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Sun, March 30, 2008 09:00:01 PMFrom:
editor@stretcher.com
Subject:
3/31/08: The Dollar Stretcher
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The Dollar Stretcher
"Living Better...For Less"
March 31, 2008
Volume 13, Number 13
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advice is safe and suitable for his/her own situation.
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In This Issue:
Introduction
Will I Get a $300-$600 Rebate Check?
by Damon Carr
Answers about The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008
How to Have a Blow Out Yard Sale
by Katherine E. Tapley
Knowing the tricks to having a successful yard sale
In The Dollar Stretcher Community
Possible Economic Depression
It seems to be in everyone's mind these days. What will the
future hold and how will you deal with it?
-- Inflation Fighter --
Buy Your Next Pair of Glasses Online
by Adam Zekmueller
It's easier than you think
Mysterious Water Leak
Ask Bob: The Auto Answer Man
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!
This is part of an email that I received recently:
Now that the oil companies and the OPEC nations have
conditioned us to think that the cost of a gallon of gas is
CHEAP at $1.50 - $1.75, we need to take aggressive action to
teach them that BUYERS control the marketplace, not sellers.
To read the rest of their solution to increased gas prices and
my comments about their solution, visit The Dollar Stretcher
Blog at
Keep on stretching those dollars!
Gary
===========================================================
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Will I Get a $300-$600 Rebate Check?
by Damon Carr
Answers about The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008
In an effort to stave off a recession, interest rates on
short-term loans were reduced and The Economic Stimulus Act of
2008 has been approved. Beginning in May 2008 and ending in
December 2008, more than 130 million individuals will receive
extra money to spend from "Uncle Sam." How do I determine if
I'm eligible for a rebate check? How much money will I
receive? How do I claim my rebate check? When will I get my
money? These are the questions that have crossed my desk in
the past couple of days. Here are the answers:
If you have income from wages, salary, tips, self-employment,
Social Security, certain Rail Road Retirement benefit and/or
certain Veterans' benefit of at least $3,000, you may be
eligible for a rebate. Supplemental Security Income is not a
qualifying income for the rebate. The rebate will range from
$300 to $600 for individuals and from $600 to $1,200 for
married couples filing a joint tax return. If you claim
dependent children on your return that are under the age of
17, you'll get an extra $300 for each child.
Information to determine the amount of your rebate will be
gathered from your 2007 tax return. The amount of the refund
is based on your "net tax liability," which is the amount of
taxes you owe before subtracting various "refundable credits"
such as the earned income credit and the child tax credit.
Individuals whose net tax liability is $600 or more, you'll
get $600 plus an additional $300 for each qualifying child. If
your net tax liability is $599 or lower, you'll get an amount
equal to your net tax liability but no less than $300 plus an
additional $300 for each qualifying child. Married filing
jointly taxpayers whose net tax liability is $1,200 or more,
you'll get $1,200 plus an additional $300 for each qualifying
child. If your net tax liability is $1,199 or lower, you'll
get an amount equal to your net tax liability but no less than
$600 plus an additional $300 for each qualifying child.
There are income restrictions on the rebate. For single filers
whose adjusted gross income is above $75,000 and married
filing jointly filers whose adjusted gross income is above
$150,000, the rebate will be reduced by $50 for every $1,000
that exceeds $75,000 for single filers and $150,000 for
married filing jointly filers. The credit will phase out
completely for single filers with no children whose adjusted
gross income is more than $87,000 and married filing jointly
with no children whose adjusted gross income is more than
$174,000.
In order to receive a rebate, you must file a tax return for
tax year 2007. If you do not file a tax return for 2007, you
will not receive a tax rebate. Low income workers, recipients
of Social Security, certain Veterans Benefit and Railroad
Retirement Benefit who are generally not required to file
taxes because they don't have a tax liability must file a tax
return this year in order to receive the rebate. People who
fit this group will not incur a tax liability nor will other
government benefit they currently receive be negatively
impacted.
This is worth repeating! People who are low income and/or
whose sole source of income is from Social Security, Veterans
Benefit or Rail Road Retirement, as long as you have
qualifying income of at least $3,000 and you usually don't
file a tax return, you must file a tax return for tax year
2007 in order to receive a rebate.
Don't delay in filing your tax return for tax year 2007. The
sooner you file your tax return, the sooner you receive your
tax rebate check when the rebate checks starts rolling out in
May 2008. Those who file their tax return closer to the April
15th deadline will receive their tax rebate later in the year.
Your tax rebate check will be issued to you in the same way
you received your tax refund. If your tax refund was direct
deposited to your personal banking account, the tax rebate
will be direct deposited into the same account. If your tax
refund was mailed to you, your tax rebate will be mailed to
you. Just like the tax refund, you'll receive your rebate
faster if the money is directly deposited into your personal
banking account.
The IRS will mail two informational notices to taxpayers
advising them of the rebate. Be on the lookout for identity
thieves posing as the IRS via phone calls and e-mails seeking
to obtain your personal information. Do not give your personal
information to anyone unless you initiated the phone call to
the IRS.
What do you plan on doing with your rebate money? The
government is hoping you spend your rebate to help fuel the
economy and thwart recession. Despite an Associated Press
Poll, which suggested 45 percent will use their rebate to pay
off bills, 32 percent will save or invest the rebate and only
19 percent will spend their rebate, I believe that most people
will spend their rebate.
There's an old joke among economists that states, "A recession
is when your neighbor loses his job. A depression is when you
lose your job." I work in personal finance. I'm more
interested in helping you recession-proof your personal
economy than I am in helping stave off a recession involving
the global economy.
If there's a hint of recession in the air, the best thing you
can do to recession-proof your personal economy is to save
your rebate and whatever extra money you can save. You'll need
extra cash on hand to help eat, keep the lights, gas and water
flowing through the house and keep a roof over your head
should you become victim to a reduction in personal household
income as a result of a recession.
_________________
Mortgage and Money Coach Damon Carr is owner of ACE Financial.
Sign up for Damon's free online e-newsletter at
www.allcreditexperts.com.
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How to Have a Blow Out Yard Sale
by Katherine E. Tapley
Knowing the tricks to having a successful yard sale
Yard sales pop up in the spring and summer like mushrooms, but
there is a knack to having a successful one. The reasons you
may want to have a yard sale are numerous. Despite the hard
work involved in getting the sale together, it is a chance to
have fun, meet your neighbors, make money, lose money, get
skunked, recycle, and clean out the clutter that has been
accumulating.
The first order of business is to get a pad of paper and a pen
and start going through the rooms in your house. What room has
the most junk? Is it the kitchen, bedroom, garage? Check every
corner of the closet, the shelves, etc. and evaluate
everything honestly. Don't get overly sentimental. If you
haven't used the thing in 10 years, why keep it around
collecting dust? When listing your "inventory," make notes
like "Must go," "Takes up too much room," or "Can't part with
it." This will help you organize what items will go in the
yard sale. The greater assortment of goods, the larger your
profit will be.
How your organize your merchandise is important. Items that
are heaped together on a table tend to repell customers. You
should measure the width and length of your table space and
take a sheet of paper and draw a plan of how you are going to
lay your stuff out. Organizing things by price is a good idea.
You could have a 50-cent section that will be attractive to
kids, a dollar section, two-dollar section, etc.
How to price items is an essential yard sale art. Generally,
there shouldn't too many items over $10. The junk you really
want to move should be under $2, depending on the item.
Expensive items such as antiques, big household appliances,
etc. would be better off advertised in a newspaper or taken to
a second hand store.
If you have electronics like televisions, radios, record
players and tape recorders, the yard sale price should be one
third of the original sale price. Paperback books should sell
at a quarter, and hardbacks can go at $1. Records such as 45s
will go for a quarter, cassettes at $1, and CDs at $3.
Clothing can be 50 cents up to $5 and knickknacks like vases,
ashtrays, and novelties can fetch $2 or less. Don't be
insulted if the customers dicker about the price. It is part
of yard sale culture. People enjoy trying to bargain with the
proprietor.
Advertising your yard sale is essential if you want to pull in
the customers. An ad in the local paper with an attractive
hook does the trick. For example, you could claim that your
yard sale is a "bargain hunters paradise" or mention some
attractive or unusual items that you have for sale. Be
creative in your ad. But don't say things like "Early birds
will be shot on sight!" Signs with easy to see printing and
arrows are good. You could even get your kids to wear placards
on them and go around the neighborhood advertising your sale.
At the yard sale, you will want to have lots of change in your
moneybox. A selection of coins, lower denomination bills, etc.
will do. If it's a big sale, you might need up to $50 on hand
to make change. Wearing a wrap around purse with a zipper is a
good idea, since your moneybox could get pinched. If a
customer offers you a check, you have to make a quick decision
about whether or not you are going to take it. If you do take
the check, you should have the customer's driver's license on
the back of the check. Otherwise, you could accept a deposit
of money and hold the item for a time limit of three hours.
If you have left over items after the yard sale and you don't
want them back to clutter up your life again, arrange to have
the Salvation Army truck to come after your sale. You can also
give to local centers for the homeless, Goodwill, etc.
Leftover books can be donated to hospitals, nursing homes,
women's shelters, or the public library. If you have some high
priced things left, you can put advertisements for them on
bulletin boards or in the penny saver papers. To get rid of
some of the excess stuff, you can also leave a box at the end
of your driveway saying "Help Yourself." Now all you have left
to do put your feet up and count the profit!
__________________
Katherine Tapley-Milton lives with her husband, Dave, and four
cats in Atlantic Canada. She graduated from Mount Allison
University with a BA in the areas of psychology, sociology,
and history and then got a two year Master of Theological
Studies degree from Tyndale Seminary in Willowdale, Ontario in
1981. Katherine has been a freelance writer for the last 25
years and has been published in over 80 periodicals. In May of
2005, she graduated from the BUILT's Customer Service
Representative Course, and in 2006, her autobiographical book
"Mind Full of Scorpions" was published on Amazon. Her hobbies
include cooking, organic gardening, writing, reading
historical romances, doing crafts, and researching diets and
fitness. Visit her website at
Take the Next Step:
Get out a pad of paper and a pen and start going through the
rooms in your house. As you go through each room, make a list
of the inventory that you intend on putting in the yard sale.
It'll be easier to organize your sale if you know exactly what
you're putting into it.
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In The Dollar Stretcher Community
Possible Economic Depression
It seems to be in everyone's mind these days. What will the
future hold and how will you deal with it?
http://community.stretcher.com/forums/t/4000.aspx
===========================================================
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-- Inflation Fighter --
Buy Your Next Pair of Glasses Online
by Adam Zekmueller
It's easier than you think
Purchasing eyewear online seems daunting at first. If you're
like me, purchasing and fitting prescription glasses always
seemed like a complex procedure best left to professionals.
However, if you know your prescription and have your existing
glasses handy, it is really quite simple to purchase glasses
online.
The Seven Critical Numbers
First, find your current prescription. I keep mine in the
health file in my filing cabinet. If you can't find your
prescription, visit wherever you last had your eyes examined
and request a copy. Your optician, optometrist, or
ophthalmologist is required by law to release your eyewear
prescription to you.
You now need to make note of a few critical pieces of
information from your prescription. Among other information,
you should see three columns on your prescription: sphere,
cylinder, and axis. In the example above, these are
abbreviated SPH, CYL, and AXIS. These three columns will have
two rows, namely Right and Left. In the prescription above,
this is simply abbreviated R and L. Many doctors instead use
the Latin abbreviations, which are OD and OS. OD means right
eye and OS means left eye. Jot down a quick copy of the six
numbers or simply keep your prescription handy. These six
critical numbers define how your lens will be carved. Any
online eyewear retailer will ask for the input of these six
numbers.
In addition to these six numbers, there is one more critical
number, the Pupillary Distance, or PD. This is a measure, in
millimeters, of the space between your eyes. In the example
prescription above, you'll see the Pupillary Distance of the
patient is 62. Jot down this number also. It is the seventh of
your seven critical numbers.
A Final Measurement
A somewhat less critical number is your temple length. If
you're lucky, you'll also see a temple length and bridge size
in your prescription. If not, don't sweat it. You can figure
it out yourself.
The temple length describes the length of the two bars that
connect the glasses to your ears. It is measured from where
the 90-degree curve from your lens structure to the side bars
(temples) begins to the very end of the temple, including the
curve. It is not measured from the flex point of the temples,
because the "stub" between the flex point and lens structure
is not a standard size.
Now, take out some measuring tape (preferably the type of tape
used for fitting clothes and sewing, as it is very flexible)
and measure an existing pair of glasses that fit comfortably.
An average temple length for men is 135mm or 145mm. For women,
130mm to 140mm is standard. If your tape only has inches,
measure to the nearest eighth or sixteenth and multiply that
number by 25.4 to get the measurement in millimeters. Temple
lengths are generally available in 5mm increments, such as
130, 135, 140, 145, etc.
At most online eyeglasses stores, temple length is shown
within a frame description and is not customizable. Therefore,
you need to find a frame with an appropriate temple size. This
sometimes varies if you are at a site specializing in designer
glasses, where you have the option to input your own temple
size.
Honestly, temple size is not a huge deal. I have one pair of
glasses with 135mm temples and another with 140mm temples.
Both pairs fit comfortably. If you can't come up with a temple
measurement, don't let that stop you from making an eyewear
purchase online. Instead, simply choose 140mm temples if you
are a man and 135mm temples if you are a woman. Chances are,
this length will fit comfortably.
What's Your Style?
Armed with your seven critical numbers and an idea on your
temple length, start browsing the myriad of online retailers.
Pick out some favorite frames and open the individual pages in
separate tabs or windows of your web browser. Similar to
trying on glasses at a standard retailer, you need to figure
out if the frames you like are appropriate for your face. If
you have a nice oval face, you're in luck; most any pair will
look good on you. If you have strong, angular features, a
rounded or rimless pair will look good on you. If you have a
very round face, choose a rectangular or hexagonal pair of
glasses. If you just want a basic pair of professional
glasses, go with titanium rimless.
Using your trusty measuring tape, you can compare other
measurements of your existing glasses with what you are
looking at online. The bridge measurement describes the
distance between lenses, the height describes the distance
from the lowest point on the front of the frame to the highest
point, and the lens describes the distance between the end of
the bridge and the beginning of the temple.
Some retailers also offer free virtual try-on. This service
will allow you to upload a picture and place a variety of
frame types on your face.
Place Your Order
So you've found the perfect pair of frames. Begin the checkout
process. You should see boxes where you can enter your
prescription information (the seven critical numbers). This
will sometimes be in a table format similar to your
prescription, or it may be a simple list. You'll also have the
option to choose from a variety of coatings and add-ons. If
you will be wearing your glasses day-in and day-out, I
recommend choosing the anti-scratch and anti-reflective
coatings. These really do make a difference and ease night
driving (anti-reflective) and the longevity of being able to
see clearly through your lens (anti-scratch). You can add on
the UV coating if you wish, though it isn't critical.
Photochromatic tinting (a.k.a. "transition lens") is also an
option. Personally, I prefer buying a separate pair of
prescription sunglasses, but that is up to you.
If you only wear glasses occasionally (maybe as a supplement
to contact lenses), or are just purchasing a pair of
prescription sunglasses that won't be worn every waking hour,
you might choose to save money by skipping on the extras. If
you are buying a pair for your accident-prone child, skimping
on the extras might not be such a bad idea either. Avoiding
coatings and other add-ons will also allow you to get a great
pair of prescription glasses for well under $40.
After you've placed your order, you'll typically wait about 2
to 3 weeks for your glasses to be custom carved and delivered.
The finished product will typically include a hard case and a
soft cloth for lens cleaning.
Side Note One: "Help, I don't have a prescription!"
If it has been a long time since your eyes have been examined,
or if you just can't get a hold of your prescription, it's
time to go visit an optometrist. While your neighborhood
optometrist may charge $100 or more for a simple examination,
discount stores like Wal-Mart or optometrists in working-class
neighborhoods will often offer an eye exam for $40 or less.
Grab your Yellow Pages and start making phone calls. Chances
are that you'll get the best price if you find an optometrist
who has many customers without vision insurance.
Side Note Two: "How can it be so cheap?"
The price difference between online eyewear and glasses bought
from a traditional retailer, or even Wal-Mart or Costco, is
startling. An identical pair of titanium frames might cost $60
online and $220 at Wal-Mart. How can this be? What about the
quality? I will categorically state that the quality of
glasses received from the majority of online retailers is
equal to or exceeds the quality found at your neighborhood
eyewear shop or optometrist. The price differential comes from
a number of factors, including the relative obscurity of
online eyewear purchases, the fact that highly paid
optometrists do not spend one-on-one time with the eyewear
purchaser, and the fact that insurance companies are typically
not involved with online eyewear purchases, thereby
discouraging inflated prices.
Give it a try. I guarantee you'll be satisfied with your
online eyewear purchase if you follow the steps outlined in
this article.
__________________
Adam Zekmueller maintains a website designed to help customers
get the most of the opportunity to buy prescription eyewear
online. His website can be found online at
http://www.getbetterglasses.com and features promotions and
discounts, online eyewear retailer reviews, and tips and
advice.
Take the Next Step:
- If in need of prescription glasses, why not try an online
eyewear purchase? Begin to compile the seven critical numbers
that you'll need for the purchase.
- Subscribe to our new weekly "Inflation Fighters" newsletter
by sending
mailto:subscribe-InflationFighters@hub.thedollarstretcher.com
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Mysterious Water Leak
Ask Bob: The Auto Answer Man
Bob,I have a Taurus Wagon 2001, and it leaks coolant like a
vegetable strainer. It pools under the right front tire,
dripping down over the wheel well shroud. I think it is the
expansion tank, but I cannot see a visible drip. However, I do
see liquid under the tank. I have been reading about other
people's coolant issues, but this one is driving me nuts.
Under the radiator or the water pump, there are no visible
signs of leakage. By the front right wheel well shroud where
the expansion tank sits is the only visible place of coolant
dripping down. Where should I start? I want to take a crack at
this one first before biting the bullet on yet another huge
Ford repair bill.
Dan
Dan,
Check the expansion tank and the transfer hose. However, the
first thing to check would be this. Without running the car,
carefully fill the expansion take to the top. Ensure that you
do not spill any water anywhere. Wipe everything down so you
are certain that there will be no false alarms. Then let the
car sit.
If you parked the car in your normal parking spot, then place
a large piece of cardboard under the car. This will catch the
drips and show you what is new compared to old drips. If,
after a sufficient amount of time, you see no drips, then you
can be sure that the leak is not in the expansion tank.
Then, the next thing you should do is start the car and wait
and watch the area. At the first sign of a drop, shut the car
off and determine where it is coming from. It might just be
the transfer hose from the radiator to the tank.
If the leak is from the tank, you may want to check a salvage
yard for a replacement. It might be cheaper than going back to
the manufacturer. In addition, sometimes items like that are
not found in the after market sector.
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?
*********
Missed Credit Card Payment Penalty
Last year, I accidentally missed one credit card payment. As a
result of this, all of my credit cards upped my APR to 29.99%.
I have been paying the minimum on time to each of these cards,
but I have not been successful in getting them to lower the
APR. One company promised me that if I made payments on time
for six months, it would automatically be lowered, but now
they refuse to lower it. Only one company has worked with me.
I've tried transferring balances, but I don't get many offers
anymore. Any advice would be appreciated. My advice is never,
ever miss a credit card payment. Thanks in advance for any
help, tips, etc.
Kelly
Please send your answers mailto:CanYouHelp@stretcher.com with
"Missed Payment Penalty" as the subject. We'll include the
best solutions in future issues.
*********
Yes, We Can Help This Reader
Prepaying Student Loans
*********
I am in the last 30 days of paying off a $37,900 student loan.
It has taken me a bit less than 12 years. If you can pay extra
toward principal, it really does help. I took a second job for
the last four years, so I could pay three payments every month
and turbo-charge my payoff. In the beginning, I could only
send an extra $5 to $10 every month, but even a little bit of
extra towards the principal pays off at the end of the road.
Debbie
more comments on prepaying student loans at
*********
Go Green - Save Water
Have you seen the water-saving showerheads at you local
hardware or DYI supply depot? These give a really good shower,
if you were wondering, and are inexpensive. For about $10, you
can save a bundle on your water/sewage bill each month. Or put
less water into your septic system if you have one. And for
those of us who live in a water-shortage state or area, we are
saving a very precious resource! Not being addicted to the
"fancy" shower options, my husband and I have immediately
installed these water-savers in each house we've owned and
have never been disappointed in the quality of showers we
enjoy!
Judy V.
*********
Get Unplugged!
No, I am not talking about the bathroom toilet (Ewwww, nasty).
I am talking about everything that is plugged in and has a
standby mode. Now don't be silly, you need your refrigerator
plugged in. Do not move the stove and unplug it every time you
are done using it because the clock is drawing energy. We are
talking about things that are accessible. Unplug the
television (especially these new plasma and HDTVs), computer,
chargers, and anything else that is not essential. In one
month, we saved nearly 20-25% in electric by unplugging our
items when not in use. Unplugging power packs seems to save us
the most energy. Most electrical items in your household still
draw electric to be in standby mode. There is a reason your TV
has a little red light on when it is plugged in.
If you cannot reach the plug, consider using power strips with
on/off switches and reset buttons. These work just as well.
Not only will this save you electric, but also down here in
Georgia where we get nasty electrical storms, it protects our
electronics. If they are not plugged in, they won't be fried
by that surge of electric into your house when your house gets
struck by lightning. If they are plugged in, you have the
added benefit of the surge protector.
Garett
*********
Grad and Wedding Presents
Soon it will be graduation and wedding season, and that means
giving an appropriate gift that doesn't break the bank, isn't
as impersonal as cash, and is thoughtful as well as unusual. I
discovered an easy way to do this. It just takes a small bit
of time and planning.
Every year I start putting together various "kits" to give. A
small tool kit, consisting of a plastic lidded box with handle
filled with pliers, metal tape measure, a slot-head and
Philips-head screwdriver, a claw hammer, 3-in-1 oil or WD40
and a flashlight, can be given to newlyweds and college grads
moving into a place of their own. The whole kit runs between
$10 and $15, and it is much less if I take advantage of
various "tool sales" at large home center chains throughout
the year. I have three kits at the ready that all cost about
$7 each due to sales.
Another kit can be of automobile supplies, including jump
cables, tire gauge, oil rag, hydrometer (checking anti-freeze
coolant) and one of those waterless cloth dusters for cleaning
the car, or a car cleaning kit. Again, watch for sales at the
automobile supply store.
Finally, I make up a home cleaning kit. Include a plastic
bucket or caddy with dust cloth, all purpose detergent
concentrate, two to three white terry rags, two sponges and
two empty spray bottles to be filled with diluted cleaning
solutions. In this kit, I also include cards that explain
"cleaning" procedures to those who may not know how or what to
do first and cards that have recipes for inexpensive homemade
cleaning solutions.
All that is needed is an eye for the practical and a little
ingenuity to make a kit special for the recipient.
Cathrine
*********
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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
----------------------------------------
Student Loans
How to reduce the length of the loan
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08mar31a.cfm
Will I Get a $300-$600 Rebate Check?
by Damon Carr
Answers about The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08mar31b.cfm
Investing with a Social Conscience
Reflecting your values in your financial investments may be
appealing, but how do you match your return with your
conscience?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar25a.htm
Arbitration and Your Rights on the Job
You could lose your right to sue if you feel you've been
treated unfairly by your employer
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar19a.htm
Riding the Hedge Fund Roller Coaster
Bankrate reviews the book "Hedgehogging," by Barton Biggs,
which gives an insider's view of the volatile world of hedge
funds
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar25e.htm
Time to Buy Gold?
With the economy in trouble, should you turn to precious
metals?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar19c.htm
Fame & Fortune: Patricia Heaton
Busy mom, actress, and producer moves from role as cranky TV
wife to stoke her inner workaholic
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar14q.htm
Choose Your Roth IRA's Home Carefully
Deciding where to invest your Roth IRA is no small matter
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar20c.htm
Don't Dismiss Need for Education Fund
Don't let fear of the unknown sidetrack a college savings plan
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar19d.htm
Money Makeover Follow-Up: Lauren Heller
Single mom Lauren Heller didn't follow all the advice given by
our financial adviser, but she benefited all the same, she
says
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar17e.htm
Ask Questions Before Investing in Roth
Ask yourself several questions before investing in a Roth IRA
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar25f.htm
Use DIY Method of Extra Loan Payments
The DIY approach is best when making extra mortgage payments
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar24a.htm
Company's Woes Won't Doom Mortgage
Your mortgage won't go belly up even if the company that holds
it fails
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar21g.htm
Investing for Seniors
Let an expert design the perfect portfolio for you
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar21f.htm
Spring Clean Your Home Finances
Getting rid of worthless junk while sprucing up and
reorganizing your financial affairs are just as important as
giving your physical house an annual going over
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar20a.htm
Don't Fall for IRS-Related Scams
Scammers pretend to be from the IRS in fake phone calls and e-
mails
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar17c.htm
In Critical Condition
http://www.stretcher.com/critical/index.cfm
-------------------------------------------
Clark Howard Disses Debt
Attack the credit card debt monster with a 30-month debt-
management plan, advises author and radio personality Clark
Howard
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar25b.htm
Bankruptcy Abuse
Racking up credit card debt with the intent to declare
bankruptcy is fraudulent
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar25c.htm
Money Makeover Problem: Living Paycheck to Paycheck
Faced with nearly $100,000 in debt, not including the
mortgage, the Kellys want to know to get out from under it
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar21b.htm
Lose Debt First, Protect Credit Later
Although a debt management plan can injure your credit score,
it may be worthwhile
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar21a.htm
Just Starting Out
http://www.stretcher.com/startingout/index.cfm
----------------------------------------------
Student Loans
How to reduce the length of the loan
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08mar31a.cfm
Family
http://www.stretcher.com/family/index.cfm
-----------------------------------------
Coupon Clipping? Get Your Kids on Board
by Dee Marie
Get some able-bodied volunteers in your campaign to cut
grocery costs
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08mar31g.cfm
Baby Boomers
http://www.stretcher.com/boomers/index.cfm
------------------------------------------
Investing for Boomers
Let an expert design the perfect portfolio for you
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar17d.htm
Retiring in a Bad Economy: Are You in Trouble?
The crumbling economy, volatile stock market and wilting home
valuations are affecting just about everyone, but people who
are retired or about to retire may be in the most precarious
of positions
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar25d.htm
Home and Auto
http://www.stretcher.com/homeauto/index.cfm
-------------------------------------------
How to Have a Blow Out Yard Sale
by Katherine E. Tapley
Knowing the tricks to having a successful yard sale
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08mar31c.cfm
Mysterious Water Leak
Ask Bob: The Auto Answer Man
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08mar31e.cfm
Hanging Out
by Loralee Leavitt
Moving housework to the great outdoors
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08mar31f.cfm
Top 10 Deeply Discounted 2008 Cars
Desperate dealers are offering bargains on the following 10
cars
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar21c.htm
Couple May Lose Car Over Financing Snag
Car buyers who can't secure financing will probably have few
options
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar21d.htm
Lender Decides Which APR Type to Use
The lender decides which APR category applies to a loan
intended to finance a balloon payment
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar21e.htm
Lifestyle
http://www.stretcher.com/lifestyle/index.cfm
--------------------------------------------
Buy Your Next Pair of Glasses Online
by Adam Zekmueller
It's easier than you think
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08mar31d.cfm
Coupon Clipping? Get Your Kids on Board
by Dee Marie
Get some able-bodied volunteers in your campaign to cut
grocery costs
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08mar31g.cfm
Chicken Fried Steak
by John Smith
Enjoy one of the best home cooked meals on the p***t
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08mar31h.cfm
A Frugal Shopper's Best Tip
Packaging snacks for her kids helps our winner save a bundle
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar20b.htm
Tips for a Thriving Hobby Business
Author and entrepreneur Barbara Brabec offers 10 tips for
getting your hobby-inspired business off the ground
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar03h.htm
6 Hobbies That Can Make You Money
Cash in on your passion by turning these six hobbies into
businesses
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar03j.htm
Your Taxes
----------
Taxpayer Alert! Dirty Dozen Tax Scams
Watch out for the 12 tax schemes that could cost you cash and
get you in trouble with the IRS
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar19b.htm
Common Tax-Filing Mistakes to Avoid
Tax law changes have created new tax-filing pitfalls to watch
out for, as well as the usual ones we face every filing season
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar19e.htm
Putting Foreign Taxes to Domestic Use
If you paid foreign taxes, you have a choice on how to use
them to cut your U.S. tax bill
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar19f.htm
Deducting Abandonment Loss
The cost of improvements to vacated office space can be
deducted
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar25g.htm
Mandatory IRA Distribution Deadline Nears
The IRS says some older taxpayers must withdraw a bit of their
retirement money by April 1. No joke
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar25h.htm
Wackiest Tax Deductions
Have you heard about the pot dealer's smoky return? The New
Yorker who took Manhattan as a dependent? The exotic dancer
who "inflated" her assets? CPAs across the country share tales
of madcap deductions that taxpayers boldly try to take
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar25j.htm
Do You Know Tax Education Credits? Smart
College costs don't have to overwhelm you. Let your Uncle Sam
help foot some of your higher education bills
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar25k.htm
Deducting Business Startup Costs
Advice for a couple on amortizing and deducting costs for a
new business venture
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar21h.htm
For Some, A Traditional IRA Still Appeals
The granddaddy of retirement accounts helps some build
tomorrow's nest egg while reducing today's taxes
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar21j.htm
Tax Help for Filers with Special Needs
Need a 1040 in Braille? Or a tax expert with a TDD number?
Here are some options
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar21k.htm
Small Business Tax Breaks
Being your own boss is great. And, in many cases, there even
are tax advantages
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar21m.htm
Amortizing a Construction Loan
Advice for a family who was forced to refinance the loan on an
investment of two spec homes that remain on the market
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar20d.htm
When to File a Tax Return
A number of factors determine your tax filing status,
including age and gross income
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar19g.htm
Tax Assistance for Low-Income Taxpayers
These special clinics can help eligible individuals who have
tax issues beyond simply filing
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar19h.htm
Writing Off a Worthless Stock
Did one of your investments totally tank? It may be valuable
as a tax break
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar20e.htm
Everything Else
---------------
Readers' Tips
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08mar31t.cfm
From Dave Ramsey
----------------
House Fever
Buying a house can be a great thing - IF you have the money
and are working with an agent you trust. Don't fall into house
fever like Adam did!
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar20f.htm
Debt CONsolidation
Christine found out that debt CONsolidation is really a "con"
that will cost you more money
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar20g.htm
Still Paying Tuition
"I thought I would just go shopping, get my nails done, and do
all the fun stuff that I couldn't afford to do," Serena said
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar20h.htm
Who's Best?
Beverly doesn't know which to choose to build her house ... a
general contractor or a builder
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar20j.htm
Student Loans
Douglas and his brother both made the same mistake at the same
time... $20k each!
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08mar20k.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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