missteps and
listening to the experts
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07feb21a.htm
Your Home
---------
Choosing Compact Florescent Bulbs
Finding the right bulb for the right job
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07mar05a.cfm
Organized Leftover Containers
by Monica Resinger
Four easy steps to neater cupboards
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07mar05h.cfm
Mortgage Fraud Flourishes in Down Markets
As long as the market stays in the doldrums, mortgage fraud
will continue to thrive, financially damaging not only buyers,
sellers and lenders, but even neighbors
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07feb22a.htm
Tips to Avoid Mortgage Fraud
Mortgage fraud is running rampant across the U.S., posing
potential financial damage or ruin to homeowners and even the
local community. Here are some tips to help you avoid it
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07feb22b.htm
Effect of Prepaying Mortgage on Taxes
Your goal to be mortgage free isn't a nightmare
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07feb26d.htm
Refinancing a Piggyback Mortgage
It might make sense, depending on how long you intend to stay
in your home
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07feb21c.htm
Your Career or Small Business
-----------------------------
6 Ways to Get Ahead in Your Career
Frustrated by your career momentum? Here are tips for boosting
your career whether you stay put or head out on your own
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07feb26a.htm
Your Auto
---------
Guerrilla Car-Buying
by Mark Hoerrner
Mount your assault on the car dealer!
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07mar05d.cfm
Your Taxes
----------
Telephone Excise Tax Refund
by Bill Hardekopf
Don't forget to claim what's rightfully yours
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07mar05c.cfm
Where's My Refund?
Still waiting for your IRS check? Before your mail carrier
takes out a restraining order, try these tips for tracking
down your tax cash
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07feb27h.htm
Is Funding a Nondeductible IRA Smart?
You can do a Roth IRA conversion in 2010 regardless of your
income, so it may make sense to invest in a nondeductible IRA
now
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07feb27j.htm
Claim the Adoption Tax Credit
This tax break can help pay some of the costs of your new
family member
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07feb26e.htm
A Look at All the Capital Gains Rates
If you've been a patient investor, Uncle Sam gives you a break
at tax time
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07feb23f.htm
Getting the Adoption Credit
You may be able to take a tax credit of up to $10,960 in 2006
for qualifying expenses paid to adopt an eligible child
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07feb23g.htm
Special Deduction Amounts for Some Filers
If you're older or visually impaired, a larger standard
deduction is just a checkmark away
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07feb22f.htm
Deducting State Income Tax or Sales Tax
If you lived in two states last year, you cannot claim both
income and sales tax; you have to choose one
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07feb22g.htm
Baffled by Barter Transactions
The IRS only considers bartering income to occur in commercial
transactions, not in transactions between married or unmarried
couples
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07feb21d.htm
Effect of Prepaying Mortgage on Taxes
Your goal to be mortgage free isn't a nightmare
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07feb26d.htm
Everything Else
---------------
My Story: Living Simply
contributed by Amy Vaughn
It just may pay off in times of need
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07mar05g.cfm
10 College Financial Aid Pitfalls
Score more money for college by avoiding these missteps and
listening to the experts
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07feb21a.htm
Never Hurts to Ask for a Refund
No problem asking for a refund when prices drop below what she
paid
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07feb21b.htm
Readers' Tips
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07mar05t.cfm
From Dave Ramsey
----------------
If It's Too Good To Be True...
it probably is. That's what Clyde had to learn the hard way.
Don't fall for high-pressure sales pitches he did
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07feb27f.htm
We Now Feel at Peace
Read more of Leisa's great story
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07feb27g.htm
TV Payments 4 Years Later
We thought we signed a contract for 36 months...at least that
is what the nice salesman told us. After 4 years, we were
still paying on that thing!
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07feb23e.htm
Our Vacation Was a Sales Pitch
"They would not let us leave until I got ugly with 3 sets of
salespeople, including the 'Grand Dragon' of pushy
salespeople"
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07feb22d.htm
Paying Extra on the House
Take a look at how much you can save in interest when you pay
off the mortgage
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07feb22e.htm
===========================================================
Decision-Making Tools
For Your Home
-
Rent or Buy Your Next Home?
-
Mortgage Calculator
-
15-Year or 30-Year Mortgage?
-
Fixed or Adjustable Rate Mortgage?
-
Mortgage Points Adviser
For Your Car
-
How much car can you afford?
-
Buy or lease your next car?
-
Your next car: New or used?
-
Auto Loan Calculator
-
Is a hybrid car right for you?
===========================================================
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