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The Dollar Stretcher
"Living Better...For Less"
May 5, 2008
Volume 13, Number 18
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In This Issue:
Introduction
-- Inflation Fighter --
Vacation for Less
by Judith A. Filangeri
Cutting costs without cutting the pleasure out of the trip
To Coupon or Not to Coupon
by Faye Prosser
The advantages and disadvantages of couponing
In The Dollar Stretcher Community
Walking as Free Exercise - Beats a Gym!
Lose weight, get fit and enjoy it all without spending a
penny.
Consumer Tips for Dealing with Debt
courtesy of LowCards.com
Tips on how to climb out of credit card debt
Sell Your House
by Gail Enochs
Easy and inexpensive tricks to make your home look better
fast!
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!
Had a really interesting conversation with a friend of mine.
She had gone to a new dentist the day before and related her
experiences to me. Turns out that there are a number of things
that she could (should?) have done. She expected that. When
she got there, she found that like most dentist's offices,
this one works with more than one hygienist. My friend was
surprised with how many hygienists that were working for one
dentist. The patient first sees the hygienist. They'll clean
your teeth and perform an examination of your choppers. Then a
trip back out to the waiting room.
Next a call back into another private room and a quick visit
from the dentist. The dentist will proceed to tell you if
anything needs urgent attention. Nothing unusual there. Maybe
an extra trip to the waiting room, but nothing too
significant. Your dentist probably works mostly the same way.
But, here's where it started getting interesting.
The dentist suggested a couple of things that my friend might
want to do. Then he left the room. Next the hygienist reviewed
the options for each procedure with my friend. From the most
expensive solution, down through the other choices until they
got to the basic no-frills solution. Complete with visual aids
in some cases! What was once a doctor-patient relationship has
evolved (or devolved) into just another sales transaction.
As my friend was describing it to me, we realized that the
process was very much like going into a car dealership. First,
the salesperson examines your needs. Then they present the
different options (hoping that you'll want all the gee whiz
features of the more expensive model). Next is a visit to the
sales cubicles. Finally, they bring in a closer to seal the
deal.
We couldn't help but laugh over the situation. Think about it.
Most people dislike shopping for cars. All the high pressure
tactics. And, many people that I know have a fear of the
dentist. Something about drilling out parts of your body while
you're still alive! Now my friend's dentist has managed to
combine the two! What a daily double!
Does this dentist even know that's how his practice appears to
the patient? Was it a step-by-step evolution? Where every step
included just a little more sales effort and pressure? Or did
he attend a conference and some expert told him how he could
turn his practice from sleepy to super successful? In either
case, I bet he doesn't know how his patients experience a
visit to his office.
Now don't get me wrong. I'm under no illusions that he's
probably making more money than...well...a less aggressive
dentist. There's a reason that most car dealers are known for
being relentless in attempting to close a sale. The reason is
that it helps them make more money.
But, you have to wonder if it's worth the price. One poll
found showed that 56% of respondents thought that dentists
displayed honest and ethical standards. Car salesmen ranked in
last place at 8%! That poll was from 2001 (before some of the
newer dental practice techniques became common). I can't help
but wonder what a similar poll will look like in a few years.
Keep on stretching those dollars!
Gary
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-- Inflation Fighter --
Vacation for Less
by Judith A. Filangeri
Cutting costs without cutting the pleasure out of the trip
Ahhh! The very thought of vacation makes us wax positively
poetic. "Summer afternoon - summer afternoon...the two most
beautiful words in the English language." Henry James
certainly got that right. Now, let's get practical.
AAA has been tracking vacation costs since 1950, when the
average daily cost of meals and lodging for a family of four
was $13. As of 2007, food and lodging for that family was up
to an average of $269 a day, with lodging being the main
inflation driver. Remember that "average" includes places like
Hawaii, which are up over $600 a day, as well North Dakota,
which are under $200. And then there's the skyrocketing cost
of gas.
So if you're planning to pack the family suitcases and get out
of town, whether to the cabin on the lake or more exotic fare,
are there any ways to cut costs without cutting the pleasure
out of the trip? You betcha!
Air Fares: If you're flying, check the Internet sites
(Priceline.com, Expedia.com, Orbitz.com, Travelocity.com,
etc.) and don't forget the actual airline sites. Many airlines
offer special travel packages. Fares are also often lower if
you fly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. The more
flexible you can be the better chance you have at savings.
Auto Care and Repair: If you're driving, get your car checked
out and tuned up at home before you go. You'll avoid potential
expensive emergency towing and repairs.
Gas Prices: Get off the interstate if you can. Gas is always a
few cents cheaper. And remember that a well-tuned car eats
less gas.
Food: If you have the luxury of getting off the interstate,
you can often find much less expensive restaurants. Consider a
picnic in a park you will pass en route. A picnic has the
added advantage of letting the kids run off some steam.
Consider choosing a motel where the rooms have a kitchen. This
is not to suggest that you make all your meals there. What
kind of vacation is that? However, it's not a bad idea for the
evening snack, the occasional pizza, or even for a continental
breakfast. And you can keep picnic food for some of your day
excursions in the room refrigerator.
Plan Ahead: If you know where you're going, write (or email)
the local Chamber of Commerce or Bureau of Tourism. Tell them
what your interests are. You will often get free maps,
suggested hotels and restaurants, and valuable sight seeing
tips. After all, these folks know the area a lot better than
you do. Sometimes there are even discount coupons for
restaurants and sights. If you're an AAA member, get a
TripTik. Many motels and restaurants have free coupon booklets
available. Keep in mind, also, that some local sights have
picnic areas attached.
Lodging: As with airfares, many hotels can be booked online.
Whether you're booking online or stopping more spontaneously,
remember that most hotels and motels offer discounts for AAA,
for AARP, and sometimes just for asking. Even if you aren't
sure you qualify for anything, always ask if there is a
discount rate available. The worst that can happen is that
they'll say no. And don't count on the travel websites having
the lowest rates. Often the hotel website will offer a special
that isn't available elsewhere.
Souvenirs: Ah, souvenirs. Wood carvings and trinkets (most of
them made in Taiwan or Mexico) that are hardly local crafts
unless you're in Taiwan or Mexico. Saving money here is
exercising common sense and self-control. Are you really going
to wear that serape or peasant blouse once you're home? Set a
budget. For example, everyone gets to buy one thing only and
no more than $XX.00. Or set a theme. We get souvenirs to jog
the memory of happy times. Good memory joggers are postcards,
key chains, or even ticket stubs and brochures from places you
visit. Keep them all together and make a scrapbook with the
kids when you get home or integrate them with your photos. T-
shirts are another option. Or select one special item that can
be hung on the Christmas tree to remember the family vacation.
Finally, leave yourself some down time. It's good to plan, but
don't over plan. Just because you know every single sight
seeing option in an area doesn't mean you have to visit them
all. A vacation is not a to-do list. Sci-fi writer Ray
Bradbury said it best: "Half the fun of travel is the
aesthetic of lostness" Chill. Relax. You don't want to return
from a vacation needing one more than when you left.
Have a wonderful vacation!
Take the Next Step:
- Subscribe to our new weekly "Inflation Fighters" newsletter
by sending
mailto:subscribe-InflationFighters@hub.thedollarstretcher.com
- Discuss "How do you save for vacation?" in The Dollar
Stretcher Community at
- Look for the dollar sign icon in the Dollar Stretcher
Community at http://community.stretcher.com/. When you see the
dollar sign, you'll find other Community members with great
Inflation Fighter ideas.
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To Coupon or Not to Coupon
by Faye Prosser
The advantages and disadvantages of couponing
Grocery coupons have been around since 1894 when Asa Candler
handed out handwritten tickets for a free Coca-Cola drink.
Over 100 years later, in 2002, shoppers saved $3 billion by
redeeming 3.8 billion coupons, according to the Promotion
Marketing Association. People of every age and income use
coupons and couponing can make a real difference for a
family's bottom line. The question is: Can it make a
difference for you?
This article will touch on the advantages and disadvantages of
couponing. From here, you can make a decision that is right
for your family regarding the benefits of using coupons. For
most of you, some level of couponing will make good sense.
With that said, couponing is not for everyone and it's
important to weigh the pros and cons before investing your
valuable time in the fine art of coupon shopping.
Not to Coupon: There are many reasons people turn away from
couponing or decide not to try it at all. Here is a list of
perceived disadvantages that keep some shoppers from wielding
their scissors and cashing in on potential coupon savings.
- Couponing takes too much time.
- It is embarrassing to use coupons.
- Organizing coupons is too much trouble.
- There are no coupons for the products we use.
- Coupons are only issued for junky processed foods.
- There are no real savings with couponing.
Let's look at some of the reasons why the perceived
disadvantages are not always accurate.
To Coupon: Successful couponing certainly takes some time, but
most of the work is done at home, not at the store with cranky
kids while you struggle to decide what to buy (sound
familiar?). Smart spenders look through the sales ads, make a
weekly meal plan, create a grocery list and match the coupons
to sales all from the comfort of their home. By the time they
get to the store, most of the work is done. All they need to
do is put the items in the cart, check them off on the grocery
list and put the coupons to the side, ready to present to the
cashier at checkout. I do most of my shopping preparation
after the kids go to sleep, while I am watching a TV show or
two each week. I also make time for couponing while they are
in music class or other extra curricular activities.
Although it can be embarrassing to hold up the line behind you
while the cashier scans a handful of coupons, it can also be
motivating to many folks when they see the savings from all
those coupons. I always let people in line behind me know that
I have a number of coupons, and if they are in a hurry, they
may want to try another line. Most stay put, ask questions and
want to know how I coupon. What it comes down to is that I
know I am being the best steward of our income. It shouldn't
be embarrassing to know that I am helping my family live
within our means.
Coupon organization is always a frustration for new and
struggling couponers. If your coupons are not organized, you
cannot take advantage of the great buys. Most couponers have
used the standard small accordion filing. Unfortunately, you
can never find your coupons and they are usually expired when
you do find them, which is generally about 2 hours after you
have left the store (again, sound familiar?). I started using
the binder method in late 1999 and have loved it ever since. I
use a three-ring zipper binder with tabbed dividers that are
labeled by product type and coupon insert pages to file the
coupons. I am able to see all my coupons and expiration dates
and I can always find the coupon I am looking for. If you are
ready for some serious organization and think you might like
to make your own, you can see pictures of my organizer at my
website (www.smartspendingresources.com).
One of the most popular reasons that people choose not to
coupon is because they believe there are no coupons for the
products they use. On the contrary, most families probably use
at least some products for which there are coupons. Remember
that coupons are not only issued for food. They are issued for
the full array of grocery and drug store products. Do you use
shampoo, toothpaste, toilet paper, soap, razors, pasta, rice,
frozen vegetables, veggie burgers, shredded cheese, peanut
butter, jelly, olive oil, or cooking spray? Those are just a
fraction of the products whose name brand manufacturers offer
coupons.
Another misconception is that all coupons are only for junky,
processed food. Certainly there are many coupons for
unhealthy, high fat or high sugar foods. The good news is that
there are also a number of coupons for healthier foods and
non-food items that most of us use. I don't clip the majority
of coupons in the Sunday paper. I find multiples of coupons
for the products I do use so I can stock up. For finding
multiples, I use coupon clipping services including
www.thecouponclippers.com and www.ebay.com. I also share with
friends and they share with me.
The last perceived disadvantage is that some people think that
there are no real savings by using coupons. The truth is that
there are excellent savings on some items, but you won't be
able to use a coupon for every item on your grocery list. The
key is to stock up on the best deals for the items you use and
then use the savings to pay for meats, fresh produce and other
items that don't offer high savings.
So, is couponing a good choice for you? It is if you can say
yes to the following:
- You use (or want to use) name brand food and non-food
products from grocery stores and pay less for them than the
store brand costs.
- You are willing to look at sales ads for good buys.
- You are willing to clip and organize your coupons.
- You are willing to make a meal plan to maximize sales and
your overstock.
- You want to stretch your income much farther, spend less and
have more groceries to show for your efforts.
My recommendation is that you try couponing for four weeks. If
you are not saving enough money to justify the effort,
couponing may not be for you. Jump right in by cutting the
coupons from your Sunday paper and see if you can save a few
extra dollars this week on your groceries. Remember that it's
your money, so spend it wisely!
_______________________
Faye is the author of "The Smart Spending Guide," December
2005. Her mission is to help others become effective advocates
for themselves and their hard-earned money. Faye, her husband
and their two children live in beautiful North Carolina. For
more information, see www.smartspendingresources.com.
Copyright Faye Prosser, Smart Spending Resources, 2008
===========================================================
In The Dollar Stretcher Community
Walking as Free Exercise - Beats a Gym!
Lose weight, get fit and enjoy it all without spending a
penny.
http://community.stretcher.com/forums/t/4532.aspx
===========================================================
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Consumer Tips for Dealing with Debt
courtesy of LowCards.com
Tips on how to climb out of credit card debt
In the last few weeks, there have been many stories about a
consumer debt crisis. This is a major issue in our country,
and it is time for consumers to take action and do what they
can to help themselves. It is easy to say that there is a debt
problem without actually acknowledging that you have one
yourself.
Here are nine signs that you have a debt problem:
1. You have to use credit cards in order to pay for
necessities such as gas and groceries.
2. Your credit card interest rates are over 20%.
3. Your unpaid credit card balance is four or five figures.
4. You have paid only the minimum balance on your credit card
for the last six months.
5. You are juggling debt payments on more than three credit
cards.
6. Your credit utilization ratio is over 50% (your debt is
over 50% of your total credit limit) on any or all of your
credit cards.
7. You feel like you are living on the edge, struggling to
make minimum payments for all of your debts.
8. You have used your credit card for a cash advance to help
you survive from one month to the next.
9. You have not put any cash into savings during the past 12
months.
"If you are in debt, it is not something you can ignore or
deny, and hope it goes away. Debt is not something that time
will take care of. You must make a plan to deal with it now.
The longer you ignore your debt, the worse your problem will
be," says Bill Hardekopf, CEO of www.lowcards.com.
Here are several tips for getting out of credit card debt:
1. Be honest with yourself; don't deny that you have a
problem. Pull out all of your bills and make a list of every
outstanding debt and the amount due.
2. If you are behind on your bills and repayment seems
overwhelming, contact your issuers, explain your situation,
and ask to set up a payment plan. If you have late payment or
over-the-limit fees, ask that they waive these.
3. Find a credit card with a rate that is less than 15%. If
your current rate is much higher than this, and you have a
good payment history, start by asking your issuer to lower
your rate to 15%. If you carry a balance, you should only look
for a card with a low rate and no annual fee. Don't worry
about the rewards; get the card with the lowest interest rate.
4. If you can't pay off your balance each month, then keep
your credit card in your wallet. Do not use your credit card
for everyday expenses. If you can't afford to pay with cash,
you certainly can't afford to pay an extra 15% interest on a
pizza, groceries, or a tank of gasoline.
5. Ignore the monthly minimum when paying your credit card
balance. You will never get out of debt by paying just 2% of
your balance. Make it your goal to pay twice your monthly
minimum each month, even if you have to reduce your cable or
cellular packages, or reduce your entertainment and dining out
to do this.
6. Pay attention to loans and credit that you apply for. Avoid
subprime loans that charge exorbitant fees with little benefit
for you. If you need an emergency loan, start with a personal
loan from your bank or credit union. They tend to have lower
rates and fees.
7. Get a part-time job for extra income to pay off your debt.
This will be difficult, but the more you pay off, the faster
you will be out of debt.
8. Make your payment before the due date. Each month look at
your payment due date and set up an email reminder to help you
make your payment in time. Do everything you can to avoid late
fees that could set up penalties and default rates.
9. Calculate how long it will take to pay off your balance
with the payment you make each month. You may be shocked at
the length of time it will take to pay off your balance and
large amount you will pay for interest payments. It helps to
have a realistic understanding of your debt to the credit card
issuer.
______________________________
LowCards.com ( http://www.lowcards.com ) is a free,
independent website that helps consumers easily compare credit
cards in a variety of categories such as lowest rates,
rewards/rebates, balance transfers and lowest introductory
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 provides
advice about credit card and debt issues, news, and credit
card updates.
Take the Next Step:
- Do you have a debt problem? Check yourself against the above
nine signs of a problem. It's best to attack the problem
early, as it won't go away on its own.
===========================================================
Sell Your House
by Gail Enochs
Easy and inexpensive tricks to make your home look better
fast!
Want to sell your house but don't have a lot of cash or time
to spruce it up? Can't afford a professional to do a major
renovation? I'll target some of the more common trouble spots
with a few suggestions for quick and easy fixes.
The most important thing you can do is absolutely free and
that is to declutter! Remove everything you don't absolutely
need until after the house is sold and either pack it away
neatly out of sight or put it in a rented storage facility.
Then rearrange your furniture to showcase your home's best
features (fireplaces, nice patio doors, picture windows -
don't block the views!). If you have too much furniture, then
put some of it in storage while the house is on the market.
Remember, you are marketing the house to a potential buyer,
not your belongings. You want them to be able to picture
themselves and their belongings in the house. Clean the
windows and any glass doors. Remove pet bowls from the kitchen
and temporarily store your trashcan out of sight. Have
everyone start putting coats and shoes and backpacks away in
their closets instead of dropping them in the foyer as they
come in. Keep this area clean and tidy as first impressions
are made here and can make or break a sale.
Freshen up the paint. This is generally inexpensive. I
personally never buy expensive paint, especially in a house I
am going to sell or rent out. Keep in mind that the buyer will
most likely change the paint anyway. Neutral colors are best.
I would cover any exceptionally out of the ordinary colors
like Easter-egg purple or coral pink with a more neutral tone
because these colors are not going to appeal to most buyers
and might turn most people off. However, if you have a gold or
red-toned or olive-green wall and it goes well with your
furniture, I wouldn't necessarily change it if it works well
and looks up-to-date because those colors are currently hot
and appeal to a wide range of buyers. Just tone down anything
that is overpowering, such as an entire red room or a busy-
patterned wallpaper. Also check the paint section of your
local discount or hardware store. Many of these stores sell
"mis-mixed" paint at a fraction of the normal cost. Someone
else's mistake might be just the color you are looking for.
Clean the carpets. Either borrow a steam cleaner from a friend
or rent one. Many grocery or discount stores rent these for a
low price. They aren't very expensive to buy these days
either, especially if it is something you think you will use a
lot. This will serve two purposes. It will clean your carpets
and make your house smell better. If you have hardwood floors
underneath and your carpet is in really bad shape, then
consider removing the carpeting to reveal the flooring
underneath. Hardwood floors are back in a big way!
Take a good look at your kitchen cabinets. Are they outdated
and a little dingy? Try cleaning them. How about a coat of
paint? If they are really old, this might be the best option
with a light sanding and a fresh coat of white paint. You can
even paint the hardware in many cases. There are lots of
metallic finishes in spray paints. A $6 can of spray paint is
a lot cheaper than replacing all the hardware on your
cabinets.
Clean and organize your bathroom using baskets, small boxes
and organizers. It is usually inexpensive to replace the
flooring in this room because most bathrooms are fairly small.
Peel and stick tile comes in many varieties now. Some even
come with the feel of stone tile. New towels, throw rugs and
shower curtains are inexpensive and can really change the look
without much effort at all. You can update old glass shower
doors easily with frosted glass spray paint. You can use
masking tape to tape off strips or other designs on the glass.
Be sure to clean and organize your closets. Buyers will open
your closet doors. An organized closet will look more
appealing to a buyer. Give away anything you haven't worn in
the last year. Pack away anything you don't wear on a regular
basis and put it in storage until after you have moved. Make
sure beds are made and clothing and other items are put away
every day. Keep your house ready to show on a moment's notice.
If you have a four-bedroom house, then you need to show the
house with four bedrooms. If you use one as an office, you
might get by with showing the house with one bedroom used as
an office space as long as it is neatly organized. But don't
show a house with the extra bedrooms used as "junk rooms." If
you don't have beds for all the rooms, then use air mattresses
either stacked up or on frames and dress them just as you
would a regular bed. No one will know the difference. It's a
lot cheaper than buying a bed frame, mattress and box spring.
You can even borrow air mattresses from a friend if you don't
have them. It will only be temporary anyway. Use small tables
and lamps from another part of the house beside the bed and
you are set. A bench or trunk at the end of the bed can be an
excellent place to store out-of-season clothing or toys. If
you don't have bedding, check discount or dollar stores, your
local resale or Goodwill shop, borrow from a friend or try a
neighborhood garage sale. Remember, you are just staging for
an Open House. You are not going to be using these items
forever, but pick something neutral and tasteful.
Listen to what people are saying when they walk through your
house. If something about your house keeps getting negative
feedback, then it might be worthwhile to invest the money to
update it. That might be what is hindering the sale of your
house. However, only you can decide if it is feasible to make
the changes that might help your house to sell.
____________________
Gail Enochs, a working wife and mother, is a home-improvement
addict and the creator of www.advertiseyourhouse.org/, which
is a new website where property owners can advertise homes for
sale or rent for a one-time low fee. The first 25 property
owners to list their property will get their property listed
FREE!
===========================================================
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Tips, Quips, Quotes and Questions
*********
Yes, We Can Help This Reader
Caring for Leather Boots
*********
I have had a lot of luck caring for boots by carefully
brushing dirt from the area where the sole meets the upper,
then applying leather cream generously. I then stuff the toes
with crumbled newsprint. I recently read that a great way to
store winter socks is to jam them into the toes of
boots/winter shoes. The boots or shoes keep their shape and
you don't need another place to store the socks. If the calves
of the boots are long enough to need support, I roll a piece
of cardboard to the shape needed and insert it into the leg of
the boot. Store them lying down; if you put the soles on the
floor, wrinkles can develop in the leg/ankle of the boots as
gravity pulls the leather down.
Marcie
more on "Caring for Leather Boots" at
*********
Be Selective
Save a lot of money with a battery tester. I went into a
battery store and bought a little black 2" x 2" battery tester
for $6.99. We have a Wii game and the controllers each take
four batteries and one time al l of the controllers went out.
I checked each battery with the tester and only one was low in
each controller. I thought of how many people replace all of
the batteries! Since I recycle my batteries, I went through
the entire container and checked each battery and discovered
that 3/4 of them were still good. This battery tester has a
red and green meter on it and tests all types of batteries.
It's a great little investment. Why pay for something that may
still be good?
Pam in Bloomington, MN
*********
Bonus Money
Getting paid weekly, I budget on 48 weeks (four paychecks a
month) rather than 52 weeks. I hardly notice the difference
across my budget items until it comes to those extra four
paychecks per year and having that money to spend as "extra."
Those four checks get earmarked for really unusual expenses
that might come up, get put into savings or are used for a
vacation.
K.
*********
Insurance Comment
I have to disagree with the article you ran on 4/21 about
saving money on insurance
friend's wife cancelled their uninsured and underinsured
motorist coverage to save money. He was then involved in an
accident with a drunk, unlicensed, unregistered, uninsured
motorist. Between medical bills, paying off a totaled car,
lost work and nine months of physical therapy, he lost about
$40,000. The drunk went to jail for 7 years. In fact, he is
there now (for the second time) for another drunk driving
accident. My friend will never see a dime of the $60,000
judgement and will have daily pain for the rest of his life.
Delete uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage at your
own risk!
Nancy
Editor's note: Please understand that our intention was not to
recommend you should drop any particular coverage. Rather it's
meant to encourage you to talk with your agent about all the
different coverages you have. The goal is to make sure that
you get the correct coverage.
*********
Discount Grocery Store Bags
I do quite a bit of shopping at one of the very low cost
groceries where we either bring our own bags or purchase
theirs and then bag our own groceries. I save a paper towel
roller when the towels are used up, fill the empty cardboard
"container" with used bags from other shopping trips and stash
it under the seat in my vehicle.
It's surprising the number of bags that tube will hold, and
there's no mess. The bags are always available when I go to
this discount store. With supplemental runs to other
groceries, of course, I always seem to have a ready supply to
replenish that semi-empty tube.
Ruth Ann
*********
What would you do with an extra $100? Last month, Richard from
Fenton, Missouri 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
----------------------------------------
Risks of Online Public Records
Think you've got your personal information under control? Some
of it may appear in online public records -- which is yet
another avenue for ID theft when enough personal information
is exposed
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr29a.htm
One-Stop Shopping for Mutual Funds
Asset allocation funds are designed to create diversification
and meet income or growth goals. Is the all-in-one approach a
good idea?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr29b.htm
Critics Wish to Bounce 'Check 21'
Consumer advocates say legislation known as "Check 21" is
fundamentally unfair to consumers
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr28b.htm
Practicing Online Safety
Protective software can only go so far. Your unsafe behavior
can override that protection
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr28d.htm
Issuers' Foreign Transaction Fees
Here are the foreign transaction fees, also known as currency
conversion fees, charged by top American credit card issuers
to consumers who travel abroad
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr29n.htm
'Safe' 529 Options May Lag Inflation
Families looking for complete safety in a 529 plan will earn
meager returns
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr28e.htm
Securing Your Computer
Before you load up your computer with sensitive information
about yourself, take these steps to ensure your personal
finances stay personal
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr28g.htm
Fame & Fortune: Seal
As half of an entertainment power couple, Seal says he and his
supermodel wife blend fame and family quite nicely
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr25a.htm
Cash Sweep Accounts Study Results
Bankrate surveyed the top brokerages to determine how much
interest they pay on money invested in a cash sweep account
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr24a.htm
Cash Sweep Accounts Spark Lawsuit
Critics claim that several brokerages sweep the money into
their own banks, profiting off clients' excess cash while
doling out minimal interest to the customer. A class action
suit has been filed
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr24b.htm
Exclusive: Cash Sweep Accounts
Brokerage firms hold your uninvested cash in a money market
account. Do you know how much interest you're earning? Do you
have an option?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr24c.htm
Guard Your Social Security Number
Your SSN should be treated as "classified information." Few
people have the right to access it
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr24d.htm
8 Tips to Protect Your Personal Information
Crooks would love to know all about you, including your date
of birth, account numbers and mother's maiden name. Keep them
in the dark
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr24e.htm
Spend, Invest or Pay Off Bills?
The economic stimulus check will give Americans the chance to
make a decision that can help their household finances or help
the economy
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr23d.htm
HELOC and Your FICO Score
Maxing out a home equity line of credit may impact your credit
score
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr24g.htm
U.S. Government Stands Behind Deposits
The U.S. government stands behind FDIC-insured deposits
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr23e.htm
In Critical Condition
http://www.stretcher.com/critical/index.cfm
-------------------------------------------
Consumer Tips for Dealing with Debt
by Bill Hardekopf
Tips on how to climb out of credit card debt
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08may05d.cfm
Predatory Lending Victim Facing Bankruptcy
Senior citizen's mortgage balloons to exceed her Social
Security income, but before she files bankruptcy, she should
seek legal recourse
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr29d.htm
6 Ways to Buy Checking 'Float' Time
Today, it's harder to buy time to pay your bills. Here are six
ways to create some breathing room
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr28a.htm
Ask Collector for Proof of Debt Payoff
Protect yourself by requesting written proof of a debt payoff
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr28f.htm
Family
http://www.stretcher.com/family/index.cfm
-----------------------------------------
My Story: Frugal Prom
contributed by Jacque
Get through the Prom Season with the budget intact
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08may05h.cfm
Big Changes Arrive at Summer Camp
Summer camps are offering more activities, but at a higher
price
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr23a.htm
10 Ways to Tame Summer Camp Costs
A little knowledge and preparation can help keep summer camp
costs under control
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr23b.htm
Camp Costs Work Sheet
This printable work sheet is a convenient tool for comparing
the financial differences in a variety of summer camps
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr23c.htm
Green
http://www.stretcher.com/green/index.cfm
----------------------------------------
When Cleaning Equals Energy Saving
by Tamara Wilhite
Have a clean, more energy efficient home
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08may05f.cfm
Home and Auto
http://www.stretcher.com/homeauto/index.cfm
-------------------------------------------
Sell Your House
by Gail Enochs
Easy and inexpensive tricks to make your home look better
fast!
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08may05e.cfm
'Timing' Market Big Gamble for First-Time Home Buyers
It's a real estate buyers market in most areas of the country
but many would-be purchasers -- especially first-timers -- may
be outsmarting themselves by waiting for prices to fall still
further
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr29c.htm
Where Rates Are Headed in 2008
Will mortgage rates go lower or higher and what sort of events
can drive them there?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr28c.htm
5 Great Used Cars for Bargain Hunters
Don't overlook five used-car gems that are easy on both fuel
and your wallet
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr25b.htm
Never Roll Negative Equity into New Car
This bad loan product deserves to be banned
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr25c.htm
Subpar Credit May Mean Lousy Loan Deal
A good FICO score is crucial to getting the best terms on a
car loan
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr25d.htm
What Goes Up, Must Come Down
It's no secret that real estate is undergoing a painful
correction. Though housing cycles aren't all alike, experts
say in the long run there is a basic pattern
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr25e.htm
Is It Time to Buy? Maybe
Expert opinions are split on this question. Two veteran real
estate specialists give opposing points of view to help you
decide
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr24f.htm
Ex Takes Wheels, Leaves Wife with Bills
A woman's ex is taking advantage of her generosity
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr28h.htm
No-Doc/Low-Doc Mortgages More Expensive
No-doc/low-doc mortgages still are available, but they are
more expensive
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr25f.htm
Upside Down on Home? Take a Deep Breath
Don't let the fear of being upside down on a loan force you
into foolish decisions
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr29e.htm
Lifestyle
http://www.stretcher.com/lifestyle/index.cfm
--------------------------------------------
Caring for Leather Boots
Keep them looking good from year to year
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08may05a.cfm
Vacation for Less
by Judith A. Filangeri
Cutting costs without cutting the pleasure out of the trip
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08may05b.cfm
To Coupon or Not to Coupon
by Faye Prosser
The advantages and disadvantages of couponing
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08may05c.cfm
Reduce your Food Budget
by Monica Resinger
13 easy ways to cut your food budget down to size
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08may05g.cfm
Your Taxes
----------
Tax Deduction for Insurance Premiums
A self-employed man with a stay-at-home wife and new baby can
deduct their health insurance premiums
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr29f.htm
Paying Taxes by Credit Card
The IRS has softened up a bit, and now allows the convenience
of paying yearly and quarterly taxes by credit card
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr28j.htm
Relief for Innocent Tax Filer
When one spouse fails to pay up on a joint tax return, the
other can claim innocence to the IRS
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr28k.htm
IRA Contribution Rules
Dad wants to set up an IRA for his newborn, but CPA George
Saenz says a Coverdell is a more appropriate vehicle
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr28m.htm
Everything Else
---------------
Readers Tips
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08may05t.cfm
From Dave Ramsey
----------------
I Just Feel Whipped (audio)
Lisa has a very bad thought ... is there ever a point where
you CAN'T make an impact on your money?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr28n.htm
Saving for College (audio)
The hardest part of saving so much money for so many college
expenses comes sooner than you think
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr28p.htm
We Have Hope
I can still hardly believe it. The reality of it hasn't
completely sunk in. Now we have hope, which is something we
didn't really have 6 months ago
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr28q.htm
The Student Loan That Wouldn't Die
Now 12 years later we owe $1,000 more than we started off with
- even after paying on them for 5 years at $200 per month
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr29g.htm
Integrity Alarm
Want to hear some unsettling facts about how Americans view
money and integrity?
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr29h.htm
New Car? With Cash! (audio)
A listener wants to buy a new car with cash. Dave says it's
all right, as long as one condition is met
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr29j.htm
Bad Church Decisions (audio)
Lana doesn't like the way her tithe might be handled at her
church
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr29k.htm
Encouragement to Be Debt Free
My friend Alan and his wife were starting the road to become
debt free, and they wanted us there with them
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/08/08apr29m.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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