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The Budget Stretcher
Week Of: January 15, 2007
AOL Users Please Visit Online
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Grandpa Terry's Quips
Tip #40 - People say you should save for a rainy day. It's too
bad that, for most of us, it's pouring everyday.
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***What's Inside***
Money Saving Tip
Subscriber's Tip of the Week
Coupon Savings
Grandpa Terry's Update
Credit Card Information
Grandpa Terry's Tip of the Week
Site of the Week
Grandpa Terry's Email
This Week's Articles
Special Recipe - Upside Down Pizza
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Subscriber Tip
Dear Terry,
I just investigated the Wal-mart $4 generic drug plan and was
amazed at the savings on medicines I was already taking. Like
every money saving tip this one takes a little effort.
The first thing to remember is that doctors and pharmacists are
very busy people
Next find out the generic name of all the medicine you are
taking. If it's not on the bottle look them up on the web. Just
type in the name of the drug and your should be able to find it
easily
Download the list of $4 generic drugs from the Wal-mart web
site.
Make a note of the drugs you are using that are on the Wal-mart
list and ask your doctor for new prescriptions to take to
Wal-mart if that is not your usual pharmacy. At the same time
ask you doctor if there is a Wal-mart generic that is similar
enough to one of your usual medicines to make a switch. Every
time your doctor wants to prescribe some thing new ask him or
her to check the list and prescribe from that if possible. Of
course you will need to show the list to the doctor every time,
they just don't have time to deal with this.
This will save you more money than Medicare Part D and unless
your insurance has a $2 co-pay you will save there too.
The down side of this is that you will need to pick up
medicines in person from Wal-Mart although you can order the
refill by phone and they cannot be mail ordered plus you will be
limited to a 30 day supply
As I said at the beginning this does take some effort and the
co-operation of you doctor but the savings can make the
difference between eating and taking your medicines.
Veronica RN
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 or 10 of
my Budget and Credit Card Calculating Forms.
Please use the form available at:
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Coupon Savings
by Michelle Jones
I received some bad news from Michelle today. Her mother was
just diagnosed with cancer.
Michelle provides us with some great info every week and I
would like to show her that we appreciate it by offering your
prayers and support.
Hopefully, things will work out fine and Michelle will be back
soon. In the meantime you can visit her web site to find your
grocery tips.
Save hundreds of dollars on your groceries each month, with or
without using coupons! Read more of Michelle's FREE grocery
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Grandpa Terry's Update
(Quote - "Do It Now Before Your Future Becomes Your Past")
I want to personally welcome you to this week's newsletter. If
you are a new subscriber all you have to do is just sit back,
read and enjoy.
The Special Offer to subscribe to Budget Stretcher Premium only
has a few more days to run. You can save $5 on your first year's
subscription until January 21, 2007.
Please don't miss this special. I may be increasing the price
of a regular subscription very soon because of all the new
benefits. Just take a couple of minutes to check it out at:
Last week I asked for 20 volunteers to review my products and
give their opinions. I have all of the volunteers I need now.
Thank you to all of those that applied.
I've already completed my first tax return. For those of you
that don't know, I usually do about 40 to 50 tax returns each
year for family and friends (and friends of family and friends,
people I don't see but once each year!).
So far I haven't seen much that has changed in the tax laws
from last year. One thing that may interest you is that you
can now split your refund among up to three accounts if you
choose to Direct Deposit your tax refund.
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 just have them visit:
All the best,
Grandpa Terry
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Grandpa Terry's Tip of the Week
How Did I Get In This Mess?
By Terry Rigg
When I was younger and having all kinds of money problems, I
ask myself this question a thousand times. It seemed like one
day we were doing fine financially and the next we owed
everybody. How can it happen so quick?
This is a problem that a lot of people are experiencing today.
It can be one of the most helpless and frustrating situations
most of us can find ourselves in. To make matters worse, it
seems the harder we try to get a handle on our finances the
deeper in debt we become.
There isn't an answer that covers everybody, naturally, but I
believe that in most cases we simply weren't paying close enough
attention to the details of our finances. We figure that an
extra payment here or there won't make a difference, until it's
too late.
I know for myself and most of the people I have counseled over
the years, that it wasn't until we took a good hard look at how
we got ourselves in debt, that we were able to start working on
a way out. This isn't for the purpose of placing blame, but is
necessary to determine what changes needed to be made and to
prevent it from happening again.
I have found that very few people, including myself, have ever
been taught even the basics of proper money management, either
at home or at school. This hit home when I had to teach all
three of my kids how to fill out and maintain a check book,
after they graduated from high school. I assumed that they would
learn this in school. I realize now that I should have been more
aware of what they were not learning and accepted the
responsibility of teaching them the fundamentals of handling
their money myself. That was my job.
If you are just starting out in the work force or going to
college, it is time for you to learn that you have to work at
managing your money, everyday. It is essential that you learn as
much as you can about setting up a budget and using every
expense cutting method you can think of. Even if you are making
good money you need to know exactly what you have coming in and
what you have going out. There are a lot of people making $70,
000 or more a year that are having money problems.
There usually isn't just one thing that causes us to accumulate
debt. It can be anything from buying more house than we can
afford to running our credit card balances to the hilt. It
almost always happens a step at a time.
Let me give you an example: You buy a house with payments that
are more than you wanted to pay, but it is exactly what you were
looking for, so you decide you can cut back in other areas. Now
you've used all of your cash for the down payment on the house,
but you still need furniture. It's time to break out the credit
cards. You don't realize just how much the furniture, curtains,
pictures, rugs, etc. will cost. Now your credit cards are
reaching their limit. Then the electric bill comes in and it is
double what you were expecting. This can all happen within just
a couple of months.
The above example may not fit your situation, however, chances
are no one purchase caused the problem. This is why it is
absolutely necessary to pay close attention to your finances and
plan every purchase. The only way to know if you can afford
something is to have a budget in place.
For most people, there are too many expenses for the average
individual or family to keep track of in their head. You have to
take what ever time you need to put this information down on
paper after considering all of your possible expenses. You can
do this on a piece of notebook paper or find a simple budget
form. Which ever way you choose, make sure that you review it
before you make any purchases.
As I stated before, it is necessary to know what events led to
your money problems so that you will know what actions to avoid
in the future. This will be vitally important on the road to
your financial recovery.
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Site of the Week
Prepare Your Taxes Free
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Grandpa Terry's Email
Editor's Note - This email is in response to a tip I gave in
last week's newsletter about Refund Anticipation Loans.
You are "right on" about the prefile RALs. I have started a
part time job in a tax prep office this past week. Not one of
our clients so far has asked what the interest is on these pre
tax prep loans! Although, we fully disclose it on paper. It is a
VERY SCAREY 89-95%!!!! Anyone that realizes this would wait
until the 12th of this month when their W2's are online or at
the latest the end of this month and e-file at a higher price to
request a 24 hour refund instead!
Honestly, we (the tax preparers, and the offices) are not
making one cent off of these loans! I was told that we don't
even get paid for anything until you actually file your taxes.
We get paid to file taxes and exercise no control until then.
If for some reason you forgot to disclose something to us (we
only use your end of year paycheck stubs to do these)and in the
end did not get as much in your return, you could be in a huge
mess! The loan is only for a percentage of your refund and the
bank gets their money before you do as the IRS submits the money
to them and they send you a check for the balance. Thanks for
caring, Terry! No one that I know even realizes what a mess
these can be!
Lisa
p.s. Banks can even charge you to cash these prefile loan
checks! (as much as $55!) Unless the office you use has a deal
with the bank.
--------
Silly general question to your readers....
My cat ( 8y/o neutered male Maine Coon) has a "jones" for
Bengay ?
Does anyone else see this sorta thing in their pet ?
Beginning to think ( well, have known for while....lol) the
poor little dude is just freaky..... he is skin sensitive to so
many human things - like fabric softner in our bed blankets (no
matter how hard we try to avoid it - winter in PA requires
softener to avoid electrocution !)....he can't do catnip - he
gets stomach sick ( yuk for us)....he adores chocolate (but
being a bad thing for pets, we are careful as we can)......and,
to beat all.....he has a personality of an angry pit bull if you
cross him. The "brother" cat is a plain white shorthair, age 7,
"raised by" the older cat .....and shares NONE of the above
quirks ? They both have totally indoor life, full run of the
house, good mouser's (if we had any....or ......do we ? lol ),
100% same diet (we vary the flavor, but not the brand/type
specific) and same degree of treats daily, both drink mass
quantities of water, and we take them about every two years for
shots and an exam - but hesitate to go more often for costs. Our
vet is a wonderful , kind man - and my only reservation about
taking the older cat - he bites when he is scared and has bitten
the vet, as well as me. Getting him muzzled is real fun, but
do-able with a large blanket, two adults and a spare set of
hands beside that, so no one has to get clawed while we control
the teeth. LOL
I subscribe to Dr.Foster/Smith Pet products catalog, and find
lots of good topical, seasonal and useful stuff to self-treat
them, but even checking some pet sites, vets, and Purina -
No One seems to know why my guy "loves" Bengay !? For safety
reasons, we keep the treated area covered thoroughly - so he
cannot eat or get it on himself - but he will follow you
straight into bed and up under your pillow, blankets, hair,
nightie or socks to be near that dang smell !! If there's a
scientist, doctor, or other animal professional who reads YOUR
advice, maybe they can enlighten me, about my little guy.?
Nan in Pgh
--------
I am possibly going to obtain a job that pays $11.00/hr for a 40
hour work week. I live in Florida. What amount can I expect to
be taken out of my paycheck each week for SS, Medicare, FICA?
Thanks.
My Response:
Hi,
I would have to take a wild guess, not knowing how many dependents
you claim, etc.
40 hrs @ $11.00 = $440
SSA @ 6.20% = $27.28
Medicare @ 1.45% = $6.38
FICA @ 15% Bracket = 47.40 (Guess)
Wages - $440
Taxes - $81.06
Take Home - $358.94
I have no idea about Florida Withholding!
I hope this is close to accurate.
All the best,
Terry
--------
Hello Grandpa Terry,
Here's a tip that is good this time of year. Starting the
beginning of the year I put $5 a week away in an envelope toward
the coming Christmas gift buying. You could save whatever amount
you think you will need, but any amount will be a help. I also
look for items on sale through out the year to buy and give as
gifts. I have learned that neighbors seem to like a big plate of
home made cookies or other baked goods as much as any present
that I could buy.
Lala
--------
Terry,
I just had to comment on the woman who talked about using
toilet bowl cleaner with bleach on her bathtub and even
countertops. She may not know that these products are highly
toxic. I sure wouldn't want to have it on any area where I'm
preparing food. Using it in the toilet bowl is bad enough with
the fumes, but adding even larger quantities of it to a bathtub
is really dangerous. Chlorine bleach is the most toxic product
people use in their homes, and there is even a movement to ban
it from use in the U.S. Here's just one article on that topic.
So many people think that because products are on the grocery
store shelves that they are safe to use. Think again. This is a
good article on the topic.
Just had to comment! I used to be one of those people who
thought that it took serious chemicals to get things clean, but
not anymore. There are other options. I believe there is a
direct link between the high incidence of cancer in our society
as well as other disease because of the chemicals we're bringing
into our homes. Our homes have become more toxic than the air
outside.
Joyce Pierce
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Subscriber Tip
Sometimes we get discouraged when trying to save money. We
don't see that the little savings can add up to big savings -
every month.
Here is a great booster: write down all the money you save from
coupons, rebates, doing online surveys/paid programs, etc. I am
a SAHM (stay at home mom) and sometimes feel I am not
contributing to the household budget, but this simple step shows
me that I am!
Many stores now list your savings at the bottom of the receipt:
coupons used, store sales, etc., so just write it down when you
get home. Write down and rebates you receive in the mail. Do a
test drive for a $50 pre-paid credit card.
I just started this a few months ago, and it's so nice to see
the figures add up! In October 2006, I saved $136.50 - using
coupons, rebates/gift cards received in the mail, checks
received from doing online surveys. In November 2006, this
amount had increased to $340.50. In December 2006, the amount
increased to $502.47! I am off to a great start in January 2007,
having saved $82.35 saved at the grocery store using store
coupons, manufacturer coupons and store specials.
If you want to "double" your savings, many people, at the end
of the month, put their savings/earnings into a savings account.
Add up those pennies saved and earned and put a smile back on
your face.
Melanie
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Subscriber Tip
Hi, Y'All,
I always look for a six or 12 pay no interest deal. Dividing
the whole total by 6 or 12. And paying it off, before the Promo.
end date.
This of course is usually only for us credit elites. But if you
decide to try it, do not miss one payment. Don't even be late
with one. Or you' ll end up paying the National War Debt. Before
your done.
BTY, you not so credit elites can try this also, times are hard
all over, just look at the Car industry.
Good luck,
Grandpaw Bob
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This Week's Article Links
Just click the links to view the article
Dealing with old debts
Ask Dr. Don by Don Taylor, Ph.D., CFA, CFP • Bankrate.com
Your Consumer Rights
By Terry Rigg
Your 2007 New Year's Resolution - Save More Money!
By Saving Secrets
To read more articles visit:
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Join These Groups
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Special Recipe
Upside Down Pizza
1 1/2 lbs ground beef
1 med onion, chopped
1 can (15 oz) pizza sauce
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/4 tsp oregano leaves
8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 eggs
1 c. milk
1 TBLSP oil
1/2 tsp salt
1 c. flour
1/2 c. parmesan cheese, grated
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brown beef & onion, pour off fat.
Blend in sauce, garlic, salt and oregano. Put mixture in greased
9x13 pan and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. In small bowl mix
eggs, milk, oil, salt & flour. Pour over meat mixture & sprinkle
with parmesan. Bake 30 minutes. Mushrooms, bell peppers strips,
Italian sausage or Canadian bacon may be added, if desired.
This recipe compliments of The Best Cookbook Anywhere Not Just
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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.
~~Coffee cans (big ones) - Make toy "stilts"! Poke holes (with
a can opener) on either side of the can and thread a jump rope
through and they can walk on the cans while holding the jump
ropes. Cool!
~~Old clothes - Use to make quilts, pillows, and blankets.
Always save the buttons.
~~Broken candles - Melt them down to make new candles. Add
broken crayons for color.
~~Nylon mesh bags from veggies - Cut the mesh into several
pieces and use for plastic scouring pads to clean your dishes.
Click here for more ideas: "Orange Bags -- How to Reuse Mesh
Fruit Bags and Recycle"
~~Used dryer softener sheets - Use for dusting instead of the
Pledge grab-it or Swiffer cloths. Impossible to clean pots and
pans - fill with water and used sheet, let sit for awhile, and
stains will be easier to clean. Great for removing soap scum
from shower doors!
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Contact Information:
Budget Stretcher
1203 Madison 228
Fredericktown, MO 63645
FAX: 573-783-5982
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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.
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