Back to newsletter listDate:
Sun, March 16, 2008 09:00:02 PMFrom:
editor@stretcher.com
Subject:
3/17/08: The Dollar Stretcher
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The Dollar Stretcher
"Living Better...For Less"
March 17, 2008
Volume 13, Number 11
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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
Recession Proof Your Insurance Needs
by Byron Udell, founder and CEO of AccuQuote
Maintaining insurance coverage when the economy is looking
grim
Ready for Spring Gardening?
by Tina Shake
It's official, time to start playing in the dirt
In The Dollar Stretcher Community
Older and Wiser?
Great stories from the members! What have you learned,
moneywise, over the years?
Passionate about Painting
by Shaunna Privratsky
Get a designer look for a fraction of the cost
They Forgot Oil
Ask Bob: The Auto Answer Man
Tips, Quips, Quotes & Questions
On www.Stretcher.com This Week
===========================================================
Introduction
by Gary Foreman
gary@stretcher.com
Hello to all my Frugal Friends!
Saw something fairly interesting yesterday. I was sitting
waiting for a stoplight to change when a cab pulled into the
*** next to me. I knew it was a cab because it had a sign
painted on the door. The car was a little smaller and older
than what you normally think of as a cab.
Then the cab pulled forward a bit. Stenciled on its back
window was "We Buy Junk Cars" and a phone number. I couldn't
help but laugh. Talk about mixed messages! I didn't get a
chance to see whether the phone number was the same. It could
be that the ad was for a different company. But, even so, if I
were running a cab company, the last thing I'd want customers
to be thinking about is junk cars.
Seemed kind of dumb, but then again, maybe I do something
similar myself. I live a frugal lifestyle except when I choose
a fast food lunch instead of the sandwich fixings I have
waiting for me at work. I suspect that if I think about it for
awhile, I'll come up with other mixed messages in my financial
life.
So maybe spending a little time looking for the mixed messages
in our lives would be a good thing. Sure hope I don't find too
many!
All the Best!
Gary
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Recession Proof Your Insurance Needs
by Byron Udell, founder and CEO of AccuQuote
Maintaining insurance coverage when the economy is looking
grim
With the unemployment rate at a two-year high and the housing
market in a slump, talk of a recession is on the rise. Most
consumers depend on their employer for their health, life and
disability insurance. According to a recent report by the
Center for Economic and Policy Research, a recession in 2008
would eventually result in at least 4.2 million people losing
health/life insurance coverage. If the worst happens and a
recession costs them their job, what would they do?
There are steps you can take to help maintain your health,
life and disability insurance coverage when the economy is
looking grim.
Switch to term life insurance policy - If you have a group
life insurance policy, you most likely will lose your coverage
if you lose your job. Look into getting an individual term
life insurance policy. Not only is the coverage portable, but
also it's usually less expensive then group, and if you're in
good health, you can usually get more coverage for less money.
Compare individual health insurance policies - Start comparing
individual health insurance polices before you run into a
situation where you are forced into getting something right
away. If you lose your COBRA rights up front, you could end up
in a tight spot. If you lose your job and you can exercise
COBRA rights to retain your current employer's health
insurance policy, do so. Even if you think you might be able
to buy coverage at lower expense under an individual policy,
protect yourself through COBRA.
Take care of important medical care - If you need significant
medical care, do it now, while you're still employed and
insured. Do you need a knee or hip replacement? Have you been
putting off that colonoscopy? While many medical procedures
can't be timed, don't put off to tomorrow what you should do
anyway today, while you still have a job.
Think about any valid disability claim you have - If you would
be entitled to disability, think carefully about delaying it.
If you're laid off, you may lose the disability coverage.
Collecting disability is a major step away from future
employment, and it could mean that you'd be unable to get your
career back on track if you later recover from your
disability. But it also means a steady flow of income (albeit
lower than your salary).
______________
Byron Udell is the founder and CEO of AccuQuote.com where you
can compare Term Life Insurance Rates from Top Rated Companies
and Save Up to 70%. AccuQuote makes it possible to quickly
compare the price, features, and financial strength of
hundreds of term life insurance policies! Visit them at
www.AccuQuote.com
===========================================================
Ready for Spring Gardening?
by Tina Shake
It's official, time to start playing in the dirt
Yes, spring has sprung. I know this because this morning I
awoke from my winter hibernation. I threw back the cheese puff
encrusted blanket, slipped my little tootsies into my favorite
pink fuzzy slippers and slowly made my way toward my picture
window. Yes, it was official. Robins were playing tug a war
with the worms, and little bunnies were hopping down their
bunny trails. It's officially time to begin. I'm going to plan
my garden! Well, maybe after a little nap. I'll just get back
under my blankie for a little while and do a little mental
planning.
The first thing on my agenda is to find as many paper coffee
cups as possible to use as plant starters. You can go to a
warehouse store and buy gazillions, or maybe you can sweet-
talk the convenience store owner into giving you some. But do
not, I repeat do not, stalk the customers. Do not carry a box
of medical grade gloves and ruffle through trashcans for
trendy cups. Paper cups are nearly impossible to disinfect.
They will just fall apart and make such a big mess. At least,
that's what I "heard."
Every year our little town has a gardeners' contest, you know,
to make the community beautiful and call attention to the
talented artist/gardeners such as myself. So, over the cold
winter, in between snoozes, I graphed out a 10-foot by 10-foot
garden.
I put little drops of Elmer's glue throughout the towel and
carefully dropped seed in each dot of glue. After the towel
was dry, I rolled it up and put it in a numbered plastic bag.
I'll lay down the towels to correspond with my finished graph
into the prepared earth. My graph this year is the American
Flag! You can also do a salad garden this way as well. Cover
the seeds with compost or soil. Water well.
To start your own rosebushes, cut off a stem with a bloom and
five leaves. Plant the stem with three of the leaves buried.
Leave the remaining two leaves above ground and remove the
bloom. Now water and put a glass canning jar over the stem.
You will have a rose bush started lickety split! Here's an
important tip: It is not wise to dress in combat clothes and
do night time slithering through each neighbor's yards for a
variety of rose stems. Apparently that is illegal, and some
neighbors, the picky ones, might take your picture and plaster
it in your town newspaper. Not that I've ever tried that, "no
siree."
If you are concerned about pests like those cute little
bunnies, try cotton balls soaked in vinegar. Some people take
a 35mm film container with a hole in it to hold the balls. You
will probably need more than one and have to check them
occasionally to rewet them.
The bunnies do not like the smell; husbands do not like the
aroma either. This can be a good thing if you think about it.
Next time you want to watch your favorite girly movie, just
put a few of these babies under their pillow. "Oh honey, I
just can't get this darn vinegar off my hands. Why don't you
sleep on the couch tonight while it wears off?" If he says he
can not remember where the couch is, sprinkle your cheese
puffs in a bread crumb trail fashion from the bedroom to the
couch. He'll be like an old hound looking for the scent.
"Look, babe, there's 'another' cheese puff over there! Wow
it's my lucky day!" Remember that cheese puffs are your
friends.
If you are like me, you want to save every penny that you can.
That is why I've started collecting rainwater in a drum. It
doesn't take long to accumulate a lot of nourishing water for
your plants. I've redirected the guttering to drain the water
off the roof into the drum. I was so proud of myself when I
got this project completed!
Now that I have my plans firmly in place, and now that my
soaps are over and I've had a few cheese puffs, it's time to
get moving! I'll pick out my best go-to-town, queen-size
polyester/spandex leggings and tube top and show the world
that I mean business. Today is the day! No time like the
present! Wait! Is that my favorite weather man on TV? I'd
better wait until I see the forecast. Yes, I'll get up after
the news.
Take the Next Step:
For more articles on gardening, visit
===========================================================
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In The Dollar Stretcher Community
Older and Wiser?
Great stories from the members! What have you learned,
moneywise, over the years?
http://community.stretcher.com/forums/t/3867.aspx
===========================================================
Passionate about Painting
by Shaunna Privratsky
Get a designer look for a fraction of the cost
I love to paint. Hand me a paintbrush and point me towards a
wall, piece of furniture or even a whole house and I'm in my
element. From flat to glossy, plain to fancy or faux to pro
techniques, paint is great!
Paint is an economical way to revitalize furniture, change the
look and style of a room or create new areas without spending
a fortune. It is so versatile it goes on virtually any
surface, including the floor.
People have known for eons that color is an instant mood
booster. The right shade can create a sense of harmony and
home. The color palette for the 21st century is bold, so
forget all over beige.
The Caribbean tropical isles inspire vibrant reds, oranges,
turquoise, sun-yellow and coral. Apple green paired with
chocolate brown and a slight Asian influence is hip in
everything from accessories to large pieces like couches and
dining room sets. The natural spectrum of greens, browns and
tans are popular in the deeper and darker tones. Hot pink +
Lime = Happy.
What does that mean to you? Paint gives you a designer look
for a fraction of the cost of a professional consultation. It
is much cheaper than wallpaper, buying all new furniture or
most fabrics. Discover your personal style with the latest
painting techniques, trends, and finishes for a look that is
distinctively you.
You can paint the whole room for a dramatic change or
experiment with smaller areas. Typical rooms only need one or
two gallons of paint. I use Wal-Mart's brand of one coat paint
for $9.98 a gallon. I am quite pleased with the coverage and
quality. They can also custom color to any shade to fit your
decor.
You can choose a focal wall and only paint that, leaving the
other walls neutral or a contrasting color. This draws
attention to the area, whether it hosts a fireplace,
entertainment center, stunning artwork or a conversation area.
Another technique that really saves on time and money is
painting just a small area on a focal wall. For example, I
recently re-decorated our living room in a Safari theme. The
two 20"x24" pictures of a lion and white tiger I found were a
bargain at only $7 each, but a bit small and out of proportion
to our oversized wall.
To produce the illusion of larger artwork, I measured six
inches all around the hanging pictures. I used my level to
make sure the lines were exactly straight. I then painted the
large rectangle a deep golden tan. When it dried, I hot-glued
several layers of pheasant feathers around the edge and re-
hung the pictures.
You can choose any color and any trim idea for your box. You
could even make several boxes of paint in a pleasing pattern
for a unique wall treatment. This fools the eye into believing
the pictures are larger and adds a rich look to the wall.
Paint can turn old, tired furniture into brand-new treasures.
An old cabinet in dirty yellow will look ravishing in red.
Sleek black paint transforms a scratched wooden bookcase into
a modern must-have. Paint your coffee table white, and then
take chains, chisels and hammers to it for a distressed look
that sells for thousands of dollars.
Painting can disguise flaws or awkward architecture. If you
have a room with deep dormer windows, paint all the way up to
the ceiling line to elongate the visual space. This works for
stairways, nooks or difficult corners to fool the eye.
Try the latest faux techniques like sponging, glazing,
ragging, marbleizing, aging or distressing. Countless shows on
the Home and Garden channel show you step by step how to do
it, or you can check out free classes at home improvement
stores like Home Depot. How-to books are free to checkout at
the library, or go online and do a search for painting
techniques. Don't be afraid to try new things or colors. After
all, you can always paint over any "mistakes" or finishes that
didn't produce the desired look.
Don't overlook the humble spray paint. Nothing beats the speed
and ease for a fresh coat of color or instant "new." Refresh
your patio furniture, glam up your wrought iron furniture and
accessories, or give a color injection to a boring room. You
can have a revamped piece for less than $2.
Stains also come in spray cans. I highly recommend this
timesaving step. No more messy brushes. Just spray, and then
gently wipe with a rag until you get the desired effect.
Remember that stain usually dries a shade or two darker than
when you are first applying it.
Paint is a powerful decorating tool. Use some of these
pointers to transform your house into a place you love to come
home to. Liven up your living area with some of the exciting
new shades of bold color. When you are passionate about
painting, your true colors will shine.
________________________
Shaunna Privratsky is a discount diva stretching her dollars
in North Dakota. Her latest e-books, "Secrets to $aving at the
Supermarket" and "Clear Clutter and Collect Cash," are
available at http://shaunna67.tripod.com . Sign up FREE to her
monthly newsletter.
Take the Next Step:
- Use one or more of these pointers to transform your house
into a place you love to come home to.
- Want to have a little fun? Read about the psychology of
color at http://www.infoplease.com/spot/colors1.html
===========================================================
They Forgot Oil
Ask Bob: The Auto Answer Man
Hello Bob,
I have a 2005 Chevy avalanche with 28,000 miles on it. It's
just about brand new, and I took it to get an oil change
yesterday. When the truck was given to me after the oil
change, I got right on the highway at about 60 mph. I was able
to drive for about three miles before my truck started to
shake. Right away, I knew something was not right. The low oil
pressure light came on and the truck just stopped on its own.
We checked the oil dip stick and it was dry. I then called the
place and had informed them about what just happened and asked
them to send a tow truck. However, they sent out some
mechanics instead that came to the scene and poured six quarts
of oil into my truck. Then they started it, and it was still
the same as when it stopped. I then towed it back to them, and
this morning they did an entire new oil change as well as an
engine performance check, cylinder pressure check, and a
sensor evaluation. They then informed me that the following is
all they found:
- The engine has low engine knock.
- Compression is within specs 155-165 across.
- Oil pressure below 15 PSI at Idle
- Oil pressure at 15 PSI at 1500 RPM
They told me that possibly the truck might need a new engine.
After the following checks were ran and I had the report, I
towed my truck to a Chevy dealership and I am waiting to see
what their checks show. What would be your recommendations.
Please help me out. I am a female and I don't understand much
about trucks, but from reading, I see this could have caused
some serious damage to my truck. I don't want to get it fixed
and then have problems in the long run. Plus, my truck is just
about brand new, and I am really worried of the damages and
the product they might try to return back to me.
Ms. Balderas
Ms. Balderas,
It would seem that they forgot to put oil in your truck before
you left their facility based on the fact that they drove out
there and immediately added six quarts of oil. You drove the
truck at highway speeds with no oil in it. There is a very
good possibility that there is internal engine damage. The
people at the oil change facility should pay any damage,
repair, recovery, and restitution. In addition, you are not
obligated to have them perform the repairs. You are, however,
obligated to obtain at least three quotes on the repair (in
case you need to go to small claims court).
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?
*********
Vacuum Sealers
I want to protect the food I put in my freezer, especially the
meat I buy in bulk when there are loss leader sales. I am
thinking of purchasing a vacuum sealer, but as I have very
limited counter space I wonder if I will use it enough to be
worth the cost and hassles of trying to find a place to use
it. Has anyone figured the cost/benefit of using a vacuum
sealer?
Beth
Please send your answers mailto:CanYouHelp@stretcher.com with
"Vacuum Sealers" as the subject. We'll include the best
solutions in future issues.
*********
Yes, We Can Help This Reader
All Day Slow Cooker Recipes
*********
I've used a slow cooker for 30 years. On the lowest setting,
meals are rarely overcooked after 8-10 hours. You can assemble
ingredients the night before (so all the peeling and paring is
done) and place them in a bowl in the fridge overnight.
Because the ingredients are cold, they'll take an extra hour
or two to cook, which gives you that extra time you need.
Carrie
More suggestions, recipes and cookbooks for slow cookers at
*********
New Car? Not Really!
I just heard a young mother explaining to a friend that they
had purchased a new van with two DVD players, GPS, "loaded
with everything" so that they could take a road trip from our
Minnesota Northwoods to the warmth of Florida for spring
break. "I know it's hard to justify another car payment on our
budget, but we really weren't sure about our old van," she
said. The "old" car was a 2001 van with less than 100,000
miles, but it didn't have all these amenities for the four
kids.
Even with skyrocketing gasoline prices, some of us will still
be looking at taking extended road trips where a vehicle with
more amenities may help the vacation go better for everyone.
Or maybe, like me, you have an older car with a lot of miles
and you are not comfortable driving it very far from home.
These are just two situations where renting instead of buying
may be the best option. Not leasing but renting! If most of
the year your family can get by with a four door sedan but you
need a vacation van or SUV for all your camping gear, renting
for even two weeks instead of buying the larger vehicle could
save a lot of money. My twelve-year-old vehicle has never had
any major problems, and I hope to reach at least 200,000 miles
with it. The older it gets, however, the less comfortable I am
about setting out as a single woman on long trips. For
anything over 500 miles, I rent a newer vehicle. This also
gives me an opportunity to try out different models for my
next car purchase in another ten years!
Helen L.
*********
I'll Renew...Later
We have a Sam's Club near us, and I buy a limited number of
items there that are truly good buys. The membership fee is a
little steep, but we save well over that much yearly by going
there. I found out today that if you renew greater than 30
days after your membership expires, you can stretch your
membership fee. When your membership is due to expire, stock
up and then let it expire. Wait as long as you can before
going back. As long as you go in more than 30 days past your
old expiration date, you will get a membership that expires
one year from the new date. It's not a huge savings, but every
few dollars count! I would assume all Sam's Clubs are the
same, but you may want to check with customer service to be
certain.
DPB
*********
Only 4 Cleaners
I had my own cleaning business for quite a few years. I only
used four cleaners. I used rubbing alcohol for mirrors,
windows, countertops, metal work (faucets, trim and such) and
stove tops.
I used bleach to clean white grout in tile countertops and for
sanitizing the bathrooms.
Ammonia works great on floors. It cuts through whatever abuse
you threw on your tile or linoleum floor. Just use one cup in
a bucket of warm water. It won't foam and there's no need to
rinse. It cuts wax build up even on old tile. I re-trained my
70-year-old mom on cleaning products.
I also used pine cleaner. I sprayed it on really greasy areas
and in the shower and tub unit. It cuts through soap scum and
body oils, using only mild sponging and rinsing.
I use the red shop rags to clean windows instead of paper
towels. I never used newspaper. I washed the shop rags once
with bleach to remove the color and they lasted through
several years of business. Once a week, I washed them to use
again. I used the small square white shop rags for dusting and
wiping things down. I saved on truckloads of paper towels.
These things worked well and were inexpensive and reliable.
Ibi
editor's note: I suspect everyone knows they should NOT mix
ammonia and bleach (or any chlorine product). The result is a
deadly chemical.
*********
Gorilla?
Didn't Jeffrey Yeager mean guerrilla gardening rather than
gorilla gardening? If not, what is gorilla gardening, as they
don't garden?
Definition of guerrilla:
n. A member of an irregular, usually indigenous military or
paramilitary unit operating in small bands in occupied
territory to harass and undermine the enemy, as by surprise
raids.
RR
editor's response: RR is right. Wish we would have changed it,
but we didn't. At least the mistake does provide the
interesting picture that RR pointed out - a gorilla doing some
gardening in your back yard. Wonder if a remake of King Kong
could use the idea?
*********
What would you do with an extra $100? Last month, Samantha
from VA 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!
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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
----------------------------------------
Which Mutual Fund Load Is Right for You?
There are different types of loads associated with mutual
funds. Use this chart to understand all the fees before you
invest
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Buying Mutual Funds: Load or No-Load?
Before investing in funds, it makes sense to understand ALL
the fees, and whether advisers add any value
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How to Recognize a Recession
If you wait for the experts, it might be too late
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar05b.htm
Why's Your 401(k) Plan Heading South?
Employees across the country are mad as heck and filing
lawsuits over their 401(k) plan fees. Very few people have a
handle on the costs of retirement plans
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar05c.htm
10 Smart Ways to Spend Your Tax Refund
Don't waste your refund windfall. These suggestions can help
you turn that IRS check into cash well spent
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8 Safe Investing Tips
A group of experts give financial advice for when the economy
is bad
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar07f.htm
Are Americans Savings-Poor and Debt-Rich?
Take our online poll to see how your answers about debt and
savings compare to those of others in the nation
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar07g.htm
Investing: To Risk or Not
Whether you want to play it close to the vest or go for it, we
have some ideas for you
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar07h.htm
5 Rules for Thriving in a Bad Economy
Follow these five rules for smoother sailing in choppy
economic waters
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar10a.htm
Self-Help Often Best When Fixing Credit
In many cases, it doesn't pay to hire someone to help boost
your credit score
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar05e.htm
Don't Sweat Bank Ratings if Deposit Insured
Even if a bank fails, insured deposits are safe
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar07j.htm
Ask Lender to Thaw Frozen Home Equity
Lenders have the right to freeze HELOCs, but you can ask them
to reconsider
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar10b.htm
Money Management 101
Developing money management skills is crucial for attaining
financial success. Take this mini-course to get your financial
life in order
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In Critical Condition
http://www.stretcher.com/critical/index.cfm
-------------------------------------------
Cashing Out Equity while in Chapter 13
It's possible to cash out home equity while in Chapter 13, but
expect to pay dearly in interest rates and fees
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar11a.htm
Tallying the True Costs of Debt
Debt affects more than the balance sheet; it interferes with
peace of mind and other important things
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar05d.htm
Celebrities Discuss Debt, Smart Savings Tips
Celebrities ranging from Gretchen Wilson to Ian Rankin talk
about overcoming debt and using smart savings strategies
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Long Road before Debt Ends Up in Court
There are many twists and turns before a debt saga ends up in
court
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar07a.htm
What You Need to Get Foreclosure Help
When you contact a mortgage servicer or housing counselor to
discuss a mortgage workout to avoid foreclosure, here is a
list of documents you should have on hand and facts that you
should know
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar06e.htm
Counselors Can Aid Those Facing Foreclosure
Distressed homeowners who can't reach their mortgage servicer
have an alternative: a nonprofit counseling agency
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar06f.htm
Family
http://www.stretcher.com/family/index.cfm
-----------------------------------------
Making "Frugal" Fun for Kids
by Sarah Collins
Get the kids involved and make it fun!
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08mar17f.cfm
Put Your Kids on the Path to Riches
Give them a head start by opening a Roth IRA for them
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar11e.htm
Green
http://www.stretcher.com/green/index.cfm
----------------------------------------
The Benefits of Line Drying Your Clothing
by Amy Allen Clark
Get the smell of mountain freshness and April showers the
natural way
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08mar17h.cfm
Home and Auto
http://www.stretcher.com/homeauto/index.cfm
-------------------------------------------
Ready for Spring Gardening?
by Tina Shake
It's official, time to start playing in the dirt
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08mar17c.cfm
Passionate about Painting
by Shaunna Privratsky
Get a designer look for a fraction of the cost
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08mar17d.cfm
They Forgot Oil
Ask Bob: The Auto Answer Man
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08mar17e.cfm
My Story: Redecorating a Bedroom on a Budget
contributed by Dorothy
A bedroom facelift doesn't have to cost a fortune
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08mar17j.cfm
Solo Home Sellers Find FSBO Help Online
For sale by owner companies offer the promise of lower costs
when selling your home
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar05a.htm
Rates May Shrink on Jumbo Mortgages
Proposed program to raise home loan limits is expected to help
those in high-cost housing markets
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar06a.htm
Contacts for Mortgage Servicers
Whom to call when you're behind on your mortgage
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar06c.htm
Will Repo Surge Fuel Used Car Bargains?
A flood of repossessions doesn't mean used car lots are packed
with bargains
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar07b.htm
Co-Signing for Co-Worker Ends in a Mess
A woman who co-signed a loan for a co-worker is learning a
tough lesson
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar07d.htm
Find the Home Loan Limit for Your County
This map will help you determine what the FHA loan limit is
for a single-family home in your county
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar07e.htm
Smaller Down Payment Boosts Flexibility
A smaller down payment makes sense if it gives you greater
financial flexibility
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar06g.htm
Lousy Credit Spoils Chance to Fix Loan
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar07c.htm
Lifestyle
http://www.stretcher.com/lifestyle/index.cfm
--------------------------------------------
All-Day Slow Cooker Recipes
Dinner's ready when you come home from work
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08mar17a.cfm
Recession Proof Your Insurance Needs
by Byron Udell
Maintaining insurance coverage when the economy is looking
grim
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08mar17b.cfm
Boneless Chuck Steak
by John Smith
An outstanding grilling alternative that saves you money
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08mar17g.cfm
Your Taxes
----------
Bunch Your Tax Breaks
Do you always fall just short of enough expenses to itemize?
Set up a deduction bunching strategy so you don't waste your
tax-saving potential
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar10d.htm
Credit for Child Care Expenses
Children can earn their working parents a tax break
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar06h.htm
Writing Off Home-Office Expenses
Do you work from home? You may be able to claim a deduction
for your workspace
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar10e.htm
Stupid Human Tax Tricks
Filing errors that seem minor can cost you major dollars
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar10f.htm
Business Losses on a Startup
When profits don't materialize on a $90,000 business
investment, there are some possible tax deductions
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar07k.htm
Writing Off Private Mortgage Insurance
If you got a PMI policy in connection with your mortgage in
2007, you might be able to deduct the payments
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar07m.htm
Making Tax-Smart IRA Conversions
You can't escape the tax pain of transferring a traditional
IRA to a Roth account. You can, however, control it via
systematic partial conversions
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar10g.htm
Special Deduction Amounts for Some Filers
If you're older or visually impaired, a larger standard
deduction is just a checkmark away
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar10h.htm
Deducting Business Expenses
Owner takes a break from his business, but still wants to
deduct expenses
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar05f.htm
Miscel***ous Itemized Deductions
These catch-all expenses offer another way to cut your tax
bill, but only if you have enough of them
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar10c.htm
Converting IRA CD Would Be Tax Mistake
Converting an IRA CD to a regular CD is likely to be a mistake
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar11f.htm
Everything Else
---------------
Readers' Tips
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08mar17t.cfm
From Dave Ramsey
----------------
Hubby Won't File
Beth's brother-in-law refuses to file and pay quarterly taxes.
What can her sister do?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar11g.htm
Save to Start a Franchise?
Jim has a chance to start a franchise business, but there's a
little problem
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar09a.htm
The Cable Discussion
To keep the cable channels or to ditch the cable channels.
That is the question
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar09b.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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