The FREE Budget Stretcher Newsletter
August 28, 2006



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    The Budget Stretcher
    Week Of: August 28, 2006
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    Grandpa Terry's Quips

    Tip #21 - You really should know your credit score. Just think
    of it as your financial batting average.

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    Support Our Sponsors

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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 - Cream Cheese and Ham Dip
    Everyday Savings from http://www.thefrugalshopper.com

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    Subscriber Tip

    Write your grocery list on an envelope. I use magnetic clips to
    keep it on the fridge. When I run out of an item, whoever
    notices it writes it on the envelope. If I have a coupon for it,
    I slip it inside the envelope for the next shopping trip and
    take the whole thing with me. For weeks when I am short on money
    for groceries, I also bring a calculator and add all the costs
    as I go through the store so I don't go over my set amount.
    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.

    Johana

    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

    Continuing our discussion about organizing grocery coupons from last week, another great way to file them away (and this is also the most common way) is by food category. However, you can still personalize this method by making it more detailed or more simplified. For example, cereal coupons can all be put together under the simplified food category of "Cereals." Or, for a more detailed filing method, you could divide the coupons up by either brand names or types of cereal. Then, continue whichever method you prefer for your entire file.

    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 would like to remind you that there are only 120 shopping
    days until Christmas.  If you haven't started your shopping
    already, the earlier you do the more you will save.

    Last week I mentioned that I was starting a web site that
    would be offering ebooks on hundreds of topics for only $2
    each and that the site wasn't ready.  I've made some progress
    but still have a lot to do.

    I wanted to give you a sneak peak at what you can get for
    just $2.  Some of the links aren't working yet but you can
    order some of the ebooks if you like by using the "Add To
    Cart" buttons.  If the button isn't working for the ebook(s)
    you want just send me the title and I will set it up for
    you.

    Why not browse my "Two Dollar Online Books" site and find
    that ebook you've been looking for but didn't want to pay
    the price.  Here's the link:


    On another note, I am planning to add these ebooks free to
    Budget Stretcher Premium (BSP) Subscribers in the very near future
    and raising the subscription price from $11.95 for the first
    year to either $19.95 or $29.95 for the first year.  If you
    want to get in on a special deal and get all of these ebooks
    free, just subscribe to BSP now before the price goes up.


    I would like to find out if there would be any interest in
    a conference call where I could talk to you directly and
    answer your questions.  You can let me know by emailing me
    at the below email link:


    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

    Constant Credit Card Payments
    By Terry Rigg

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    Grandpa Terry's Tip of the Week

    Financial Complacency

    Although it's probably been used before, I coined this term
    a couple of years ago to describe individuals that just
    couldn't bring themselves to take action on their money
    problems.

    Some were afraid of the perceived consequences and others
    didn't know how to get started.  It was much more comfortable
    to keep doing what they were doing.

    I receive a lot of email from my subscribers thanking me for
    helping to get their finances organized or developing a plan
    for paying off their debt.  While these emails are sincerely
    appreciated and help boost my ego, they are actually stating
    that "I took the info you showed me and I took Action".  They
    did it, not me.

    Yes, it can be scary and hard to decide exactly what to do
    to make your financial future one that doesn't worry you
    constantly.  But, to continue to do the same thing and expect
    different results isn't going to work either.

    I'm going to make a broad statement that you may or may not
    agree with.  "For any financial problem you have there is a
    solution".  It may not give you immediate results and it may
    be something that you don't want to do, but there are actions
    you can take.

    I received an email some time ago that asked me to help with
    their serious financial problems.  This family had more money
    going out than they had coming in and some of their bills
    were behind.

    While I had a few ideas of what they could do my hands were
    tied because of what they said they didn't want do to.  Their
    daughter was taking dancing lessons (cost about $150 per
    month) and couldn't give that up.  Their house payment was
    about 45% of their income but they didn't want to move.  They
    listed about 5 different things that could have helped solve
    their problem but they were not willing to change their
    lifestyle.

    The willingness to take Action is the only way that you are
    going to get and keep control of your money.  Just do it!

    Find out what you can do and make it happen.  Shed those
    fears of the unknown and make the changes.  Be willing to
    let go of what is costing you your financial sanity.

    To keep doing what you are doing knowing that you need a
    new plan for your finances makes you guilty of "Financial
    Complacency".

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    Site of the Week

    Rat Race Remedies

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    Grandpa Terry's Email

    Last week I announced a new service by Budget Stretcher that
    can save you time and money by showing you the specials at
    your local stores.  Here are the comments I received on

    This is a beta version and new stores are going to be added
    everyday.

    ----------

    In three words:  I love it!!!!  Thank you.
    Nancy

    ----------

    I just looked at the grocerguide.com mentioned in you
    newsletter. First of all it didn't contain all the grocery
    stores in my area, only one. Of that one, it missed most of the
    specials in the flyer, making me think the ones listed must be
    paying to be on that list.

    This is definitely something I WON'T be using. I'll stand by my
    flyers, or go directly to the website for the store, for the
    best info.

    Thanks.

    ----------

    Terry,
    Checked out the grocery site.....pretty neat I think....Thanks
    for sharing it.

    Best,. Carol

    ----------

    Grandpa-

    I went to the site, put in my current zip- 14216 and some stores
    came up that we don’t have.

    I went back, put in my new zip- 30004 ( alpharetta, Georgia) and it
    said invalid zip code.

    This sounded great but maybe you can tell me how to get it going.

    Thanks

    ----------

    Hi, Grandpa Terry!

    Here I sit, having my tea, and reading your Sunday email. It is
    something I look forward to every week. Your information is so
    valuable and just can 't be beat! I learn something new from you
    every week!

    Thanks so much for the link below. I'm going grocery shopping
    tomorrow and you have just saved me a lot of time going through
    the grocery store ads in today's paper! THIS is a God send!


    Thank you again for all that you do. You are appreciated here
    in North Carolina!

    Best Wishes and continued success!

    Linda

    ----------

    Hi -

    I clicked on the new link for the grocery guide - I guess since
    I live in a small town of about 25, 000 people that it wasn't
    accurate when I put in my zip code of 69101. A list of several
    different kinds of stores came up, none of which are within 2
    hours drive of my home. Only a Shopko store was on the list
    which we have in town. The only grocery stores we have here are
    Super Walmart and Sunmart - neither of which were listed. It
    would be a great thing if they were, but otherwise, I wasn't too
    impressed. Just thought I'd let you know.

    Thanks for your great newsletter. I read it faithfully every
    Sunday morning.

    Connie

    ----------

    I just tried out the grocery specials link. It was ok, except
    that there were only 2 stores from our town on the list. I can
    imagine that in a bigger area this would be a great tool though!

    Melisa

    ----------

    I tried it and I like it! Easy to use...nicely organized!

    I also wanted to give a tip...... I shop at Wal-Mart and in
    buying there meats I have noticed (in really small print) a line
    on all their meat labels that's says (enhanced with a solution
    of up to 10-12%) The % changes with each cut and type of meat. I
    asked about it and was told that (most) meat companies are doing
    this these days to preserve it longer. All I can see it does is
    make the meat saltier and since I am not a salt lover I stopped
    buying my meats at Wal-Mart and now I'm going to Kroger's...
    they do not have labels like that on their meats.

    Keep a tip to keep in mind when shopping at Wal-Mart. Thanks
    for the great news letter...

    Clyde

    ----------

    hi Grandpa...
    I think it's a piece of junque!!!!

    First....It says my zip code does not exist
    so I gave it a made up one...and now it won't let me make any
    changes

    Sorry...  I figure this must be a beta version so....
    what can I say

    thanks anyway
    Ginnie

    ----------

    I put in my zip code as a joke, and it sure was. We only have
    one store within 10 miles and that is Country Mart. Needless to
    say the stores listed were only the ones maybe in Wichita or
    Kansas City. Living in small town Kansas with a 2 hour drive to
    go shopping is out of the question. We may be getting a Super
    Wal-Mart here in a couple of years, maybe.

    Thanks,
    June

    ----------

    I think this is a wonderful service! I already go through the
    weekly ads online for each store I regularly shop at, but this
    makes it so much easier, having everything available in one
    place, and I like the way it is organized by product type, it is
    a snap to skip over things I don't buy such as baby products
    (since we don't have kids). Thanks for this great service!

    Cheryl

    ----------

    It probably will be useful to those who shop only or mostly at
    chain stores-- however, most of my shopping is done either at
    CostCo (bulk items), or at two local/one location stores
    (Windmill Farms and Farmers' Market). None of these are choices
    for viewing, nor are other local markets like Henry's or Trader
    Joe's. I prefer these local stores for several reasons: produce
    is of better quality and more likely to be picked ripe (or at
    least, riper) than chain stores; they have more locally produced
    items/brands-- it's more ecologically sound to "buy local"! and
    as often as not, cheaper than the national brands
    shipped/trucked/flown in from who knows where; and for those of
    us community-supportive types, "buying local" helps keep the
    local economy healthy, which means more "free" services that are
    paid for with business taxes and fees. It also would be more
    useful if it could be used to search products-- and give listing
    of local stores where, if anywhere, it is on sale/cheapest.

    Kaytee

    ----------

    Grandpa Terry

    I tried the link for finding specials at my local stores.  I think
    it is really a great idea and faster than going through all the ads
    in my local paper!  I would definitely use this!

    Love your newsletter!

    Karen

    ----------

    Greetings,

    I just tried the web site for grocery coupons and think it's
    terrific.

    I've bookmarked it and sent to my daughter as well.

    Thank you very much,

    Kate

    ----------
    Other Email

    Reference Grandpa Terry's Quips

    Tip #21 - Unless you want enough fuel for a bonfire at the
    end of the year, throw away all of the propaganda you
    receive with your bill statements.

    I do better than that - I stick it in the envelope with my bill
    and send it back to them. I usually hide the check in the midst
    of it too <ornery grin>

    ----------

    Hi Terry: How are you doing? I just wanted to send you a quick
    note to remind you that I asked you quite some time ago about
    how to eliminate my debt. You sent me an article about
    snowballing. I read it and I have used this method and I am
    actually reducing my debt faster than I can believe. Thank you
    so much... you will never know how "indebted" I am to you and
    your generous heart in sharing your knowledge with others. God
    bless and thank you from the bottom of my heart.

    Brenda

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    Subscriber Tip

    Whenever I go to wear something and it&#39; s become
    wrinkled...I just toss it in the dryer for 10 minutes with a
    damp wash cloth or clean sock...The wrinkles disappear...This
    tip is a favorite of mine!

    Jeanne

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    Subscriber Tip

    I always had trouble with opening the tops of my glue
    containers. Just spray a little cooking spray in the top of the
    cap and put back on the container... the glue won't stick and
    the cap will come right off next time you need glue. Works on
    paint cans too!

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    Support Our Sponsors

    Save Thousands Grocery Shopping

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

    This Week's Article Links

    Just click the links to view the articles

    10 frugal cooking tips that sizzle
    By Leslie Hunt • Bankrate.com

    Retirement Planning & 401 K Investing:
    Secrets to Keeping the IRS Out of Your 401K
    By Paul Hooper

    Frugal Ethics
    When Frugal Becomes Just Plain Cheap
    By Tawra Kellam

    To read more articles visit:

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

    Special Recipe

    Editor's Note:  This is a recipe my grandson Dustin recommends
    (he's 14).  He says it's good, but he will eat anything that
    doesn't eat him first!!!

    Cream Cheese and Ham Dip

    1 pkg cream cheese
    1/2 pkg Shredded Cheese
    1/4 Cup Mayonnaise
    Bunch of green onions
    2 pkg. Carl Budding Lunch Meat (ham or turkey is best)

    Mix ingredients, chill and serve.

    Exceptionally good on pork rinds and crackers

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    Everyday Savings

    These Tips provided by The Frugal Shopper

    Stick to what's on your shopping list.

    Ask staff to help you rather than wasting time looking for
    items or better deals.

    Meat is a good source of protein but it's expensive. Cheese,
    poultry, eggs, peanut butter, dried peas, beans, lentils, and
    some fish are less expensive and excellent sources of protein.

    Buy whole chickens. If you want only breasts, save the dark
    quarters, freezing for later use. Buying breasts alone is very
    expensive.

    Buy locally grown foods; they are fresher, more nutritious and
    ecologically smart.

    Shop the sales! Take advantage of each store's loss leaders.

    Most bargains are found on the higher and lower shelves. Most
    expensive brands are at eye level (to get your attention).

    Watch for unadvertised specials.

    Shop for items that you use regularly at all times. If you run
    out, you will have to pay whatever the supermarket may be
    charging when you need it.

    Stockpile, Stockpile, Stockpile! If a product you use is on
    sale, buy as much as you can afford and store to last you until
    the next sale. This is a BIG money saver!

    Wait if you can until the item is on sale. If you know your
    products and stores, you can have enough to last until the item
    is discounted again.

    Use your freezer to stock up when there is a sale on frozen or
    dairy items, such as cheese, butter and milk.

    Buy in bulk when the unit price is less. Larger sizes do not
    always mean lower prices.

    Just because an item has the word "SALE" on it, doesn't mean
    you are getting it for a lower than normal price. Know your
    prices. This is one way that a price book can help you.

    Use store specific savings cards.

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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.




    Budget Stretcher

    Disclaimer:  This information 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.