Back to newsletter listDate:
Sun, January 13, 2008 08:00:01 PMFrom:
editor@stretcher.com
Subject:
1/14/08: The Dollar Stretcher
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The Dollar Stretcher
"Living Better...For Less"
January 14, 2008
Volume 13, Number 2
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"The Dollar Stretcher" and Dollar Stretcher, Inc. does not
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advice is safe and suitable for his/her own situation.
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In This Issue:
Introduction
Credit Card Balance Transfers
by Bill Hardekopf, CEO of LowCards.com Tips for transferring
credit card balances to a lower rate
Designer Results at Bargain Prices
by Sandy Carter
Tackle decorating projects like a pro
In The Dollar Stretcher Community
The Cold Medicine Lurking in Your Cabinet
Natural versus commercial cold treatments, as reported by
their users.
The Art of the Car Deal
by J.A. Livingston
What can you learn from a car salesperson?
Learn a New Skill Frugally!
by Jessica Snell
What you know could save you money
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!
Last week a friend said something interesting. "If you sit in
a barbershop long enough, sooner or later you'll get a
haircut." It came up again this week when I was doing an
interview with Amy Spencer who was working on an article for
an online magazine called "The Nest" http://www.thenest.com/.
She asked how people could save money on their computer. My
first response was to turn it off. I was only partially
kidding.
I know a lot of people who spend their time surfing eBay or
Amazon. And if you surf eBay long enough, sooner or later
you'll be the winning bidder. The same thing with Amazon or
any other shopping site. (For whatever it's worth, it's also
true of shopping channels on TV, infomercials, or hanging
around the mall. Sooner or later, you'll pick up the phone and
spend some money.)
So I guess my question is how much time do you spend in the
barbershop? If you hang out there regularly, don't be
surprised if sooner or later you get a haircut! I've love to
hear what you think about it. You can add your comments at
All the Best!
Gary
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Credit Card Balance Transfers
by Bill Hardekopf, CEO of LowCards.com
Tips for transferring credit card balances to a lower rate
Consumers are quickly losing low-rate options for refinancing
loans like credit card debt. The credit crisis has almost
eliminated home equity loans with cheaper interest rates, and
recent philosophical changes in the credit card industry have
reduced the offers for transferring debt to cards with lower
rates.
Until recently, balance transfers were a part of aggressive
competition by credit card companies to attract consumers with
credit card balances from other issuers. However, Chase
recently announced that it is lowering its emphasis on balance
transfers and teaser rates.
0% for 12 months offers may become a passing fad as credit
card issuers focus on more effective ways to increase
cardholder usage with the cardholders they have. If you have
considered transferring your balance to a card with a 0% intro
rate for 12 months, now is the time to act because these
offers are shrinking or becoming harder to get. Consumers
should compare offers from several different credit cards to
secure the best deal.
Transferring your credit card balance from a high rate credit
card to a lower rate card can lead to significant savings. For
example, paying the minimum required (which averages 2.5% of
the balance) on a $5,000 balance with a 14% APR will take 20
years to pay off and will cost $4,167 in interest.
Transferring that same balance to a card like the Blue from
American Express with a 4.99% fixed rate for the life of that
balance will make a huge difference. Assuming you pay the
minimum payment, it will take 13.67 years to pay off and cost
$958 in interest. That is a difference of 6 years of payments
and $3209 from the higher rate credit card. The best advice is
to pay more than the minimum payment and get the debt taken
care of as soon as possible, but for consumers who can not do
that, then the balance transfer provides a great option.
Here are seven tips for transferring a credit card balance:
1. Know how much you can pay towards your balance each month
and how long it will take to pay it off; then find the card
that fits your time frame for paying off your balance. The 0%
intro rate for most cards is 6-12 months. These are a good
choice if you can pay off your balance during this period with
the lowest rate. However, be aware that the rate after this
introductory period may be higher than average. If it will
take over a year to pay off your balance, look for a card that
may offer a slightly higher rate for balance transfers, but
the rate is fixed for the life your balance. For example, Blue
from American Express offers 4.99% fixed rate for the life of
the balance transfer submitted with the application.
2. The low rate is only for the amount you transferred. Unless
the offer includes purchases, any purchase made with the new
card will be at the much higher rate. In an unfair but clever
trick by issuers, your monthly payments will be used first to
pay off the balance that you transferred with the lowest rate.
New purchases with the higher rate will accrue finance charges
until the low-interest balances are paid off. Knowing how your
payment is processed is a good way to control your credit card
use. If it takes 12 months to pay off the transferred balance,
then you are going to pay a much higher interest rate on any
new purchases made with the card. If you think you are going
to also make purchases with the card, look for one that also
offers 0% on purchases for 12 months. You don't want to be
caught by this and pay 14% interest on a $40 meal or a tank of
gas.
3. If you have a low credit score, you may not get the
advertised intro rate. Read the terms and conditions before
applying for the card. For example, Chase Platinum Visa
reduces the intro rate period from 12 to 3 months for those
who fall into its standard rate tier. If the offer you receive
will not help your situation, cancel your application; do not
keep the card. Improve your credit score, and try again in a
year. If you have a good payment history with your current
card, contact them to ask for a lower rate.
4. Know the fees before you transfer your balance. Fees are
now at least 3% of the amount of the balance transferred and
some cards do not put a cap on these fees. Always factor in
the fee when comparing intro rates, because a high fee can
taint the offer. For example, if you transfer a balance of
$5,000 from a card with 18% to lower rate of 14%, you will
save $200 the first year, but the fee for the balance transfer
fee could cost you $150. The fees are charged per balance
transfer; if you transfer balances from two cards, you will
pay two fees. Also, avoid cards with an annual fee. There are
plenty of good offers that don't charge an annual fee.
5. The amount that you can transfer to a new card will be
determined by your approved credit limit. If your request
exceeds the available credit line or the amount approved, the
transfer request will be honored up to the amount approved and
you will be notified. If the new issuer does not accept the
whole balance, you will be stuck with the remainder on your
old card. Remember that balance transfer fees will be added to
your balance; if you are at your credit limit, these could
send you over your limit and add over-the-limit fees. It is a
good idea to keep your balance at less than half of your
credit limit.
6. Pay on time because the intro offers are good only while
you are making your payments on time. If you miss one payment,
your rate will jump to the full rate. If you miss two
payments, it may jump to the default rate of 25-32%. To help
yourself, set up automatic bill payment. Most cards also
provide payment alerts to remind you when your payment is due.
7. Know the process. It takes up to six weeks to complete a
balance transfer. Continue to pay the minimum payment on the
old card until the transfer is complete. You will receive a
notice of the balance transfer from the new issuer. You will
receive a billing statement with a zero balance from your old
credit card company. Keep this in your records. Call or write
the issuer of the old account and ask them to note in any
statement to the credit bureaus that the account was closed at
the customer's request. Watch for payments to show up as
credits on your other credit card statements. If the credited
amount brings the balance down to zero, you may then cancel
those accounts. It is up to you to call and cancel the
account; transferring a balance doesn't automatically close
your account.
_________________
Bill Hardekopf is the CEO of LowCards.com (
http://www.lowcards.com ), a free, independent website that
helps consumers easily compare credit cards in a variety of
categories such as lowest rates, rewards/rebates, and lowest
intro rates. It also gives an unbiased ranking and review for
each card, making it easy for consumers to compare more than
150 credit card offers and apply securely online. It also
provides advice about credit card and debt issues, news, and
credit card updates. Created by Hampton & Associates, the
company has been analyzing the credit card industry and
supplying objective websites on various consumer expenses for
over seven years.
Take the Next Step:
- If you are considering a balance transfer, you should
compare offers from several different credit cards to secure
the best deal.
- Knowledge is power. Find other articles on credit card
balance transfers at
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Designer Results at Bargain Prices
by Sandy Carter
Tackle decorating projects like a pro
As I gazed at the television screen, I mused, "Of course that
room looks lovely! The decorator spent thousands of dollars on
European antiques and custom-made furniture." To my delight,
the program's decorating team then duplicated the look of the
room for a fraction of the price! I congratulated the
designers aloud, "I think the less expensive result looks
better!" Whether decorating your home or selecting an outfit,
you can have designer results at bargain prices.
Know Your Objective
I once asked a friend how she knew an antique was fairly
priced. She wisely replied, "You need to decide if you like
the piece enough to pay the price." If you have the means and
are willing to spend the money, you can purchase top of the
line products. But, if your budget is limited, you must
identify your objective. Ask yourself: do I want something
that will last a long time, and stay in style for many years,
or am I purchasing this item to comply with a trend?
If you want something of the lasting variety, spend most of
your budget on one or two classic pieces. You will need a
well-made item to handle years of use and wear. If you are
purchasing a trendy piece, you do not need to spend a lot of
money on quality. Today's trendy item will be out of style
tomorrow, worn or not. Purchase trendy items at the more
economical stores.
Know Your Style
My college roommate enjoyed having a closet filled with
clothes. She loved the variety in her wardrobe, but never
spent much money for any one item. On the other hand, I
preferred classic well-made clothes that did not go out of
style. I spent more money on each individual item than did my
roommate, but I bought clothes more infrequently, and
maintained a smaller wardrobe.
What's your style? Do you like variety and choices, or do you
prefer making fewer, longer lasting purchases? Recognizing
your style will determine whether you shop for a few items at
the high-end retailer, or enjoy finding bargains at the local
discount stores.
Know Your Goal
I teased my husband for having Nordstrom taste and a J.C.
Penney budget. But, if you are willing to do your homework,
you can achieve the expensive look without spending high-
ticket prices. Study the styles and trends featured in the
upscale stores and magazines. Then shop the department and
discount stores to duplicate the look. With a bit of shoe
leather and an eye for detail, you can create the same result
at a fraction of the cost.
To achieve a more expensive look, remember that less is more.
For example, an expensive outfit is often accented with one
eye-catching accessory rather than multiple pieces. Solid
colors and tasteful plaids give the illusion of quality, while
busy prints or frills can clutter an otherwise sophisticated
look.
Like the decorators who duplicated the ambiance of a richly
appointed room at a fraction of the expense, you, too, can
achieve great results at bargain prices!
Take the Next Step:
- Whether decorating your home or selecting an outfit, before
doing anything, know your objective, know your style and know
your goal.
- For more frugal home decorating ideas, visit
http://www.stretcher.com/menu/topic-g.htm#homedecorating
- To achieve that expensive look without spending a fortune,
find other great ways to shop for clothing at
http://www.stretcher.com/menu/topic-a.htm#clothingretail
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In The Dollar Stretcher Community
The Cold Medicine Lurking in Your Cabinet
Natural versus commercial cold treatments, as reported by
their users.
http://community.stretcher.com/forums/p/2160/21326.aspx
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The Art of the Car Deal
by J.A. Livingston
What can you learn from a car salesperson?
The purchase of a new vehicle is the second largest investment
a person makes in his or her lifetime. In some cases, buying a
vehicle will be the largest purchase that person will ever
make. Information is the key to keeping as much of your hard-
earned money in your pocket as possible. I sold cars for 16
years, and during that time, I learned quite a bit about the
"car deal." I would like to pass along some helpful hints,
which will help you obtain a fair deal the next time you are
in the market for a vehicle.
Timing can be very important in the purchase of your next
vehicle. Every automobile salesperson, sales manager, and
general manager of a dealership are trying to get out as many
cars as possible during the calendar month. Buying near the
end of the month, when the pressure is on for a few extra
deals, can result in a better selling price for the consumer.
You can wear down a sales department by showing up every
couple of days for a period of a week or two. I have had
customers who started to take up so much of my time that I cut
the deal down to nothing just to get rid of them. Trust me, it
works. The most important thing to remember is to not get in a
hurry. If the dealership sells the vehicle you are interested
in, don't fret. They can always dealer trade for another one.
If the dealer is unwilling to dealer trade in a vehicle for
you, look elsewhere. That is not the store you want to do
business with anyway.
Sell your trade-in yourself. A dealer will never put as much
money in your trade as you can receive by selling it yourself.
Selling your old car can be time consuming, but the difference
can easily be $2000 to $3000 more in your pocket. Selling your
trade is easier if it is an older vehicle because the
prospective buyer can pay cash. If you are buying a used
vehicle, pay as close as possible to the trade-in figure in
the yellow NADA book available in most bookstores.
Be careful when you go to the finance department in the
dealership. Every transaction made in this department makes
money for the dealership. The interest rate that you pay is
more than likely a higher rate than the finance manager got
the lender to agree to. The difference between the "buy" rate
and the rate the finance manager gives you is called the
"finance reserve" and the dealership and the finance manager
get paid on this. Shop around for the best rate that you can
get at local lenders first, and if the dealership can beat the
rate, great! If not, make it a cash deal to the dealership and
bring them back a check from your bank.
Extended warranties are another way the dealership makes
money. If you do decide to buy an extended warranty make sure
you will keep your new vehicle longer than the warranty period
that comes with the car. If not, you have wasted some money.
If you do sell or trade your vehicle before the extended
warranty is up, go back to the store where you bought the car
and the finance manager can get you a partial refund. New car
extended warranties have a retail price of $1200 to $1800 with
the cost being more like $600 to $900.
There are plenty of books and Internet sites that can give you
the dealers cost of the new vehicle in which you are
interested. A good rule of thumb is that 10% to 12% of the
sticker price is dealer invoice and that is a good buy price.
Dealers actually get a rebate of 2% to 3% of the invoice price
at the end of the year. This refund is called "holdback" and
the dealer very rarely gives up any portion of the holdback
unless the vehicle has been on the car lot a long time or it
is a demo with some miles on it.
Hopefully, this information will make your next vehicle
purchase less stressful and you can be confident of coming out
on top.
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Learn a New Skill Frugally!
by Jessica Snell
What you know could save you money
For a frugal person, handicrafts can be more than just
decorative pastimes, they can be useful skills. If you know
how to sew, you can make your own curtains out of thrift store
fabric or repair an expensive piece of clothing when it gets a
tear, rather than buying a whole new item. Basic carpentry
skills can save you the cost of calling in a handyman, and if
you have a green thumb and can grow your own vegetables, well,
you won't be paying so much at the grocery store.
But though being skilled in a handicraft or hobby can be a
blessing to your budget, learning that skill is often an
expensive proposition. Paying for classes in order to learn
how to make the things you want to make can set you back
hundreds of dollars, and so can paying for the new raw
materials you'll need to practice your new skill-set.
Is there a cheaper way to learn how to sew, paint or do
woodwork? Yes, there is! You can teach yourself. Here's how to
do it:
1) Survey the landscape: Before diving in, get an idea of what
your new hobby involves. Use your local library to check out
several books on your chosen subject and scan through them.
Pay attention to what the authors assume that you should know
in order to practice your chosen craft. What seems to be the
minimum skill-set required? Make a list of those skills, and
find definitions of them. What are the most basic materials
needed? Again, make a list for reference. After you've looked
through a few books, go online. Almost every hobby or craft
has several online forums. Using a search engine, find a few
forums for your craft and ask some questions like "I'm a
beginner; what would be a good first project?" and "What do
you wish you'd known before you started?" (These forums will
also be resources for you later, in the middle of your first
project. You can return and ask any questions that come up
when you're actually working on your project.) Also look for
any safety precautions that might apply to your chosen craft.
Does it require any safety equipment?
2) Pick your first project: At the end of this initial survey,
you should have a good idea of what you need to learn first,
and what sort of project you should start with. Look through
those same books and forums for a suitable project. Make sure
that the project you pick includes detailed step-by-step
instructions.
3) Find your raw materials: Now that you've decided on a good
first project, look around for a cheap way to get the raw
materials. If you're sewing, for example, look for circulars
containing coupons from your local fabric store, and check
online sales sites (such as Craig's List) for a secondhand
sewing machine. There's no need to pay top price when you're a
beginner. Your first project in any craft probably won't be
perfect, so save the expensive materials for your fourth or
fifth project, after you've acquired more proficiency.
(Despite this advice, do choose materials that you like at
least a little bit. It's hard to do any sort of craft project
with materials you absolutely hate.)
4) Do your first project: Remember to keep any reference
materials you've acquired (books from the library, a printed
instruction sheet from one of those online forums) close at
hand. You are learning by doing, and it is helpful to have
instructions close by for reference. Take your time on this
first project, doing each step slowly, and making sure that
you understand each step before you attempt it.
5) Enjoy the results: You've finished your first project! Step
back and take a look at that skirt you've sewed, bookshelf
you've hammered together, room you've painted, or herb garden
you've planted. It's an accomplishment to be proud of, and
only the first of many. Once you've taught yourself a valuable
skill like this, you'll be able to use it as often as you want
for the rest of your life.
Take the Next Step:
Is there a valuable skill that you wish you possessed? If so,
begin the process of learning it by using your local library
to check out several books on your chosen subject and scan
through them.
===========================================================
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Tips, Quips, Quotes and Questions
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Can You Help This Reader?
*********
Finding Frugal Friends
I've seen articles on The Dollar Stretcher and elsewhere
describing people who are doing extreme frugality by choice.
These are usually couples who have each other for company or
who invite friends over for home-cooked meals and a video from
the library.
I'm used to saving a decent chunk of my income. Since moving
to a large urban area with a high cost of living, I've found
it hard to connect with like-minded people. My county and
neighboring ones have some of the highest incomes in the
country.
Some of my coworkers who live locally have 6,000 square foot
houses (dual/triple income and large family). Others have
different spending priorities and commute two hours each way
to work. I choose to rent a smaller place that is close to
work and in a so-so neighborhood because I think it makes
financial and personal sense for me. Does anyone have
suggestions on how to make frugal friends?
Thanks,
Alice
Please send your answers mailto:CanYouHelp@stretcher.com with
"Frugal Friends" as the subject. We'll include the best
solutions in future issues.
*********
Yes, We Can Help This Reader
Special Low-Cost Birthday for Hubby
*********
A fun idea for your husband's birthday (and one he'll love) is
to make a coupon book of loving things from you. A coupon book
can include back massages, foot massages, watching a favorite
movie with homemade goodies, etc. Basically include anything
that is geared to making hubby feel comfortable, loved and
relaxed.
Give the gift of "us." Make a collage of photos from your life
together or write a personal history sharing your remembrances
of meeting, dating, engagement, wedding and fun memories of
marriage. Make a "Golden Anniversary" goal list of all the
dreams you hope to share with your husband.
Make his day a day of giving. Start with waking up to his
favorite breakfast and give small gifts of love on each hour.
If he goes to work, arrange for co-workers to help (even
arrange to have them sing to him in the office). The idea
being to give him sweet remembrances of love throughout the
day on each hour. It makes it fun to think what the next hour
will hold for fun birthday wishes!
Take his birth age and make a list of everything you love
about him (in detail) to the amount of his birth age. For
example, if he is 29, write 29 wonderful and sincere things
you love about him. You can roll up each typed item as a
scroll and let him open each and read them.
The real truth is it is easy to give gifts to your husband.
They mostly want your love and attention and to feel
appreciated. It makes for a happy birthday and a happy
marriage.
Diane
more suggestions on making a special birthday for less at
*********
Old Fashioned TV
Next year, all TV transmission will be in digital. Those who
don't have digital TVs and receive their signal off of old-
fashioned antennas (as we do) will not be able to receive any
TV signal unless they have a converter box. The government is
mailing $40 coupons to those who apply to help defray the cost
of a converter. You can get the coupons at
Cheryl
*********
Instead of Eggs in Baking
If you aren't a big fan of fish, but you really want to get
those super healthy Omega 3 oils in your diet or you're trying
to lower your cholesterol, raise your fiber intake, etc. I
have the tip for you!
There is a whopping 2600 mg of Omega 3 oils per two
tablespoons of milled flax seed. Instead of using eggs in your
every day baking needs, you can replace one egg with one
tablespoon of milled flax seed plus three tablespoons of
water. You get the same end result with no change in taste! I
use this tip in every recipe that calls for eggs, including
sweets, bread, casseroles, etc.
You also save money by doing this. I get milled flax seed at
my local grocery store (in the baking section) under the
Hodgson Mill brand. One box contains 52 tablespoons of milled
flax seed (equal to 52 eggs) at $1.42 per box opposed to
roughly $5.72 per 52 eggs (at the cheapest price). Here's to
your health and pocketbook in 2008!
Melissa K. in Cicero, IN
*********
Thrift Shop "Fix"
When in dire need of a yard sale or thrift shop fix, go to
your storage area and "shop" from there. Use the money you
"spend" for savings. Also, donate items you would rent a
storage unit for. Deduct it from your taxes and be free from
the monthly charge to store unused items.
Paula C.
*********
What would you do with an extra $100? Last month, Cheri from
Brookings, OR 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
Money
http://www.stretcher.com/money/index.cfm
----------------------------------------
Credit Card Balance Transfers
by Bill Hardekopf, CEO of LowCards.com
Tips for transferring credit card balances to a lower rate
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08jan14b.cfm
Cast-Off Cash
by Margaret Marquis
Easy options for making some extra cash
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08jan14f.cfm
7 Easy Steps to Saving $1,000 This Year
Small changes to your spending habits really add up over a
year
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08jan07a.htm
Best Credit Card Moves to Make in 2008
Want to make the best use of your credit card in 2008? Here's
how
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08jan07b.htm
Rival State's 529 Often a Better Choice
When choosing a college savings plan, don't be afraid to look
across state lines
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08jan07c.htm
Fame & Fortune: Sue Fleming
Fitness author and trainer preaches her "buff" lifestyle to
the masses
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08jan04e.htm
8 Smart College Money Moves in '08
There are eight things to keep in mind if you are saving for
college in the coming year
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08jan03a.htm
Creditor's Woes May Spread to You
When a creditor declares bankruptcy, you may pay a price, too
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08jan04m.htm
Cashing Bond Won't Keep It from Estate
Cashing out a bond and moving the proceeds into a CD won't
protect the money from your estate
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08jan03e.htm
In Critical Condition
http://www.stretcher.com/critical/index.cfm
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Know Your Rights in Bankruptcy
Collectors sometimes come calling even after debt is
discharged
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08jan08c.htm
Are You Guilty of Financial Infidelity?
Fibbing to your spouse about money matters may seem innocent,
but it can strike at the very foundation of a marriage
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08jan04a.htm
9 Financial Signs of Marital Infidelity
Financial infidelity is bad, but it's even worse when it is
used to engage in an extramarital affair
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08jan04b.htm
Quiz
Are you guilty of financial infidelity? Take our quiz and find
out
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08jan04c.htm
Price of Love Gone Bad? $16,000
A woman's former flame burned her for $16,000. Now, she needs
a plan to get rid of her debt
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08jan04f.htm
Just Starting Out
http://www.stretcher.com/startingout/index.cfm
----------------------------------------------
Tax and Wedding Planning
As she plans her wedding, Lori Roberts wants to know the best
way to sell her property to minimize her tax exposure
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08jan03b.htm
Preparing Finances Before the Wedding
Lori and Steve receive advice about their financial situations
before they exchange wedding vows
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08jan03c.htm
Baby Boomers
http://www.stretcher.com/boomers/index.cfm
------------------------------------------
7 Tips for Retirement Entrepreneurs
Starting a small business can add green to your golden years,
but also presents special challenges
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08jan08b.htm
Early Retirement Elusive for Now
Linda and Pete Coulter have established good savings habits,
but they may need to move their target retirement age from 55
to 60
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08jan08d.htm
8 Retirement Plan Mistakes
Making these mistakes with your 401(k) and other retirement
plans can jeopardize your retirement
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08jan04d.htm
Early Social Security Can Hurt You Twice
Beware of taking Social Security early, especially if you plan
to keep working
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08jan08e.htm
Home and Auto
http://www.stretcher.com/homeauto/index.cfm
-------------------------------------------
The Art of the Car Deal
by J.A. Livingston
What can you learn from a car salesperson?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08jan14d.cfm
Make the Best of What you Have
by Monica Resinger
Making your current house the house of your dreams
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08jan14h.cfm
Best Auto Moves to Make in 2008
Buying a car in 2008? Here are some of the things to look at
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08jan08a.htm
Will Bargain Gas Harm Your Car?
Should you fill up at a bargain gas provider or stick to the
major brands?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08jan04g.htm
Keep Car until Loan Balance Tips Your Way
Paying down debt on a car should be the first step for a
military man hoping to buy a house
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08jan04h.htm
Trading in Car Early Likely to Cost You
Sure, you can trade in a car three months after buying it. But
you'll likely have to pay up
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08jan04j.htm
Government Unlikely to Buy Old Auto
Is the government really paying $3,000 for old cars?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08jan04k.htm
Creative Financing Might Spark Home Sale
Supply is high and demand is low, especially with tighter loan
standards. How to sell? Get creative
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08jan03d.htm
Save by Waiting Out Mortgage Penalty
Timing can be everything when it comes to prepaying a mortgage
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08jan07d.htm
Lifestyle
http://www.stretcher.com/lifestyle/index.cfm
--------------------------------------------
Special Adult Birthday
Make that day really special for less
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08jan14a.cfm
Designer Results at Bargain Prices
by Sandy Carter
Tackle decorating projects like a pro
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08jan14c.cfm
Learn a New Skill Frugally!
by Jessica Snell
What you know could save you money
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08jan14e.cfm
The Twelve Months of Christmas
by Rachel Muller
Avoid packed stores in December and nasty bills in the New
Year
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08jan14g.cfm
Your Taxes
----------
Figuring Out Your Tax Filing Status
Picking how to file isn't as easy as it appears. There are
five options, each with special requirements and advantages
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08jan08f.htm
Taxing Stock Gains, Losses
There are different ways to calculate a stock's cost basis
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08jan08g.htm
Who Has to File a Tax Return?
Not everybody has to submit a 1040. Just what are the rules?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08jan07e.htm
Choosing Your Tax Return Form
The 1040, 1040A and 1040EZ each offer taxpayers different
filing options. Which is right for you?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08jan04n.htm
When Business Profits Count
What happens when a business never sees a profit?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08jan04p.htm
Alternative Minimum Tax Still a Threat
Congress 'patched' the AMT, but if you have lots of exemptions
or claim several deductions, you still may face this costly
additional assessment
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08jan03f.htm
Cash vs. Accrual Basis Accounting
Self-employment tax method depends on the type of business
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08jan03g.htm
Everything Else
---------------
Readers' Tips
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08jan14t.cfm
From Dave Ramsey
----------------
Quit Smoking?
What should you do with the money?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08jan08h.htm
Staying Afloat
Sharon's husband owns a small business that is just starting
to make money. How can they avoid stupidity?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08jan08j.htm
Tightwad vs. Deceiver
One is tight with money and the other is dishonest. Can Dave
help them?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08jan08k.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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