The FREE Budget Stretcher Newsletter
July 17, 2006



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    The Budget Stretcher
    Week Of: July 17, 2006
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    Grandpa Terry's Quips

    Tip #48 - $3 A Gallon Gas!! Bottled Water $7.60 A Gallon!
    (At only $1.19 per 20oz bottle).  It don't seem right....

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

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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 - Mexican Dip Mix
    Everyday Savings from http://www.thefrugalshopper.com

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    Subscriber Tip

    Save on bread and related products.

    Go to a bread store, we have a Hostess bread store near
    us and they sell all day old products. They have Wonder
    bread and all of the breads that is in the Hostess brands.
    The bread is as soft as the bread at the grocery store
    and is comparable to Aldi prices. They also have all of
    Hostess snacks, like ding dongs and the little 5pk of
    chocolate or powdered donuts. They also sell chips and
    pop, bread crumbs.

    Malissa

    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

    As we talked about in my last Coupon Savings column,
    establishing a special "coupon clipping day" of the week
    will help you develop a good routine and turn those
    coupons into money saved!  Over the years people have
    asked me if there's a particular day that's best to do
    this and the answer is "YES!"  Since many grocery stores
    change their sales on Wednesdays it's best to get your
    coupons ready either on Sundays or Mondays, so you can
    match them with current sales!

    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.

    Get in on the Equity Smart Conference Call!

    Last week I sent out a special email giving the details
    and qualifications for the Equity Smart Financial Debt
    Elimination system.  To review this email please visit:


    Our first conference call is Tuesday evening July 18, 2006
    at 9PM EST.  We also will have one on Saturday July 22, 2006
    at 4PM EST.

    It's really important to me that I get as many of our
    subscribers that qualify for Equity Smart as possible on
    these conference calls.  It's going to be very informative
    and you can ask all the questions you like.

    Please take a few minutes to register for one of the calls
    at the below page:


    I received an email about our troops this week from Crystal
    that I want to share.  I also wrote a few comments that
    state my opinion on this all important subject.  Please
    visit the below link:


    If your email address starts with "maxiplan" please contact
    me!  It's worth $100 to you...

    For us older folks with grown kids I have a web site I would
    like for you to visit.  It's actually a presentation called
    "Parent's Wish".  Thanks Ken for sending this.  Here is the
    link:


    Mining Gold From EBAY

    Are you interested in learning how to earn extra money selling
    on EBAY?  I now have an ebook that explains everything in
    great detail about what to list and how to list it for the
    best results.  You can get your copy for only $5.95 for a
    limited time at the below web page:


    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

    Credit card newsletter poll
    By Bankrate.com

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    Grandpa Terry's Tip of the Week

    Eliminating Your Debts

    Notice I didn't say reducing your debts!  That's because
    just owing less shouldn't be your goal.

    Every month you write out your bills, stick them in
    the envelope, put a stamp on them and in the mail they
    go.  From my experience, there aren't 1 in 10 people
    that can tell you how much of their bills are interest
    and how much is going to pay it off.

    I have a challenge for you.  The next time you write
    out your bills look at the statements.  It should say
    how much interest you paid last month and how much
    went toward the principle.  Get a sheet of paper and
    write down in one column how much Interest you paid
    and in another column how much in Principle for each
    of your bills.  You can also include late fees or over
    limit fees in your Interest column.  Do this for your
    bills for the entire month.

    Now study the figures.  How long did you have to work
    just to pay the interest?  What could you buy if you
    didn't have to pay that interest?  How much money would
    you have if you could save that much each month for 10
    years?

    The only way to eliminate that interest is to eliminate
    your debts.

    But if you are saying, "I need more money to pay off my
    debts", you are probably right.  The fact is that in
    most cases that money can come from what you already
    earn.

    There is only one way to get money that you already have!
    (That doesn't make any sense!)  Actually, it does.  Every
    penny you save on one thing can be put toward your debts.
    It's that simple.

    You need to pay attention to your finances.  Know where
    the money is coming from and where it is going.  Find
    out how you can cut your expenses so that you can put
    more money toward paying off your debts.

    Eliminating debt is the dream of millions.  You can
    make it your reality with some good organization and
    careful planning.

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    Site of the Week

    Better Budgeting

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    Grandpa Terry's Email

    Topic of Discussion

    I am so mad at Chase Bank. I have a CC with them that has
    a pretty high balance that I do not use anymore. I always
    pay on time with a little extra. I started paying once a
    week instead of monthly to help get it paid off faster.
    This month I looked at the statement & what they are doing
    is raising my interest by a quarter of a point each month.
    I know it is not always a good idea to close credit cards
    when they are paid off but this is one I will close & never
    use again. I called them a few months ago & asked them if
    they would lower the rate & they said not at this time. It
    is now up to 20.43%! I am also thinking when I get one of
    those 0% offers on another card I am going to pay the 3%
    fee & start paying this off. It is financial bondage they
    want you to owe them forever. Is there anything else I
    should be doing?

    No name please.

    ----------

    I just heard Clark Howard on WSB radio about timeshares. He
    said one thing you could do if you were desperate to get out
    is to donate it to a charity. I'm sure you would need to make
    sure you have all the forms in order so as not to owe anymore
    fees from the timeshare. Hope this helps people, you can check
    out his website at http://www.clarkhoward.com

    Lots of great info.

    ----------

    Hello.  I am a subscriber and have a question about credit card
    debt.  In particular -- what are the responsibilities of an
    authorized buyer (not a joint card holder) on a credit card
    owned by another person.

    My sister had put me on one of her credit cards as an authorized
    buyer.  She is now unable to pay this bill.  She retired early
    because of poor health and having a stroke. She is entirely
    unable to work and her only income is her social security.

    They are now reporting this as bad debt on "my" credit report,
    which I found out just recently from being turned down for
    credit and then checking my credit report.   What can be done
    to reverse this or have this removed from my credit report.

    As I said before, I am not in joint ownership of this card, only
    an authorized buyer.  Don't know if this matters or not, but my
    state of residence is Missouri.

    I would very much appreciate a quick reply.

    Thank you so much.

    Ava

    My Response:

    Hi Ava,

    While I can't be certain that this applies to all credit cards I
    did find statements similar to the one below on 3 different web
    sites:

    "Authorized buyers are individuals who are allowed to make
    purchases on your account, but are not responsible for payment
    of those purchases. You, as the primary account holder, will be
    responsible for payment on all the purchases on this account."

    My recommendation would be to contact the credit card company by
    certified mail (return receipt requested) informing them that
    this information has been erroneously reported on your credit
    report.  It is also important that you get a copy of your free
    credit report at https://www.annualcreditreport.com  for all
    three credit bureaus.  To speed things up I would get your report
    online and print each one out.  This report should also show how
    you can dispute any entries that you feel aren't correct.

    This may take a month or two to accomplish.  It's very important
    that you keep insisting that this be removed.  The credit bureaus
    are very lax and will probably tell you initially that the info
    can't be removed.  Keep at them!

    I hope this helps.

    All the best,
    Grandpa Terry

    ----------

    Thanks to "Debbi" for the neat trick of increasing the font size
    on the monitor, by using the Control button the scroll part
    of the mouse.   Thanks.  Your site is the best.

    Peggy

    ----------

    Subject:  bondsreward site

    I checked it out; but, their privacy policy leaves something to be
    desired and did not sign up.  Would you check it out and let us know
    your thoughts.

    Sheila

    My Response:

    Hi Sheila,

    I can understand your concern about the Bonds Reward web site
    privacy policy.

    However, I have never seen, on any web site, a more thorough
    description of exactly what they do with your information.  They
    are totally up front about what you are agreeing to when you join.

    Where the problem comes in is that many people join these sites
    without reading or understanding exactly what happens to their
    personal information.

    My recommendation is that when you join a program or provide
    information at a web site that you read their privacy policy.
    If you are willing to allow them to gain access to this
    information then it is your responsibility.

    I hope this helps.

    All the best,
    Grandpa Terry

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    Subscriber Tip

    Here's my PC tip - "Checklist for Avoiding Wrist and Arm Strain
    and Back and Neck Tension"

    1.  Place your monitor so that the top of the screen is at your
    eye level or just below (further adjusting may be needed for
    bifocal wearers);
    2.  Keep your feet flat on the floor;
    3.  Keep your elbows at 90 degrees - your fingers should just
    reach the keyboard and mouse comfortably;
    4.  Position your monitor so that the screen receives the least
    amount of glare from windows or indoor lighting;
    5.  Take short breaks - at the least, stretch your arms for a
    few minutes each day; and
    6.  Make sure your chair provides good back support.

    I manage an office and am continually reminding workers of these
    6 tips.  If you now experience elbow, neck or back pain when you
    set at your PC for a long while, you will be amazed at the
    results (and instant relief) just by following this checklist.
    Thanks, Terry.  Love your newsletter.

    Carol

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    Subscriber Tip

    Only fill up your gas tank in the early morning hours
    since gas gets more dense as it cools. Gas stations
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    Tara

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

    This Week's Article Links

    Just click the links to view the articles

    $30 Weekly Grocery List and Menu Ideas
    by Sharon Gordon

    5 ways to tame your line of credit
    By Holden Lewis • Bankrate.com

    Furniture Fixes on a Dime!
    By Kathy Wilson

    To read more articles visit:

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    Visit Your Forum

    Join These Groups

    A_Simple_Life

    Frugal-Folks

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    FunOnABudget

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

    Special Recipe

    (Editor's Note:  You can now get two ebooks "Plan Ahead
    Leftovers" & "Quick Dinners" for only $6.95
    (Regular $13.90) from Menus on a Dime.  I highly recommend
    these ebooks.)  Please visit


    Mexican Dip Mix

    1/2 cup dried parsley
    1/3 cup minced onion
    1/4 cup dried chives
    1/3 cup chili powder
    1/4 cup ground cumin
    1/4 cup salt

    In a large bowl, combine the spices and store in an
    airtight container.

    Mexican Dip

    3 Tbsp. Mexican Dip Mix (See Above)
    1 cup sour cream or low-fat yogurt
    1 cup mayonnaise or low-fat mayonnaise

    In a medium mixing bowl, combine the dip mix with the
    mayonnaise and sour cream.  Whisk the mixture until
    smooth.  Refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours.  Serve with
    tortilla chips or fresh vegetables.  Makes 2 cups.

    This recipe compliments of The Best Cookbook Anywhere
    Not Just Beans.com http://www.livingonadime.com

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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.

    ~~To aid in washing dishes, add a tablespoon of
    baking soda to your soapy water--it softens hands
    while cutting through grease.

    ~~Save your store-bought-bread bags and ties--they
    make perfect storage bags for homemade bread. (Don't
    turn them inside out. The labels are painted on the
    out sides of the bags with lead-based paint.)

    ~~If you have problem opening jars: Try using latex
    dishwashing gloves. They give a non-slip grip that
    makes opening jars easy.

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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.