The FREE Budget Stretcher Newsletter
June 12, 2006



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    The Budget Stretcher
    Week Of: June 12, 2006
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    Grandpa Terry's Quips

    Tip #?? - Who Is Responsible For Your Debt Problems?

    Tell your story and read what others have to say at
    The Budget Stretcher Forum:


    (Editor's Note:  There are some good stories already
    posted.  You can even read about my money problems.)

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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 - Oven Potatoes
    Everyday Savings from http://www.thefrugalshopper.com

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    Subscriber Tip

    Ladies, this tip literally saves your money, so only
    you can spend it yourself.  When shopping in a store
    where a shopping cart is used, it is normal to place
    your purse in the "seat" of the cart as you walk around
    the store.  As you look for your selected items, you
    may have the need to read one or more label(s).  As soon
    as you turn away from the cart and focus on your chosen
    product, it is possible that the person following you,
    watching the way you shop, is ready to move closer to
    you, remove your purse from the cart and disappear before
    you even realize your purse and money is missing.

    As a police officer involved in loss prevention, I
    recommend you please consider purchasing, for only a few
    dollars, some type of clip that will secure your purse
    directly to the cart.  This being done, and should you
    become the target of a theft, the clip will prevent your
    purse from being removed from the cart and your attention
    will be immediately caught, as will the thief.  I
    purchased for my family members, a mountain climbing clip.
    They are available in hardware stores and come in many
    colors.

    Shop safely, save money and prevent the loss of your hard
    earned money.

    Shawn

    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

    This week we're continuing our talk about why grocery
    coupons are not available during holiday weeks.  Several
    theories have been submitted including advanced deadlines
    for printing the coupons, customer's busier than usual
    schedules, the already low sale prices offered during the
    holidays, and the last minute shopping profits the
    manufacturers expect to make... after all, if every
    consumer could save at least $10.00 a week with grocery
    coupons that's a lot of money I'm sure they'd be happy
    to keep! ;o)

    Save hundreds of dollars on your groceries each month, with
    or without using coupons!  Read more of Michelle's FREE
    grocery saving tips at http://www.GrocerySavingTips.com

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    Grandpa Terry's Update

    Welcome to this week's issue of our newsletter.  I
    hope this finds everyone doing well.

    I have a web site full of tips that I would like to pass
    along to you.  Actually, it has more than just tips.  I
    spent about 2 hours reading several short biographies last
    week and really enjoyed it.  You can find just about anything
    at this site and it's free.

    I do have one suggestion.  When you get there click on the
    main topics and a list of everything in that topic will appear.
    The site I'm talking about is http://www.essortment.com
    I think you will enjoy it.

    I'm going to have to cut off my special on  "The "New" Complete
    Budget and Bill Organizer" for only $4.95 effective June 15, 2006.
    Here is the link again:


    My daughter Becky has her web site up and running, although
    she is still working on it.  She has a long list of Freebie
    web sites listed so you will want to check this out.

    Also, you may notice that the format looks familiar.  Becky
    and I decided to just keep the theme of the Budget Stretcher
    web site since we were going to working so closely together
    on this.

    Please visit Becky at


    She's still working on a format for a newsletter but you can sign up
    for her Yahoo Group right now by following the link on her
    home page.

    By the way, if you haven't visited my home page in a week or
    so you may want to take a look.  I've added a new background
    that a couple of people believe is "Cool".  If you visit
    please let me know what you think.


    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.

    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

    Credit card debt vs. emergency funds
    The Debt Adviser by Steve Bucci • Bankrate.com

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

    Grandpa Terry's Tip of the Week

    Last Week's Special Offer "Improving Your Credit Score"

    Last week I sent out a special free offer to help you
    improve your credit score.  Apparently there was some
    misunderstanding regarding the offer.  I would like to
    address those concerns.

    First, let me say that I completely trust Mo Conley and
    believe in his Credit Score Videos.  They can and will
    help you better understand your credit score and, if
    applied, will improve your personal credit score and
    rating.

    There was some concern about giving your PayPal email
    address and providing your social security number.  No,
    I wouldn't recommend this at all, except that you may
    want to.  You see, you can make money by giving away
    this course.  However, if you will notice neither of these
    bits of personal information are required.

    The only reason the PayPal email address is listed on
    the form is to determine where to send the money in case
    you do decide to give the course away.

    The reason the social security number is asked for, is
    that if you do earn money with this offer, the IRS requires
    that it be reported as income.  This requires your SSN.

    The next question was about the course costing $47.  This
    video course is free, as advertised.  However, in order for
    Mo to offer something this valuable free, he must have an
    advertisement to sell something else to pay for the free
    offer.

    Now, you are under no obligation to enter your PayPal email
    address, your social security number or pay anything at all
    to receive your videos.  You simply sign up using the form
    and leave your PayPal email address blank if you are not
    interested in giving this course away.

    One other concern that a subscriber mentioned was adware
    and spyware that can be attached to your computer by signing
    up for free offers.  I can assure you that if you have these
    problems that it didn't come from Mo's offer.

    I hope this helps clear up a few things that may bother
    you about this offer.  I know many of you trust my judgment
    and understand that I would never offer anything that I
    felt was improper or unethical.  I hope the rest of you
    will feel the same way in time.

    With the above information, if you would like to receive
    your free videos, the offer is still available.  You can
    access the site by visiting the below link:


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

    Site of the Week

    Main Street Mom

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    Grandpa Terry's Email

    Grandpa Terry, I just wanted to thank you for all you
    do to get this newsletter to us.  I haven't spent much
    time in the forum because I just don't have the time.
    I read every word of this newsletter, follow all the
    links and check them out but I just don't have time to
    go to the forum.  I'm trying to find some way to make
    some money at home and that is taking a bunch of my time
    right now but I just wanted to let you know how much I
    appreciate this newsletter.  Thank you so much.

    Nancy

    ----------

    Hi Terry,

    I just had two suggestions for the woman who wants to go
    to nursing school.  I am a nurse/staff educator who is
    involved in helping people get into the medical field.

    First, check out a local community college.  Most have a
    two year nursing degree program, and with the nursing
    shortage quickly getting worse, they will help you with
    grants.  Try not to get a loan if you can help it.
    HOWEVER, if you do have to get a loan, do what I did and
    go to work for an employer who will offer one of two
    things; tuition reimbursement for working with them, or
    loan forgiveness for committing to working for them for
    a specified period of time. Best of luck to her, we need
    all the nurses we can get!

    Beck

    ----------

    Hi, Terry:

    I wanted to add my two-cents worth on the nursing
    scholarship question Valerie had....while it is good to
    search, as you suggested, the best FIRST thing she
    should do is go to the financial aid office of the
    college of her choice...there are funds for
    non-traditional students (adults returning or going
    for the first time), women over 30, women wanting to
    change careers, etc.

    Also, in my area, we have an excellent community college
    where most of our nurses begin their training before
    going on to complete the last two years at a local
    university that also has a nationally-known program.
    Most nursing programs have night school options and
    non-traditional hours for classes, such as all day on
    Saturday, etc.  Local hospitals are usually sources of
    work-study jobs where students can learn while they
    earn money to pay for classes.  The college usually has
    this program in place, but financial aid will be the
    one to assign you to a work-study job.

    Just ask, ask, ask and be FRIENDLY and ENTHUSIASTIC.
    Financial aid employees are some of the nicest,
    most-helpful folks in the world...and a little kindness
    goes a long way when working with them...They are used
    to getting yelled at, cried upon and temper-tantrummed
    at the beginning of each semester when there is a
    problem, even though it usually is not their fault that
    the problem exists, and they almost always can fix it...

    They are there all year long to help students and
    prospective students and they LOVE to help!  Good luck!

    NJ in VA

    ----------

    In response to the advice of closing off rooms for energy
    savings, the gentleman  who came to our home to advise us
    about energy savings specifically advised us not to do
    this.  He stated that the system we have is designed to
    handle our home efficiently and if we close off rooms, it
    has to work harder to recirculate and heat or cool the air,
    so is bad for the system and not energy efficient.  That
    certainly was news to me!~  So before you close off rooms
    to save money, make sure that will work for your particular
    home!

    Name Not Given

    ----------

    Hello Terry ,

    I have been reading, but not applying any of the principles
    you teach about budgeting.  Long story short,  I am now to
    the point of considering voluntary surrender of our boat.
    We are beyond being upset about this anymore.   My husband
    and I are in agreement that it would be better for us to
    volunteer vs. have a repossession based on what the creditor
    is advising.   My credit has gone from near perfect to
    around 420 over that last year and a half due to a loss in
    the family, loss of work,  childcare , etc..  We make approx.
    4k net per month now,  we just got behind the curve and
    catching up seems to be impossible.

    Do you have any information that will help me in the
    negotiations with the creditor on the difference on the note
    for the boat?

    Any info you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

    Sincerely,

    Adrianne

    My Response

    Hi Adrianne,

    Sorry to hear about the problem.

    The best  information I have is that each states laws
    concerning voluntary repossession are different.  In general,
    surrendering your boat could possibly save the lender expenses
    and reduce the amount that you would have to pay above what
    they can sell it for.

    I would caution you that if you do surrender your boat that,
    once it sells, you will be sent a bill for what is owed and
    the full amount is generally due immediately.  Here is a web
    site by the Federal Trade Commission that explains this briefly:


    To find the details for your state you may want to contact
    legal aide or an attorney.

    I hope this helps,
    Terry

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    Subscriber Tip

    Some groceries use expired coupons. It seems to depend on
    the manager on duty. If you have any questions, contact
    the corporate office.

    Kris

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

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    Subscriber Tip

    I purchase items such as good quality coffee, boxed tinned
    vegetables and fruits, tissue and toilet paper etc, in
    large quantities when the price is low and continue to do
    this every time I shop. I am far ahead in groceries,
    quality, and savings.

    Bev

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

    This Week's Article Links

    Just click the links to view the articles

    New ways to beat high gas prices
    By Michael Giusti • Bankrate.com

    How to Make 100% or More on Your Money
    by David Berky

    ==Shopping Online==
    by Scott McNay

    To read more articles visit:

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

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    A_Simple_Life

    Frugal-Folks

    FrugalMomsNews

    FunOnABudget

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

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Support Our Sponsors~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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

    Special Recipe

    Oven Potatoes

    5 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
    1 medium onion, thinly sliced
    1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
    1 teaspoon salt
    1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon pepper
    1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
    1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese

    In a greased 13-in. X 9-in. baking dish, layer the
    potatoes and onion.  In a small bowl, combine the
    butter, salt, pepper and garlic powder; drizzle
    over potatoes and onion.  Sprinkle with Parmesan
    cheese; stir gently to combine.

    Cover and bake at 400 degrees for 45 minutes or
    until the potatoes are tender.  Uncover; sprinkle
    with the cheddar cheese.  Bake 5-10 minutes longer
    or until the cheese is melted.

    Yield:  6 servings

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

    Everyday Savings

    These Tips provided by The Frugal Shopper

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

    ~~Use a lazy susan at bedside to enable sick to
    reach more items.

    ~~Emergency Sinus Relief - swap white vinegar high
    up in the nostrils.

    ~~To cure a cigarette habit - Take before breakfast
    1/2 teaspoon each of Rochelle Salts and Cream of Tartar,
    also chew Ginseng root and swallow the juice.

    ~~Use hydrogen peroxide as an inexpensive nail bleach.

    ~~Instead of purchasing a tube of Chap Stick for $1.49,
    pay the same price for a container of petroleum jelly,
    and divide it into small containers to carry with you
    to use for chapped lips.

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

    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.