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The Budget Stretcher
"Saving you money...One Dime at a Time!"
Week Of: October 1, 2007
AOL Users Please Visit Online
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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.
111 Egg Recipes
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Support Our Sponsor
Are you frustrated trying to get by on the money you
make?
Would you like to get a good view to where all your
money is going?
Would you like to start saving your money, or save
even more?
Looking for something easier then software like Quicken
or Money?
Would you like to teach your children about finance?
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***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 - Applesauce Cake
Watch for next week's newsletter featuring:
Comparing the cost of drugs
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Subscriber Tip
For making sure bill are paid on time, I use a "calendar box"
system.
I have a plastic 3 x 5 box which contains Month index cards
dividers and Day index cards dividers.
For the month of September: Sept Index card divider Days 1-30
dividers One index card is filled out for every bill owed 5-7
days before actual due date
Example
Gas co ( pd 9/6/07 $83.50 ) 9/5/07
When bill is actually paid, write date paid and amount paid and
file the day divider and card behind October.
As new bills come in add them to your card box so they don't
get forgotten.
This system along with On-line Banking and Financial Software
helps me stay on top of things and I don't pay any late fees
Lorraine
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
Last week we talked about not wasting time getting upset over
missing the lowest price on grocery items (or for that matter,
missing the lowest price on anything), but I'd also like to
mention that it's just about always okay to go back to the store
and return or exchange the item for the lower price if you feel
it's necessary. And trust me, I've done this many times! This
would also be a great time to use a forgotten coupon making the
lowest price even lower! :o)
Save hundreds of dollars on your groceries each month, with or
without using coupons! Read more of Michelle's FREE grocery
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Grandpa Terry's Update
Welcome to The Budget Stretcher!
I'm running the special again for the Bill Pay Management System
for only $3.95 ($7.95 value).
If you aren't familiar with this system it's an very simple way
to manage both your checking account and paying your bills on
time every month. I developed the Bill Pay system because of
all the email I received stating that these were two of the
biggest problems many people have. I use this system myself
to track my checking account and bills.
If this is a problem for you please take a minute to check out
the Bill Pay Management System. There is no risk because I offer
a 30 Day Money Back Guarantee if you aren't completely satisfied.
Here is the link:
I found an excellent site that explains how the Canadian Credit
Bureaus work and information about your Beacon Score. Here is
the link for our Canadian Subscribers:
I also found an excellent download that lists several money
saving tips put out by the University of Missouri. Just click
the link to start the download.
Here is another download I think you may enjoy:
PaperQuote '01
Change your desktop wallpaper and display inspiring
quotes every day.
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
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Support Our Sponsor
Mvelopes Personal Free Online Budgeting
Mvelopes Personal is an online budgeting system that makes it
easy to create an effective personal budget and track every
aspect of your spending as it happens. It will help you to
always know exactly how much you have left to spend, instantly
know the impact of every spending decision, effectively manage
credit card spending, and quickly create an easy to use
household budgeting plan.
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Credit Card Information
Tips for responsible use of debit cards
By Bankrate.com
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Grandpa Terry's Tip of the Week
Last week I ran a tip that outlined the basics for how long to
keep your important paperwork. Here is an email from a
subscriber with a different point of view:
Hi Grandpa Terry:
I really enjoy your e-zine. I have very different thoughts on
how long to keep records. Even though I worked for the federal
govt, I still have different ideas than the IRS.
I married at age 22, owned my home prior to my first marriage,
and was widowed at age 38. With not much life insurance on my
husband and no mortgage insurance, I had to pay the house off
myself.
Three years prior to paying it off, I remarried, had a
Pre-Nuptial agreement claiming the home. It was rented for the
last 3 years of the mortgage, then I moved back into my home
with my new husband. After 10 yrs. of marriage, he became an
alcoholic and violent to me. I took him out of state, to stay
with his older sister for medical care, and then said he was not
coming home.
When I filed for divorce, he tried to claim 1/2 my house, being
advised by his attorney that he could since I paid the last 3
yrs. of the house off while married to him. He then signed an
Affidavit to the Family Court saying, "I gave her a Substantial
Amount of Money to Pay Off the House." Wow, he didn't know what
a Firestorm he created by that lie, Perjury! And my daughter was
the Law Clerk for the local Federal Court Judge!
I had every piece of paper, receipt, bill, house mortgage,
rental agreement, that went through this house! The court didn't
realize a blonde from out of state (I was born in PA and lived
in SC when divorced) could keep such good records, could own the
property and would be smart enough to have a Pre-Nuptial
Agreement! The Family Court Judge even said, "The Pre-Nuptial
doesn't say how much of the house!" At that point, he didn't
divide the property.
My daughter was my first attorney, but then she got me the
attorney who used to be the Family Court Judge. He said, "That
house is yours without a Pre-Nuptial. In SC, what you take into
a marriage you take out. Your husband will have to prove
everything he says." Well, my husband backed down once I got the
previous Family Court Judge representing me, stopped claiming my
house, signed an agreement that everything in his possession was
his and everything in my possession was mine, and paid me
alimony too! He walked out and left me everything he bought
through the 10 yrs. of marriage.
My husband's attorney wanted to give me 1/2 the credit card
debt he ran up, some of it he brought into the marriage by him,
$36, 000. I was paying $626 a month minimum payments on his
credit cards. My daughter said to the attorney, "Let's apportion
it to who spent it!" He replied, "They ate out a lot and you
can't prove who spent it." She said, "Oh, yes I can. He drank 4
drinks to a bottle of wine with dinner and his alcohol cost much
more than my Mother's dinner all the time. My Mother was a Court
Reporter, and has every credit card receipt that was ever
spent!" He asked, "All 10 years?" She said, "Yes Sir, and she
keeps meticulous records." That was never brought up again!!!!!!
I even had, in 2003, his first pay check stub from 1993 when I
married him. He lied to the court that he was on disability when
I married him and he made $40, 000 that year! Wouldn't the court
have been surprised to see that paycheck stub!!!!!
Not only did I have all the federal tax returns from the 10
yrs. we were married, but the 3 yrs. prior to our marriage since
I redid the last 3 yrs. of his taxes as his accountant didn't do
them right, and had passed away!
My 4 drawer old Army Filing Cabinet does a wonderful job of
keeping all the records I need to keep, everything!
I was audited by the IRS while going through the divorce. They
wanted all the check statements and checks for 2 yrs. prior. I
called the young agent, told him I'd be glad to be in his ofc.
at 8AM with the bank statements and all the checks in my hand,
told him I was a prior federal employee and I keep good records.
How many people can go into their files and pull out the above
in a few min? He was unnerved. He said, "Uh, Uh, I have another
client. Want to come next Tues. at 2PM?" I said, "Fine".
I had a Billionaire friend who took all of the above for his
audit, put it in a black garbage bag and slung it over his
shoulder when he walked in to the IRS. I just had to do that. My
daughter, the attorney, was horrified that I would think to do
that! She said, "Mom, you always dress so professional, take
your briefcase, and you can't do that." I said, "Yes I can, I'm
mad and I'm going to do it! " My friend also dressed in old
baggy clothes. I put on my sweat shirt that said, "Grandmom #1"
and my blue sweat pants, black garbage bag in hand and went for
my IRS interview. The only question he asked me, after I drove
40 miles was "Why do you have Rev. on your bank account?" I told
him I was not divorced yet, I still kept a joint account, and
that, although my husband was a retired Pastor, he would always
carry the title of "Rev". I also admonished him for making me
drive 80 miles round trip when he could have asked me that
question on the phone. I've not had another IRS Audit!
Maybe I'm the exception to the IRS rules and others' methods of
what to keep and what to toss but with the divorce rate on 2nd
and future marriages, I want to keep what is mine and I've
worked for so want to feel that I can prove anything I claim. At
this point, I don't want to remarry, but I may change my mind in
the next 40 yrs. My feeling is "Just as soon as you throw it
away, somebody will want it." I still have the paperwork from my
first home bought in 1967!
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Site of the Week
Diva Tribe
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Grandpa Terry's Email
Hello,
I did a Google search for some info about what to do regarding
high-rate student loans, and came across your name. I was hoping
you could possible give me some resources that will help
simplify my situation.
I have one credit card with a SMALL limit, that I pay off every
month, and one used car loan, under 10k. Other than that the
only other debt I have is for student loans. Two of the loans
are considered "private" (I needed them for living expenses, as
the school I went to was 24/7, and one could not hold a job
while in school). This private loan has an interest rate of
15.24%!!!!! My payments of close to $300/month are mostly going
towards interest, and I have no idea how to get a handle on
this. My only thought so far was to try to take out a personal
loan to pay that off, one with a lower interest rate.
Any suggestions are welcome!!
Have a great day,
Nichole
My Response:
Hi Nichole,
Yes, your interest rate of 15.24% is exceptionally high. I
believe consolidating your student loans would be your best bet
, not only lower your interest rate but your payments as well.
You may be able to lower your interest rate to 6.8%. Here are a
couple of links that offer student loan consolidation:
Now for a caution. When you are dealing with loans of any kind,
especially over the internet, make sure you fully understand the
terms and conditions and that the payments fit your budget.
If you have any other questions please don't hesitate to ask.
All the best,
Terry
----------
A helpful hint ( maybe) for this reader :
My husband just retired & his insurance will end 9-30-07. He
will not be 65 until 4-10-08. Do you know of a reasonable priced
health insurance we can get until he is able to get Medicare?
Thank you,
Laura
Contact the local State welfare office, see if he qualifies for
any State options on medical care. For the age we are (51 & 56)
and the income qualifications(under $35, 000 year + $5000
savings in Penna.) - my husband and I got on their 'plan Q' (ok,
sounds weird to be that far down the alphabet)....but....his
employer does not have a plan for the hourly workers unless you
just buy-into BC/BS HealthAmerica at full price. Since that
would eat about half a check each payday - no - not an option,
and with no babies or sports athletes in the house - it's fairly
certain that other than a heart attack or broken leg - we pretty
much just need covered for the ordinary yearly prevention and
occasional sore throat !! I can even get a plain glasses
prescription and eye care on this plan !! And they paid full for
my dentures and his one crown.
The State could put us in a little bigger coverage for only $20
a month if we selected that plan, but being on a slim budget -
we stay with the minimum coverage and take care of ourselves !!
Nanci in Pgh
Oh, and P.S. The State does not lien your house, or cost you
any penalty for just applying for medical coverage. It is
separate from food stamps, cash assistance and other financial
aids they do for families. AND.....I am on Medicare because of
my soc. sec. disability and still get my share of the state
Insurance coverage as well....at no penalty. Only hassle (and
these folks wouldn't need a long term, so they'd likely never
make it to a yearly 'review' of benefits) the State does require
a ton of proof - but she's reading your newsletter already - so
likely they already have all their papers in order !!! Once you
give them the initial copied stuff, all they need is a note if
something takes a giant Jump or Fall in resources , and that
yearly 'review' which covers everything again. But she's talking
like 6 or 7 Months......that would be so do-able !!!
----------
Here's a question for you! On my mortgage payment there is a
due date and then, if you're a certain number of days late, a
late fee. I was wondering, does it affect your credit rating if
you're later than the due date, but get the payment there before
the late fee deadline?
A devoted reader,
Kristin
My Response:
Hi Kristin,
No, normally if the company receives the payment by the late fee
deadline they won't report it to the credit bureaus. Normally,
they wait until the payment is at least 30 days past due before
reporting.
I hope that helps,
Terry
----------
Grandpa Terry,
I've written you quite a few times asking about finding work
that I could do at home and you have give me some advise. Well,
I wanted to tell you that I have prayed a long time and I know
God has answered my prayers. I would love for you to visit my
webpage and see what you think, because I do respect your
6294577) Watch the presentation there, and there is another
website I would love for you to check out and that is
with Fox news and then scroll down and watch Paul
Orberson's talk. I'm so excited about this opportunity. I know
that you are a busy man, but I pray that you will take a look at
this opportunity. I love the newsletters and appreciate all your
hard work.
Thanks,
Cheryl
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Subscriber Tip
Ladies-Build a Basic Career Wardrobe (BCW) on a Budget....and
banish those "bad wardrobe "days"!
For years I did this by shopping discount chains and adding one
piece at a time or by adding expensive items bought through
second hand shops. This year I found a catalog that sells
"brands" and "career sets" that look very like designer clothes
that you can buy on tv or on line. I hunted for online coupons
and I ALWAYS check the closeouts first! Short-sleeved tops are
fine under a suit worn for winter, so buy the spring tops that
were $25-$35 for $9-15. If you are a career gal, go for a
simple, classy look. Add some striking pieces like simple
jewelry or a scarf for your WOW factor. You can have a limited
range of pieces and through color co-ordination, no one will
realize it; folks will just say that you are well-put
together... Now, the rules:
Pick a basic color for your suit. If you can afford 2 in the
same style but in co-coordinating colors, that will maximize your
choices even more...an example would be a black suit and the same
suit in burgundy, or a brown suit and the same suit in camel. Or
black with blue, or rust with gold or beige.
You'll need, minimum:
*1 solid color suit, with skirt AND pants if possible (or buy
3rd pc separate)
*3-4 tops (can be print) and a white, fitted blouse, preferably
a non-wrinkle type with some stretch in it.
Cotton or silk says "quality".
* Add one striped or solid colored blouse like the white one to
wear with a casual outfit;
co-ordinate with the other clothes.
*1 additional skirt and/or pair of pants, also solid, in a
compatible color to your suit.
*1 solid jean jacket in a co-coordinating color. You can buy
corduroy but twill or denim can be used all-year round.
* 1-2 pair of colored jeans in a flattering fit (NOT tight or low
rise) for weekend or casual day wear.
That's it! I did not cover the obvious, good supporting
undergarments, stockings or tights, a good handbag or two
(casual & dress); you'll need a dress shoe and a casual one that
can be worn in an office ( mine doesn't allow sneakers, printed
tees or blue jeans). You may want to add a sweater of a
flattering style if your office gets cold at times.
Your bag: You may want to buy an organizer (they can be found
online too) to hold your lunch, umbrella, wallet, etc.
What is great about this is that you can replace items as they
wear PLUS you are fine if you can't afford all of the pieces at
once.
Have fun looking great!
Val
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Tidbits from the Pantry
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Free Credit Card Reviews
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Subscriber Tip
If you hang dry just a few items, get a shower rod and put it
up in the laundry room, hang it high enough that everyone can
walk under or hang it above the washer/dryer and you can leave
it up indefinably, works great for winter drying.
Tracy
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This Week's Article Links
Just click the links to view the article
Banking fees up again
By Greg McBride, CFA • Bankrate.com
Elements of Financial Planning
By Care One Credit
Great Costumes for Less!
By Tawra Kellam
To read more articles visit:
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Take Advantage of your Budget Stretcher Subscriber
Benefits Visit:
Visit Our Forum
Budget Stretcher Subscriber Benefits Page
Join This Groups
A_Simple_Life
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Online Shopping Secret
There's a secret to Discount Shopping Online that EVERY Online
Retailer knows that YOU DON'T, and it's COSTING YOU MONEY! Now,
this secret is revealed! Learn how-to get MASSIVE discounts on
EVERYTHING you buy, and MAKE EVEN MORE MONEY to boot! You Must
Visit:
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Special Recipe
Applesauce Cake
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cloves
2 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups applesauce
1 tsp. baking soda in 2 Tbsp. hot water
1 cup raisins
1/2 cups nuts (optional)
Cream together shortening and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs,
salt, cinnamon and cloves. Mix well. Add alternately flour and
applesauce. Dissolve baking soda in hot water and pour into
mixture. Stir. Fold in nuts and raisins. Bake in a well- greased
loaf pan at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
This recipe compliments of The Best Cookbook Anywhere
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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.
~~Put a metal spoon into a glass before pouring in any hot
liquid - this will prevent the glass from cracking.
~~Soak a cloth in carbonated water and wrap around a rusty bolt
and leave for a few minutes. The bolt should loosen right up.
~~Tip for stamp collectors: Place the envelope in the freezer
for a few hours. You'll then be able to easily lift the stamps
off with a pair of tweezers.
~~Save your change. Empty your wallet, purse, and pockets on a
regular basis into a "piggy bank". Occasionally roll the change
and take to the bank. It will add up faster than you think.
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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.
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