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The Budget Stretcher
Week Of: January 29, 2007
AOL Users Please Visit Online
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Grandpa Terry's Quips
Tip #15 - If a budget scares you then it's a pretty good
indication you don't want to know how bad things really are.
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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 - Dinner Rolls
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Subscriber Tip
Hi Terry!
I just saw the tip in your newsletter about the $4
prescriptions at WalMart. These are a great deal. When they
first started this, I asked the Eckerds pharmacy I had been
using if they would meet it and they said they did not. I then
called Target where I had recently filled a new prescription and
found that they also have the same four dollar deal as WalMart!
So I transferred all my prescriptions there. It never hurts to
ASK for a good deal, especially if it is to match another one.
Debbie
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
While Michelle is busy taking care of her Mom, please visit
the below link to find some great Coupon 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.
This has nothing to do with saving money or budgeting but it's
something we all should know. Clean your computer!
I turned on my computer the other day and all I got was a Dell
picture. It wouldn't load. Naturally, I paniced. I couldn't
figure out why this was happening. I tried several times and
nothing.
It didn't seem like that long since I got the dust out of the
inside and back of my tower but when I looked it was built up
pretty bad.
I got my can of "Dust Remover" and sprayed the inside. When I
sprayed the back where the fan is (I know there is probably some
fancy term for that fan but I haven't a clue what it is) it
started turning! It's bad when it's gummed up that like that.
I have vowed to clean my computer at least every couple of weeks
but, at least now I know what will happen the next time I
forget.
I'll bet some of you thought that you needed to know something
about computers to operate a web site and send out a newsletter!
I'm still running the special for the Tips ebooks that I
mentioned in my special offer email. You can get the below
ebook titles for only $2.95.
200 Problem Solving Tips For Your Home and Your Health
The Essential Guide To Organizing Your Home
97 Easy Money Savers
101 Ways To Stop The Money Leaks
404 Self Improvement Tips
60 Great Uses For Salt
The Miracle Of Vinegar (Now Includes 60 Baking Soda Tips)
Vinegar For Cleaning
Vinegar For Your Health
Use this link to order:
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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Credit Card Information
What You Should Know About Switching Credit Cards
Courtesy of Creditorweb.com
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Grandpa Terry's Tip of the Week
Budget Basics!
If you are like many people you simply get your paycheck, sit
down and write out your bills and put money back to cover your
expenses until next payday.
While that is part of the money management process it doesn't
give you a "Picture" of your overall financial situation.
At the very least you need to know how much income you have,
what your bills come to and what you have left over for your
expenses each month. This can be done on a simple piece of scrap
paper.
One other area that is vitally important is to have some money
put back to cover those unexpected expenses that seem to popup
on a regular basis. Just by having a few hundred dollars put
back to fix the car or replace your TV you can save a lot of
money by not using credit cards.
The absence of this short term savings is what gets many people
in trouble.
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Site of the Week
Mommy Tips.com
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Grandpa Terry's Email
The free samples website makes you sign up for lots and lots
of offers that you may or may not be interested in, just to get
fifty cents worth of shampoo. I wish someone could tell me
where to get truly free samples. Most of the "free" websites
just really aren't. But thanks for a great newsletter - I
always enjoy it!
Shelley
--------
Dear Terry,
All I can say is WOW! I feel compelled to tell you my story
haha. I've been married almost 13 years, and my husband has
always handled the finances. We both preferred it that way. He
did Fantastic, we did well even when we were dirt poor making
only eight hundred a month. Two years ago he started a framing
subcontracting business. Last year he just couldn't run the
business and the finances. So I volunteered to do the finances
for both the business, and our own budgeting, under the
stipulation that he would help me. (At that time the business
was small, with only 2 employee's) the last few months I have
missed payments here and there, not because of insufficient
funds, just because I had overlooked them somehow. We didn't
have a "budget" we were just spending money here and there
without a plan. One of my new years resolutions was to Make A
Plan!
Last week I stumbled onto your website while looking for budget
forms I could use to add some structure to our finances, and
found the budget organizer or stretcher. I couldn't believe it
was so afordable!!! I spent the last 2 days going over our
personal finances and setting up a budget with my husband. This
was actually fun! We found money we didn't know we had for
savings! And we are using a little extra to pay down our debt.
We will have over 6 debts paid off by August paying one at a
time (smallest to largest, paying extra on one until it is paid
off, then adding that payment to the next debt in line).
Yesterday I made payments on all our bills... And I am resting
easy knowing that ALL ARE PAID (no phone calls this month! Yay)!
This is going to change our life!
Thank you Thank you THANK YOU!
Sincerely,
Luella
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Mr. Terry,
I was able to open the form and it worked just fine. I am so
glad to know that I will be able to get the most out of product.
I am reading your e-book now, "How to Budget Successfully." I
sure hope it can help us. We are serious about making a change
and just didn't know where to start. We decided to do the Oprah
Debt Diet, however; we still had questions about managing the
monthly bills. On Oprah's show it was outlined what to do but I
still had questions. Some of which with you have already been
able to help. Such as your suggestion on setting up the three
ring binder. I had just set one up yesterday but wasn't sure
with what exactly to do with it until I found your web site
tonight. Thank you for making the information able free of
charge. I can't tell you the relief you have offered and I am
now encouraged to begin to get a handle on our money woes.
Thanks so much,
Rhonda
--------
The new dawn pump, when empty wash bottle and use 1/2 baby
shampoo and 1/2 water give or take how foamy you want solution,
works great on toddlers. They love the foam, add food coloring
instant fun in the tub.
--------
Good Morning Terry,
After reading The Budget Stretcher this AM I decided to expound
on the "shaving Cream" stain remover for carpets. It not only
works in your house, but it is more than GREAT for the carpets
in your car! Not only will the stain come out, but the carpet is
left soft, not stiff and matted. I have used this for years and
hope your readers will try it, too. Remember, for the smaller
areas such as between the doors and the seats, spray the cream
on your hand or finger and apply, that way there will be no
overspray on the door or seats. Rub into the carpet, it drys
FAST, then you can vacum or just wipe over with a cloth.
Have a great day!!
Eileen,
WV reader
--------
Thank you for providing valuable info to all of us. Today's
info about walmart / sam's club $.00 drug program is extremely
informative and moneysaving. I have forwarded it and your
website to many.
Donna, Long Beach, Ca
--------
Dear Grandpa Terry,
Since you have such a large following, I'd like to share
something with your readers that they may not be aware of --
timeshares!!! Unfortunately, we were sucked into their sales
pitch and ended up buying a unit -- huge mistake!! When we tried
to sell recently, I found out that they are the worst purchase
anyone could ever make. The true value is only 30-40% of what we
paid and the resale market is horrible. Another word of caution
-- if you have bought a timeshare and want to sell it, NEVER pay
an upfront fee for someone to list/sell it -- this is just a
scam. Any reputable agent will sell it and then charge a
commission. But even that is not ideal -- people usually owe WAY
more than it's worth so you take a big loss and then have to pay
a commission on top of that. I would bet that most people end up
like us -- stuck, whether we like it or not.
The best thing to do is NEVER attend a timeshare presentation
--- that way you won't be fooled by their smooth-talking agents
who will tell you anything and do anything just to get the sale.
you visit it, be sure to check out all of the links and previous
newsletters that they have there. I'm sure there are other sites
similar to this one -- a quick google search should have them
come up.
I'm trying to spread the word to unsuspecting consumers -- if
we had known then what we know now, we would have avoided this
like the plague. Offers of free meals, tickets to attractions,
etc are not worth it -- don't think you can just go for the free
gift and get away easily -- they will keep you there for hours,
play husband against wife, and make your day (and maybe the rest
of your life) miserable.
If you can think of any other venue through which I could
spread this information, please let me know. A gentleman that I
spoke to at our state's real estate commission said he likes to
call them "crime-shares". I prefer to call it "legalized
extortion". They have to be stopped -- I know I'm just one
person, but one person can do a lot.
Thank you for your time!
Mary J. , SC
--------
Hi: You have my total respect and I hope many follow your
hints. I am dealing with a husband with alzheimer now and my
interests are in other areas. Just would like to let you know. I
am 63 and my parents and my older husband have brain washed me.
If I don't have the money I don't buy it. No credit card debt
that I don't pay off monthly. They make no money from me.
Unfortunately our children married others who didn't have the
same attitude altho none are out of control. Anyway thanks
again. If you want to use this in your column feel free but take
my address off the end.
Thanks again.
Georgina
--------
In response to Nan, whose cat is addicted to the smell of
Bengay -- I have actually had two cats in my life who shared
this fascination -- one as a child, many years ago, and one just
recently. The cats themselves were not related in any way. Same
as you described -- they would practically attach themselves to
you just to be near the smell, and would lick it if you let them
-- which I was always afraid to allow for fear it would make
them sick. I also had a DIFFERENT cat who was apparently
attracted by the smell in photo-finishing chemicals, becuase she
would eat photos if you left them laying around. Maybe some cats
just have a more acute sense of smell or something!
Becki in Indiana
--------
Hi Thank you Grandpa Terry,
Please I have another question.
If you are in debt and your child received a disability lump
sum amount...approximately $2000. payment and will now receive
and extra $100.00 per month because of the disability..should I
put all the money into a savings plan for him for higher
education later on? He is 14. Or do I use that money for the
debt? The child is coping well and but may need money later for
different hearing aid, etc.
My thoughts are divided on the best way to use it. Part of me
thinks I should keep it all for him because of the disability
and I think of it as his money and part of me would like to get
us out of debt.
Thanks. I look forward to your answer.
Indigoblu
My Response:
Hi Indigoblu,
If your child has regular expenses related to their disability
I would use the $2000 and the $100 per month to offset these
expenses. However, if there are no regular expenses I would put
back the $2000 for the hearing aid and use the $100 per month to
pay down your debt. This will help them also by freeing up money
you are currently spending on your debt interest.
I hope this helps,
Grandpa Terry
--------
Dear Terry
To follow up on my original letter concerning Walmart's $4 drug
program. Ava adds valuable information regarding other
pharmacies matching price programs.
The information regarding the active ingredients in generic
drugs is misleading and inaccurate. The active ingredient in
both the drug sold under the trade name and the generic
equivanent must be identical. The fillers used to manufacture
the tablet may differ. The FDA ensures that the adsorbability of
the active ingredient is the same in both brand name and generic
drugs
Prescriptions are usually filled with a generic drug if one is
available unless your doctor indicates otherwise. Most insurance
companies will not pay for a trade name where a generic exists
The danger may come in purchasing medicines through the mail
from some foreign sources, this does not include Canada where
the laws are equally as strict as those in the USA.
A good relationship with your pharmacist is extremely valuable
but a well informed consumer will still get the best deal.
Best Wishes
Veronica RN
--------
Grandpa Terry—
I have been enjoying your newsletter for some time now.
I have been using my bill pay online banking service for about
a year, and I like it very much. It really cuts down the time it
take to pay bills each month. I do still write everything in my
check register, just because.
A suggestion I would make is, don't wait until the last minute
to pay using bill pay. If you should have computer troubles at a
crucial moment, your payment could be late. I try to pay a week
ahead, so if something malfunctions I still have time to pay by
check in the mail if necessary.
Thanks,
Brenda
--------
Hi Grandpa Terry,
I'm trying to refer another lady to your site but I can't find
a web site addy, and I can't remember how I got signed on. I
you send me that addy so I can give someone else the benefit of
your wonderful emails?
Also here is another tip:
There is a website for all of us avid recyclers. It is
group is actually internation though is started here in the
United States. This site allows you to find things you may be in
need of that others no longer need or want. It also gives you
the chance to clean out your closets, garages, storage bins etc
while keeping our landfills open for the "real" garbage. I have
received to name a few: a nice couch, two CD rom drives (yep
they worked), shoes for my kids and games for my kids. I have
been able to give away a bed, book case, kiddie chairs, student
desk etc. And it's free! Pretty awesome. Saves time and money
and space in our landfills!
Thanks
Amber N. Cincinnati, Ohio
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Subscriber Tip
Due to a accident in my home, some blood spilled on my carpet.
I used hydrogen peroxide to clean up the mess. I had to cover
the stain several times, mopping up between applications, but
there is no noticeable stain on my oatmeal colored carpet. As
with any carpet treatment, test first in a hidden area. My
carpets can be bleached so I knew it won't bother it a bit.
Tammy
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Subscriber Tip
I got a tip from the repair man to keep your washing machine
from any build up from softner. Put a scoop of dishwasher
detergent or liquid detergent into the cylinder without clothes
and wash in your normal cycle. Due it once a month to prevent
build up.
Stephanie
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and view over 10,000 tips and articles to save you money
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This Week's Article Links
Just click the links to view the article
Financial Record Keeping
By Care One Credit.com
Frugal Valentine's Day Ideas
By Amy Allen Clark
Big debt limits credit card choices
The Debt Adviser by Steve Bucci • Bankrate.com
To read more articles visit:
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Special Recipe
Dinner Rolls
3 heaping Tbsp. shortening
1 Tbsp. salt
Scant 1/2 cup sugar
1 cup hot water
6 cups flour
1 cup warm water (110 - 115 degrees)
2 pkgs. or 2 Tbsp. yeast
Combine shortening, salt, and sugar in large bowl. Pour hot
water over mixture and stir until shortening melts. Add enough
flour to make a paste. Add 1 cup warm water in which yeast has
been dissolved. Mix in remaining flour to form a soft dough.
Knead dough well. Place in a bowl and cover with a damp towel;
let rise. Punch dough down when doubled and roll to 1/2 inch
thickness. Cut with cookie cutter and place on greased pans
about 1/2 inch apart. Let rise until doubled. Bake at 400
degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Makes 3 dozen.
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.
~~Visit your hairdresser during the week, as sometimes they
offer haircuts cheaper than on busier Saturdays.
~~Know what your health insurance pays for.
~~Coupons for health and beauty products that say good on "One
Any Size" can be used on trial sizes. If you have a 1.00 coupon
off of your favorite shampoo, and the trial size is only .99
cents, you will get it free!
~~For the truly frugal - when you can no longer squeeze any
more toothpaste out of the tube, cut the tube open, and scrape
the remainder into a bowl. Add baking soda and some water, and
you can double the amount of the toothpaste.
~~To stretch your shampoo pour half of bottle into empty
bottle, and add water to fill both. You have twice as much now,
and it will work just the same.
~~Free fingernail brush - When washing your hair, before you
rinse off the shampoo run your fingernails through your hair a
few times. Then rinse.
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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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