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: May 21, 2007
AOL Users Please Visit Online
***********************************************************
Free Ebook Download
For the next few weeks I'm going to give away an ebook each
week. All you have to do is click on the below link and the
download will start. The Adobe Acrobat Reader is required
to open the ebook and is on most computers.
Delicious Sandwich Recipes
***********************************************************
Support Our Sponsor
MOMS MAKE MORE!
More financial freedom!
More time for your family!
More control over your life!
More flexibility!
***********************************************************
***What's Inside***
Free Ebook Download
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 - Ro*Tel's Southwest Chicken Skillet
Watch for next week's newsletter featuring:
Debt restructuring with poor credit
***********************************************************
Subscriber Tip
This tip is for you gardeners out there. If you're like me, I
often bring home far too many plants when I'm out shopping for
them. In the meantime, I often give many away. Those that I want
to keep, I place in a big "holding pot" so they won't get root
bound. Later, when I find a place in a large pot or in my
garden, I transfer plant to it’s permanent location with little
or no side effects. Happy gardening!
Mary M.
twstr
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:
***********************************************************
Coupon Savings
by Michelle Jones
It amazes me how many people think they don't have time to clip
coupons each week because it really doesn't take very long to
cut them out. Especially if you make it fun! If this applies to
you try clipping them while watching TV. If you're a busy parent
like me it's a great excuse to take time out from your hectic
schedule to plunk yourself down on the couch and watch a
favorite show. You might even want to clip real slow so you can
watch two! ; o)
Save hundreds of dollars on your groceries each month, with or
without using coupons! Read more of Michelle's FREE grocery
***********************************************************
Grandpa Terry's Update
Welcome to The Budget Stretcher!
Do as I say not as I do! That seems to fit what happened this
week.
I received a lovely note from the IRS saying that I still owed
them money. It seems that one of my quarterly estimated tax
payments didn't reach them.
I immediately thought that I surely had the cancelled check and
could prove them wrong. I went through my tax papers and it
wasn't there. I then called the bank and they didn't have a
copy of the check either. I went back to my check register for
that period and the notation was there but it hadn't been checked
off.
Obviously, if the check never cleared the money was still in my
account. I don't remember having any extra.
Bottom line, my sloppy record keeping is going to force me to
write them another check and use money that I had planned for
something else.
The only bright spot is that using my new Bill Pay system this
can't happen now. It's so obvious when there is a check missing.
This is why I included my article "Your Checking Account" as
my Tip of the Week. More to remind myself than you!
Speaking of taxes, I wonder how many of my subscribers received
a large refund this year. I know that some of the tax refunds
I prepared for family and friends run around $5,000.
I know it's great to have a large some of money come in but
some of these people are struggling everyday to pay their bills
and buy groceries. I've tried to explain that they could get
some of this money in their paycheck throughout the year by
just filling out a form.
If you received a large refund (over $1000) and need a bigger
paycheck to make ends meet, I would suggest that you consider
raising the exemptions you claim with your employer.
All you have to do is complete a new W4 Form and submit it
to your employer. For a family of 5 you can possibly claim as
many as 11 exemptions legally. The IRS encourages this. Here's
the link:
Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate
You can also receive some of your Earned Income Credit in your
paycheck by completing Form W5. Please read the instructions
carefully and check with your employer. Here's the link:
Earned Income Credit Advance Payment Certificate
An important note: If Congress doesn't extend the tax cuts that
took effect a couple of years ago this may cause you a problem
and you should reevaluate your situation.
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:
Have a great week,
Grandpa Terry
***********************************************************
Support Our Sponsor
*Warning!*
Your dog may be driving you up the wall right now!
Sick of having no control over your dog?
The solution is in front of you!
You can TRANSFORM your dog’s behavior right now!
**********************************************************
Credit Card Information
Legal Rights Regarding Credit Cards
BSC Alliance
***********************************************************
Grandpa Terry's Tip of the Week
Your Checking Account
Checking accounts are an absolute necessity these days. You can
either have a checking account or run to the bank or other
outlet for money orders. Many people pay for almost everything
with a check including groceries, gas, clothes and a long list
of other things. When you add an ATM card to this picture, your
chances for a potential problem is greatly enhanced.
Don't get me wrong. There are many people that can keep their
check book up to date, even deducting all of the ATM advances
and automatic withdrawals as they make them. However, too many
people that write checks for everything wind up not entering a
check when it is written or an ATM advance when it is made. The
result is a bounced check fee of up to $25 for the bank and god
only knows what the store where you wrote the check could charge
you.
It seems like carrying cash to pay for things isn't the "IN"
thing to do. When I'm in the check out line, most people are
paying with a credit card, debit card, or check. I realize that
carrying cash has it's risks. You could lose it or have it
stolen. What are the risks when paying by check? There are
absolutely none if you enter each check and properly deduct the
amount from your account. However, I have counseled people that
have as much as $100 per month in overdraft fees. This isn't
just for one month. This is an average over a six month period.
That is a lot of money that these people couldn't afford.
What's the best way to handle my checking account?
If you don't have problems keeping up with your checking
account, keep doing what you are doing.
If you occasionally have bounced checks, I recommend that you
use your checking account only to pay your monthly bills and use
cash for everything else. If you have an ATM card, destroy it.
With that said, I know you will probably not quit writing
checks or destroy your ATM card. So let's look at what you need
to do to keep up with your checking account.
Determine exactly how much money you have in your account even
if you have to go to the bank for help.
Enter that information on a new page in your check register.
Enter the date, your check number, payee and amount in your
check register when you write the check. Don't worry about the
people in line behind you. This will only take a few seconds. If
you like, you can deduct the amount of the check when you get
home.
Take your check book with you when you use the ATM and enter
your withdrawal while you are still at the machine.
Develop a system to deduct automatic withdrawals. It is
probably best to deduct these on the first of each month.
Add any deposits as you make them. You need to find out how
much and when direct deposits should be entered in your check
register.
When you receive your bank statement, reconcile it as soon as
possible. If you find any discrepancies check them out
immediately. Don't give up until you are sure you have resolved
the problem. The balance you show in your check register should
match the bank, less any bank charges.
When you reconcile your bank statement be sure to clearly mark
the checks that have been returned to you. One of the biggest
problems people have with overdrafts is missing a check that is
taking a long time clearing the bank. Go back at least a month
to make sure all previous check have cleared. (A subscriber
suggested using a yellow highlighter to identify checks that have
cleared the bank)
I really don't mean to insult anyone's intelligence with this
article. Having problems with your checking account, as with all
other money problems, isn't a matter of intelligence anyway,
it's a matter of discipline. It can cost you a lot of money by
not applying that discipline to managing your checking account.
***********************************************************
Site of the Week
Frugal Corner
***********************************************************
Grandpa Terry's Email
Hi Grandpa Terry!
After reading your Tip of The Week, I had to write and tell you
about the company that I work for. We are Plan B Financial
Resolution Services and we help small businesses and individuals
to relieve their financial stress and get out of debt. We take
over all contact with their creditors and negotiate the
principal down and often getting rid of late fees and interest
charges, saving our clients 40-80%. We can negotiate anything
from late credit card bills, to liens or judgments, to supplier
bills and even back taxes. If our client doesn't have a chunk of
money to pay off bills now, we can set up an escrow account
(which no one else I know will do for businesses) and then we
can negotiate down the road when they've accumulated some funds.
We provide a great service with excellent customer support
throughout the entire transaction. So when a client falls behind
on their unsecured debt, we step in and unburden them. We will
work for a client as long as it takes to get them back on the
road to financial success, even working with a credit repair
agency to ensure we protect a client's credit as much as
possible.
Thanks,
Tina Falasca
Financial Resolution Specialist
tinaf@seeplanb.com
--------
Dear Grandpa Terry ~
So sorry to hear of Suzy losing her job. I haven't faced that
financial crisis in a few years, thankfully, yet there have been
so many other elephants in my path to financial freedom
recently. Please let her and your other readers know that the
website she can access is Angelfoodministries.com and they are
all over the U.S. The hardest part for me was making sure I got
to the host site in time to place my order, and then NOT forget
to go get it 2 weeks later…..they have had to call me once to
ask me if I was coming to get my food….now how could I forget
that?? The $25 I spend on the basics gives me a great base for
at least 10 days worth of food, but what I enjoy are the
"specials" they have. The "grill box" for $18 has pounds of
steaks and bbq items that I cook on my George Foreman grill.
(Cheaper and easier to cook on that for 2-3 people, less
waiting, less heat, and I can grill in the rain!!)
I just placed my order last Saturday I am grateful every
month that there are places like this than gives us just a
little bit extra. When I went in to place my order, I asked
about volunteering. They even offered to feed me and my kids
that day if I could come down and help carry the food orders out
to the cars.
I remember another organization like this when I lived in
California I thought it was run by the Catholic Church because
I had to go to St. Mary's to get it. I was young and naïve back
then. Now I'm just old and naïve.
Thanks for a great website I enjoy getting my newsletter each
and every time!!
Denise
--------
To help cut down on grocery costs if there is an Angel Food
Ministries host site nearby. You can purchase one of their
boxes for $25, the boxes contain a lot of food lots of it being
meats, and there are no income requirements. Find more
information and look for host sites at
Blessings,
Naomi
--------
Grandpa Terry,
In reply to the reader that was having trouble finding the
SHARE food program in his/her area, I recommend a Google search
by state (i.e. SHARE food program - Texas or whatever state) and
if it doesn't come up with a list, by all means go to another
state's site and learn how to start a program in your state.
This program is so worth the effort, and since it can be run on
mostly volunteer hours by those who will benefit by the program,
it should be easy to find a group to help you. Try your church
for the initial site, it is a great outreach to the community
and would be a built-in volunteer base for the project.
Food co-op is a wonderful resource. Check out the write up in
Colorado SHARE program gives specific details to starting a
site. Good Luck!
thanks, Grandpa Terry for all you do.
wordyblue
--------
Hi Grandpa Terry:
I know I said this before, but now...beyond the shadow of a
doubt, I KNOW I have to start following your newsletter far more
carefully; especially since we went into debt over the weekend
for a bank financed car....and we're PO' FOLK!
I let myself get behind in filing my taxes as I'd thought I was
dead in the water in 'owing' the government. Now I see, through
tax information gained from your site that I can claim a
deduction for myself of $3, 300 before I have to pay taxes!
WHOOPEE!!! WHAHOO!!! PRAISED BE JESUS!! This was really eating
at me as I'd wondered why I had to pay over $600 in taxes when
I'd only worked 10 months last year due to a hip replacement.
(I'm 63). I still work part time as a home care provider and get
widow's benefits.
Grandpa Terry...I was soooooo worried. Reading this information
sure put my mind at ease. Still, I wonder...what happened to the
Renter's Credit? I didn't see that anywhere. I've never claimed
it, but my boss does. Although she doesn't work, her and her
brother (who live in separate apartments and get S.S.I.) both
get this credit. How is that possible when you don't work? (Yes.
They do rent).
One more thing. There use to be an Earned Income Credit for
adults. What happened to that? I didn't see that either.
On a different note, Grandpa; I see that you have a budget
sheet available. I could sure use that if it is still in use. If
there is a fee, please let me know. I see that there is one on
special for $3 plus. My account is super low right now but am
waiting on my paycheck to come in through the mail. (It's spent
too). Please let me know what you have available that might help
me to manage my new budget. I did send in a tip today about
putting excess purchased plants in a holding pot until they can
be transferred to a more permanent home. Maybe I can get a
budget work sheet that way? By the way, for clarification; I was
referring to plant seedlings...not full grown plants.
Thank you sooooo much, Grandpa Terry for all the great info you
provide...especially on the taxes.
May God bless you and yours...
Mary
My Response:
Hi Mary,
Thanks for the email and the tip. I'm going to use your tip in
this week's newsletter
I haven't seen anything on a renter's credit for several years.
I just checked the IRS bible (Pub 17) and there is no mention of
it in there. Maybe you could find out more and let me know.
As for the adult earned income credit you are eligible if your
income is $12,120 ($14,120 for married filing jointly) if you
don't have a qualifying child. There is a fairly complicated way
of determining what is considered earned income so you would
have to check with your tax man if you have income other than
your paycheck.
I hope this helps,
Grandpa Terry
***********************************************************
Support Our Sponsor
250 Quick, Easy Dinner Ideas
Do you ever get stuck in a rut, preparing the same meals for
your family week after week? I do! What's for dinner tonight??
The Creative Homemaking What's for Dinner? cookbook contains
more than 250 quick, easy, family-tested dinner ideas plus a lot
more.
***********************************************************
Budget Stretcher Partners
SavingAdvice.com
Thrifty Fun
Smart Money Tips
TheFrugalShopper.com
4 Moms at Home.com
Debt Smart
Maxxsave.co.uk
***********************************************************
Subscriber Tip
One way to save money during your dining out splurges (or even
charge and no enrollment, you can search in your area to see how
many restaurants are in your area. To join, you have to add your
credit card information. No charge to you, you simply "work" off
the registration fee by dining at the listed restaurants and
earning up to 20% off your total bill (tax & tip included)!
Bon Apetit!
Cyndi
**********************************************************
Support Our Sponsors
Samples for free - over 1500 to choose from
Free 1500 samples
Samples of candy, food and other items
Free candy samples, pet samples, + others
***********************************************************
This Week's Article Links
Just click the links to view the article
Spending too much? Try the 7-day challenge
By Laura Bruce " Bankrate.com
Will in-store conversion threaten checking account?
By Laura Bruce • Bankrate.com
Three Steps To Financial Freedom
By Blanchard Warren, CFSL
To read more articles visit:
***********************************************************
Take Advantage of your Budget Stretcher Subscriber
Benefits Visit:
Visit Our Forum
Budget Stretcher Subscriber Benefits Page
***********************************************************
Support Our Sponsors
Debt Consolidation can:
H - Help avoid filing bankruptcy
E - Eliminate creditor harassment
L - Lower debt payments up to 50%
P - Provide one monthly payment
***********************************************************
Special Recipe
Ro*Tel's Southwest Chicken Skillet
1 - tablespoon Wesson Pure Vegetable Oil
4 - boneless, skinless chick breasts, cut into
1 inch chunks (about 1 1/4 lbs.)
1 - cup uncooked long-grain rice
2 - cans (10 oz. each) NEW Ro*Tel diced in Sauce
Tomatoes & Green Chilies
1/2 - cup water
3 - green onions, thinly sliced, reserve 2 tablespoons
for garnish
1 - cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Sour Cream, optional
Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently,
or until no longer pink.
Stir in rice, tomatoes, water, and onions; bring to
boil. Cover, reduce heat to low; cook for 20 minutes
or until rice is tender.
Stir chicken and rice. Top with cheese and reserved
2 tablespoons green onion. Cover; cook 5 minutes
more or until cheese melts. Serve with sour cream
if desired.
Serves 4
***********************************************************
Everyday Savings
These Tips provided by The Frugal Shopper
Please show your appreciation for these great tips by visiting
this site.
Visit Sandy's Do It Yourself/Make Your Own page.
Please visit:
***********************************************************
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.
|