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The Dollar Stretcher
"Living Better...For Less"
June 18, 2007
Volume 12, Number 25
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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
Lowering Auto Insurance Rates
by Eric Orzel
Save money no matter what your credit score
The Debt Next to You
by Jeffrey Strain
Debt can be your problem even if you're debt free
In The Dollar Stretcher Community
I'm Melting!
Her tiny house is hot! Members share ways to stay cool without
spending money
I'm from the Government and I'm Here to Help
by Barbara J. Sloan
There are many government programs waiting to help
Getting Support When Spending Less
by Kimberly Danger
It's much easier to reach your goal with people behind you
Tips, Quips, Quotes & Questions
On www.Stretcher.com This Week
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Introduction
by Gary Foreman
gary@stretcher.com
Hello to all my Frugal Friends!
This week we're including an article called "I'm from the
Government and I'm Here to Help." It talks about different
government (and quasi-government) assistance programs that are
available.
Sometimes when we mention any government programs, we cause a
bit of a stir. I get emails saying that we shouldn't be
encouraging people to depend on welfare. And, to an extent,
I'd agree. We should encourage people to be responsible for
themselves.
But I also think that we'd be irresponsible not to mention
programs that can help people who qualify for them. After all,
you claim your children as dependents on your taxes. You're
allowed to do it and you'd be foolish not to.
Are some programs overused? Quite possibly. If you think that
eligibility requirements should be made stiffer, call the
appropriate government representative and share your opinion.
Take steps to get the law changed.
Ok, didn't mean to stir anything up. Just didn't want to start
the week with angry emails!
All the Best!
Gary
===========================================================
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Lowering Auto Insurance Rates
by Eric Orzel
Save money no matter what your credit score
We've all heard the recommendation from the insurance industry
that one of the best ways of saving money on car insurance is
to watch your credit score. This is due to the fact that
approximately 90% of all insurance companies use "Risk Scores"
to determine who they will issue a policy to, with over 50% of
these companies using these scores to determine premiums. The
insurance industry contends a direct correlation exists
between financial responsibility and insurance claims. A "Risk
Score" is developed by inserting your credit score and credit
history into any one of a number of secret scoring models. (No
one knows for sure how many of these models exist. Hundreds of
companies use the ones provided by Fair Isaac or Choicepoint,
but since there are no set standards, many insurance companies
have developed their own.)
Regardless of how they're derived, the scores are supposed to
predict who is more likely to file a claim. The more likely
you are to file a claim, the higher your insurance rates.
Watching your credit score is fine advice if you have perfect
or near perfect credit. Unfortunately, it does little to help
the 1,112,000 Americans who filed for bankruptcy last year or
the millions who have below average credit. For these people,
trying to find affordable auto insurance can be a very real
problem, with monthly insurance premiums equaling or
surpassing monthly car payments. Even those who have excellent
credit may still pay higher premiums just because they applied
for a loan, a credit card, or obtained some other type of
credit within the previous year of receiving their insurance
policies. If all this sounds a little unfair to you, you're
not alone.
Twenty-two states have tried to enact legislation that would
control the use of "Risk Scoring." As expected, due to the
strength of the insurance lobbyists, most of this legislation
has either been dropped or watered down to the point it does
little to protect the consumer. Three states, namely
California, Hawaii and Massachusetts, have stepped up to help
all consumers, especially those with less than perfect credit
by banning the use of credit scores and history in determining
insurance policy acceptance and premiums. That's great news
for people who live in those states but, aside from moving,
how are the rest of us able to save money on our auto
insurance? Choose an insurance company that does not use "risk
scores." Nearly 10% of insurance companies don't use this
scoring policy. Their premiums are based upon your driving
record, not credit score. These companies tend to be smaller,
but what they lack in size they more than make up for with
excellent customer service. Some cater to specific
organizations or professions. Most have "A++" to "B+"
financial ratings, which means they will be there if and when
you ever need them. As good as these companies sound, remember
to keep one thing in mind: even though these companies don't
use credit scoring to determine premiums, it doesn't mean
you'll automatically receive a lower premium. Chances are that
you will, especially if you have credit problems, but you
still need to shop around and compare prices. Just make sure
you're comparing the same coverage from each insurer. The only
down side to using these companies is finding them. They don't
advertise the fact they don't use risk scoring so you may have
to do some investigating on your own. You can start by
contacting your state's insurance department.
Some states, like Michigan
(http://www.michigan.gov/cis/0,1607,7-154-10555_12902_15784-
111965--,00.html) have a listing of insurers operating within
their state that do not use credit scoring. This list is
updated on a yearly basis, and most of these companies are
licensed in various states. Contact the insurers you are
interested in (you will need to do a web search for their
sites) to see if they operate within your state and ask them
for a list of local representatives. Since these companies are
smaller, policies are usually sold through independent agents
who represent a number of companies. I understand in this time
of 30 second e-quotes this may seem like a lot of extra work,
but finding your insurance premiums dropping by $500 or more
per year is well worth the extra time and effort it takes to
seek out these companies.
____________________
Eric Orzel is the author of the e-book "Inside Auto Insurance
- Everything you need to know before you buy." In it he
details the essential information needed to make sure you
never over pay on auto insurance again. Visit his website at
http://www.insideauto-insurance.com/ for more information.
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The Debt Next to You
by Jeffrey Strain
Debt can be your problem even if you're debt free
When it comes to debt and debt reduction, we almost always
talk about it in regard to the individual. If you are debt
free, you might feel that a co-worker being in debt has little
to do with you, but in reality, it probably has a lot more to
do with you than you ever considered. How? It doesn't take
much to know that anyone under financial stress doesn't work
optimally, and if your co-workers are not working at their
best, that means more of the load likely ends up on your desk.
If you happen to be a manager, the situation is even worse.
You have employees who aren't working efficiently or
effectively on the work you need accomplished because of
financial issues that are preoccupying their minds and likely
their time.
When debt is viewed in this light, it ceases to be an
individual's problem, but one that effects the entire
organization (not to mention family and friends). While rarely
done so today, companies should treat debt in a similar way
that many of them currently view obesity and smoking.
Companies know from numerous studies that employees that smoke
or are overweight cost them money compared to those that don't
smoke and are not over weight. In response, they offer
incentives and encourage those people to live healthier
lifestyles through education and training since this will
ultimately help the bottom line of the company. The same could
be said about debt.
If companies would help take the steps and give their
employees the tools to create healthy finances, it would
increase the productivity of those who are currently stressed
about their finances and help to make those individuals more
productive. Of course, this is not a magic bullet. You can't
make someone look at their finances if they don't want to just
like you can't make someone stop smoking if they don't want
to. Giving the person the resources to tackle the problem,
however, makes it a lot more likely that they will solve it
than if they are left to their own resources to do it.
Whether or not you are in debt, chances are that someone that
is working with you is. I would encourage you to broach the
subject with your company or manager. Simply explain that
training employees in the basics of personal finance - how to
reduce debt, how to manage their finances, how to maintain a
good credit rating and how to save and invest their money -
will help relieve the financial stress employees are feeling
and make them more productive. This is no guarantee that your
company will accept the suggestion, but changes have to begin
somewhere and you may be able to make a positive change that
can be of great help to others.
_____________
Jeffrey Strain is the owner of
a website dedicated to saving you money and also writes the
daily updated blog Personal Finance Advice at
Take the Next Step:
- Talk to your employer today about providing financial
education to their employees
===========================================================
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In The Dollar Stretcher Community
I'm Melting!
Her tiny house is hot! Members share ways to stay cool without
spending money
===========================================================
I'm from the Government and I'm Here to Help
by Barbara J. Sloan
There are many government programs waiting to help
Remember the old joke that included the line, "I'm from the
government and I'm here to help"? While the joke highlighted
the inefficiencies of big government, the truth is that there
are many government programs waiting to help you and me.
From educational pamphlets to scholarships to food, not to
mention emergency heat and temporary financial assistance,
there is plenty of help for all sorts of everyday people.
While no one can keep track of all the possibilities, here are
a few ideas that I have found useful. Since many non-profit
agencies, even those with religious affiliations, receive
government funding in part or in total, I have included some
of them. In most cases, I have used these resources for my
family or myself when we were in need.
First, decide what you need. Is it money for education,
general information, food, heating assistance, medical
assistance or something else?
If you have a computer, use a good search engine like Google
to enter key words like "scholarship" or "government health
benefits." Better yet, go to the Federal Information Center at
http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/ and use its search engine.
If you don't have a computer, don't worry. The kind folks at
your local library's reference desk are just waiting to help
you. You can call or go in. They will even help you learn to
use their computers for free.
There are also many books and authors that specialize in lists
of government benefits. The Lasko series often advertised on
television is only one example. Just make sure that the
reference is up-to-date. Government programs can and do change
frequently.
Is there too much month for your food budget? Check with local
government agencies like Social Services as well as faith-
based groups including Catholic Family Charities, Jewish
Family Services and the Salvation Army. All of them can
connect you with local food pantries for emergency food
supplies. Sometimes they also offer budgeting and meal
planning assistance so that emergencies do not occur every
month. Most will not push their own religious beliefs on you.
Do you need help understanding a government program like
Medicare Part D? Call Medicare toll-free at 1-800-MEDICARE. If
you prefer face-to-face help, check with your community-based
Senior Center. It probably has a social worker that will help
you free of charge. Other groups like the American Association
of Retired People (AARP) can also connect you with services
you need. Some states also maintain medical assistance
hotlines and advocacy programs for disabled and elderly
persons. In my home state of Connecticut, CHOICES is the
Medicare helpline. It has a toll-free number.
Perhaps you need medications that cost more than you can
afford. Many pharmaceutical companies give people free or
greatly cost-reduced medications upon proof of inability to
pay. Some of these companies belong to a consortium called
Partnership for Prescription Assistance. You can reach them by
calling 1-888-477-2669 or visiting the website at
https://www.pparx.org/Intro.php. To find more patient
assistance programs, talk to your doctor or enter
"prescription medicine assistance" in a computer search
engine.
When I was too ill to work, my doctor asked several companies
to provide medication at no cost to me, and they did! Doctors
also receive many sample medications. Don't be afraid to ask
for them. If you do not use them, the samples will be given to
someone else or discarded when they expire.
From local non-profit agencies in some states to health
departments in others, almost every community has some sort of
visiting nurse association. If you need help accessing health
care programs, they can usually assist you.
In my community, the VNA also serves as a one-stop center to
help isolated seniors and others that may be in need of extra
help, but have no one close to help them. Anonymous calls to
the VNA trigger the offer of a free visit from a social worker
to assess what a senior or disabled person may need to
maintain or regain good health and remain at home.
Be sure not to overlook a wonderful computer website at
http://www.benefitscheckup.org, where you can find assistance
that is available in your area. You simply fill in a few
blanks, and then the website searches your area for possible
assistance. You can then contact each program to find out if
you are eligible. If you are not computer literate, ask your
reference librarian to help you.
Do you need affordable daycare for your children so that you
can work? Some towns sponsor their own sliding scale daycare
centers. I know mine does.
Some states, including Connecticut where I live, have a free
referral hotline. We just dial 211 for Infoline and a social
worker helps us identify the services we need. Check your
local phone book or library to see if this service is offered
where you live.
If you cannot find what you need, another possible source of
help is your local Congressperson. Each Representative employs
social workers who can help constituents find the help they
need. This service costs you nothing more than the taxes you
already pay.
This is just a sampling of services offered by the government
and the non-profit agencies they help to fund. A good
reference librarian, school counselor or social worker can
help you identify programs to meet your needs in your local
area.
______________________
Barbara J. Sloan, M.Ed., formerly managed government agencies
and developed and managed non-profit social service agencies
in two states. She now writes about financial, social, health
and other issues.
Take the Next Step:
- Visit the Federal Citizen Information Center. It's a great
site with a lot of information at
===========================================================
Getting Support When Spending Less
by Kimberly Danger
It's much easier to reach your goal with people behind you
Spending less isn't easy, especially when you try to go it
alone. Your friends may wonder why you don't want to go
shopping with them. Your kids will undoubtedly protest your
refusal to buy them that extra toy. Your spouse may foil your
best-intentioned plans if he isn't on board with the program.
That's why it's so important to get the support you need in
making peace with your finances.
Come Clean
Explain to your friends just why living a less materialistic
lifestyle is important to you. If you're in debt, be honest
about your situation. Don't let fear or the thought of shame
prevent you from doing this. You may discover that friends
feel the same societal pressures to keep up, or are in debt
themselves. You'd be surprised how much support you get.
Get Your Spouse Involved
Your spouse is supposed to be your rock: the person you lean
on when times get tough. Unfortunately, when it comes to
finances, partners don't always see eye to eye. Even the most
financially compatible couples have arguments on how money is
spent from time to time. You both need to be on the same page
when it comes to your goals for the future and how you will
accomplish them. Sit down and talk about your current
financial situation, your goals for the future, and how you
plan on accomplishing them.
Make New Friends
Take a look at your friends, people, and media you surround
yourself with. It's inevitable that you compare yourself to
them in some way, shape or form. Even while we all know we
shouldn't do it, comparisons sometimes takes place on an
unconscious level: through the ads you see on TV, the
magazines you read, and just by being exposed to certain
situations every day. If your entire social network makes more
money than you do, drives fancier cars or lives in bigger
houses, you're more likely to feel like a financial failure.
If this describes your situation, your circle of friends may
be a little out of whack. Seek out friends whose situations
may be closer to your own.
Look for Online Support
If you can't find the support in your own circle of friends,
there is help online. Mommysavers.com has their very own
Spending Less Group, a network people to discuss the concern,
struggles and challenges of ridding themselves of debt or
trying to live a frugal lifestyle. Sometimes the anonymity of
the Internet gives people the freedom to be more honest with
their situations. You'll find it at
http://mommysavers.com/boards/spending-less-saving-more/
___________________________
Kimberly Danger is the owner and publisher of
http://www.mommysavers.com - a site for moms living well for
less. Portions of this article first appeared in her blog,
Forget the Joneses, which also appears on her website at
http://www.mommysavers.com
Take the Next Step:
- Be honest and decide whether you need a support group to
help you become debt-free
===========================================================
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Tips, Quips, Quotes and Questions
*********
Can You Help This Reader?
*********
"Robotic" Vacuums
I would like to know what people think of the "robotic" type
vacuums that you leave on and they do continuous vacuuming.
Kathy D.
Please send your answers mailto:CanYouHelp@stretcher.com with
"Robotic Vacuums" as the subject. We'll include the best
solutions in future issues.
*********
Yes, We Can Help This Reader
Short on Storage Space
*********
The best way to double (or triple) your kitchen storage space
is to use the "dead space" that's already there. In the
kitchen, I've added cup hooks to the undersides of the
cabinets and those handy, expandable shelves to give myself
two surfaces instead of one. All of my dish and pantry storage
is double-decker. Another kitchen space saver is to buy
drinking glasses that stack; IKEA sells them very
inexpensively! Drawer dividers organize utensils most
efficiently. If you have a broom closet somewhere (even if it
isn't in the kitchen), consider adding shelves to it to make
pantry storage. I keep overflow canned goods and staples in a
plastic bin in my basement.
A similar concept works in the bedroom closet. Double shelf
space with expandable shelves. If your shelves are very deep,
look into installing sliding drawers that you can pull out to
gain access to the stuff way in back. If folded clothes
storage is more important to you than hanging storage, buy the
fabric "shelves" available almost anywhere. They work great
for sweaters and other things that take up a lot of room.
Shoes can be stored on one of those hanging racks available
for the back of the bedroom door. Alternately, shoes (or even
off-season clothing) might fit in a chest at the foot of the
bed. Under-bed storage is also ideal for those purposes.
Removing non-seasonal clothes to a basement or storage locker
can instantly give you 50% more space!
Glenda
more ideas on finding extra storage space at
*********
Going Cashless
Long ago, I received some very good advice about money from a
local frugal businessman. He and I were discussing living on
$5,000 a year and his first piece of advice was to carry no
currency, no checks, and no credit cards at all. I thought
about it and realized that I had a cell phone, a vehicle and
the nearest help for a true emergency was minutes away. What
did I have to lose? I have been doing this for several years
now, and it has cut down on my impulse spending tremendously!
On payday, I fill my tank, buy groceries (with a single check
I put in my purse for that purpose) and pay the one bill I
have each week. I also keep enough cash at home to pay my
daughter's allowance and lunch money for the week.
Brenda T. in Frederick, MD
*********
Roach Cappuccino
This was documented on a news show in Las Vegas. It's a simple
and effective way to rid your home of roaches. It's almost so
simple that it is hard to believe that it works, but the
newsman said that it is better than anything you can buy. They
ran a video to show just how effective it is.
Fill a glass jar with coffee grounds (after you drink that
great pot of coffee) and a little water. Place outside the
home and watch the roaches drop in. You might want to tilt the
jar, but don't lay it on the ground. The roaches are attracted
to the coffee, but can't climb out of the glass jar.
Janet in Bradenton, FL (Home of the Dollar Stretcher)
*********
Look-a-Like Luggage
We recently returned from a trip. Retrieving our luggage is
always hectic, especially when most of the suitcases are the
standard black color. I have done a lot of painting with
acrylic paint on fabric so I decided to paint pretty flowers
on my black suitcases. I used chalk for the original sketching
and then acrylic paints to make big, bold flowers on all sides
of the suitcase. They really stand out and are easily
recognized when they tumble down the airline chute. I sprayed
them with a fixative acrylic spray to protect the paint. I am
very pleased with the results.
Mary Esther
*********
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
editor's note: Hotmail and WebTV users may have trouble with
some addresses. Please access them from our front page
Special Retirement Section
--------------------------
6 Tips to Evaluating a Retirement Community
Local government agencies and real estate firms are looking
for ways to attract the 65-and-older crowd. Look beyond the
hype
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun11e.htm
Retirement Communities Map
If you're planning a move, check to see if the cost of living
is higher at your desired destination
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun11f.htm
Figuring Your Spend-Down Rate
How fast will you spend your money when you retire?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun06d.htm
10 Things to Do Before You Retire
Just as you would plan for a trip, it's even more important
that you plan for retirement, the longest vacation of your
life, with eyes wide open
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun08c.htm
Your Money
----------
The Debt Next to You
by Jeffrey Strain
Debt can be your problem even if you're debt free
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07jun18c.cfm
Getting Support When Spending Less
by Kimberly Danger
It's much easier to reach your goal with people behind you
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07jun18e.cfm
Can You Make Money on the Balance Transfer Game?
If you invest the borrowed money, you could make a profit --
and it may not hurt the credit score
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun12a.htm
Annuitizing Your Savings
Make sure your retirement assets keep you in the money for the
rest of your life
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun12b.htm
Fame & Fortune
Kevin Costner has had ups and downs in his filmmaking career
but he's true to his vision and willing to put his money where
his art is
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun12c.htm
Ongoing Illness, Big Bills and Bankruptcy
Lengthy illness can push people into bankruptcy, but they
still need treatment from the same people who are dunning them
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun12d.htm
Here Come the Fees
Check out this roundup of fees charged by banks, credit card
companies and lenders to see what's average and how to avoid
paying them
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun11a.htm
Fee-Fighting Tools
Use these work sheets and calculators to find the best deals
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun11b.htm
Fees Hit Historic Highs
But, banks and credit issuers claim they're no richer because
of them
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun11c.htm
A Short History of Fees
Remember when fees were only for big mistakes?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun11d.htm
Prepaying HELOC from Emergency Fund
An already established HELOC will provide emergency funds
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun07e.htm
Getting a Late Start on Investing
Remember that you have less time to recover from a bad
investment
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun06e.htm
When to Have More Than One 529 Plan
One reason to split the funds is if the children are more than
a few years apart
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun11g.htm
An Unexpected $30,000 Cruise
An elderly woman on a cruise falls into a coma, then dies, and
the cruise ship charges her medical care on her credit card,
which in turn charges her huge late fees. Who pays?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun08b.htm
Your Home Is an Excellent Investment
Borrowing on your home's equity is good, in moderation, says
professor Richard DeMong
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun07a.htm
New Company Has No 401(k). What Now?
Roll the former employer's account over into an IRA, says Dr.
Don.
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun12e.htm
Financing Construction of a Home
You have several options, particularly with a lot of equity in
the land
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun11h.htm
Your Family
-----------
Kids and Money
by Sam X Renick
Interview with Liz Pulliam Weston, Personal Finance Columnist
for MSN Money
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07jun18g.cfm
My Story: Children's Art Birthday Party
contributed by Lorraine
Get creative at your next party!
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07jun18h.cfm
Your Home
---------
We Need Storage
Storage solutions for a small home
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07jun18a.cfm
Make Sure your HVAC Systems Keeps Its Cool
Your overall home improvement plan should include a review of
your heating and cooling requirements, especially if you're
adding square footage
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun08a.htm
Financing Construction of a Home
You have several options, particularly with a lot of equity in
the land
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun11h.htm
Your Home Is an Excellent Investment
Borrowing on your home's equity is good, in moderation, says
professor Richard DeMong
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun07a.htm
3 Top Reasons to Remodel Now
There are three lucrative reasons to hire a contractor right
now rather than putting off that remodeling job until next
year
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun06b.htm
When Your Lender Goes Bankrupt
You've been preapproved for a mortgage and the lender goes
bust. What now?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun07b.htm
Canceled Preapproval Affects Home Contract
You could lose your deposit money, and it could get worse
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun07c.htm
New Mortgage Application Can Hurt Credit
If you're on the cusp of subprime, it could create a problem
for you
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun07d.htm
Court Rules for Auto, Property Insurers
Ruling reduces times when insurers must warn that credit score
affected your rates
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun06a.htm
Your Food
---------
Home Cooking - Mmmm Good!
by Jill Cooper
Easy ways to make fixing meals at home a breeze!
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07jun18f.cfm
Your Auto
---------
Lowering Auto Insurance Rates
by Eric Orzel
Save money no matter what your credit score
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07jun18b.cfm
Prepaying Auto Loan from Savings
Just make sure to avoid prepayment penalty and Rule of 78s
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun08d.htm
Court Rules for Auto, Property Insurers
Ruling reduces times when insurers must warn that credit score
affected your rates
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun06a.htm
Your Taxes
----------
Where to Report a Child's Income
You should not have reported the mutual fund sale on your tax
return, says CPA George Saenz.
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun12f.htm
Capital Gains Exclusion on New Home
Does it make a difference if you haven't lived in the home?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun08e.htm
Paying Estimated Quarterly Taxes
If you're self-employed, have substantial investment income or
run a business, paying taxes is a quarterly event, and the day
is fast approaching. Here are the rules
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun08f.htm
Selling Depreciated Equipment
When you wind up a business, the taxation rules differ,
depending on whether the business was operated as a sole
proprietorship or as a corporation
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun07f.htm
Converting to a Roth IRA
Is deferring taxation is the best strategy?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun06f.htm
Everything Else
---------------
I'm from the Government and I'm Here to Help
by Barbara J. Sloan
There are many government programs waiting to help
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07jun18d.cfm
Vanity, Thy Name Is Boomer
It's no accident that cosmetics is a multibillion-dollar
industry. It appeals to our vanity -- and much more
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun06c.htm
Readers' Tips
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07jun18t.cfm
From Dave Ramsey
----------------
Smallest Debts First
Why should Richard pay off the small debt first instead of the
high interest rate debt?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun12g.htm
We Hired Before Researching
Instead of researching a moving company and going only by
price, John learned a very valuable lesson he won't make again
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun12h.htm
We're Serious
We didn't really see the progress until we became serious
about getting out of debt - sticking to a budget
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun12j.htm
Nothing Without Credit?
Jay's wife says they can't have anything without credit
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun12k.htm
Credit Piggyback
There's a new way to improve your credit score, but it's just
as bad as any get-rich-quick scam out there
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun07g.htm
Never Lease Again!
Instead of just paying off the truck, Michelle's family leased
a smaller car and ended up paying much more
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun07h.htm
Kicking Myself Now
"I'd like to jump in a time machine and go kick my 18-year-old
self in the pants"
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun07j.htm
I Discovered I Like Money
After doing a budget and working toward becoming debt-free,
Megan soon discovered she likes working with money and
crunching numbers
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun07k.htm
Buy Used!
Why does Dave say to buy used cars? Quite simple, really
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun07m.htm
Invest Extra Income?
April's husband is scared to invest their extra income. Should
he be?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun07n.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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