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The Dollar Stretcher
"Living Better...For Less"
July 2, 2007
Volume 12, Number 27
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advice is safe and suitable for his/her own situation.
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In This Issue:
Introduction
The Pork Barbecue Secret
by Dave Kessler
What restaurants don't want you to know
Computer Gaming on a Budget
by John Stapleford
There are bargains to be found
Hot In The Dollar Stretcher Community
Frugal Dieting Tips
Maybe the secret to losing weight isn't so secret.
Entertain Chic, on the Cheap!
by Kathy Wilson
Cheap and easy ways to entertain indoors or out
That's Outrageous!
Cox Cable's Double Whammy
by vcudnik
Make the World a Healthier Place
by Beth Hering
7 cost-free ideas that will make you a health-hero to someone
in need
Tips, Quips, Quotes & Questions
On www.Stretcher.com This Week
===========================================================
Introduction
by Gary Foreman
gary@stretcher.com
Hello to all my Frugal Friends!
Boy, I love to tell you about new things happening with The
Dollar Stretcher (it's one of the best parts of my job!).
Those of you who visit the website regularly know that Marlene
Alexander has been contributing to the site on a regular
basis. Marlene is also known as "The Dollar Store Shopper". We
really enjoy her ideas. I know that's an area of savings that
many of you love. So Marlene's agreed to spend some time in
The Dollar Stretcher Community in a thread on dollar stores.
If you're new to dollar stores or a dollar store stretcher for
years, you'll want to drop in for a visit. Oh, and if you have
comments about this thread, The DS Community or the ezine
don't hesitate to email me. I'm always available by
mailto:editor@stretcher.com?subject=Comments
Finally a thought for this holiday week. Just the other day I
was talking with a friend of mine. We both admitted that
neither one of us liked to be told what to do. That's one
reason why I'm so grateful to live in a country where I can
choose where I live, what type of work I do and not have to
deal with a lot of government intervention in my life. So I'm
going to enjoy our nation's birthday this week. Hope you'll
enjoy it, too!
All the Best!
Gary
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The Pork Barbecue Secret
by Dave Kessler
What restaurants don't want you to know
For less than the cost of two pork barbecue sandwiches at a
"rolling smoke" barbecue restaurant, you can make enough
authentic pork barbecue to feed a small neighborhood. When you
pull up to a barbecue restaurant, be it a shack or an edifice,
you usually smell a lot of smoke from a hardwood fire and just
imagine a whole hog being roasted for your dining pleasure.
That's part of the ambience of a successful barbecue food
business. But, truth be known, somewhere in the back kitchen a
chef or cook is pulling tender cooked pork from a ten pound
pork butt that only makes up a small fraction of a two hundred
pound market-ready pig.
You can purchase the same cut of meat at your local super
market and usually at a very good price. Butchers sell pork
butts under various names with Boston Butt being the most
popular. Boston butts are often used as a "loss leader" to get
you in the door and the last one I purchased was priced at
just 99 cents a pound.
While barbecue restaurants generally do roast or smoke the
pork butts you can skip this part of the process for something
a whole lot easier. Simply put the whole pork butt into a
large pot, add enough water to come to the top of the meat and
put a lid on the pot. Bring the water to a boil, and when it's
at the rolling boil stage, turn the heat back to a simmer and
continue simmering covered for three hours.
At the end of the three hours remove the pot from the heat and
remove the lid. Let it sit for a half-hour to cool down. Use
tongs, or meat forks, to pull the meat from the bones. You'll
easily be able to discard the fat, gristle and bones at this
time. You'll end up with a nice big bunch of very juicy and
very tender pulled or shredded pork.
You can add your favorite barbecue sauce and serve the meat in
nice fresh buns for super sandwiches. If you feel you must
have some authenticity, you can add a little "liquid smoke."
If you want to add a down-South touch, you can top the meat in
your sandwich with some rough-cut coleslaw. Just chop the
cabbage and slaw ingredients with a knife rather than running
it through a food processor.
For a back to the islands party, you can add commercial jerk
sauce offered by many manufacturers. This is generally a hot
and spicy sauce.
This pulled pork also is a good addition when making chili.
Try it instead of hamburger. You can also make a delicious
pork pot pie by using 1 1/2 cups of the meat, a bag of frozen
mixed vegetables, a can of condensed cream of celery soup with
the can of water and two pie crusts. Line the pie plate or
casserole dish with one pie pastry, mix the ingredients
together and fill the crust, top with the remaining crust and
bake according to instructions for a double crust pie. As they
say today, "It's all good!"
_________________________
Dave Kessler is the author of "Skinny Cooks Can't Be Trusted."
A special collection of the most popular recipes from his
long-running (Since 1981) newspaper column is now available as
an e-book for just 49 cents from
Everyone who likes to eat will enjoy the appetizers, veggie
dishes, meats, poultry and seafood, pies and desserts featured
in the 64 page book. To buy the book, go to www.amazon.com. In
the book search, enter "Skinny Cooks" in the browser box, hit
go and it will come up for you.
Take the Next Step:
- Visit your local supermarket or meat market to find the best
deals on pork butts!
===========================================================
Computer Gaming on a Budget
by John Stapleford
There are bargains to be found
Playing computer games can be an expensive pastime. New games
cost so much more each year that it won't be long until they
reach the hundred dollar mark. You must account for an
additional monthly subscription fee in the case of the Massive
Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games more commonly known as
MMORPGs. Luckily, there are bargains to be found both in
software stores and the big box retailers.
As a budget-conscious gamer, I believe that you should keep a
list of games to buy at or below the right price. That price
is the maximum price that one is willing to spend. When a game
from your wish list gets down below that affordable price, it
is time to buy it, knowing that your dollars have been
properly stretched.
When looking for new games to buy, don't forget to check out
the discount racks. Last year's games may not be quite as
thrilling as the new ones, but the older games have some major
advantages. I like to buy games labeled "classic" or "game of
the year edition." These words can mean savings of up to 80%
on a game that you can expect to live up to expectations.
Games slightly older than these often come at rock bottom
prices due to less exciting packaging. You can get the best
prices on games sold with just a jewel case for the DVD-ROM or
the CD-ROM covered in shrink rap. Other than a few pictures on
the original cardboard packaging, one loses nothing with
these. The instructions can be found and printed from the game
disc.
Another way to save money on good games is to buy earlier
games in a series. By the time "Great Game V" is released,
there will be heavy discounts on the first four titles in the
series. The lower cost of the earlier games is not the only
benefit. After trying the first two games for $20, you have a
better idea of how much entertainment the series will provide.
If you didn't have much fun with the first two games, you can
cross the others off your wish list. If you do enjoy them, a
little online research should tell if there is enough new in
the latest release for it to go on your wish list.
There is one serious pitfall lurking out there for those of us
who look for big discounts on games. You should know every
relevant detail about the computer that the game will be
played on. Recently, I learned that one of my dream games had
dropped below the top price I was willing to pay. While
glancing over the machine requirements, I thought everything
was perfect until I tried to install the game. It didn't work
because I forgot the specific chipset that my computer used.
Unable to return the game, I have spent almost double what I
would have paid for the game when it was brand new to get a
new graphics card. Unfortunately, this purchase will not
completely fix the problem. Therefore, this budget-conscious
gamer has spent well over $100 on a game and an upgrade that
will never work to full capacity. Another game purchased for
under $10 worked just fine and has given me many hours of
enjoyment.
Sometimes, it is not a matter of needing an upgrade. Some
classic games will not work on modern machines because of the
major changes made in how computers work. Several games
sitting on my shelves will not work on any computer bought
today. Once again, it is a matter of knowing all the relevant
details before purchasing a game.
The good news is that those of us who need or want to stretch
our dollars can buy the games we want the most. A little
patience combined with knowing where to look means that price
need not be an object for all that long.
===========================================================
Hot In The Dollar Stretcher Community
Frugal Dieting Tips
Maybe the secret to losing weight isn't so secret.
http://community.stretcher.com/forums/t/610.aspx
===========================================================
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Entertain Chic, on the Cheap!
by Kathy Wilson
Cheap and easy ways to entertain indoors or out
Warm weather means outdoor picnics, barbecues and family get-
togethers. Casual gatherings don't always have to mean plain
paper plates and paper napkins. Here are some cheap and easy
ways to entertain indoors or out with creativity, not cash!
* Create a theme for each event you host. This can be anything
from a sports or garden theme, Fourth of July patriotic theme,
or as simple as a cool ocean colors theme. A theme will give
you direction in choosing your table adornments and make the
whole gathering feel pulled together.
* Set a background for your food with what you already own. A
colorful blanket draped over a table will give your outing a
western or Mexican flair, or pretty pastel sheets and quilts
can make a garden tea all the more charming. Make confetti for
the Fourth of July table with a paper punch and junk mail.
(The kids would love to help you with this!) Use Memorial Day
to print out color copies of ones we have lost and wish to
remember, and hang the photos from trees with ribbon. Use a
few colorful bottles, tea cups or bud vases and fill with
fresh flowers from your garden or supermarket.
* Display your foods in a festive manner. It doesn't take much
money to line your serving platters with lettuce, to add a few
sprigs of mint to your dessert trays, or to use rosemary
sprigs to edge the huge platter of ribs you just pulled off
the grill. You can find fresh herbs in the produce section of
your grocery store. They are an inexpensive way to add a
special touch in sight and scent to any meal, making it all
the more special. Besides, there is something very outdoorsy
about adding fresh herbs to a meal that will cause your summer
outings to linger in your memory. After all, scent is the
strongest sense the memory recalls.
* Use unconventional items for serving. Almost anything that
can be run through the dishwasher can be used to hold
silverware, napkins or condiments. Try terra cotta pots or
large seashells. An old wagon can hold ice and soda. Think of
your theme and then make a list of related items and see which
ones you can use for serving pieces.
* Finally, enjoy the outdoors, breathe in the fresh air and
listen to the kids play. Know you are making memories that
will last a lifetime, and you have put your heart into
creating the perfect backdrop for those memories!
____________________________
Kathy Wilson is a home and garden writer, author and
consultant and is the home decorating expert for
LifetimeTV.com. Visit her for more home and garden ideas at
nla_internal_1461098.jpg and
http://www.TheGardenGlove.com. Also visit her at
http://www.Women-on-the-Net.com where any woman can learn to
make money on the internet!
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That's Outrageous!
Cox Cable's Double Whammy
by vcudnik
http://community.stretcher.com/forums/t/627.aspx
One of my un-frugal indulgences is cable TV and more
specifically HBO. About a year ago, Cox Communications
notified us that in order to continue to get HBO, we would
need one of their converter boxes for each television that we
wished to watch it on. That's two televisions in our case at
$5.50 for each box, just to be able to get something I was
already paying additional money for!
I was ready to cancel when they offered the boxes for free for
one year. We took them up on it. The nice part about having
the converter boxes was that we actually get both HBO 1 and 2.
(We were already paying for both, but could only tune the one
without the box.) Now a year later, two things happened. Cox
notified us that in order to get HBO2 we would have to upgrade
to a digital converter box and they offered us a six-month
free trial of their "digital gateway." (Digital gateway allows
you to order "on demand" and pay-per-view services and gives
you a handful of music channels. Plus it includes the
additional HBO channels, most of which are just replaying the
same stuff that's on HBO 1 and 2.)
Since the gateway trial was supposed to be free and the
digital box rental is the same price as the analog box, I
figured I'd give it a go. What I found out when I got my next
bill is that the digital gateway trial is only free on the
first box. It's another $5 for the second box! So, if I were
actually going to keep all of this, once the six months are
up, I will have to pay the original $11.95 for HBO plus $11
for the box rentals and $14.95 for the digital service. That's
almost $26 extra just to be able to tune a channel I'm already
paying extra for! (I'm seriously looking at DirectTV, but at
the very least, the second converter box is going back.)
It sure makes me wonder what the cable companies are going to
do when everything is supposed to be broadcast in a digital
signal in a couple of years.
___________
Ever feel like you've been ripped off? Here's the chance to
let others know so they won't get ripped off, too! Share your
Outrage at
Even if you don't get your time or money back, you'll feel
better for venting! And, finding out how other folks got
ripped off could save you some money, too!
===========================================================
Make the World a Healthier Place
by Beth Hering
7 cost-free ideas that will make you a health-hero to someone
in need
While many of us would love to have large amounts of money to
donate to charity, the fact is that most of us don't. But just
because your checkbook cannot cover the cost of adding a new
wing to your local hospital doesn't mean you can't make a huge
impact on the health of others. The following seven cost-free
ideas can make you a health-hero to someone in need (click on
the links for more information on each topic):
Give Blood
With car accidents, cancer treatments, and birth
complications, every two seconds, someone in the United States
needs blood. And since blood cannot be manufactured, only
blood donors can provide this lifesaving product. The basic
qualifications for donating blood are easy for most adults to
meet. You need to weigh at least 110 pounds, be at least 17
years old (16 in some states), and be healthy (feeling well
and able to perform regular activities). Donors can give again
after 56 days.
Donate Your Old Eyeglasses
The price of a pair of glasses exceeds three months' average
salary in some African countries. Groups such as the Lions
Club can recycle a pair of used eyeglasses for as little as 8
cents, yet more than four million pairs of unused eyeglasses
go into the garbage in North America each year.
Sign an Organ Donation Card
Nineteen people die each day waiting for transplants that
can't take place because of the shortage of donated organs.
Acceptable organ donors are those whose brain function has
ceased permanently but whose heart and lungs continue to
function with help of ventilators. Approximately 12,000 people
who die each year meet that criteria, but less than half of
that number become actual organ donors.
Learn How to Tell if Someone is Having a Stroke
For a person having a stroke, every minute without treatment
costs the victim about 1.9 million brain cells. But someone
suffering a stroke may not be in the position to help himself
or herself, whether by denying the symptoms or by being
physically or mentally unable to reach a phone to dial 911.
Learning the symptoms of a stroke and how to perform a quick
assessment of the potential victim's condition can give
medical personnel the added minutes they need to ensure the
best possible outcome.
Pass Along "The Drunk Driving Poem"
During the four minutes it takes for you to read this article,
another two people will be injured in drunk-driving accidents.
Many people have been sobered by a poem known as "The Drunk
Driving Poem," "Death of an Innocent," or "Mom." The author is
unknown. E-mail the poem to friends, post it on a bulletin
board at work, or ask the editor of your local newspaper to
print it, especially during holiday seasons, when drunk-
driving accidents are highest.
Tell Everyone with a Child to Get Their Car Seat Checked
While about 97 percent of parents believe they are using their
child safety seats correctly, studies show that 8 out of 10
children riding in child car seats are incorrectly buckled in.
Certified car seat inspectors are available in most
communities to offer free help, but many people are unaware of
their services.
Teach Your Children How to Avoid Spreading Their Cold
The common cold causes American children to miss some 22
million days of school each year. Instruct your children to
cough or sneeze into their elbow rather than their hand (hands
touch more surfaces), to wash their hands frequently with warm
water and soap for at least 20 seconds (the amount of time it
takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice), and to throw used
tissues into the garbage can every time they finish blowing
their nose.
_______________________
Beth Hering is the Senior Editor of Health and Safety Issues
at
Take the Next Step:
- Choose a charity to help and get started!
===========================================================
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Tips, Quips, Quotes and Questions
*********
Can You Help This Reader?
*********
Burial Insurance on Mom and Dad
I am the oldest of five children and the only one of my
siblings who is somewhat financially secure. Both of my
parents are not in the best of health, and my fear is that
when their time comes, my husband and I will end up footing
the bill alone. I have no problem with it other than that it
may strain our finances, given we might be the only ones who
have any money to contribute.
My question is about burial insurance. I would like to have
something in place to help defray the cost of any funeral
expenses. I am not looking to make any money. I want just
enough to help with any final expenses. Is this something I
can obtain on my own? Am I even allowed to apply for it if I'm
not the insured? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
R.G.
Please send your answers mailto:CanYouHelp@stretcher.com with
"Burial Insurance" as the subject. We'll include the best
solutions in future issues.
*********
Yes, We Can Help This Reader
Future Inheritance Expensive Now
*********
Your mother is receiving Social Security. Take the amount for
taxes for the house right off the top each month through the
bank. Your mother will have the rest for her personal
expenses. Help her make adjustments to her spending if needed,
but this way, she will keep her word and you will be able to
handle your expenses.
If Mom keeps all of her income and if she eventually needs to
go to a nursing home, all that she has will go to them before
she can go on Medicaid.
Dot
Another side of this issue at
*********
Coupon Savings...Not!
I learned my lesson yesterday about coupons. I had $5 to $6
worth of coupons to use at Wal-Mart, and when I got home, I
looked at the receipt and realized the cashier never entered
my coupons so I was out the money and the coupons! It would
have cost me more in gas to drive back to the store to
complain than the coupons were worth. Now I will not only pay
attention to the change I receive from cashiers, but I will
also make sure they enter the coupons I give them. No more
feeling rushed through the line for me.
Shannon in PA
*********
Roll-Over?
Please tell your readers to make sure to find out if their HSA
plan will rollover from year to year. Mine does not, and the
monies saved must be used by March of the following year or
are forfeited. It's still a useful plan for covering
deductibles, but be careful or you can lose money.
Cresanna
editor's note: There was an error in the article last week.
The minimum annual deductible for an HSA-eligible health plan
is now $1,100 for individuals and $2,200 for families.
*********
PMI Problems
In your article "How to Cancel PMI" at
to mention one solution for getting rid of your PMI. And that
is to refinance your mortgage. Our bank first refused to
remove our PMI stating that our "debt to income" ratio was too
high. This is after we had sold our previous house (we had
moved to Washington state from Nebraska), paid off our car
loans, and both my husband and I had got significant pay
raises.
Then the bank said our property value would not allow them to
remove our PMI. Once again, I provided proof that we had built
a huge shop/garage on our property, repainted our house,
landscaped the lawn, and overall improved the beauty and curb
appeal of our house.
Then the bank said they had every right to keep our PMI for
two years as described in our loan arrangement. So after
asking three times if they would remove our PMI, they said no.
I told them fine and refinanced our loan with another bank. In
less than 30 days, I had a new mortgage with less interest,
friendlier people, and no PMI. And folks around here in this
small town know not to finance their mortgage with this bad,
bad bank by my word of mouth.
June B. in Yelm, WA
*********
It's Nice to Be Wanted
Keep your eyes peeled for weekly flyers from pharmacy/grocery
stores with pharmacies inside. Many of them are competing for
your prescription business and will have promotions for a free
gift card with a transferred or new prescription.
I frequently transfer my prescription back and forth, pay my
prescription cost of $5, and end up with a gift card for free
groceries or items at Walgreens or CVS in the amount of
usually $25-$30! I've probably amassed close to $300 in free
groceries/merchandise this way and always feel great about the
savings.
Christina B.
*********
What would you do with an extra $100? Last month Michelle from
Ponte Vedra, FL 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
----------
Inheriting the House
Can't afford upkeep
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07jul02a.cfm
Failed Business Can Lead to Financial Ruin
When a couple's restaurant business fails, the debt and
impending judgement can affect the couples entire financial
picture
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun26a.htm
Fame & Fortune
Multi-faceted entertainer Art Linkletter says he'd never put a
quarter in a slot machine but admits he invests in companies
that drill for oil and natural gas
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun26b.htm
Immediate Annuities: Do-It-Yourself Pensions
You're not getting a traditional pension? You can always
purchase a reasonable facsimile, but there are trade-offs
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun26c.htm
Credit Score: Ignorance Is Expensive
What you don't know about your credit may already be costing
you money in lost opportunities and higher charges on
everything from insurance to loans
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun25a.htm
7 Steps to Take at Age 59 1/2
Those at the vanguard of the baby boom generation can access
retirement accounts penalty free. But as you approach your
golden years, it's a good time to assess your options
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun25b.htm
Older Investors Need to Earn More on Investments
Three financial planners offer investing advice for the
retirement years
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun25c.htm
12 Ways to Get Free Credit Scores and Reports
Get tips for maximizing free resources available for checking
your credit reports and credit score
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun22a.htm
When to Begin Drawing Social Security Benefits
The decision about whether to start at age 62 or wait depends
on numerous factors, including your health, your financial
situation and whether you want to keep working
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun22d.htm
When Income Tumbles, Reduce Spending
With three kids and a fourth on the way, it's not easy, but
when income falls, you must budget, cut spending and find a
way to get more money
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun22e.htm
Credit Scores & Your Mortgage Rate
A good credit score saves you money. Check out the savings on
a mortgage, a home equity loan and a new car
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun21a.htm
Don't Lie When Filing for Bankruptcy
A consumer who filed for bankruptcy but didn't reveal the
existence of one credit card
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun19e.htm
How a Financial Planner is Compensated
There are several different ways that planners get paid
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun26d.htm
No Credit? No Credit Score
Your score is based on your history, so you have to have one
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun25d.htm
Comparing Bank Yields and Safety Ratings
If the accounts are FDIC insured, it's a matter of convenience
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun22f.htm
Is Interest Correct on Series HH Bonds?
After 10 years the interest rate changes
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun21d.htm
Refinancing to Make Ends Meet
If you're selling the house in one year, it doesn't make much
sense
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun20e.htm
Redeem or Reinvest Savings Bonds?
What they pay depends on when they were issued
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun19f.htm
Credit Scores Made Simple
Check out exactly which actions affect your credit score and
to what extent
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun20a.htm
Variable Annuities Get an Image Makeover
As boomers make the transition to retirement, financial
institutions are giving their variable annuity products a
makeover in hopes of attracting a greater market share
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun20b.htm
New Retirement Savings Rates
American workers have been charting their retirements without
the benefit of a compass. A new study provides savings rates
that can be utilized by the masses
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun20c.htm
When to Claim
Social Security Experts are divided about the optimal time to
begin drawing Social Security. The latest study says most
married women should start early while men should delay until
age 69
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun20d.htm
The Hard and Fast Life of U.S. Currency
My name's Bill. Dollar Bill. I have only 21 months to live, so
let me tell you my story, from my ink-stained birth to my
violent end
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun19a.htm
ABCs of Credit Reports
Do you know the difference between a credit report and a
credit score? We explain
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun19b.htm
Fame & Fortune
Chuck Barris had five hit TV shows, making him a pioneer of
reality TV. Yet, after a career filled with both bedlam and
boredom, he's never watched "American Idol"
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun19c.htm
Your Family
-----------
Computer Gaming on a Budget
by John Stapleford
There are bargains to be found
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07jul02c.cfm
Entertain Chic, on the Cheap!
by Kathy Wilson
Cheap and easy ways to entertain indoors or out
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07jul02d.cfm
Your Home
---------
Inheriting the House
Can't afford upkeep
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07jul02a.cfm
Selecting the Right Plumbing Fixtures for Your Home
When remodeling, the end result in the bath and kitchen will
hinge in part on what kinds and quality of plumbing fixtures
you buy. Here's a guide to the latest choices
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun19d.htm
Twenty-Two Top Painting Blunders
Here are 22 rules and tips to live by when painting the
interior of your home
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun22c.htm
12 Tips to Bring the Outdoors In
Enjoy the summer if you're outdoors kicking back or indoors
looking out
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun21b.htm
It's Real Estate Season. Or is it?
There's a distinct home buying season. Whether you're a buyer
or a seller, knowing what the season is can help you plot your
strategy
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun21c.htm
Your Food
---------
The Pork Barbecue Secret
by Dave Kessler
What restaurants don't want you to know
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07jul02b.cfm
Your Taxes
----------
On the Honor System with IRA Rollover
Our tax system is based on the principle of the taxpayer's
honesty. However, sometimes the IRS checks with others on what
you earned or spent
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun26e.htm
Foreign Bank Account Statements
An extension of time to file your 2006 income tax return does
not extend the time for filing the foreign bank account
statements
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun22g.htm
Can New U.S. Citizen Collect Social Security?
The U.S. has bilateral Social Security agreements with 21
countries that improve benefit protection for workers who have
divided their careers between the U.S. and another country
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun21e.htm
Losing Cash to Business Taxes
When a business builds up its capital through earnings, part
of the earnings disappear to taxes if not reinvested in the
business before the end of the tax year
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun20f.htm
Trading in a Hybrid Car for a New One
I can't find any tax provision that says you'll have to pay
back the tax credit you claimed in 2006
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun19g.htm
Everything Else
---------------
Make the World a Healthier Place
by Beth Hering
7 cost-free ideas that will make you a health-hero to someone
in need
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07jul02e.cfm
Know Your Rights: Consumer Protection Laws
When problems arise, it helps to know if the law is on your
side -- and what, if anything, you can do about your
situation. This roundup of federal consumer protection laws is
the place to start
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun22b.htm
Readers' Tips
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07jul02t.cfm
From Dave Ramsey
----------------
Do College Kids Need Credit Cards?
Kyle says he needs a credit card to have Internet access. Does
Dave agree?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun26f.htm
When Right Is Wrong
Finance companies can be sneaky
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun26g.htm
Use 401k to Pay Off Debt?
Is it a good idea to cash out a 401k to pay off credit card
debt?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun22h.htm
I Rented a Dog for a Day
If you're going to buy a pet, be certain it's what you want.
Felicia's pet rental cost her a lot!
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun22j.htm
No Longer Worrying from Week to Week
We learned so much about budgeting and are living by these
principles, and our marriage is better than ever
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun22k.htm
Shop Around
Barry took the time to call around and save 60% for truck
repairs. Every penny counts when you're getting out of debt!
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun22m.htm
Getting Ready for Healthcare Costs
As you get older and healthcare becomes more of an issue, it's
your responsibility to be ready for it.
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun22n.htm
Intense for 3 Months
We have paid off $16,000 of our $39,000 debt in 3 months! All
this as a stay-at-home mom with a teacher/coach husband!
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jun22p.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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