Back to newsletter listDate:
Sun, August 19, 2007 09:00:01 PMFrom:
editor@stretcher.com
Subject:
8/20/07: The Dollar Stretcher
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The Dollar Stretcher
"Living Better...For Less"
August 20, 2007
Volume 12, Number 34
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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
How to Buy Hand Tools
by Tricia Goss
Fill your toolbox with the right tools at the right price
No Apologies
by Amy Burns
Recently graduated, she decided to quite apologizing
Brown Bag Blues
by Tamara Wilhite
Balancing efficiency and variety
In The Dollar Stretcher Community
Those Who Give Too Much
by April Borbon
Some people get into trouble buying for others
Tips, Quips, Quotes & Questions
On www.Stretcher.com This Week
===========================================================
Introduction
by Gary Foreman
gary@stretcher.com
Hello to all my Frugal Friends!
Last night, I watched an old John Wayne film called "The
Shootist." It was about an aging gunfighter who knew that he
was about to die. In one scene, he tells a young Ronnie Howard
that he lived in a time that didn't have much law but he lived
by his own code.
I wonder if that's not true for us as consumers. Sometimes
despite all the laws, we really are pretty much on our own
when we shop and purchase different goods and services. So we
decide what things we will and will not tolerate as consumers.
For instance, I'm generally pretty forgiving about service in
a restaurant. Last Saturday, we were out with friends and the
waitress (a teenager) seemed to be more interested in
gossiping with the other servers than she was in taking care
of us. I suppose I could have complained to the manager, but
since I was out of town, it was unlikely that I'd ever visit
the place again.
But, other things tend to get me fired up. I refuse to do
business with a company that will lie to me. If I catch them
lying, they can kiss this boy (and his money) goodbye. I don't
want to be treated like an idiot. The salesperson may be an
expert in their field, but they should be able to explain most
things in a manner I can understand. Telling me that the
explanation is too complicated leads me to believe that either
a) you think I'm stupid - or - b) you really don't understand
it yourself and I should find another salesperson (or store).
Guess we probably all have our own code of consumerism. There
is one good thing about it. When someone violated John Wayne's
code, someone typically died. When someone violates my code,
they just lose my business. Of course, come to think of it,
maybe that means I'm working to kill their business!
All the Best!
Gary
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How to Buy Hand Tools
by Tricia Goss
Fill your toolbox with the right tools at the right price
Whether you need tools to use for general home repairs or you
require a fully stocked box for your job, building up a supply
of the tools you need can get expensive. Here are some ideas
to help you fill your toolbox without emptying your wallet.
Know what you need.
It doesn't matter how deep the discount is on that socket set
if it's only going to collect dust in your garage. List the
different jobs you will be likely to need tools for. Do you
work on your car at home, or consistently take it to the
mechanic? Is your do-it-yourself list made up of patching
small holes and hanging pictures, or are you building your own
deck? Being aware of the types of tools you need will help you
keep your eye out for good deals.
Don't discount discount stores!
Obviously, discount tool stores or liquidators such as Harbor
Freight or Northern Tools are great places to find deals on
hand and power tools. But you should also consider discount
stores that aren't necessarily known for vending tools.
Retailers such as Big Lots, Dollar General, Family Dollar and
even your local 99 cent store will frequently have special
offers on tools. Of course, a one-dollar socket wrench won't
last long if you're a mechanic, but a factory clearance nail
gun could be just what you are looking for.
Shop online.
Search an auction site like eBay and more likely than not
you'll find tools at deep discounts. The only downside is that
shipping can get expensive. Check out local sites such as
www.craigslist.org where you can find people in your area with
tools for sale. Another website to investigate is
www.freecycle.org, which is a nonprofit organization that
encourages people to give things away rather than load up
landfills. If Freecycle has a group in your area, consider
joining and you might get your hands on some terrific, free
tools! Just remember to return the favor and post some of your
unwanted or unneeded stuff.
Why buy new?
Gently used tools can be found at various places for a
fraction of their brand new counterparts' prices. Peruse
pawnshops, scan thrift stores, examine estate sales, survey
yard sales, and wander through swap meets. You might not find
everything you are looking for in one shopping trip, but you
are likely to find some great deals over time. How many times
have you bought something, used it once and then donated to
your local Goodwill? Chances are that someone out there has a
tool you need and they don't and sooner or later they will
clean out their garage!
One time deals.
Sometimes you need a specific tool to complete an extremely
important chore. However, it is a very expensive tool and it's
likely that you will never need it again once this particular
problem is solved. You could call someone to come fix it for
you, but that would cost even more. In a situation like this,
consider renting. If you don't have a tool rental shop in your
area, check your local hardware stores; many rent specialty
tools on a daily basis.
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No Apologies
by Amy Burns
Recently graduated, she decided to quite apologizing
Frugal living is as much a mindset as it is a set of
techniques. Most of us can save some money some of the time
with frugal practices that seem comfortable to us, to our
families, and to our social group. Examples of these "normal"
frugal practices are coupon clipping and using the library.
But how will you feel when you want or need to go beyond the
norm?
As a beginning practitioner of the frugal arts, I often found
myself apologizing to others for my new attitude. I belonged
to a social tribe of young couples with dual incomes. We ate
out a lot, recreationally shopped for clothing and furniture,
and took expensive vacations. There was perceived pressure to
have and do the same things as our peers.
Although I had a great reason for being frugal, which was the
purchase our first home, I constantly said "sorry" for my
behavior. I apologized to friends for turning down invitations
to expensive restaurant meals. I apologized to my husband for
fixing him brown bag lunches. I apologized to relatives for
the quality of my Christmas gifts.
When we were "poor students," we never apologized for basic
frugal behaviors like living on rice and beans. In fact, we
supported each other with new information like which
laundromat had free dryers. We were even somewhat snobby about
people who didn't have to work or who could afford a nice car.
What changed us? It was undoubtedly the receipt of that first
big post- graduation paycheck. All of a sudden there were new
clothes, shrimp on the barbecue, and trips to Hawaii. Our
frugal ways were quickly forgotten.
I spent a few years feeling badly about being the frugal one
in my circle and made only spotty progress towards our
financial goals. And then I found myself seven months pregnant
with my first daughter and being laid off from my wonderful,
well-paying job. In a matter of weeks (which was all I had), I
saved every penny I could, paid off the credit card debt,
created a budget, and paved the way for me to stay home with
our baby. I didn't feel like apologizing to anyone anymore. In
fact, I felt like the Warrior Queen of Frugal Village for
getting it together.
One year later, on half our former income, I'd led my family
toward greater security by paying off the cars, refinancing
the house, and vastly increasing our retirement savings.
Friends started asking me how I did it. In short order, I went
from frugal apologist to frugal cheerleader.
If you are beginning a more frugal lifestyle, don't just learn
frugal techniques. Anyone can use a price book or turn down
the thermostat. Instead, explore how you will feel about doing
these things. Will there be social or familial pressure to
conform to a more "spendy" lifestyle? If so, how will you
handle yourself? Feeling inferior about what you are doing
will limit your progress towards your goals no matter how
great your arsenal of frugal tricks.
What are our less than frugal friends doing now? One filed for
bankruptcy, then pulled himself together with a goal and a
budget. One decided doing the nonprofit work she loves was
more important than doing lucrative work she hates. And one
couple has stayed the course, spending themselves into a hole
so deep and wide that they are afraid to face it. Now they
spend a lot of time apologizing, mainly to their creditors.
__________________________
Amy Burns is a stay-at-home mother of two young children.
Having recently survived a move from the Southwest to the much
more expensive Windy City, she is enjoying applying frugal
living techniques in a new environment.
Take the Next Step:
Decide that there's nothing wrong with doing what's right for
your family
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===========================================================
Brown Bag Blues
by Tamara Wilhite
Balancing efficiency and variety
Making lunches in bulk often results in having the same thing
for lunch all week. That's a good diet tip to control your
appetite, but can wear out your palate by Friday, leading to a
splurge at a vending machine. Or (gasp!) eating out to break
the monotony.
We need balance between the efficiency of making lunches in
bulk and our desire for variety. Otherwise, we'll end up with
the brown bag blues, the thrill of the money saved by brown
bagging it overwhelmed by every boring bite of your sandwich
or salad.
Here are a few tips for preventing the brown bag blues.
- When you have leftovers from dinner, especially when it
isn't enough for a second dinner, put it in a small Tupperware
container and pop in the freezer. It's an instant lunch
different from those made earlier in the week.
- When making sandwiches, add variety as you add the
ingredients. Make PBJ with PB and three types of jelly. Make
cold cut sandwiches, but add cheese to some and not others and
different toppings to each. You've made each one different,
but you're within the same budget.
- When making pasta for lunches for the week, make the pasta,
sauce, meat topping, and pull out a pack of shredded cheese.
An easy break down for variety amongst these toppings are:
One a la dente
One with sauce only
One with meat only
One with cheese only
One with meat and sauce
One with cheese and sauce
One with meat, cheese, and sauce
Pick any 5 for variety without altering your ingredients.
- When making rice and meat mixtures for lunches for the week,
make the rice and meat mix together, and pull out a pack of
shredded cheese. An easy break down for variety amongst these
toppings are:
One a la dente
One with cheese only as a topper
One with a can of corn tossed in
One with a can of diced carrots mixed in
One with a can of green beans mixed in
Have an emergency stash in your desk consisting of pop-top
canned pasta or soup and a Tupperware container. If you have
forgotten your lunch, you still get to brown bag. This also
works well as an emergency dinner if you end up having to work
late.
I hope these ideas help keep the brown bag blues away at your
brown bag luncheon.
____________________________________
Tamara Wilhite, the author of "Humanity's Edge", available on
amazon.com. Visit at http://humanitysedge.homeip.net/
Take the Next Step:
- Add one or two of these ideas to your lunch menu
- Check out some other great "Lunches to Love" at
===========================================================
In The Dollar Stretcher Community
Brandy's Secrets to Beauty
http://community.stretcher.com/forums/t/1150.aspx
Inexpensive, homemade beauty solutions that really work.
How Much for Daycare!?!
http://community.stretcher.com/forums/t/1103.aspx
Better do the math; it may be costing you more to work than
you make!
Fancy Cheap Baked Goods
http://community.stretcher.com/forums/t/1169.aspx
She's looking for something to sell at a farmer's market.
Recipes posted in response look downright yummy! (And cheap)
Making the Decision
http://community.stretcher.com/forums/t/593.aspx
It's one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. Why have
others decided to homeschool?
College Loan
http://community.stretcher.com/forums/t/1095.aspx
She has a bad credit record. Where can she find money for her
daughter's school? Do you have a solution that might help her?
===========================================================
Those Who Give Too Much
by April Borbon
Some people get into trouble buying for others
In debt? Credit cards maxed out? Credit score circling the
drain? So often when people have a lot of debt, no money and a
poor credit rating they are thought of as living
extravagantly. People think they must be doing all of the
things that one isn't supposed to do with their money such as
taking lavish vacations, wasting money on frivolous trinkets
or shopping excessively for themselves. A strictly
unscientific poll has exposed an explanation for this, and
believe it or not, many of these people aren't indulging
themselves. Let's call them "those who give too much."
These people indulge everyone except themselves and they make
up a sizable population of those suffering from debt. Divorced
dads who try to make up for their absence by spending money
they don't have on their children. Women who take care of
their shiftless boyfriends by paying their fines, child
support and car payments, subconsciously knowing they will
never recoup a cent. Parents who co-sign for cars, boats,
motorcycles, even houses and businesses for their children and
get stuck holding the financial bag. Sound familiar?
How do you know if you are one of those who give too much?
Consider how you are feeling when you make your purchases. Are
you buying out of guilt or so that someone will "love you
more"? When looking at your debts, are the majority of the
purchases made for someone else? Are people always around to
take, take, take but never come around to give back? Do you
have a queasy feeling when you are making a purchase or co-
signing for a loan because you know you can't afford it, and
whether you admit it or not, you know you probably will not be
paid back?
Today it's time to stop all of that foolishness. First of all,
buying out of guilt is a very temporary fix. If it was a
permanent fix, you would have bought something out of guilt
and that would have been it. Obviously, it didn't work because
you need to keep buying to assuage your guilt. It's time to
change tactics for a more permanent solution.
Next take a look at the person you are buying for. They may be
cute, charming, charismatic or related but actions speak
louder than words. If they often ask you to buy something for
them and promise to pay you back but never do, there's your
sign. If they are obviously financially irresponsible (late
payments, creditors calling, repossessions, etc.), there's
your other sign. Stop helping them dig themselves in deeper.
Instead of helping, you are actually turning them into a
financial cripple.
Finally, there's only three words for co-signing loans, don't
do it. If a person needs a co-signer for a loan, they either
aren't credit-worthy enough, don't have enough down payment
and/or are living beyond their means. Better to teach them
financial responsibility by suggesting alternatives to huge
loans that they cannot afford.
Believe it or not, after (often stringent) resistance, setting
yourself financially straight will pay off for everyone in the
long run too. Being debt free and in charge of your life will
actually cause others to respect you more. Banishing the guilt
and doing what you can and nothing more will cause others to
have to stand on their own two (financial) feet. They will
also develop more self-esteem and learn financial
responsibility, both of which are very good lessons. Finally,
remember that if you can't take care of yourself, you can't
take care of others. If you spend all of your money on wants
for others, you will be unable to help out during a real
crisis when your money is most needed.
Take the Next Step:
Decide what your "giving profile" should be
===========================================================
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Tips, Quips, Quotes and Questions
*********
Can You Help This Reader?
*********
Groundhogs
Every year, we lose a lot of our veggies because of
groundhogs. Are there any natural ways to get rid of these
little guys?
P.
Please send your answers mailto:CanYouHelp@stretcher.com with
"Groundhogs" as the subject. We'll include the best solutions
in future issues.
*********
Yes, We Can Help This Reader
Septic System Crisis
*********
As new homeowners to a home with a septic tank, your purchase
should have included a report regarding the condition of your
septic system. Things such as when it was last drained,
treated and inspected should have been included in this
report. This is a requirement by law. If you did not have this
done, the real estate agent, company and previous owners could
also be liable for this expense. At least that is the way it
is handled in our state. Unless you have paperwork that says
you refused this inspection/report, you may have legal grounds
to get this paid for by others.
Secondly, your bank may have a signature loan you can take out
that will afford you a lower interest rate than the lien on
your car. I strongly recommend looking at all your financial
options before you make your decisions.
Rebecca
more suggestions, including advice on how to keep a septic
system working well at
*********
Foul Freezer Odors
My mother taught me this, and it still works great years
later. To keep strong odors from spreading through your frozen
foods, place several quart-size freezer bags containing plain
charcoal briquettes (not the kind with starter in them)
throughout the freezer. We change the briquettes in the early
summer when we buy the first bag for grilling. This works like
a dream for almost no expense.
Michigan Gardener
*********
Yoga Mats
If you practice yoga on a carpet but find yourself slipping,
rather than buying an expensive yoga mat, just use a rectangle
of rubber carpet underlay (the fishnet kind). It works great
for traction, and you don't need the cushioning because you're
working out on the carpet. You can even get along with just a
thin (6-8 inch), long strip (at least 6 feet long) for
standing positions. I use a trimmed end from my own carpet
underlay. Now I'm glad I saved it all those years!
Natalie Anne L. in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
*********
Saving Egg Substitutes
Once you open a container of egg substitute, the contents
spoil quickly. Here is a tip to help save all of the contents.
Once the container is open, pour the egg substitute into ice
cube tray dividers and freeze. Once the substitute is frozen,
you can transfer the cubes to a bag in the freezer to preserve
them. Three of these egg substitute cubes equals 1/4 cup.
SW, Wisconsin
*********
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
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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
----------
Those Who Give Too Much
by April Borbon
Some people get into trouble buying for others
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/aug20e.cfm
Multiple IRA Accounts No Problem
But the limit applies to all accounts
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07aug08e.htm
College Savings Plans
This interactive map will help you evaluate different states'
529 savings plans
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07aug08d.htm
Live on One Income, Invest the Other
Getting an early start on retirement planning is a good idea
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07aug14g.htm
The Quest for Retirement Income
Annuities are popular options for providing income in
retirement. But many financial services companies are looking
for newer and better ways to provide income
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07aug14d.htm
Protecting Inheritance Despite Bankruptcy
It depends on factors such as where you live and how much you
got
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07aug14e.htm
Fame & Fortune
Musical genius Peter Frampton "comes alive" again
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07aug14f.htm
Don't Rush Decisions When Spouse Dies
After a spouse passes away, handling the financial issues can
be daunting. Financial planners offer their advice for
tackling this difficult task
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07aug10c.htm
Long-Gone Spouse Still Causes Problem
It doesn't matter what the divorce decree orders
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07aug10e.htm
Top 10 Money Drains
Frittering away money on small everyday expenses eats into
your bottom line. Avoid them and pocket the savings
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07aug09a.htm
Small Steps Count When Saving
Personal finance expert Jean Chatzky explains why it's so
important to build an emergency fund, as well as how to do it
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07aug08b.htm
Your Family
-----------
Scam Proof Your Family
by Shaunna Privratsky
Using common sense to protect your family
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/aug20g.cfm
Insuring Your Wedding Ceremony
Some couples opt for insurance protection against ceremony
calamities. Cold feet, however, are not covered
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07aug13b.htm
Your Home
---------
Septic System Crisis
They just bought a new home and can't afford a new septic
system
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/aug20a.cfm
How to Buy Hand Tools
by Tricia Goss
Fill your toolbox with the right tools at the right price
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/aug20b.cfm
Have a Messy Kitchen? Try Re-Zoning!
by Char Gietz
Find what you need when you need it
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/aug20f.cfm
Creative Kids' Rooms on a Budget
by Kimberly Danger
Using a little imagination and a touch of whimsy
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/aug20h.cfm
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/07/07aug14a.htm
Bad News for Jumbo Mortgage Loans
Buyers of pricey houses are finding that money has suddenly
become more expensive to borrow. Ditto for loan applicants who
don't want to prove that they told the truth about their
incomes
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07aug13c.htm
How Much House Can You Afford?
To understand how much you can pay, you must know what your
debt-to-income ratio is. That's what lenders want to know, too
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07aug10a.htm
Sharing Homeownership Pays Off
Dividing the cost of a vacation home has many benefits. Here's
how to get into the game
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07aug09b.htm
12 Ways to Cut Cooling Costs
Cut your energy bills with these simple steps
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07aug08a.htm
Mortgage Payment Must Include Interest
You can't just pay the principal on a loan
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07aug10f.htm
Bridging the Gap between Buy and Sell
It's hard to do a refinance on a house that's for sale
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07aug09c.htm
Paying Off a Balloon Loan
You can do it by making extra principal payments
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07aug13d.htm
Your Career or Small Business
-----------------------------
Resume: Before and After
A homemade resume gets professional treatment. See the results
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07aug14b.htm
Resume Services Give the Edge You Need
Using a resume-writing service can pay off, but how much will
it cost?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07aug14c.htm
Go Beyond the Internet to Land that Dream Job
The big job boards are just the beginning of using the Web to
find work
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07aug10b.htm
Your Food
---------
Brown Bag Blues
by Tamara Wilhite
Balancing efficiency and variety
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/aug20d.cfm
Your Auto
---------
What Women Really Want - From a Car
When it comes to car shopping, female buyers usually put
function over flash
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07aug08c.htm
How Far on a Tank of Gas?
Try this fun interactive tool to see how far you could travel
on a tank of gas in the highest and lowest mileage cars, plus
the cost per mile
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07aug13a.htm
Buyers Stretching Car Payment to the Limits
Consumers are paying more, extending loan terms, and making
smaller down payments, according to a recent study by the
Consumer Bankers Association
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07aug10d.htm
Your Taxes
----------
Rebalancing Investments in Your IRA
In rebalancing your portfolio, you can still keep your
retirement money in a tax-favored account
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07aug14h.htm
Filing Issues Cost Former Spouse
Unfortunately for an ex-wife, her former husband made smarter
post-divorce tax moves
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07aug10g.htm
Deducting Investment Property Losses
A seller of rental real estate that's lost value has several
potential deduction options
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07aug09d.htm
Love Loss and Stock Losses Both Cost
A divorced couple can no longer use each other's stock
transactions to offset capital gains
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07aug08f.htm
Everything Else
---------------
No Apologies
by Amy Burns
Recently graduated, she decided to quit apologizing for her
lifestyle
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/aug20c.cfm
Readers' Tips
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/aug20t.cfm
From Dave Ramsey
----------------
The Costs of Moving
An opportunity to transfer jobs and locations sounded like a
great idea to Greg in the beginning, but after paying over
$15,000 in stupid tax, he's not so sure
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07aug14j.htm
75% of Parents Have No Will
These stats on wills are just shocking
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07aug09e.htm
21 Years Old and Almost Debt Free!
This young couple is on their way to being debt free and
changing their lives and family tree forever!
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07aug09f.htm
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Decision-Making Tools
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Auto Loan Calculator
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Is a hybrid car right for you?
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