The FREE Budget Stretcher Newsletter
July 24, 2006



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    The Budget Stretcher
    Week Of: July 24, 2006
    AOL Users Please Visit Online

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    Grandpa Terry's Quips

    Tip #34 - It's important to teach your kids how to manage their money.
    It just might prevent them from continuing to manage yours.

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    BUDGETING:

    Just how effortless can it really become?
    Could it become so simple, so routine and so effortless
    that you don't even know you're on a budget? Yes, it can...
    and so much more. Here's how:


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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 - Chocolate Soda
    Everyday Savings from http://www.thefrugalshopper.com

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    Subscriber Tip

    Every week I write a shopping list on an envelope.  I
    use the various flyers from the newspaper and mail to
    find sale items that I usually use. I write the name
    of the store and the dates of the flyer next to the
    store name.  I then go to my coupon box and search for
    matching coupons. I then mark the letter C next to the
    items and put the number of coupons into ()parenthesis
    so that I can buy multiples of coupon items.  This way
    I am ready at a moments notice to shop at any of the
    local stores and take advantage of sales.

    Sue

    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

    Don't miss your coupon savings while vacationing in another
    city!  If your hotel room has a kitchen and you're going to
    be buying groceries while you're there anyways then bring
    your coupons with you.  Also, if you're in town on Sunday be
    sure to pick up a local newspaper for even more coupons that
    will match the 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.

    Just a quick reminder, the Online Shopping Secrets special
    offer is expiring.  Please don't miss this opportunity to
    get this amazing ebook at the Special Budget Stretcher
    Subscriber price.  Here is that link again:


    I need some help.  I have found a way to share my Calculating
    Forms and give instructions in real time.  In other words I
    can show you how to use the forms, you can make your entries
    and I can see exactly what you entered.

    I'm considering holding classes on the forms but I really
    need to get comfortable using it before I do.  If anyone is
    interested in learning how to use, not only the Budget
    Stretcher Calculating Forms, but also the print forms please
    let me know and I will set it up.  You can just email me at

    I'm not sure where the summer has gone but everybody around
    my house is talking about buying school supplies and clothes.
    School starts here on August 17th.

    I'm going to try to put together one of our newsletters that
    has all kinds of tips to help you save money on these items.

    If you have any tips or ideas that you would like to share
    please send them to me at mailto:tre2000@midwest.net before
    August 5th.

    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

    Making Sense Out of Your Credit Card Statement
    By CreditorWeb.com

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    Grandpa Terry's Tip of the Week

    Eliminating Your Debts Part 2

    Last week I wrote about the importance of eliminating your
    debts.

    This week I'm going to give a select few of you an easy
    yet extremely effective way to do this all important
    task.

    Here is all you need to qualify:

    U. S. Resident
    Ability To Pay Your Bills On Time Now
    Mortgage In Good Standing
    Minimum of $10,000 In Other Debt
    Willingness To Refinance Mortgage
    (if it is recommended as part of your new plan)

    I have already had several subscribers check into this
    plan but I know there are a lot more out there that
    would benefit.  Some have signed up and I'm waiting
    for the testimonials.  I talked to one of them and
    she saved over $200,000 in interest and will be paying
    here debts off 20 years earlier than normal without
    paying anymore toward her debt than she was before.

    First, I would like for you to think about why you
    subscribed to Budget Stretcher and probably spend
    a lot of time looking for that one answer that will
    show you how to pay off those debts once and for all.

    If you are paying your bills on time now, I have the
    answer for you but you have to be willing to take
    that first step.  I know it's hard but remember you
    can't expect things to get better unless you do
    something.

    The Equity Smart Program I have been promoting the
    last few weeks is not like any other program you
    have seen in the past.  All you have to do is make
    a phone call and you can get the ball rolling.

    Here are the answers to some of the questions I've
    been asked lately:

    No, it doesn't hurt your credit score because all
    of your debts will be paid on time.

    You will be asked to complete a Data Sheet which is
    just like a detailed application.  You will receive
    a free Debt Analysis showing you how the program
    can help you.  If you would like to download a
    sample plan just click on the link below:

    Sample Plan

    Copy of Data Sheet

    There is no out of pocket expense because the fees
    are taken out of the money you save on the plan that
    is developed for you.  Also, you will not pay anymore
    money toward your debts than you are paying now unless
    you want to.

    In most cases you can save about 40% to 60% of the
    interest you would have paid normally and have your
    debts paid in about half the time (depending on the
    plan you choose.  There are 5 of them)

    It is not To Good To Be True!  The Equity Smart
    Program uses some high tech software to analyze your
    debts to find the shortest route to paying it off
    as early as possible and maximize the money you
    save in interest.

    This is just some of the highlights of the Equity
    Smart Program.  There are so many other benefits
    that you really need to learn about.

    Now, about that phone call I mentioned.  When you call
    one the numbers below you are going to talk to a
    great guy that knows his stuff and is really interested
    in explaining the program and answering your questions.
    These guys are easy to talk to.  They will not pressure
    you in any way.  Tell them Grandpa Terry from Budget
    Stretcher sent you!

    Here are their phone numbers:

    Randy Grabler - 608-845-9898
    Brad Robertson - 606-571-4462

    Do you want to know why I'm pushing this program so
    hard?  It's because for the first time since I started
    Budget Stretcher I can offer you something that can
    really make a difference in your life.

    It's been frustrating promoting programs that can
    help you but there always seems to be a downside.

    When you learn about Equity Smart you will see that it
    is legitimate and there is no downside.  The best
    part is you will know exactly what the program is
    long before you signup.

    Now is the time to take that next step.

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

    Site of the Week

    FrugalHomemaker.com

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    Grandpa Terry's Email

    Topic of Discussion

    (Editor's Note:  Tonya is a subscriber)

    Hi there!!  I am a mother of two wonderful kids (a boy
    who just turned 8 on Tuesday and a girl who is 10)!!
    My daughter has worked very hard and has helped her
    cheerleading squad make it to their CHEERLEADING NATIONALS
    in Knoxville TN in August.  I run a daycare from my home
    and my husband is a rough-in carpenter and as you can
    imagine, money is tight.  The organization that my daughter
    cheers for --of course--does not help with the financial
    obligations to get the girls to the competition.

    What I need help with is making it possible to get my
    daughter to Knoxville TN.  If anyone has any ideas on
    finding a cheaper way to rent a vehicle due to the fact
    that we do not have a vehicle to make there.  Our vehicles
    are for work and cannot make it that far.  We have tried
    the fundraising groups but they generally require an initial
    deposit of some kind that I cannot afford.  Our yard sale
    didn't work out to well either.

    We have to be in Knoxville for competition by August 4, and
    I am finally at my wits end.  We do have the hotel room
    already reserved (that is going to be $350 for 2 nights!!)
    and we need help finding a way to pull extra money in!!
    PLEASE HELP!!

    Sincerely
    Tonya K

    ----------

    Terry,

    I have a few more tips for avoiding pain using the computer.

    1. Most mice today have a scroll wheel. Use it to reduce the
    amount of hand movement.

    2. Buy a four button mouse. Select button functions for the
    extra buttons that are for operations you use most often. I
    use the extra left button for "back" and the extra right
    button for "paste".

    3. Use keyboard shortcuts for often used operations. I use
    "control+C" for copy and "control+X" for cut since I can do
    this with only my left hand.

    4. Set the mouse Snap To setting to automatically move the
    pointer to the default button in a dialog box. This allows
    you to reduce the amount of mouse movement required.

    I’m on the computer a great deal both at work and at home.
    These  tricks plus those Carol sent in last week  have
    removed the pain from my hands and neck.

    Rick Scott

    ----------

    Dear Grandpa Terry


    I read No Name Please about Chase raising her interest and
    thought I had written it myself.   I had a Bank One card at
    very low interest and they  sold out to Chase -- in three
    months my interest went from 5.9  to 25.9 per month.   I was
    paying more in interest then they wanted in payments on a
    high balance.    I too called and they said no, refused to
    lower the interest, and then hung up.     I transferred my
    balance to a 0 per cent for 6 months and then 6.9 per cent
    after that, and am saving hundreds per month.  I've changed
    my Chase account to a Capitol One account.

    I too am going to close my Chase Account. I wish everyone who
    had a Chase account would do the same, for you never know when
    you're going to be charged 25% interest.

    Marie

    ----------

    I'm wondering if someone can help me.  I purchased a double
    antique bed with side rails, but my full size mattress and
    box spring are a couple of inches too big to fit it.  The side
    rails have hooks on each end where they attach to the headboard
    and footboard, and there is a lip inside each rail where the
    box spring is supposed to rest.  What can be done in this
    situation?  Thank you for a great newsletter.

    Renee
    Shreveport, LA

    My Response:

    Hi Renee,

    I'll put this in my newsletter.  There is one thing that I
    have done when I had this problem.  I bought 2 2by2s from the
    lumber yard and cut them to the length of the mattress and
    nailed them underneath, inset enough to fit inside the rails.
    It would probably be best to use drywall screws instead of nails.

    I hope this helps,
    Terry

    ----------

    I couldn't resist commenting..........:)  I would love to know
    if your responses increase due to having the address included
    in the newsletter.

    Sundays are so pleasant here, fresh coffee at my desk, and your
    newsletter full of new ideas & articles to help me with my
    finances!

    Thanks much for all you do!

    Sue

    My Response:

    Hi Sue,

    It's nice to know you enjoy your Sundays a little more because of
    the newsletter.
    Thank you for letting me know.

    I have received a few extra emails today because of the email
    address.  I'll let you know how things go!

    Thanks again,
    Terry

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    Subscriber Tip

    Cheap Drinks on the road

    Since the McDonald's near my house knows me from getting a
    free cooler of ice twice a week for a community event, they
    don't ask if I get it another time.  I keep a medium sized
    cooler of ice in my car. For drinks, I buy 24 bottles of
    Spring Water for $2.99 on sale. About 6 bottles of water
    are in my cooler all the time. I keep a cup in the car to
    fill with ice and water or just cold water. Saves me a lot
    of money!

    Betty G.

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    Subscriber Tip

    In Canada, we have websites called Freecycle.  Each area
    (I know only of Ontario) has a freecycle site.  The idea
    was the save the garbage sites from accumulating good
    usable articles.  The articles are free.  You need only
    pick up the article.  I obtained an almost new gas stove
    through this site and see many things for giveaway on the
    sites.  Do a search for freecycle and you will find the
    main site and can go to your area from there.

    Catherine

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    This Week's Article Links

    Just click the links to view the articles

    Divorce and your finances
    By Bankrate.com

    How long will that debt linger?
    The Debt Adviser by Steve Bucci • Bankrate.com

    Saving for Retirement: Compound and Grow Your Employer
    Matching Retirement Plan
    By James Lange

    To read more articles visit:

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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


    Chocolate Soda

    2 Tbsp. chocolate syrup
    1/2 cup club soda
    1-2 large scoops vanilla ice cream

    Mix syrup and club soda in a tall glass.  Add Ice
    cream.  Pour in more soda.  Stir or blend and serve at once.
    Serves 1.

    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.

    WHILE SHOPPING

    ~~Always check the expiration date on dairy products.

    ~~Avoid anything disposable.

    ~~Convenience foods are more expensive, you are trading
    money for time. Slice, season, mix, and cook it yourself.

    ~~Always check the day old bread basket, and the reduced
    merchandise cart.

    ~~Always ask for a rain check if an advertised special is
    out of stock. While you are waiting for the product to
    come back in, look for more coupons for that product.

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

    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.