The FREE Budget Stretcher Newsletter
March 24, 2008



Subscribe To
"The FREE Budget Stretcher Newsletter!"
And Get A Bunch Of FREE Stuff Like:

  • The Complete Budget and Bill Organizer

  • Weekly Newsletter

  • Free Downloads

  • Discounts

  • Free Email Course

  • Calculating Budget Form
  • Fill In Your Email Address To Subscribe
    Email address:
    Select how you would like to receive your newsletter
    The Budget Stretcher: (Receive the Text Newsletter In Your Inbox)
    Online Only: (Receive notification and a Link To View The Newsletter Online)
    Budget Stretcher PremiumI would rather receive my newsletter without advertising and with all the added benefits for only $19.95 for the first year and then only $9.95 to renew! NOW GET A 7 DAY UNRESTRICTED FREE TRIAL! Check It Out!!
    Powered by YourMailinglistProvider.com


    This is an OPT-IN list ONLY! If you feel that you have received
    this message in error, please follow the directions at the
    bottom of this email to unsubscribe. Thank you. This email
    contains advertisements to help support Budget Stretcher.
    ***********************************************************

    The Budget Stretcher
    "Saving you money...One Dime at a Time!"
    Week Of: March 24, 2008
    AOL Users Please Visit Online

    ***********************************************************
    Upgrade Your Subscription To Premium Get 7 Days Free

    You have got to check this out.  You won't find so many resources
    to change your financial future in one place anywhere on the web.
    See what all the fuss is about:

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

    Grandpa Terry's Free Ebook

    Free Ebook
    Aesop's Fables

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

    Support Our Sponsor

    "Do Your Kids Know How Much Money You Make?"

    It's an easy enough question, but the answer isn't so easy.
    Many parents hide the (sometimes) gruesome details of the
    family finances from their kids.

    After studying the financial routines of countless families,
    I've found that kids who know how much their parents make (and
    spend) every month are more likely to be financially successful
    when they grow up.

    By analyzing the answers to 11 more yes/no questions about YOUR
    financial habits I can forecast YOUR KIDS' financial future with
    amazing accuracy.

    Take 60 seconds to discover your child's Financial Future Score
    at


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

    ***What's Inside***

    Grandpa Terry's Free Ebook
    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 - Quick No-Knead Rolls
    Everyday Savings from http://www.thefrugalshopper.com

    Watch for next week's newsletter featuring:
    10 wackiest tax write-offs

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

    Subscriber Tip #1

    Hi Grandpa Terry,

    Just a couple of tips for everyone. When you have some old
    towels instead of throwing them out cut them into strips and hem
    them they make great scrubbers for your back in the shower.

    To get rid of moles in your garden chop some garlic cloves,
    scrap away the molehill until you see the hole and drop the
    garlic into it, it really works and it's goodbye mole without
    trapping it.

    Have a great Easter.

    Regards
    Sue/P/032408

    Subscriber Tip Of The Week
    Vote For Sue'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 the below link to submit your
    tips:


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

    Coupon Savings
    by Michelle Jones

    Dear Terry,

    Thank you for telling your readers about my latest book, "101
    Coupon Tips... to Help You Save More at the Store." I just had
    to write you and tell you about a recent trip to the grocery
    store this past weekend. I was cutting out coupons on Sunday and
    found several great ones ($1.00 or more) that were about to
    expire that day. So I told my husband we needed to stop by the
    grocery store while we were out. Then, since we were going to
    the store and had our oldest son with us, age 14, (who I thought
    would make a great helper!), I gathered up ALL of the coupons I
    wanted to use for this month. The trip took less than an hour
    and on a grocery bill of $96.00 we saved $28.23 dollars in
    coupons and another $20.24 with additional sale prices. My
    husband and son said they didn't even mind the trip, it was easy
    and even FUN! But what they loved the most was how much money we
    saved buying the foods we normally get, whether we have coupons
    or not. As we were walking to the car they said, "$28 in
    coupons, WOW!" (I've been trying to tell them for YEARS how much
    money I save with coupons, but you know, some husbands!) So then
    I replied, "Yes, plus the $20 in sale prices brings that to $58
    in total savings!" And THAT'S why I wrote my coupon book, Terry,
    to help people do this too! I know I've saved at least $18, 000
    using coupons over the last twenty something years or more. That
    may not seem like a lot of money to some people, but it sure is
    to us. I just had to write you about our trip to the store this
    weekend; I knew you'd appreciate it! :o)

    Have a great week!
    Michelle

    Grandpa Terry's Note:  Michelle has put together a great list
    of tips that has helped her save thousands over the years.  I
    know she has some great ideas that will benefit us all.  Please
    take a minute to check out her ebook "101 Coupon Tips... to Help
    You Save More at the Store."

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


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

    Grandpa Terry's Update

    Welcome to The Budget Stretcher!

    It's more important now than ever before to get control of your
    finances. With the of prices gas, food and nearly everything
    else skyrocketing it takes more money to just maintain your
    household.

    Where I live gas is about $3 a gallon for regular unleaded. For
    a vehicle that averages 20 mpg and drives about 20, 000 miles a
    year you can expect to spend about $3000 a year. That's almost
    $60 per week.

    I've seen figures that the average American family now spends
    about 15% more on food than they did just a few short months
    ago.

    If you are already running a tight budget this can mean serious
    problems. Even if your budget isn't that tight you will need to
    make adjustments in your spending and learn how to save any way
    you can.

    I'm not being pessimistic, I'm being realistic. I'm also not
    worried about the overall economy. I've learned that we have ups
    and downs in our economy and most of the time they are short
    lived.

    We simply have to be prepared. If you take the time to
    eliminate the waste in your budget it will go along way toward
    freeing up money to cover these increased expenses.

    I just posted a poll on my home page that asks "What concerns you
    the most about your money?"  I would like your input.  Please
    visit http://www.homemoneyhelp.com and look in the left hand
    column for the poll.  While you are there why not recommend
    Budget Stretcher to your friends?  There is a link close to the
    top of the page "Click here to Tell your Friends about Budget
    Stretcher".

    If you haven't already downloaded "E-Cookbooks Library Sampler"
    here is the link to do so.  It has over 200 recipes and is free.


    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

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

    Support Our Sponsor

    Aisle-By-Aisle Grocery List Software

    Makes Shopping More Fun!

    The idea that there is actually software that can help
    me and my family with our weekly shopping expeditions.
    A program like this would make our shopping experiences
    much quicker and easier too.


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

    Credit Card Information

    Cash-out to pay off cards or keep debt?
    by Scott Bilker

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

    Grandpa Terry's Tip of the Week

    Quick Money Management Tips

    This is the 1st in a series of articles that provide helpful
    money tips that you can use to stretch your budget.

    1. Don't use your credit cards unless you intend to pay off the
    balance at the end of the month.

    2. Prepare a simple budget that you can stick to.

    3. Organize your bills and receipts so that you can lay your
    hands on anything you need within 60 seconds.

    4. Use your checking account only to pay bills. Use cash for
    everything else.

    5. Control your impulse spending.

    6. Don't spend more than you make each month including credit
    card purchases.

    7. Plan all of your purchases no matter how large or small.

    8. Set your financial priorities keeping in mind you and your
    family's survival.

    9. If you are having money problems, find out how you got there
    so you can make a plan to get out.

    10. Set aside some money for a crisis fund you can use for
    unplanned and unexpected expenses.

    Learn how to know the cost of a loan before you sign the
    papers. Download the Free "Loan Calculator! Plus" by visiting:


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

    Site of the Week

    Womens-Finance.com

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

    Grandpa Terry's Email

    Hi there, Terry!!

    You were wondering about the magic pie recipe. I've had this
    for a couple of decades; I've made it several times and truly
    love it. It's got the consistency of a custard pie with coconut
    in it as well. For those who love baked custard and coconut,
    this is a keeper. Oh, and it's super easy, too, since you can
    get a pre-made pie crust at the supermarket and then dump the
    rest of the ingredients in a blender, blend, and then put it in
    the baked pie crust. Then you throw it in the oven and that is
    it.

    Hope there will be some adventuresome subscribers out there who
    are willing to give it a try. Feel free to add this to your next
    newsletter.

    Jo

    ----------

    Dear Grandpa Terry.

    Just to add my 2 cents to the subject.

    Do not take your hand bag shopping.

    Invest in a small fanny pack (about 50 cents - $1.50 at the
    thrift store or garage sales)

    Put money, credit card, store discount card, and one check
    together with ID (very important) and any essential medication
    such as nitro or glucose tabs into the pack and you are ready to
    go. Both hands are free and keys and shopping list go in other
    pockets. Other ideas include pinning a zippered pouch inside a
    waist band or using a pouch with a neck strap that hides under
    clothing. Strapping your handbag into the grocery cart does
    delay stealing but it only takes a second for a thief to unsnap.
    Don't forget thieves like to blend in and what looks like an
    innocent friendly old lady who asks for your advice may be a
    decoy.

    If you live in an area where you are fearful of mugging. Keep
    your valuables on your person and by all means carry a handbag
    and fill it with things a woman would normally carry and a big
    fat wallet full of change but only a couple of dollars. That way
    the thief will grab the bag and run and not be suspicious that
    he has an empty bag till he gets round the corner, which gives
    the victim valuable seconds to get away. Another simple
    precaution to take in case you do loose a bag full of important
    information is to photocopy important papers so that credit card
    companies etc can be immediately notified. Also if you can't
    afford cell phone service obtain a used one and keep it charged,
    it can be used to call 911 free.

    Veronica in NYS

    ----------

    From last week's newsletter:
    > > If you buy gas at Sam's Club (and maybe at the other
    wholesale discount stores like BJ's), you may want to reconsider
    making that purchase. The gas that's Sam's Club buys is the left
    over sludge, water, sediment, and other junk that remains after
    gas stations get their fill. That is why the price is 5-10 cents
    a gallon cheaper<<

    Is there proof of that? Or is this just rumor, perhaps started
    by some of those "local stations" or their suppliers? I've been
    taking business classes, too, through SCORE, and Cost Co was
    used as an example of financing a business, without using any
    personal money or going into debt through loans.

    I get gas at Cost Co-- they get the same gas as other stations,
    they just don't mark it up as much. I've never had a problem
    with it, although I have had problems with Arco and "no Name"
    type stations' gas. The reason Cost Co can sell cheaper is 1)
    you are already paying part of the costs with purchase of
    membership, 2) it is a "member benefit", intended to bring in
    more people signing up for membership, and only has to "break
    even" as far as profitability in Costco’s business plan; local
    stations are primarily selling gas-- they need to make a profit
    on their sales, and sales of coffee and over-priced groceries in
    their attached mini-marts aren't enough to keep them in
    business.

    Kaytee

    --------

    Suggestion regarding securing purse while shopping.

    Most stores have shopping carts with straps to secure children.
    I put my purse where a child would sit and position the straps
    THRU the straps or handles on my purse. If someone attempts to
    snatch my purse while I am distracted.....it won't happen! The
    straps/handles are secured.

    Donna, Long Beach, Ca

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

    Subscriber Tip #2

    Use Cash ~ Buy your Food &amp; Household Items with CASH! If
    you are not already on a budget, figure an amount for your
    monthly food and household item and use cash to pay for those
    purchases. It is much easier to resist that bottle of coke in
    the checkout line when you are spending cash. You are much more
    likely to only buy what you need and to think twice about your
    purchases. It hurts a little to spend your hard earned
    greenbacks!

    Tashia/032408

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

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

    Support Our Sponsors

    My Budget Planner

    Are you frustrated trying to get by on the money you
    make?
    Would you like to get a good view to where all your
    money is going?
    Would you like to start saving your money, or save
    even more?
    Looking for something easier then software like Quicken
    or Money?
    Would you like to teach your children about finance?


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

    Budget Stretcher Partners

    Thrifty Fun
    Smart Money Tips
    TheFrugalShopper.com
    Debt Smart
    Free Credit Card Reviews

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

    Subscriber Tip #3

    I am in Adelaide, South Australia. The cheapest time to buy
    petrol (gas) here is Wednesday mornings. There are also several
    local websites that document pump price per litre. It is well
    worth it to check them out.

    We also have a system of vouchers (coupons) from a few
    supermarkets that offer up to 4 cents per litre off (to a
    maximum of 30 litres)if you spend a certain amount in store. I
    have personally found their savings are not worth it, as the
    prices in those stores are quite high, and their Petrol Stations
    are too far out of my way to use them.

    Anne/032408

    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:

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

    Support Our Sponsors

    Debt Consolidation can Instantly Reduce Your Debt up to 60%!

    Discover why our debt consolidation service is the most
    effective solution for getting Americans out of debt. Let our
    debt specialists review your finances and help you:

    Save thousands in interest charges.

    Reduce your credit card debt by up to 60%.

    Help you regardless of your past credit history.

    No credit check required.

    No home ownership required.

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

    This Week's Article Links

    Just click the links to view the article

    Should You Pay Off Debt or Invest in Savings?
    By Care One Credit
    (debt)

    6 hobbies that can make you money
    By Jay MacDonald • Bankrate.com
    (make money)

    3 Planning Lists to Organize Your Meals
    By O Quinn
    (food)

    To read more articles visit:

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

    Take Advantage of your Budget Stretcher Subscriber
    Benefits Visit:

    Visit Our Forum

    Budget Stretcher Subscriber Benefits Page

    Join This Groups

    A_Simple_Life

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

    Support Our Sponsors

    A selection of over 1000 stores to get CASH BACK of up to 30%!

    FREE $2.50 BONUS for signing up!

    Money-Saving COUPONS.

    Completely SPAM-FREE. Your email address is kept in strict
    confidence.


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

    Special Recipe

    From the Ebook "Nelson Family Recipe Book"

    Quick No-Knead Rolls
    Kathryn Stanley

    ¾ cup hot water
    ½ cup canned milk
    2 packages yeast
    2 tablespoons sugar
    3 ½ cups flour
    1 teaspoon salt

    Dissolve yeast in water and milk. Add sugar, 1 ½ cups flour,
    and salt; mix until well mixed. Add 2 cups flour, mix well. Let
    set 5 minutes. Shape into rolls and let raise until double. Bake
    at 350º for 15-20 minutes. I use these when I make harvest soup
    or beef stew. They are easy and good, though they are a heavier
    roll than ones that raise twice. I double this recipe, it makes
    enough to fit Grama Stanley's old baking pan that Mom Stanley
    gave to me, don't know the size, a little longer than a 9 x 13
    pan.

    You can order the "Nelson Family Recipe eBook" for only $3.  This
    ebook is 120 pages of down home recipes.  Please use the below
    payment link to order your copy today (30 day money back
    guarantee):


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

    Everyday Savings

    These Tips provided by The Frugal Shopper

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

    Learn when is the best time to buy.  Get the Sandy's Seasonal
    Sales Shopping List by visiting:


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

    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.