The FREE Budget Stretcher Newsletter
January 14, 2008



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    "Saving you money...One Dime at a Time!"
    Week Of: January 14, 2008
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    Do You Know the 7 Keys to Raising "Money Smart" Kids? Is money
    important in your life? Will money be important in your kid's
    life?

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    Kids will have no choice but to use money throughout the rest
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    ***What's Inside***

    Grandpa Terry's Free & Paid Ebooks
    Subscriber's Tip of the Week 1
    Coupon Savings
    Grandpa Terry's Update
    Credit Card Information
    Grandpa Terry's Tip of the Week
    Site of the Week
    Grandpa Terry's Email
    Subscriber's Tip of the Week 2
    Subscriber's Tip of the Week 3
    This Week's Articles
    Special Recipe - Bread Pudding
    Everyday Savings from http://www.thefrugalshopper.com

    Watch for next week's newsletter featuring:
    Ten Commandments of personal finance

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    Subscriber Tip #1

    Uncle T-

    Hope that you are well. Have you featured the site

    Not sure where I heard about it, if it was from your site or
    not. Take a look at it. I cant live without it, I check it
    multiple times a day to see if there are any updates on great
    bargains.

    Have been a user for less than a month and it has transformed
    the way I shop. I have never saved so much money at the grocery
    store as well as drug stores. Just this weekend I saved over 100
    bucks at the drug stores, thanks to that site. (I paid about 50
    bucks for items that would cost twice that)

    Ok, I cant say enough about that site and the woman who keeps
    it up.

    Thanks!!
    Bernadette/P/011407

    Subscriber Tip Of The Week
    Vote For Bernadette's Tip and Get A Free Gift!
    Use the form at the link below to vote for this tip:

    All you have to do is submit a "Subscriber Tip" and if it
    appears in The Budget Stretcher you will get your choice of
    either The Complete Budget and Bill Organizer Download, 10 of
    my Budget and Credit Card Calculating Forms or my Bill Pay
    Management System to keep track of your bills and checking
    account.

    Please use the form available at to submit your tips:


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    Coupon Savings
    by Michelle Jones

    If you’re able to use your grocery coupons at more than one
    store each month or simply price match as we discussed a few
    months back, then you’re doing a great job by shopping for
    the lowest prices… I’m so proud of you!  Now, let’s take
    that a step further and keep track of those low prices so
    you’ll have a good idea what they are, and more importantly—
    WHERE they are going to be!  It’s called a Price Log and the
    first time I made one was about 15 years ago when saving
    every penny was critical for our very tight budget.
    Basically, all you need to do is keep track of how much items
    cost at the different stores you shop, then you’ll always
    know what’s really a good price and what’s not!  You can
    easily make your own or use my printable blank sheet to get
    you started at


    If you have any questions just let me know!

    If you would like to learn how to save more money with coupons,
    including how to use them WISELY, how NOT to use them, and how
    to FINALLY get them organized so you CAN use them, order your
    copy today!

    020606
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    Grandpa Terry's Update

    Welcome to The Budget Stretcher!

    Are you worried about the US economy and what's going to happen?
    You hear a lot about people not being able to pay their mortgage
    and how that will ultimately affect the rest of us.  The fact
    is that 94% of all home owners are paying their mortgage on
    time every month.

    You hear about inflation and a possible recession.  The fact
    is that the overall US economy is thriving.  The unemployment
    rate is around 4.6% which is about the best we can expect.

    Good news doesn't make the TV, papers or radio.  Even if you
    hear a good news story is usually followed by a big BUT.

    Don't let these news report affect you.  You are in control of
    your economy.  What happens in the country has very little to
    do with you unless you let it.

    Yes, rising gas and other prices can hit you hard but this is
    where your flexible budget will help.  You know prices are going
    up so you need to plan for it.

    I heard an excellent quote on the radio.  "Yes, the country is
    in a recession but I choose not to participate".

    This is an optimistic view of the current economy. I know that
    many people are hurting because of the cost of everything going
    up.  But, your ultimate goal should be to get in a position
    where you can adjust your bills and expenses to allow for higher
    prices.

    Next, week I am starting my segment on the Fair Tax.  The first
    part will be a question.  "Do you support the Fair Tax?"

    You may ask "What does the Fair Tax have to do with my budget
    and my financial situation".  The simple answer is that it can
    help eliminate many of your financial problems.  You will see
    what I mean in the coming weeks.

    You can find exactly what you are looking for on thousands of
    topics at the below page:


    That's all for now. Remember, I really enjoy hearing from you
    folks. If you have any comments, complaints, suggestions or just
    want to say Hi, please send me an email to

    If you know someone that may be interested in subscribing to our
    newsletter have them visit:


    Have a great week,
    Grandpa Terry

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    Credit Card Information

    Gift card trends: Gift cards are everywhere
    By Ellen Cannon • Bankrate.com

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    Grandpa Terry's Tip of the Week

    Credit Unions

    Have you ever thought about doing your banking with a Credit
    Union? It may just be the way to go for you.

    A Credit Union is a non-profit organization that provides
    virtually the same services as for profit banks. Statistically,
    you will receive more interest on your savings and pay less
    interest on your loans with a Credit Union. However, you should
    check the credit union in your area to make sure they offer the
    same services as the banks before you jump into anything.

    I could go on and on about the pros and cons of credit unions
    but there is a web site that has just about everything you would
    want to know. It might pay you to take a few minutes and browse
    the below web site:


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    Site of the Week

    Better Budgeting

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    Grandpa Terry's Email

    Dear Readers,

    As a long time subscriber, I absolutely love this newsletter
    and Grandpa Terry whom I consider to be the "Paul Harvey' of the
    Internet. His name stands for integrity.

    Watkins Inc in this, their 141st year of business, has stood
    the test of time with products that stretch your dollar without
    sacrificing quality, promote good health and are environmentally
    friendly. My grandparents, my parents and now I count on their
    products for my family in so many ways.

    We love so many of their products (gourmet foods, vitamins and
    supplements, skin care products and organic household cleaning
    goods) that it made perfect sense for us to become associates of
    the company itself. Now we save even more in our household
    budget and earn income as well. You can too!

    Like Sam's Club and Cosco, Watkins offers memberships to shop
    at a discount but unlike those companies Watkins pays you
    commission for bringing more customers their way. When you
    recommend their products to your family, friends or anyone and
    they become members their purchases create long term residual
    income for you that grows.

    On Feb 1st a new associate can come in at a lower start up
    investment than ever!!! Those of you that are business minded
    and want more than just a discount, will find we have revamped
    the income plan to help those that want more, to earn more!

    To learn more or have your questions answered, visit my
    website: www.tsginfo.com and enter code: CT6433

    If you would like a free catalog and sample email me at
    born2bdixie@yahoo.com and I will include a 10% coupon good
    towards any purchase.

    Sincerely,
    Carol Tracewell

    ----------

    There are plenty of Aussies who read the newsletter, getting
    the tips from around the world is very useful, however I
    understand the frustration about the food coupon thingy...

    I tried a while ago to get in contact with some of the Aussie
    BSP users to create a local club to put together information to
    submit but had no luck so we could try again if anyone is
    interested...

    The best advice that I ever heard was to shop at Aldi as much
    as possible and buy only pre processed stuff, so for example:

    I buy flour, veggies, sugar, long life milk, eggs etc and then
    bake from scratch. The BSP links to recipes and recipe sites is
    really handy for this.

    I used to live in a country town and traveled a couple of
    hours to shop at Aldi but it was still cheaper than the local
    supermarket even with the fuel. Now I live close to Aldi and my
    weekly groceries cost me $50 including fruit, veg and
    toiletries(They have great scents and prices for personal care
    stuff).

    Just basic prices are better, for example Fish fingers for the
    kids, $5.99 at Coles the other day but $2 at Aldi for the same
    amount and same quality.

    Hope this helps.
    Cheers
    Kathie

    ----------

    Hi

    This is not exactly a tip but a place for those from Australia
    (and US) to get some helpful ways to save. Since it is an
    Australian site some things will not be familiar or useful to
    those in the US but much is helpful. It is a website and you can
    get a newsletter from them. http://www.simplesavings.com

    My other comments is in regard to the sites to get cash back
    etc. In this newsletter that I just received from you ebates was
    mentioned as well as another site mrrebates. I have 2 more to
    add:

    all 4 when I want to purchase since they often have a different
    % off or different deals/extra coupons.

    ----------

    Hi Grandpa Terry

    I am thrilled to report that we have paid cash only for
    everything for Christmas ­ it is such a good feeling.

    My tip is to check your eftpos and/or credit card slips against
    your statement. This s very simple to do with online banking.

    Happy New year.
    Cheers
    Maree

    ----------

    Terry:

    The one thing that I was going to share with you, is that I
    have tried both food programs. I like Golden share much better
    than angel foods. The food seems to much fresher, and we don't
    receive any canned goods at all. I completely believe in these
    programs due to the Nationwide Share programs that we belong to
    that had ended due to cost. When my husband and I had moved
    about 70 miles away from an area that we were used to, we had to
    figure things out. That is when I found angel foods and then
    golden share. I have been a reader (stretcher) since way before
    we moved. I now share your site with as many people who take
    stretch the mighty dollar as seriously as I do. I am a school
    bus driver and need to know how to stretch my money as far as it
    will stretch.

    So I will continue to be one of your #1 supporters.

    Thanks,
    Telara

    ----------

    Grandpa Terry:

    I'm wondering whether it wouldn't be better for
    me to take a home equity loan (which I can write off the
    interest on) as opposed to doing another credit card transfer at
    0% for only one year. I have $8, 000.00 in debt that I need to
    get rid of and would only keep one card for emergencies only.

    Val

    My Response:

    Hi Val,

    I think you have the right idea with the home equity loan. In
    too many cases credit card companies are looking for a reason to
    kick in the interest. This could happen with the payment being
    processed just one day late.

    Set up your payment for what you believe you can afford and pay
    more when you can. Also, do not cancel your credit cards. This
    will have a negative impact on your credit score.

    Good luck,
    Grandpa Terry

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    Subscriber Tip #2

    Hello Grandpa Terry,

    I am in Australia, and apart from the coupons and tax advice,
    many suggestions do apply to Australia.

    I guess the reason I don't submit suggestions is because I am
    afraid they would not be relevant to the US.

    For example, turkey is very expensive here, but lamb and beef
    are cheaper, and we can also buy kangaroo, rabbit, camel and
    goat meat from some butchers. We don't eat beans much - unless
    you are a vegetarian - and cheap meals are usually based around
    minced beef (I think you call it ground beef?) or veal, which is
    very cheap at the moment.

    The best suggestion I can give off the cuff is how to stretch
    minced beef.

    Rather than use breadcrumbs to stretch beef for spaghetti
    sauce, patties or meat balls, I use grated vegetables. I can
    stretch 600gms of minced beef (about a pound and a third) to
    more than a kilo (just over 2.2 pounds), By grating the
    difference in weight in carrots, zucchinis, parsnips, turnips,
    swedes or beetroot (better for spaghetti sauce - gives a lovely
    rich colour and nutty flavour).

    For patties (rissoles) or meatballs, mix the grated vegetables
    and a finely chopped onion with the mince and add an egg (or 2
    if it looks too dry) and spices (chili, garlic, Worcestershire
    sauce etc) and a packet of chicken noodle soup. Leave covered in
    the fridge overnight then remix and form into patties/meatballs
    and roll in flour then cook thoroughly.

    For spaghetti sauce, brown the mince in a large saucepan, add
    the grated vegetables and a finely chopped onion, add a bottle
    or 2 of tomato puree, and a tin of peeled chopped tomatoes (or
    chopped fresh tomatoes if you have them). Add mixed herbs or
    oregano or your usual seasonings and simmer while you cook your
    pasta. Any leftovers freeze very well.

    I would love to be more helpful, and indeed I will try in
    future to contribute more.

    Regards
    Anne/011407

    Subscriber Tip Of The Week
    Vote For Anne's Tip and Get A Free Gift!
    Brand New:  Use the form at the link below to vote for this tip:

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    Subscriber Tip #3

    When giving printed photos to relatives and friends, I first
    type the name of the subject and year the photo was taken on
    address labels. Peel and stick instead of handwriting on the
    back of each photo which can be harmful and can bleed through to
    the front of the picture.

    Second tip:

    I have measured the waist and inseam of my favorite slacks and
    jeans and sleeves and chest on my favorite shirts. When shopping
    on Ebay I know which clothes will fit by checking the
    measurements. It has saved me from bidding on clothing I know
    won't fit.

    Lori/011407

    Subscriber Tip Of The Week
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    This Week's Article Links

    Just click the links to view the article

    Will bargain gas harm your car?
    By Terry Jackson " Bankrate.com

    Problems with balance transfers
    by Scott Bilker

    3 Planning Lists to Organize Your Meals
    By O Quinn

    To read more articles visit:

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    Visit Our Forum

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    Join This Groups

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    Special Recipe

    Bread Pudding

    6 cups bread (about 8 slices, cubed)
    2/3 cup sugar
    2 eggs
    2 cups milk
    1 tsp. vanilla
    1 tsp. nutmeg
    2 Tbsp. lemon juice
    1/2 tsp. salt
    1 cup raisins (optional)

    Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and pour into a greased 8X8
    inch pan.  Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes and top with
    lemon glaze (see below).

    Lemon Glaze

    1/3 cup margarine or butter add 1/2 tsp. grated lemon peel
       to the margarine
    2 cups powdered sugar
    1 1/2 tsp. lemon juice
    2 to 4 Tbsp. hot water

    Heat margarine in a saucepan until melted.  Stir in powdered
    sugar, lemon juice and 1 tablespoon water.  Mix well.  Add
    the rest of the water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the
    frosting is smooth.  Glazes one bundt cake or one 10-inch
    angel food cake.

    This recipe compliments of Living On A Dime.  Get more of
    the recipes you can actually use:


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    Everyday Savings

    These Tips provided by The Frugal Shopper

    Please show your appreciation for these great tips by visiting
    this site.

    --To remove sticky residue/glue, try one of these:
    mayonnaise, peanut butter, nail polish remover, "Goo
    Gone", or any oil.

    --Tile Cleaner - Deodorized kerosene (buy at an oil
    company).

    --Use Benzol to remove tar, paint, and wax gum from
    your car.

    --Erasers will remove black heel marks on floors &
    Artgum erasers will clean bone colored shoes.

    --To keep the corners of your windowsills free of
    dust and moisture, rub a white candle into each corner
    of the sill.

    --If your polished furniture has small scratches:
    Try rubbing them with a shelled walnut. You'll see the
    scratches just disappear!

    --Keeping silver jewelry in a zip lock or air tight
    container will keep it from oxidizing.

    --As soon as you notice a spot or stain on clothing,
    stop what you are doing and take care of it. The sooner
    you attend to it, the better the chance you can remove it.

    --To clean glass containers - Use salt and lemon juice,
    and if the glass is not too fragile, crushed ice. Swirl
    these around until container is clean, then rinse with
    warm water.

    --What is the best tool for scrubbing a carpet spot?
    Another small piece of carpeting.

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    Contact Information:
    Budget Stretcher
    1203 Madison 228
    Fredericktown, MO  63645
    FAX:  573-783-5982

    ***********************************************************

    Disclaimer:  This newsletter is only intended to provide
    information on proper money management.  Budget Stretcher or
    Terry Rigg can not accept responsibility for any injury or
    damage that may be caused to yourself, others, or property when
    following any advice given.