Back to newsletter listDate:
Sun, August 05, 2007 10:50:00 PMFrom:
editor@stretcher.com
Subject:
8/06/07: The Dollar Stretcher
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The Dollar Stretcher
"Living Better...For Less"
August 6, 2007
Volume 12, Number 32
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"The Dollar Stretcher" and Dollar Stretcher, Inc. does not
assume responsibility for advice given. All advice should be
weighed against your own abilities and circumstances and
applied accordingly. It is up to the reader to determine if
advice is safe and suitable for his/her own situation.
===========================================================
In This Issue:
Introduction
The Art of Fine Whining
by Diana Gault
Transform an ineffectual whine into a concise communication
Using Color on Your Walls
by Kathy Wilson
Turn your rooms from drab to fab
That's Outrageous!
CigArrest
contributed by Les
Peeling Back the Layers of Your Financial Onion
by Kimberly Danger
Do you know the number one reason people go into debt?
In The Dollar Stretcher Community This Week
Shoddy Body Shop Work
Ask Bob: The Auto Answer Man
Will pinholes cause problems on down the road?
Tips, Quips, Quotes & Questions
On www.Stretcher.com This Week
===========================================================
Introduction
by Gary Foreman
gary@stretcher.com
Hello to all my Frugal Friends!
A couple of quick notes before we let you loose on this week's
issue. First, we got some wonderful responses from you about
what a Dollar Stretcher Is. I wanted to thank every one of you
who took the time to put your thoughts into an email. The
question has spawned a discussion in The Dollar Stretcher
Community, too. If you'd like to see what readers are saying
or jump into the conversation yourself, you can do it at
Secondly, we've been finding that readers are asking others
for advice in The DS Community. No surprise there. We've
watched readers help each other with their questions since our
first issue in April '96. Frankly, I would have been surprised
if that group spirit wasn't present in The DS Community. You
might want to visit
have a solution to share with another reader. We're all
experts in one thing or another. And it sure feels good to
help solve someone's financial problem.
All the Best!
Gary
===========================================================
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===========================================================
The Art of Fine Whining
by Diana Gault
Transform an ineffectual whine into a concise communication
What do you do about:
- Faulty merchandise?
- Unexplained delays?
- Overcharging?
- Incorrect advice from a professional?
- High pressure sales tactics?
- Blatant rip-offs?
If you're like most of us, you whine to friends. You intend to
write to or call the business, but it doesn't happen. And it
and probably wouldn't help anyway, right?
Wrong. If you're serious about stretching each dollar, you
need to transform your ineffectual, unfocused whine into a
well-written, concise communication (a.k.a. a formal
complaint) to the appropriate person within the offending
business. Well-written complaints are rarely ignored. With
free samples, reimbursements, discount vouchers, and even
simple apologies, the results are frequently better than
expected. Most businesses and many volunteer-run organizations
are acutely conscious of, and anxious to improve, their public
image, particularly if their livelihood (or source of funds)
depends heavily on maintaining the long-term goodwill of a
relatively small customer base.
A written complaint provides an accurate record; you can
present your case in the best possible light, uninterrupted,
and with minimal stress. More satisfying than playing digital
diatonics with a disembodied telephone voice. But before you
start pounding that keyboard, jot down answers to the "Five
Ws:"
1. Who? - Know the name/title/address of
manager/proprietor/head honcho to whom you will complain. If
you don't know, play detective and find out (e.g. call and ask
how to spell the sales manager's name even if you don't know
it. If you wind up floundering around an automated system,
check the Internet and/or the library for the information.)
2. What? - This includes the key points at issue. Include your
account number/other identifying information and, if you know
it, the name/title of employee/volunteer/manager involved.
3. When? - Have specific date(s) and time(s).
4. Where? - Be specific For example, say "the small appliances
department of your downtown branch" not simply "your store."
5. Why? - State what you hope to achieve by complaining. Use
for the second paragraph of your letter.
Now you're ready for the "Three Rs": Report, Response and
Result. Each "R" should be covered in one paragraph; headings
are to keep you on track, not to be included in the finished
letter. Remember, keep it brief at no more than one page.
1. Report - Note the nitty-gritty. Omit nothing vital, but
don't ramble on about who said what to whom. Double-check any
dollar amounts. Use appropriate language. You may think the
business sucks, big time, but you must find a fancier way of
saying so. Instead, refer to their "appalling inefficiency,"
"disastrous disorganization," or "outrageous overcharging."
Stick to facts, and don't use your misfortune as the
springboard for an unrelated (and potentially defamatory)
tirade.
If anything you write is not easily verifiable, preface those
words with "In my opinion..." for example. Generally speaking,
you are entitled to express an opinion about anything or
anyone, as long as that opinion is clearly identified as such,
and is neither threatening nor abusive.
2. Response - How do you want this issue to be resolved (from
"Why" in the "Five Ws"). If it can't be resolved, how could
the business retain your goodwill? Always ask for more than
you expect, such as a full refund, instead of the difference
between what you paid and what you should have paid.
3. Result - Explain what action you'll take if their response
is unsatisfactory. For instance, you may choose to never deal
with them again and/or you'll refer the matter to your local
consumer protection organization. Use whatever big stick is
most appropriate (but, again, nothing that could be construed
as threatening or abusive) and follow through if your
complaint is unsuccessful.
Run grammar and spell checks on the finished page and print
it. Leave it for a day or so at least. Delete any unnecessary
words and reprint for a final reread before you mail (or
email) the finished letter.
Sound easy? It's not the first time, but with practice, it
will become easier. You'll learn to pick your battles, and you
may even develop a "complaint vocabulary" of useful phrases.
Start now. Don't wait for a real problem. Practice drafting
and writing letters for imaginary situations or those that
have happened to friends.
As you become comfortable with expressing dissatisfaction in a
reasonable and tangible manner, you will likely have fewer bad
experiences to complain about. Because you have learned how to
deal with them effectively, you'll be more confident in your
ability to prevent, deflect or minimize those experiences in
the first place, which is a very "fine art" indeed.
Take the Next Step:
Think about the 3 w's and 2 r's of your complaint and get
started
===========================================================
Using Color on Your Walls
by Kathy Wilson
Turn your rooms from drab to fab
Most people are afraid of using color in their home
decorating, and it shows. White and beige are still the most
popular choices in wall color. However, I do see the tides
changing and for the better. More and more home decorators are
realizing that using rich or bright colors on the walls is the
fastest and least expensive way to make a big impact on their
rooms.
Perhaps people are afraid of using color on their walls
because it encompasses such a large space, or they don't trust
their own judgment. Remember, it's just paint! If you don't
like it, you can paint over it again. Don't be afraid to
borrow colors from magazines or decorating books as well. It
may give you courage to have seen that color already working
in a beautiful room.
Try using a deeper or brighter version of your present color
scheme on just one wall to start. If your rooms color scheme
is green and white, paint the focal wall a pretty apple green,
or perhaps a rich and elegant moss green. Painting just one
wall will introduce you to the changes color can make in a
room, without making you feel overwhelmed.
If you have always loved an incredible hue such as deep cherry
red or chartreuse, try using it in a space that isn't used on
a constant basis, such as a guest bath or laundry room. Using
an intense color in a room used less often allows you to
showcase your creativity, but doesn't allow you to become
overwhelmed and tired of a color because of its exciting
qualities. Additionally, it's always easier to live with an
exciting color in smaller doses.
If neutrals are your thing and you just don't feel comfortable
venturing away from them, embrace them. Use a deep chocolate
brown, a rich steely gray or a bright cottage white. Neutrals
don't have to be boring builders "off white." Add some pattern
to jazz it up such as a black and white checked tile floor.
Throw in some texture, perhaps a soft fuzzy throw or a richly
textured basket and you have an elegant room instead of a
tired space.
Finally, consider using artwork to bring doses of color to
your walls as well. Large area rugs or quilts can be hung as
wall art. Wallpaper murals are easy to find online, or you can
paint your own with a paint by numbers mural kit. Paint a
dozen frames the same fun color and display them in a wall
grouping.
Using a little courage, a little elbow grease and a good can
of paint you can turn your rooms from drab to fab in a couple
of short hours this weekend!
______________________
Kathy Wilson is a home and garden writer, author and
consultant and is the home decorating expert for
LifetimeTV.com. Visit for more home and garden ideas at
make money on the Internet.
Take the Next Step:
Find out how to buy Quality Paint at Bargain Prices
===========================================================
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===========================================================
That's Outrageous!
CigArrest
contributed by Les
Do not ever respond to this ad on TV. It says you will receive
(free) 30 days of tablets to help quit smoking, plus a 30-day
free supply of gum, and you only pay shipping. When I received
mine, I had a 90-day supply of tablets and a 90-day supply of
gum. I called them and said that I did not want it. I was told
they would cancel my order. I then received my credit card
bill, and they had charged me $98.99 two times. I guess the
30-day supply was free and the others totaled $98.99 each. I
filed a complaint with my credit card company. Yesterday I
received their bill. The complaint was to no avail. I got to
pay the $98.99 x 2. And I even sent the stuff back to them. My
neighbor ordered the same product, but she also ordered one
for her son in hopes of breaking the habit. She was charged
$98.99 2 times for her order and the same amount for the order
she made for her son, which came to nearly $400. I have read
about rip-offs but never was involved in one until now.
______________
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!
===========================================================
Peeling Back the Layers of Your Financial Onion
by Kimberly Danger
Do you know the number one reason people go into debt?
The number one reason why people go into debt isn't lack of
money. It's a lack of something else. Something that doesn't
have anything to do with money. What else? Well, that really
depends on the person.
In most cases, spending is only a symptom of a larger problem.
The problem could be one of many things: low self-esteem,
boredom, loneliness, etc. Our inner problems usually have a
way of manifesting externally, whether it's a weight problem,
an addiction, or spending too much.
The problem with overspending is that it creates other
problems in the process: debt, clutter, or even strained
relationships. Suddenly you've created a downward spiral that
perpetuates itself.
If you're suffering financially, ask yourself why. Many people
are quick to place the blame on some factor outside of
themselves: their husband is underemployed, high mortgage
payments, or (fill in the blank). Often you need to peel back
the layers of the onion to see what problem lies underneath.
For example, Rob and Mindy are a family in their mid-30s with
four kids. Mindy is a stay-at-home mom. She is upset with her
husband and his failure to adequately provide for his growing
family. To cheer herself up, Mindy indulges in retail therapy.
It's not a lot. She may buy a new outfit one week and go out
for lunch with friends the next. Mindy rationalizes her
spending by telling herself that she isn't doing anything
extravagant, and she certainly doesn't spend as much as some
of her friends. Rob doesn't say anything to Mindy about her
spending problem because he wants her to be happy. But after
several years of doing this, they've dug themselves into
$40,000 of credit card debt, and their relationship is more
strained than ever.
Let's peel back the layers to see what the issues in this
story really are. Rob has a hard time holding down a job, and
when he does find one, he finds his talents and skills under-
utilized. Why? Rob's lack of support at home makes him feel
inadequate. Because of these feelings of inadequacy, he often
sells himself short during his interviews and under-performs
at work. This is largely due to his low self-esteem, which is
a result of not being appreciated by his wife. This couple is
in vicious circle of the financial kind.
While this is a fictional example, it's not an uncommon story.
The truth is that you create your own financial circumstances.
If you're struggling with financial issues and the emotional
issues behind them, this probably isn't what you want to hear.
Until you're willing to accept responsibility for your
situation and work on the real underlying issues, it's
unlikely to change. However, because you do often create your
circumstances, you also have the power to turn things around.
Here's how to get started tracing back the origins or your
debt and overspending habits.
Overspending
Where are your spending weaknesses?
Why do you feel the need to buy (fill in the blank)?
I feel (fill in the blank) when I buy this item.
Debt
My debt is largely a result of ___________.
___________ is a result of ___________________.
And so on...
When you discover the real problems behind your financial
issues, you can do something about them. The power is shifted
back to you, and you can choose whether or not to take action
or perpetuate your current situation. When you get to the
heart of the problem and begin to solve it, your spending
issues tend to take care of themselves.
_____________________
Kimberly Danger is the owner and publisher of 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
Take the Next Step:
Consider your life and what might be the root causes of your
financial problems
===========================================================
In The Dollar Stretcher Community This Week
Getting Ready for Back to School
It's coming up fast! What are you buying and what sales have
you found?
Where in the World Are You?
From Maine to California and from Florida to Washington - and
beyond.
Frankenfood
Gross stuff from the grocer. Colors, oils, yuck and ewww... is
our food "good"?
Homeschool
The laws, the learning styles, the challenges and the rewards
of homeschooling. Meet other homeschoolers and get and give
support.
===========================================================
Shoddy Body Shop Work
Ask Bob: The Auto Answer Man
Will pinholes cause problems on down the road?
Hi Bob,
I recently had my Trailblazer repaired after someone decided
to do a U-turn into the side of it. There was very little
damage to my truck. However, when it returned from the repair
shop, I noticed two very small pinholes in the area where they
fixed the small dent/scratch. Is this normal or should I take
it back? I am concerned that in two or three years, water will
get into these holes and it will start to rust.
A
A,
If the dented area was repaired, there should be no holes. It
should be like smooth metal (similar to the remainder of the
vehicle). My guess is that there were air bubbles in the
paint. Return the vehicle to the body shop and tell them of
your dissatisfaction.
Good Luck!
Drive Safely!
Bob, The Auto Answer Man
______________________
If you have a question for Bob, send it to
mailto: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?
*********
Better Slow Cooker Meals
My slow cooker dinners always come out so dry. What can I do
to keep it moist (and I don't mean just wet)? I would love to
use my cooker more often, but I can't figure out how to make
things right. Please help!
Sue
Please send your answers mailto:CanYouHelp@stretcher.com with
"Slow Cooker" as the subject. We'll include the best solutions
in future issues.
*********
Yes, We Can Help This Reader
Efficient Freezer Usage
*********
Having a full freezer is more efficient and consumes less
energy than cooling the air of a less full space. (I often
store an extra bag of ice or two for this very reason. It also
comes in handy for our drinks, keeping food from spoiling
during power outages or on road trips.)
Additionally, removing the boxes from frozen foods also means
ditching the expiration dates and nutritional information,
both of which are important in avoiding the waste of spoiled
or inedible meals.
As a further caution, if you have family or friends with food
allergies, you should never remove the cartons before you are
ready to prepare their food, as a trip to the hospital ER is
not only much more costly in financial terms but also a
serious danger to their health.
Product recalls also rely on codes printed on the cartons,
which is not something you want to be guessing about as you
stare at a bunch of unlabeled packages.
If you want to be more efficient and earth friendly about
packaging, buy family size packages or printed freezer bags
rather than boxes. By volume, these both use much less
packaging.
Heather
editor's note: more suggestions on how to use your freezer
efficiently at
*********
Cheap, Custom Dry Erase Board
I needed a dry erase board for messages in my kitchen, but I
hated the thought of the glaring white against my earth-toned
counters and backsplashes. Instead of buying one, I
resurrected an old wooden frame, placing a color-coordinated
piece of paper (I used red) under the glass instead of a
picture. I now use the dry erase markers directly on the glass
when leaving messages for my family. It looks classy, cleans
off easily, and didn't cost me anything to put together. I
didn't hang it on the wall. Instead, I used the cardboard
attached to the backing to make it stand up, so I can move it
around easily.
Ann S.
*********
Personal Greeting Cards
Greeting card prices are too high for me. I bought several
boxes of beautiful cards that are blank inside. I use these
for everything from weddings to birthdays to sympathy cards
and more. I love the personal touch it gives when I write my
own words inside. I also sometimes use quotations or make up
simple rhyming verses. Buying cards by the box beats even
dollar store prices. I always have something suitable on hand
for any occasion.
Also, sometimes card shops sell at terrific discount prices
when they are closing. I have also bought colored envelopes
from card shops that were getting rid of them for a song.
M.
*********
Paying for Membership
My husband and I made a former unwise decision to shell out a
considerable amount of money to join a health club, with the
hope of motivating ourselves to exercise. It was a 100% waste
of good money. We never went, and the health club refused to
allow us out of the contract. Apparently, there are many
people just like us, who have made the same mistake. The
manager of the club unflinchingly told my husband, "You can't
get out of the contract. We'll take you to court; I do it all
the time."
After this painful lesson, we now have found the best (and no-
cost!) way to fit exercise into our busy schedules:
1. Upon waking up, we do leg and arm exercises before getting
out of bed. We deep breathe.
2. At red lights, we do neck rolls.
3. We walk briskly to and from our car to store, job, church,
etc.
4. While brushing and flossing, we do leg lifts.
5. While waiting those seemingly "useless" minutes in line at
the store, bank, etc., we do unobtrusive gluteal and abdominal
tightening exercises.
Formerly wasted moments of time are now turned into health-
building moments. The times you can build health-promoting
benefits into your life are endless. And they don't cost a
dime.
Sharon R.
*********
What would you do with an extra $100? Last month Barb from
Wallingford, CT 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
----------
Peeling Back the Layers of Your Financial Onion
by Kimberly Danger
Do you know the number one reason people go into debt?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/aug06d.cfm
Out-of-Control Spenders Need to Ask for Help
Readers share their stories about how they sought help for
spending habits that were ruining their lives
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jul31a.htm
6 Ways to Sabotage Savings
Hate the idea of having a big savings account? Follow these
six tips to ensure that you never have money in a savings
account or emergency fund
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jul31b.htm
Fame & Fortune
The top plus-size model Emme has excelled in fashion, TV and
as an author. But her real mission is to raise every woman's
self-esteem
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jul31d.htm
Fighting Back Against Collections
You probably will need to hire an attorney
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jul31e.htm
Why Do You Need an Emergency Fund?
Unless you like living in crisis mode, it's essential. Learn
basic strategies for building your cash reserves that cushion
the blow of unexpected expenses
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jul30a.htm
Tips for Building a Great Credit Score
The credit report is your financial history, and the credit
score is based on how you use credit. Here's how to get off to
a good start
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jul27a.htm
Saving for a Special Needs Child
Novelist Ian Rankin created a deep fund that would provide for
his special-needs child
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jul27b.htm
529 Plans: Everyone Can Invest, Everyone Wins
Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles -- anyone can contribute
to a child's 529 plan
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jul25c.htm
Saying No to Increased Credit Lines
If you're paying your balance on time, don't worry about
credit score
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jul31f.htm
What Lottery Winners Should Do
It's usually best to take the lump sum payout
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jul30c.htm
Getting on Track for Retirement
Look at your own needs, not what others are saving
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jul27f.htm
Mom Needs Professional Help for Inheritance
The money shouldn't affect her Social Security
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jul26d.htm
Improving and Maintaining Your Credit Score
Paying the balance each month will keep your score in good
shape
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jul25d.htm
Celebrities Talk About Emergency Savings
Some of the nation's most notable authors and celebrities show
their real-people side by sharing their savings experiences
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jul26c.htm
Get Your Partner Onboard the Savings Train
You need to find out what your common goals may be and how to
reach them
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jul25a.htm
Evaluating Various Student Loan Payoff Options
Examining the pros and cons of deducting student loan interest
or paying the debt off with money from a home equity loan
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jul27e.htm
Couple Disagrees on Consolidating Debt
Watch out for the universal default clause
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jul27d.htm
Your Family
-----------
Back to School for Less
by Debbie Swanson
10 ways to trim your expenses this fall
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/aug06f.cfm
Kids and Money
by Sam X Renick
An interview with Jane Bryant Quinn, Newsweek columnist
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/aug06h.cfm
Cutting the Cost of Your Wedding
You can have a great day without moving into the poor house
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jul27c.htm
Your Home
---------
Freezer Efficiency
Getting the most from your freezer
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/aug06a.cfm
Using Color on Your Walls
by Kathy Wilson
Turn your rooms from drab to fab
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/aug06c.cfm
Still Renting Your Phone? Why?
Some people, mostly seniors, don't realize they can save by
buying their phones
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jul25b.htm
Popular 2/28 Mortgages Are No More
Lenders have abruptly stopped offering the most popular type
of subprime mortgage. Borrowers suddenly find themselves with
fewer options
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jul26a.htm
Assisted Living Facilities Offer Short-Term Previews
If you're not ready to commit to moving into a senior care
facility, consider trying one out for a few weeks instead
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jul30b.htm
Your Career or Small Business
-----------------------------
Keep It Simple: One Resume Fits All
You don't need separate resumes for different jobs, but the
one you use must be finely crafted
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jul31c.htm
Your Food
---------
Freezer Efficiency
Getting the most from your freezer
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/aug06a.cfm
Food Savings for Beginners
by Amy Burns
Get started on the road to a smaller food budget
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/aug06g.cfm
Cut Coupons to Cut Costs
Five or ten minutes can mean a $20 difference in your grocery
bill
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jul26b.htm
Your Auto
---------
Shoddy Body Shop Work
Ask Bob: The Auto Answer Man
Will pinholes cause problems on down the road?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/aug06e.cfm
Your Taxes
----------
Capital Gains on Developed Property
Property held for investment clearly qualifies as a capital
asset, but the construction and sale of several town houses
may be a borderline situation
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jul31g.htm
Tax Breaks for LLC-Owned Second Home
Under general tax rules for a single-member limited liability
company, a home owned by the entity could qualify for the
home-sale tax exclusion
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jul26e.htm
Is Tapping an IRA Worth the Penalty?
A taxpayer who's receiving Social Security disability payments
might be able to avoid an IRA early-distribution penalty
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jul25e.htm
Evaluating Various Student Loan Payoff Options
Examining the pros and cons of deducting student loan interest
or paying the debt off with money from a home equity loan
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jul27e.htm
Everything Else
---------------
The Art of Fine Whining
by Diana Gault
Transform an ineffectual whine into a concise communication
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/aug06b.cfm
Readers' Tips
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/aug06t.cfm
From Dave Ramsey
----------------
We Fell for the Variable "Investment Option" Hook
I just totaled our stupid tax and feel sick beyond belief -
$25,389.60 over 5 years
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jul31h.htm
The $25k Temper Tantrum
Couldn't get out of my driveway for two days, which helped
fuel a temper tantrum of biblical proportions
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jul31j.htm
Good Planning Pays Off
Christina and her husband were able to take months off from
work and focus on their newborn baby in the hospital
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jul31k.htm
Minimum Wage
A raise in the minimum wage doesn't solve your money problems.
That is up to you
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jul26g.htm
Creditors, Stop Calling My Office
How can Judy stop those pesky collection calls?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jul25f.htm
The Parking Ticket That Followed Me
Did you know that parking tickets don't magically go away?
They don't
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07jul25g.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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