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The Dollar Stretcher
"Living Better...For Less"
May 28, 2007
Volume 12, Number 22
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In This Issue:
Introduction
10 Easy Ways To Ensure Financial Failure
by Jeffrey Strain
Blunders to avoid or resolve to ensure the long term health of
your finances
Tips for Choosing Affordable Health Insurance
by Karen Auby
What you should know before investing in individual health
insurance
In The Dollar Stretcher Community
Lost in a New Land
A young man takes on financial responsibility for his family
My Good Goody Drawer
by Francine Larson
Lovely gifts at a fraction of the price
Saturn Won't Start
Ask Bob: The Auto Answer Man
Tips, Quips, Quotes & Questions
On www.Stretcher.com This Week
===========================================================
Introduction
by Gary Foreman
gary@stretcher.com
Hello to all my Frugal Friends!
Happy Memorial Day to everybody! Hope that you have a
wonderful time. Please don't forget to take a moment to give
thanks for all those young men and women who gave so much so
that you can I could enjoy this land we live in. If you're not
familiar with the meaning of the day or its history, you might
want to visit
Somehow it seems that the least that we the living can do is
to take a little time to remember.
Hope that you have a wonderful short work week!
All the Best!
Gary
===========================================================
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10 Easy Ways To Ensure Financial Failure
by Jeffrey Strain
Blunders to avoid or resolve to ensure the long term health of
your finances
There are a large number of steps you can take to help you
become financially successful, but all your hard work can be
for nothing if you are also doing things that undermine the
financial success you're seeking. The financial steps to
success are important, but understanding the steps that will
ensure financial failure are just as important, if not more
so. It usually only takes a single financial blunder to wipe
out any progress you've made. Here are 10 of these blunders
you want to avoid or resolve as soon as possible to ensure the
long term health of your finances.
1. Spend More Than You Make (live beyond your means): While
you may be able to get way with spending more than you make
for awhile, it will eventually catch up with you. At some
point, you will have to make up the difference, and when that
point arrives, your finances will not be a rosy picture.
2. Live Paycheck to Paycheck: While living paycheck to
paycheck may seem better than living beyond your means, it
will still ensure that you fail to meet your financial goals.
Paycheck to paycheck living fails to take into account
unexpected expenses that happen in life, and in life,
unexpected expenses always occur.
3. Try And Keep Up With Joneses: The Joneses aren't who you
are competing against. In fact, what they are doing and buying
likely has very little to do with your own financial goals.
The reason that it may look appealing is because you don't
understand what your financial goals really are and trying to
keep up with the Joneses simply means that you will continue
to not know what your financial goals are (because you are too
preoccupied to try and keep up with someone else's financial
goals who are probably doing the same thing themselves)
4. Not Know What Your Financial Goals Are: If you don't know
where you are driving, the chances of you getting there are
very slim. The same holds true with your finances. To succeed,
you need to know where you want to be financially and creating
a map to them will make it that more likely that you reach
them. Not knowing what they are in the first place is like
traveling following a blank map.
5. Let Money Control You Instead Of Controlling It: Money is a
means to and end, not the end itself. After all, it is nothing
more than pieces of paper with printed ink on it. Financial
success isn't dependant on how much you have, but rather
whether you can get what you want with what you have.
6. Don't Improve Yourself: If you are unwilling to improve
yourself, you and your finances stagnate. Improvement is a
never ending process (who do you know that is perfect?) and is
an essential part of your finances both in taking care of them
and creating the wealth you want.
7. Rely On Others To Take Care Of Your Money: Rarely do those
that are taking care of your money have the same interest as
you do (they are probably interested in making money for
themselves, not for you). While it is perfectly acceptable to
rely on others to give you suggestions and help with financial
decisions, you should be a integral part of the decision
process. If you rely on others to take care of absolutely all
your financial interests, you will likely be quite
disappointed in the results.
8. Invest In Things You Don't Understand: If you want to lose
all the hard earn money you've made and start from square one
again (or even in the hole), starting investing in things you
have no idea about. The problem isn't that the investments are
necessarily bad in themselves, but most investments have
risks. When you have no clue what you're doing, that usually
means that others who do have a clue make money while you lose
a lot. No matter how much uncle Joe talks about what a great
investment it is, place your money elsewhere until you are
confident you know everything about it.
9. Be Financially Afraid: Just as being to aggressive can
ensure financial failure, being afraid to take any risk at all
will also almost always ensure it. To grow your money to meet
your goals means taking calculated risks that bode in your
favor over time. Not doing so will result in your finances
treading water, if not sinking, and falling short of your
goals.
10. Ignore Your Finances: It seems that many people believe if
they simply ignore their finances, then things will get better
or take care of themselves. While it is a nice hope, it's
nothing more than that and not reality. Reality says that
ignoring your finances and not taking the steps that need to
be taken will ensure you fail to reach your financial goals.
Avoid these financially destructive steps and you greatly
increase the odds that you will meet your financial goals no
matter what they are.
____________________
Jeffrey Strain is the owner of SavingAdvice.com at
http://www.savingadvice.com - a website dedicated to saving
you money and also writes the daily updated blog Personal
Finance Advice at http://www.pfadvice.com
Take the Next Step:
- Determine which problem is most relevant to your situation
and begin to change it
===========================================================
Tips for Choosing Affordable Health Insurance
by Karen Auby
What you should know before investing in individual health
insurance
Purchasing an individual health plan doesn't have to be time
consuming or frustrating. There is an abundance of affordable
health insurance plans available for individuals and families
whether they are self-employed or chose to opt out of
expensive employer health coverage. There are, however, a few
things that you should know before investing in individual
health insurance.
Only pay for what you will need
Do you go to the doctor every time you have a cold? If you are
the type of person who is comforted by seeing a doctor every
time you don't feel well, consider a health plan with a low
deductible. You will pay more in premiums but will not have to
face the burden of paying the first $1,000 to $5,000 of
medical expenses. Most people, however, don't run to the
doctor every time they have a fever or the sniffles. Most of
us view health insurance like homeowners insurance or car
insurance. If you want health insurance to protect you from
the financial liability associated with injuries and disease,
then consider a health plan with a higher deductible. In most
cases, a higher deductible means a lower monthly payment.
Consider your options if you qualify for group coverage
Traditionally, employers offer health insurance to employees
and their family members. An increasing number of family
members are opting out of employer coverage in favor of less
expensive individual plans. It's not uncommon for employees to
have hundreds of dollars deducted from their paycheck to cover
medical insurance for their families. Take the time to add up
those weekly deductions and you might be in for a surprise. If
you suffer from chronic medical conditions, employer-sponsored
coverage may be your best option. If not, shop around for a
better deal.
Always comparison shop
As with any important financial decision, you need to
comparison shop! It may not be "fun shopping," but you can
reap the rewards if you periodically check your current health
plan against others available. Like car insurance, you may
find that you're not getting the most from your health care
dollars. Research plans from a variety of carriers. You could
find a plan that works with your preferred hospital or medical
group for the same price you're currently paying. You might
also find a plan with a lower deductible at your current
monthly premium level.
Explore tax-saving opportunities
Shouldn't health care be tax-free? It can be if you're a savvy
shopper. Many self-employed individuals can deduct their
premiums from their income to reduce their taxable income.
Thanks to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) you can purchase a
low-cost health plan linked to a tax-advantaged savings
account. These plans can be less expensive because they have a
higher deductible and they allow you to save pre-tax money in
a special account similar to an IRA. The best part is, you can
spend money from the account on medical expenses without any
penalty and the money you don't spend rolls over from year to
year until you reach retirement age. As with any financial
decision, you should consult your tax advisor to be sure to
utilize this new tax savings tool to your fullest benefit.
Health insurance may not be fun to spend your money on, but
you need it, and being uninsured can be scary. Just remember
to periodically compare prices and benefits from other health
plans to ensure you are getting the best deal for your hard-
earned cash.
_________________________
The Dollar Stretcher has teamed up with eHealthInsurance to
provide an online health insurance solution for you, your
family or your small business that makes it easier to find the
health insurance plan that is right for you.
Visit
===========================================================
In The Dollar Stretcher Community
Lost in a New Land
A young man takes on financial responsibility for his family
Join other readers as they share solutions and ideas
===========================================================
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===========================================================
My Good Goody Drawer
by Francine Larson
Lovely gifts at a fraction of the price
I listened to my husband, Jim, lamenting the fact that he
needed another gift for his friend, Don. Yes, he had already
shopped and bought a nice Christmas gift for him, but just
wanted another gift to give him. He wanted Don to have two
presents to open, instead of one. His eyes lit up when I told
him to look in the goody drawer. I followed him into the
bedroom and showed him where I had reserved a drawer for my
hidden treasures. Jim gleefully picked out a very nice knife
set. It was like having a store in our own home. I wrapped the
beautiful knife set with my five star wrapping accessories,
which is a whole other story and also a whole other drawer. In
just a few minutes, Jim had a very nice gift wrapped as classy
as any upscale department store. We were both happy. I have to
say I was proud of my idea about the goody drawer.
I am retired, but not really. My full-time job now is writing
and keeping my website fresh and updated. However, I do have
more time that is my very own. Thus, this hobby of a goody
drawer came about.
It started one day when I was at JCPenney. I just happened to
notice a sale on costume jewelry. As I recall, it was marked
down about 85%! As we all know, jewelry is a big mark-up. I
found beautiful necklaces and earrings marked down. If a
necklace was originally priced at $40, it was priced $2.40
with the sale! I kept looking and found many beautiful pieces.
I didn't know to whom I would give them or if I would keep
some pieces for myself, but I couldn't let a bargain like that
go by. When you have four daughters and a lot of friends, you
just know you are going to be giving lovely gifts. When I
finished my purchase, the ticket showed I had saved over $200;
I had actually spent approximately $30. I was prepared for
birthdays, etc. Or maybe a "just because" gift could be given.
We mothers like to do that for encouragement and just plain
love.
When I got home from shopping, I lovingly placed my jewelry in
a drawer that I cleaned out. The clerk had put the jewelry in
nice boxes. For the time being, I left the original price tags
on to remind myself what a nice gift it was and that it wasn't
just cheap.
From that point on, when I was out shopping or running
errands, I would always browse around for bargains that were
of good quality. I found purses for $5 that were originally
$30 or $40. I found a Passion by Elizabeth Taylor perfume
sample set for $5. It was originally $20. I found big colorful
watches that are now in vogue for about $6. Also, my goody
drawer consists of vases and picture frames that would serve
as a nice gift.
This goody drawer is also a great time saver. How many times
have you had to make a trip to the mall for a last minute
gift? Chances are, you will spend more money than you need to
because your feet are tired and you still have to go home and
prepare dinner.
You may not agree with this next idea. I didn't embrace it
until this last year. I read in an advice column that it is ok
to "regift" as long as you don't give the gift back to someone
in the same circle of friends or relatives and the gift is
something that you think the other person may really like. If
someone gives you an object that you like but you already
have, it would be fine to put it in your goody drawer. You may
want to put a note on it telling whom the gift is from so that
you don't give it back to them. Teachers, for example,
probably get too many of the same items.
You may want to buy some all occasion greeting cards to have
available as well. Pick out some clever, witty ones and some
serious. You know who you usually give gifts to and what kind
of card you usually get.
I love my goody drawer! When I am shopping for my goody
drawer, I can take my time and pick out lovely, quality gifts
at a bargain price.
Buying gifts can wreck havoc to your checking account if
something unexpected turns up like an invitation to a shower
or anniversary party. There may still be times when you will
have to shop for a special present, but I think you will find
that most of the time your goody drawer will serve you well.
In summary, I would like to say that a goody drawer saves you
time, stress, and money. It makes you proud that you are
organized and spending wisely. Don't forget to buy yourself an
unexpected treat with the money you save!
_________________
Check out Francine Larson's website at
http://www.goodcharacterpress.com
Take the Next Step:
- Shop sales with future gifts in mind
===========================================================
Saturn Won't Start
Ask Bob: The Auto Answer Man
Hi Bob,
I have a problem with my 2002 Saturn L200. In the last few
weeks, I have felt that the car seemed to be taking a little
longer each time it started. On Friday, I had to hit the gas
to start it. It hesitated a few more times during the day, but
for the most part, it turned right over (was turned on and off
many times). On Saturday, it definitely took more pumping and
longer to start. Today, it would not turn over at all, even
after pumping a few times. I waited for awhile and still no
luck.
I looked through some message boards and one guy was saying
how he had to dismantle his security setting and that fixed
his problem after his car would not start. I tried that (did
not think it could hurt it try) and the car started right up.
I have a sinking feeling that this is just a coincidence,
since I have felt hesitation for awhile. That doesn't seem to
"fit" having anything to do with security. I purchased the car
in December last year with 70,000 miles, from a Saturn dealer
(with carfax info). I also bought the warranty but am worried
that if they tow me and it's not covered on the warranty I
will have a hefty bill on my hands. Not to mention, I cannot
be without a car, as I use it for work.
I think that it has something to do with the fuel. This all
seems to have started happening when I switched to a "cheapo"
gas station. Could it be as simple as "bad gas"? Or maybe the
fuel pump? Most people I have talked to that know anything
about cars say that "gas is gas." Any suggestions?
M
M,
First off, on modern fuel injected cars, pumping the gas pedal
(like on old carburetor engines) does absolutely nothing to
help you start the car. In addition, it could be dangerous.
You see, what the pumping action does in a carburetor is add
more fuel. It is called the accelerator pump. In fuel injected
engines, there is a similar situation, except it just adds
more fuel through the fuel injectors for a brief moment. The
reason that pumping a fuel-injected car does nothing is that
without the engine running, the accelerator circuit is not
active. The danger comes into play if you are pumping when the
engine starts. This could add too much fuel to the mixture and
cause issues. There have been reports of such bad backfires
that the top of the motor blows off! The better way to "pump"
your engine is to key on for three seconds and then key off.
Then key on for three seconds and key off. This action turns
on the fuel pump and pressurizes the fuel lines. My guess is
that your fuel pump is weak, fuel filter is clogged, or fuel
pressure regulator is defective.
Good Luck!
Drive Safely!
Bob, The Auto Answer Man
_____________________
If you have a question for Bob, send it to
AskBob@stretcher.com He's able to answer many of them
personally and we'll include the best questions in future
issues of The Dollar Stretcher.
===========================================================
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Tips, Quips, Quotes and Questions
*********
Can You Help This Reader?
*********
Needs Storage Space
How do I create storage space in my kitchen? I don't have a
pantry, just a few cupboards where I store plates, pots, and
pans. Another cupboard stores spices, sugar, etc.
Then in the bedrooms, the wardrobes are lined against a wall
and open into three small compartments. The first one is a
narrow space where you can hang clothes. The second and third
ones are divided into three deep shelves each. Please help!
Catherine
Please send your answers mailto:CanYouHelp@stretcher.com with
"Storage Space" as the subject. We'll include the best
solutions in future issues.
*********
Yes, We Can Help This Reader
Moving Kitchen Heat Outdoors
*********
We live in Florida and try to avoid heating the kitchen in the
summer. Cooking on a grill can sure help. Our children love
grilled teriyaki salmon, BBQ chicken breasts and drumsticks,
turkey legs, and London Broil (great for a crowd), corn in the
husks, and foil packet dinners.
We often use a wood plank (cedar/alder), which keeps the meat
moist, adds flavor and helps keep your meat from getting
overdone while you're busy playing with the kids or puttering
about the backyard.
Foil packets are great for vegetables (carrots, potatoes,
peppers, onions) and fruits (pineapple, mango, apples) with
your meat. Everything turns out tender and steamed to
perfection. Again, like the plank cooking, you don't have to
worry as much about flare-ups and burning your grilled items.
We're opting to purchase a new grill this summer and will get
one with a side burner. That way, we can cook a side dish such
as rice outside as well. Keep the heat out of the kitchen so
you're a/c doesn't have to work so hard!
Michelle
more suggestions on how to use your grill to reduce summer
heat in your kitchen at
*********
"Uniform" Solution
I save a ton of money, time and energy at my office job by
creating a work uniform for myself. I purchased five black
slacks (the heavy-duty kind for construction workers as they
stay pressed-looking after days of wear in an office) and ten
polo shirts of different colors. I simply wash and wear.
Before this, I used to get up early and try to coordinate
slacks, blouses, belts and shoes. Lately, I realized that I
just need to be clean, pressed and presentable. Every piece in
my new work outfit is always perfectly interchangeable, and
with the differently colored polo shirts, I never get bored
with what I'm wearing. Now if I spend time or money on
clothes, it's to wear for a night on the town where it really
counts to look my best!
MM
*********
Holey Half
When opening up a new box of cleaning powder (Ajax, etc.),
leave half of the holes covered with the opening sticky paper.
This way, you only use half the amount of powder to clean. I
have found this to be enough to get the job done.
M.
*********
Destination Savings
We were planing a trip to Orlando to go to Disney World. One
of the biggest savers on our trip was getting on a national
entertainment book website and ordering an Orlando coupon
book. Most people only order these for their own hometowns.
By ordering one for the place you plan to visit, you will find
all kinds of "buy one get one free" coupons for places to eat
and things to do, as well as places to visit. Because these
are "hometown" places, you can go where the locals eat instead
of the tourist places that you would normally go to. You'll
pay so much less, and by using your coupons, you'll save even
more!
The book saved us a lot of money and we had a great time going
to "off the beaten path" places instead of the crowed places
most tourists attend!
Karen M. in Fairhope, AL
*********
What would you do with an extra $100? Last month Patricia of
Madisonville, TN 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
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some addresses. Please access them from our front page
Your Money
----------
10 Easy Ways to Ensure Financial Failure
by Jeffrey Strain
Blunders to avoid or resolve to ensure the long term health of
your finances
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07may28b.cfm
Asset Allocation Reduces Volatility
Boost returns and mitigate risk by allocating your assets
around the investment world
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07may22a.htm
Valuing Assets Can Snarl Bankruptcy Case
When a debtor and the bankruptcy case trustee disagree over
the value of assets, it can create a difficult and contentious
case
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07may22b.htm
De-Cluttering Your Finances
Organizing your portfolio will not only help you, but also
your spouse and heirs
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07may21a.htm
Dealing Wisely with Home Equity
The equity in a home is often a family's largest asset. When,
how and why is it wise to tap it?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07may21b.htm
Making Home Equity Work for You
As you create equity in your home it becomes an asset. Here
are seven ways to look at this asset
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07may21c.htm
Hurdles Facing Home Equity Borrowers
Today's tight lending practices are making it tougher for
borrowers. Here's what to expect
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07may21d.htm
What Type of Home Equity Loan Is Best For You?
Home equity loans are not all the same. Choose wisely
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07may21e.htm
5 Frugal Tips for 40-Somethings
Over the hill doesn't mean financial obligations are all
downhill from here. Make the most of this decade with these
money-saving suggestions
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07may16c.htm
5 Frugal Tips for 50-Somethings
With retirement fast approaching, look for ways to maximize
your nest egg. Increase your savings by following these
suggestions
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07may16d.htm
Is No Money Down a Good Idea?
Maybe a 10 percent down payment would be a better idea
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07may22c.htm
100 Percent Financing a Bad Idea
Even a small down payment will save you on interest
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07may21h.htm
Debt Restructuring with Poor Credit
Remember that you're betting your house that you won't go into
debt again
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07may18d.htm
Comparing Money Market Mutual Fund Rates
They report a seven-day yield because of the short maturities
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07may17a.htm
Maybe Credit Reports Aren't Wrong
The problem could be joint accounts with your ex-husbands
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07may16e.htm
How to Deal Financially with a Job Loss
With a $24,000 debt and no income, reduce spending, make
minimum payments, hoard cash and (gasp!) use the cards and
tide you over
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07may18c.htm
Synthetic Identity Theft on the Rise
Thieves create fake identities using real SSNs in this rapidly
growing form of identity fraud. Trouble is the consumer rarely
realizes it's happened
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07may16a.htm
Investing in Out-of-State 529 Plan
Although Virginia does not provide for a financial aid
benefit, you are allowed to claim a state income tax deduction
for an in-state, but not an out-of-state, plan
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07may21g.htm
In-Store Check Conversion Raises Questions
In-store check conversion may be convenient for merchants, but
is it safe for your bank account?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07may18a.htm
Your Family
-----------
My Good Goody Drawer
by Francine Larson
Lovely gifts at a fraction of the price
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07may28d.cfm
Blow Out the Candles, Not Your Budget!
by Kimberly Danger
Keep the budget down while turning up the fun
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07may28h.cfm
Your Home
---------
Sharing A House
by Jessica Snell
Finding a housing solution
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07may28f.cfm
My Story: Low Dollar Decorating
contributed by Lisa
How to redecorate on a budget
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07may28g.cfm
Is No Money Down a Good Idea?
Maybe a 10 percent down payment would be a better idea
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07may22c.htm
100 Percent Financing a Bad Idea
Even a small down payment will save you on interest
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07may21h.htm
Insuring Home Improvement Success
If you're planning to spend thousands of dollars on home
improvements, the last thing you want is for your investment
to go up in smoke
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07may16b.htm
Kitchen Remodel: Replace or Reface Cabinets?
Money isn't the key in making this decision, it's all about
convenience and the quality of what's there already
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07may21f.htm
14 Ways to Make the Most of Your Curb Appeal
Here's how to make would-be buyers say "wow!" when they see
your home
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07may18b.htm
Your Food
---------
Summer Grillin'
Could your grill reduce your electric bill?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07may28a.cfm
Your Auto
---------
Saturn Won't Start
Ask Bob: The Auto Answer Man
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07may28e.cfm
Your Taxes
----------
Inheriting a Flat Outside London
Assuming your late mother-in-law was not a U.S. citizen or
resident, there is no federal estate tax regardless of your
husband's residency status
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07may16g.htm
Taxes on Foreign Income
If you're a U.S. citizen or resident for tax purposes, you
have to file and pay taxes on your worldwide income in the
U.S.
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07may22d.htm
House Transfer in a Divorce
Your parting gift to your spouse is that she's stuck with the
cost basis in the home when she later sells
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07may18g.htm
The Hidden Tax Costs of a Home Office
Claiming a home office deduction has many tax benefits. But it
could be costly when you sell your home. Before you take this
write-off, make sure you understand all its implications
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07may17e.htm
Calculating Depreciation on Rental Property
Under MACRS all real property is depreciated on a straight-
line basis over its class life
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07may17f.htm
Withdrawing Money From Your IRA
The rules for taking distributions from your traditional IRA
at age 701/2 are among the most complicated in the tax code,
but you have a huge incentive to get it right. That is, you
must pay a 50 percent penalty if you get it wrong
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07may16f.htm
Everything Else
---------------
Tips for Choosing Affordable Health Insurance
by Karen Auby
What you should know before investing in individual health
insurance
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07may28c.cfm
Readers' Tips
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07may28t.cfm
From Dave Ramsey
----------------
Qualify for a Mortgage With No Credit?
Nancy has no credit history and a desire to own a home. Can
she?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07may18e.htm
A Little Closer to Freedom
We're on our way to being debt-free, self-insured and leaving
our children's children an inheritance
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07may18f.htm
Retiring With a Mortgage
Having a mortgage during your golden years can be a recipe for
disaster
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07may17b.htm
Buy Long-Term Care or Disability Insurance?
Carol's company doesn't offer disability, so where should she
get it?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07may17c.htm
Our Furnace Died
Instead of paying for a minor repair, Sophia's furnace died,
forcing her to pay $3,500 than the minor repair!
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07may17d.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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