Back to newsletter listDate:
Sun, November 04, 2007 09:00:00 PMFrom:
editor@stretcher.com
Subject:
11/05/07: The Dollar Stretcher
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The Dollar Stretcher
"Living Better...For Less"
November 5, 2007
Volume 12, Number 45
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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
Online Shopping
by Kyle James
Where and how to find the best deals when shopping online
Managing Stress During a Financial Crisis
by Diane Bergman
Rounding the corner to the good times
Making Informed Home-Buying Decisions
courtesy of Countrywide.com
Top 10 tips when deciding which mortgage loan is best for you
In The Dollar Stretcher Community
Should I Buy a House?
She's in a quandary, but what's the best solution?
The Cost of Replacing an Oil Pump
Ask Bob: The Auto Answer Man
Why is it so expensive?
Tips, Quips, Quotes & Questions
On www.Stretcher.com This Week
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Introduction
by Gary Foreman
gary@stretcher.com
Hello to all my Frugal Friends!
Well, now that Halloween is behind us, it must be time to
start thinking about the holidays. For years, I used to
complain that the stores were rushing Christmas as they
brought out their displays earlier and earlier every year. It
was easy to see that their main interest was in boosting their
sales figures.
Recently, I've come to a new understanding. I still believe
that stores don't begin putting up Christmas trees on Labor
Day to help you get into the holiday spirit. Yep, they're
still looking out for their cash registers. But, I've come to
the conclusion that a longer holiday shopping season is better
for disciplined shoppers. We're still going to buy the same
amount of stuff. But, now we have longer to look for sales or
alternate purchases that could save us money. So I'm all for
the longer holiday shopping season. Now if I could only
overcome this tendency to procrastinate...
All the Best!
Gary
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Online Shopping
by Kyle James
Where and how to find the best deals when shopping online
Online shopping continues to grow in popularity and the deals
that can be found online are also growing in number as well as
overall savings. There is more than one way to find a great
deal online. I have family and friends that always contact me
before making a purchase online because they know I have some
inside tips on how to get a great deal. In this article, I
will share some of these money saving tips.
Find a Coupon Code
My wife and I have a two-month-old little girl who we love to
death, but she insists on filling close to ten diapers daily!
I knew there had to be a way to get a great deal on diapers
online. So I went to Google and did a search for "Pampers
Diaper Deals" (the brand we use), and hit the "search" button.
I found out there is an online business called Diapers.com so
I thought I would check them out. I'm glad I did because they
sell in bulk and at a discount. They had a box of 200, size 2,
Pamper diapers for $37.88. This by itself is a pretty good
deal and cheaper than our local Wal-Mart, but I wanted an even
better deal! This is when I noticed that they offer free
shipping on a $50 or more order. Knowing how fast our little
girl is growing, I went ahead and ordered a similar box of
diapers, except in size 3, for the same price of $37.88. This
gave me free UPS shipping. I am a deal hunter so I wanted
more. So I searched Google for "Diapers.com Coupons" and found
a coupon code for $10 off your order and added that to my
order. This gave me close to 400 diapers delivered to my front
door for $65.76. If I went to Wal-Mart and bought the same
amount of diapers, it would have cost me close to $90, not to
mention the headache of loading three kids in and out of the
minivan. Try this technique yourself; I think you will be
surprised at the great deals available online.
eBay Bargain Secrets
There are also some great deals to be found on eBay.com. For
example, one of my favorite clothing brands is American Eagle
Outfitters, and there are a small number of eBay sellers that
sell nothing but brand new, with a tag, American Eagle
clothing. I am able to save at least 50% off what I would pay
in their brick and mortar store. I do this by waiting until
the last 30 seconds of the auction before I bid, which almost
always guarantees that I will not be outbid and get the best
deal possible. This is also a great way to get deals on other
clothing brands like Abercrombie & Fitch and Eddie Bauer. In
addition, I will often buy more than one item from the same
seller to reduce shipping costs.
Perhaps the best way to get a deal on eBay, especially around
the Christmas shopping season, is to shop at eBay the week
after the Thanksgiving holiday. Why you ask? Well, you know
how stores offer such great deals on "Black Friday," which is
the Friday after Thanksgiving and the biggest shopping day of
the year? What I found out is that the people who are crazy
enough to get in line at 5 in the morning to get these
bargains often turn around the next day and place their
merchandise on eBay to turn a quick profit. For example, last
year Best Buy was practically giving away a Garmin GPS unit. A
couple days after Thanksgiving, I was able to bid on the same
unit on eBay for a great price. The final auction price was
only a little bit higher than the great price Best Buy listed
it for on "Black Friday." What a great way to get a deal on
eBay, plus you never have to stand in line at 5 in the
morning! I plan on doing it again this year.
_____________________________
Kyle is the owner of an online coupon Web Site,
http://www.rather-be-shopping.com He lives in northern
California with his wife and three children. You may contact
him via e-mail at mailto:ratherbeshopping@sbcglobal.net
Copyright 2007, Kyle James
Take the Next Step:
When making your next an online purchase, look for a coupon
code before heading to the checkout.
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Managing Stress During a Financial Crisis
by Diane Bergman
Rounding the corner to the good times
I have been very stressed over money problems in my life. I
felt like I was up against the wall. Unable to work because of
health problems, I was trying to manage on little more than
air. While I still struggle with money to some degree, I am
much happier than I have ever been in my life. I have composed
a list of tips on how to cope with stress during a financial
crisis. Some of these tips are suitable for any crisis.
Get Regular Exercise
Studies have shown that daily exercise improves brain function
and mood. You'll soon be in better shape mentally and
physically, giving you the strength that you need to get
through the tough times.
Keep a Journal
I discovered writing in a journal while dieting and was
pleased to find that putting my thoughts on paper made me feel
better than I ever had. I was surprised that I could come up
with solutions on my own just by writing out my own problems.
Sometimes, I would catch myself being a drama queen and my
problem wasn't really that bad after all. I also discovered
that I complained less to others about my situation.
Therefore, I was more pleasant to be around.
Keep a Routine
When facing a financial crisis, it's tempting to draw the
drapes, shut off the phone, and crawl back into bed to escape
from it all. While that is a pleasant thought, you can't hide
forever. In fact, staying on schedule, job hunting, seeing
family and friends, and going to appointments will let you
know that the earth has not stopped rotating and you can carry
on.
Stay Positive
Even though you feel miserable, try to see the positive side
of your situation. Perhaps you can start that home business
that you always wanted to try or you can go back to school.
Remind yourself how you've been through hard times before and
managed to get through it just fine. It's only temporary, and
you can improve your situation if you take action. Keep up the
positive self-talk and you will soon find that you feel
better.
Look for Community Support
There are many support groups out there happy to welcome a new
member. If you need help, it's there for you. If you run out
of groceries, don't be too proud to ask for help. You need
food to function properly in order to get out of your current
situation. I knew of a man who tried to survive on popcorn
until he could get another job and he became very ill. Pride
can get you other problems without realizing it! Also, trying
to find a job can be very overwhelming. Consider seeing a job
counselor for help in obtaining work as quickly as possible.
Clean Your Home
You are probably thinking, "Sheesh! That's the last thing I
want to do!" But you know you will feel so much better for it.
It's a meditative experience when you are concentrating solely
on the task at hand. It's a constructive way to release pent
up negative energy that we carry around while worrying. Then,
after all the hard work is done, you have a spotless home,
which is an instant mood lifter. The action makes us feel as
though we are taking charge of our lives. (If we can fix up
the mess in our homes, maybe we can fix the mess in our
lives.) Afterwards, you may feel like showing off your clean
home and inviting the neighbors over!
Practice Appreciation
The first time I began really appreciating my life was when I
was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. I already had a
few other serious health problems, but it took being knocked
over with a life threatening illness to force me to wake up
and realize that being upset over the little day-to-day
irritations was not worth wasting my valuable time. If you are
under stress because of money problems and you are healthy, at
least you have your health, which is more valuable than all
the money in the world. If you don't have your health or money
like me, enjoy the people in your life or a favorite hobby.
I'm grateful for the medical care that I receive. There are
people in other parts of the world who have no medical care or
pain relievers. There is always some reason to be
appreciative. When looking at your problem in perspective to
the world, it really may not be that bad at all.
Think Funny
Laughter is good for us, so laugh often. If you find little
reason to laugh, try watching funny TV programs or movies or
spend time with the funny people in your life. Everyone in my
family is funny, so I'm always laughing. Laughter has been
proven to relieve stress.
Own a Pet
According to medical research, owning a pet is supposed to
lower blood pressure. I have only heard of the research
covering dogs and cats, but I'm sure even the little pets
count, too. Those of us who are low on money can't afford the
care of dogs or cats, but we can certainly manage a budgie or
a hamster. Just be sure to do a little research to see if your
new family member will fit into your budget and lifestyle.
Pets, such as mice, hamsters, guinea pigs and budgies, are
often thought of as suitable pets only for children. I
disagree. Pets of any size are living creatures that deserve
the best care possible. In return, you'll have a pet that will
amuse you and make you laugh when no one else can. It always
feels good to take care of something else.
Volunteer
When we are lacking self-confidence, the boost we need might
be as easy as contributing to society by volunteering. Not
only do you feel great about yourself, but also it's an
opportunity to learn new skills and stay involved in the
community. You can even get a reference that highlights your
new skills to help you while you are job hunting. Volunteering
is worth your time. You will get more than you receive.
It seems that stress is a major health problem in modern
society. Maybe we just need to take a step back and look at
how we are coping. Stress is here to stay, so if we learn to
deal with the stress in our lives, we will live calmer,
healthier lives. We just have to remember to take care of
ourselves during the tough times and remember that good times
are around the corner.
Take the Next Step:
It's important to dwell on the positive things happening in
your life. Consider starting a gratitude journal. What's going
right? Write it down and then look over your journal
periodically when you need a boost. This will help to get you
through the hardest of times, including times of financial
crisis.
===========================================================
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Making Informed Home-Buying Decisions
courtesy of Countrywide.com
Top 10 tips when deciding which mortgage loan is best for you
Here are 10 tips to consider when deciding which type of
mortgage loan best fits your household's personal and
financial situation.
1. Low Payment Now = Higher Payment Later. A lower payment now
will almost always mean a higher mortgage payment later.
Interest-only loans, "hybrid adjustable rate mortgages" (ARMs)
and "option ARMs" are a few examples where the initial payment
is typically lower and later payments are higher. It may make
sense to have a home loan with a lower initial payment, but
it's important to understand that a "really low" payment now
most likely means a high payment later. If you want
predictability in your mortgage payments without the risk of
your home loan payment increasing, a fixed rate mortgage loan
may be the right option.
2. Know Your Prospects. In order to properly evaluate various
mortgage loan alternatives, you need to assess your own future
prospects. Is your future income likely to be higher or lower?
If you opt for a mortgage loan with an adjustable rate, you
should have a solid expectation that your future income will
increase enough to accommodate the higher payment if the
interest rate increases. If you are not sure about your future
income, a fixed rate mortgage that provides predictability in
your monthly payments may be a better fit.
3. Know Your Time Frame. Time frame is another important
consideration. Do you expect to move in the near future or
will you stay in this house for a long time? If you plan to
move soon, will you keep the house or sell it? Your time frame
can, and probably should, influence several decisions you'll
need to make about your home loan. Examples include the type
of home loan (e.g. ARM v. Fixed Rate; fully amortizing v.
interest only), home loan features (e.g. should you accept a
prepayment penalty in exchange for a lower loan price) and
rate/points combination (the shorter the period you plan to
remain in your home, the fewer points you should pay).
4. Plan for the Unexpected. Virtually every family will
unfortunately experience unexpected events such as job loss,
divorce, illness, and/or death of family member. It pays to
plan for these unexpected events by having adequate savings,
so you don't compound the stress of such events with payments
that you may not be able to afford.
5. Do Not Exaggerate Your Income. Low documentation loans are
now widely available. Even with one of these "low doc" or "no
doc" mortgage loans, it is still critical to put accurate
information on your loan application for at least two reasons.
First, you do not want to end up with a mortgage you cannot
afford. Second, remember that you're signing the application
"under penalty of perjury."
6. Real Estate as an Investment. Compared to other
investments, real estate has high transaction costs. So you
will likely need considerable appreciation just to break even
when you sell. Besides the high transaction costs, real estate
can go down in value. So it may not be wise to rely on
expected appreciation to help you afford your home loan.
7. Ask About Broker Compensation. If you are using a broker,
you should understand that the broker can get compensated
either by you or by the lender. If the broker is being
compensated in whole, or in part, by the lender, that usually
means that you will be paying a slightly higher interest rate
on your home loan. Make sure you understand how your broker is
being compensated and the impact of such compensation on the
price you are paying for your home loan.
8. When Shopping For a Loan, Compare Apples to Apples. Always
ask about the three parts contained in the price of a home
loan: Interest rate; points; and fees. For most home loan
programs, borrowers can elect to pay discount points to
receive a lower interest rate; or a borrower can elect to pay
fewer or no discount points but then will be paying a higher
interest rate. If the lender offers a "no cost" home loan, it
generally means that you will not have to pay any discount
points or fees, but your interest rate will be higher.
9. You Will Pay More for a Low- or No-Documentation Loan than
for a Full-Documentation Loan. Low or no-documentation loans
generally mean you will pay a higher interest rate for not
providing full credit information.
10. Understand the Transaction. On any major financial
decision, including a mortgage loan, it is prudent to not move
forward until you are comfortable that you understand the
transaction.
_____________________
Countrywide can help you achieve and maintain home ownership
with their no-obligation online experience
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information about: Basic Finance, How Credit Affects You,
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Life as a Homeowner. Also featured are tools and resources,
including downloadable checklists, worksheets and quizzes that
assist homebuyers achieve and maintain home ownership. Visit
Countrywide's Web site at http://www.countrywide.com.
===========================================================
In The Dollar Stretcher Community
Should I Buy a House?
She's in a quandary, but what's the best solution?
===========================================================
The Cost of Replacing an Oil Pump
Ask Bob: The Auto Answer Man
Why is it so expensive?
Hi Bob,
I have a Ford F150 2003 model with 65,000 miles. I was told
that I need an oil pump and it would be $1200. That seems
pricey. An idea what it should cost?
Kristen
Kristen,
The oil pump is located in the oil pan. In order to change it,
you need to remove the oil pan. However, on some vehicles, the
oil pan can not be simply removed. Usually there are
suspension members in the way. So, you either have to remove
the suspension member or remove the engine. The price of the
pump is relatively low and the actual install process is quite
easy. However, this is one of those parts where getting to it
is a lot of work!
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?
*********
Wrapping Gift Cards
I'm giving gift cards as gifts and would love some clever gift
wrapping ideas. I'm drawing a blank. Thanks!
April in TN
Please send your answers mailto:CanYouHelp@stretcher.com with
"Gift Cards" as the subject. We'll include the best solutions
in future issues.
*********
Yes, We Can Help This Reader
Finding Part-Time Work
*********
I tutor after work and earn between $17 and $25 an hour,
depending on the company and if the client has a disability.
It's a great job for somebody who can work Saturdays and
Sundays. To get started, I contacted several No Child Left
Behind tutoring providers. I got the sheet from a school who
failed to make the benchmarks.
Denise
more suggestions for finding part-time work at
*********
Reupholster? Can Do!
I recently tackled the job of reupholstering my old loveseat.
At first I was reluctant to do it, but it was a lot easier
than I thought. First, I took a sharpie and wrote all over it.
I wrote things like "right arm," "back cover," etc. Basically,
I wrote instructions right on the existing fabric. Then, I
took it apart piece by piece. I must have taken thousands of
staples out. As I took it apart, I took pictures of every step
with my digital camera.
Once all the fabric was out, I used the existing pieces as my
patterns to cut the fabric. Then the rest was piece of cake! I
stapled it all back in the reverse order in which I took it
apart. Some sewing was required, but if you have a sewing
machine and basic sewing skills, it is easy enough to do.
Another thing that helped was having an electric staple gun
(Home Depot $30). I got so excited about the job I did that
I'm now in the process of doing my sofa as well. I also bought
an ottoman on craigslist for $15 and covered that to match my
couch set.
The fabrics, foam and materials cost me about $300 at Joann's,
but that's enough for a sofa, loveseat, and ottoman. I also
got it all at 50% off on sale, which rocks! I could never have
spent that little on a new set. I also bought new feet from
www.bingltd.com and they look amazing.
It is a lot of work, but totally doable. I would highly
recommend it. Do it!
Flavia O.
editor's note: you'll find more advice on do-it-yourself
upholstery at http://stretcher.com/stories/01/010226b.cfm
*********
Rain Barrel Warning
The idea of storing rainwater in a rain barrel or cistern has
been around for generations. I would like to add my two cents.
When looking for a good rain barrel design, look for one that
will allow the overflow to be directed away from the home's
foundation. Many rain barrel designs skimp on this important
feature. If your barrel is full and you get one of those gully
washers, what happens next? If you use one of the common
designs that use a garden hose for the overflow, it will not
be able to redirect the volume of flow coming into the barrel.
The water has to find another way out of the confined space.
Susan
*********
Clean-Up Politics
This is only for election time. I was just walking by a school
(i.e. polling place) and spotted some great wooden stakes for
trees from election signs. They also had metal stakes that can
be used for trees or bushes as well as folded and hung from a
branch with the stakes pointing up to hang pots. I'll put
something on the stakes or bend them again for safety. Can't
wait for the election to be over, so I can stock up!
Cristina
*********
What would you do with an extra $100? Last month, CA from
Idaho Falls 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
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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
Money
http://www.stretcher.com/money/index.cfm
----------------------------------------
Making the Most of Your FSA
A little extra knowledge and planning can help you get the
most from a flexible spending account
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07oct30a.htm
Top 10 Investing Blunders
There are dozens of ways you can get it wrong, but if you
avoid these 10 mistakes, you'll do fine
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07oct29a.htm
Celebrities on Retirement
Celebrities have to save for retirement too. See how actors,
authors and musicians make their plans
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07oct29b.htm
Finding a Financial Planner
Finding the right financial planner takes a little detective
work and interviews with several advisers
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07oct26a.htm
Getting Investments in Order
The Timms want to know if they should pay cash for their home,
as well as how to allocate their retirement assets
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07oct26b.htm
Shield Credit Score during Loan Research
It's possible to check out financing options without hurting
your credit score
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07oct26d.htm
Fame & Fortune: Gretchen Wilson
The country singer always knew her destiny
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07oct26g.htm
Making Sense of Mutual Funds
Investing isn't as complicated as people think, says Gail
MarksJarvis, author of "Saving for Retirement (Without Living
Like a Pauper or Winning the Lottery)"
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07oct25a.htm
What's the Best Advice You've Gotten?
Notable financial experts from Robert Kiyosaki to Dave Ramsey
share their most influential ideas
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07oct24a.htm
Millionaires Focus on Freedom
Self-made millionaire Keith Cameron Smith explains the
different mindsets of the poor, middle class and wealthy
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07oct24b.htm
Authorized Users Lose Credit Clout
Deciding not to factor the payment history of authorized users
into credit scores is a mistake
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07oct30c.htm
Who Wins Money Market Savings Fight?
Choosing between money market accounts and mutual funds comes
down to the yield
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07oct26j.htm
Inheriting a House - and the Mortgage
Consult a financial planner if an inheritance may trigger big
bills
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07oct24d.htm
Home and Auto
http://www.stretcher.com/homeauto/index.cfm
-------------------------------------------
Making Informed Home-Buying Decisions
courtesy of Countrywide.com
Top 10 tips when deciding which mortgage loan is best for you
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07nov05d.cfm
The Cost of Replacing an Oil Pump
Ask Bob: The Auto Answer Man
Why is it so expensive?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07nov05e.cfm
Dirt-Cheap Used Car Is No Bargain
An incredible deal on a Toyota sounds too good to be true --
and likely is
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07oct26c.htm
Lemon Law May Apply to Car Gone Sour
If your state has a lemon law, file your claim promptly
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07oct26e.htm
Mutual Funds May Help Secure Car Loan
Investments sometimes may be used as collateral for a loan
when income is too low
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07oct26f.htm
Know-Your-Mortgage Work Sheet
Can't keep the terms and conditions on your adjustable-rate
mortgage straight? Use this work sheet to pull the key
information together on one simple form
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07oct25b.htm
Basic Mortgage and Loan Quiz
Think you have a grasp of what it takes to get a mortgage or
other loan? Our quick five-question quiz will let you know
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07oct25c.htm
Top 5 'Chick' Cars
A Bankrate poll reveals the cars that readers say are the ones
most identifiable as "chick" cars. Not surprisingly, the one
that comes equipped with a flower vase tops the list
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07oct24c.htm
Know Escrow Rules before Waiving Them
Know your responsibilities before deciding to pay property
taxes and insurance payments on your own
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07oct29c.htm
Lifestyle
http://www.stretcher.com/lifestyle/index.cfm
--------------------------------------------
Finding Part Time Work
College educated stay-at-home mom is looking for part-time
income
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07nov05a.cfm
Online Shopping
by Kyle James
Where and how to find the best deals when shopping online
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07nov05b.cfm
When Mom Gets Sick
by Amy Burns
Reduce wasted time and money when mom gets sick
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07nov05f.cfm
A Dairy at Your Doorstep
by Jerry Buerge
Inviting a new type of cow into your household
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07nov05g.cfm
Shoeboxes for Christmas
by Nancy Twigg
What your family can get by giving
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07nov05h.cfm
In Critical Condition
http://www.stretcher.com/critical/index.cfm
-------------------------------------------
Managing Stress during a Financial Crisis
by Diane Bergman
Rounding the corner to the good times
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07nov05c.cfm
Sell Home to Avoid Bankruptcy
A drop in income puts the squeeze on mortgage payments
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07oct30b.htm
Deadbeat Uses Ex's Sympathy to Pad Debt
An old boyfriend's bad behavior offers painful financial
lesson
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07oct26h.htm
Fight Foreclosure
A number of factors started the housing mess but it ends with
homeowners fighting to keep a roof over their heads
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07oct25d.htm
Taxes
-----
Plan Gives Owner a Tax Break
Qualified retirement plans permit greater contributions
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07oct30d.htm
Rules Prevent Tax Advantage for Family
Father and son can't keep home's loss in the family for tax
reasons
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07oct26k.htm
Taxes on Home Equity
CPA George Saenz advises a reader on deducting interest on two
HELOCs
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07oct25g.htm
Not All Settlements Are Taxable
Origin of claim determines taxation of back pay
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07oct24e.htm
The IRS Can Help in Disastrous Times
There's no way to plan for a disaster, but the IRS can help by
letting you deduct casualty losses
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07oct25e.htm
Everything Else
---------------
No Easy Answer to Long-Term Care Query
Uncertainty still surrounds the question of whether you should
purchase long-term care insurance
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07oct25f.htm
Readers' Tips
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/07/07nov05t.cfm
From Dave Ramsey
----------------
Don't Forget
An expired inspection sticker cost me over $400. Pay your
fines and know your state laws
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07oct30e.htm
Ignorance Is Not Bliss
For the first 4 years, about $15 a month went to principle.
During the last year, about 65 cents per month went to
principle
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07oct30f.htm
When to Buy Life Insurance
When should Sheldon buy life insurance?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07oct26m.htm
Student Loans and Credit Cards
It got pretty bad when I had to pay the credit card bill and
had no money in the bank, and my overdraft credit line was
maxed out
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/07/07oct26n.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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