The FREE Budget Stretcher Newsletter
November 27, 2006



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    The Budget Stretcher
    Week Of: November 27, 2006
    AOL Users Please Visit Online

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    Grandpa Terry's Quips

    Tip #9 - Trick Question -  You don't have enough money to cover
    your House payment/Rent and your car payment.  The House payment
    is 30 days behind and the car payment is 90 days behind.  What
    do you pay first? Think about it!

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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 - Microwave Oven Peanut Brittle
    Everyday Savings from http://www.thefrugalshopper.com

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    Subscriber Tip

    Just a quick tip idea for the holidays. Both a money saver and
    an activity to keep the kids busy!!

    We buy butcher paper or other similar paper. 1st I use it to
    wrap meats for the freezer, then it comes in handy for ANY
    holiday. You measure out what you need to wrap a gift and then
    lay it on the dining room table with crayons, markers, stampers,
    stickers etc - the kids then think of a couple of things that
    the recipient likes and draws that (to the best of their
    ability) on the paper then uses other decorating ideas to finish
    it off. If need be - let dry and then wrap the gift.

    If it is near a particular holiday- we also cut up (with
    various craft scissors) & use old cards and wrapping paper to
    decorate.

    I have other ideas & I will get them together for you and you
    can stash them in your pile & pull out one or two to use when
    you are running low.

    Crystal

    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

    When preparing your coupons for your next trip to the grocery
    store take a moment to organize them by the aisle! They don't
    have to be in exact order, but even if you have the coupons in a
    rough order of the rows you will find the items in at the store
    you can save a tremendous amount of time. I've been doing this
    for many years and it's especially helpful when you've got a
    large amount of coupons to use for the week, it can also easily
    be done for a small number of coupons as well.

    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

    (Quote - "Do It Now Before Your Future Becomes Your Past")

    I want to personally welcome you to this week's newsletter. If
    you are a new subscriber all you have to do is just sit back,
    read and enjoy.

    I hope that if you celebrated Thanksgiving you enjoyed the feast
    and family.  My wife and I had all of the kids and grandkids
    over and, as always, really enjoyed the day and added just one
    more memory to our collection of 42 years.

    Just a note to let you know that http://www.mygrocerydeals.com
    has a sweepstakes going on until Nov 28th.

    The service is free, and once you register, you're able to
    enter and refer friends for more chances to win $1000 in
    groceries. This site has access to the sales from grocery flyers
    and allows you to compare prices for various stores in your
    area.

    Here is the third article that can help you get ready for
    winter:

    Caulking and Weatherstripping

    Many of us have to keep track of our mileage and expenses for
    tax purposes or other reasons.  I've developed a new calculating
    form in Excel format just for that purpose. It's easy to use and
    you can save it to your computer and/or print it.  It even has
    an Example and popup boxes to explain each column.

    Even if you just want to keep track of how many miles per gallon
    you are getting on your car this form calculates that too.  If
    you would like to see a screenshot of the form use the below
    link:


    I'm only going to charge $2.50 for this form because I know you
    have a lot of other expenses, especially this time of year.  If
    you would like to order this form just use the below link that
    will direct you to my secure shopping cart:


    Budget Stretcher Premium is getting bigger and better all the
    time.  If you were a member the above form would be free along
    with thousands of other downloads and resources.  I've just
    added a new forum to BSP and am working on a weekly chat session
    to discuss ways to stretch your paycheck and payoff your debt.

    Why not check out my new BSP page and see what it's all about:


    The holidays are here and now is a good time to decide exactly
    how much you can spend on your Christmas shopping.  It is much
    easier to holiday shop if you have a set spending limit and are
    determined not to exceed it.

    In January let's look back at Christmas with fond memories and
    not the dread of paying for it.

    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

    Using credit wisely: Introduction
    By Bankrate.com

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    Grandpa Terry's Tip of the Week

    I want to let Authur Hawkins give you a few tips if you are
    planning to travel by car over the holidays.  These tips are
    a little different:

    Holiday Driving Tips
    by Arthur A Hawkins II

    On the road again. It is time for a trip to a Holiday feast or
    a special, intimate gathering of family and friends. . . Then
    it's time to hit the road home.

    CAUTION: Do not drive immediately after you finish feasting. A
    full stomach slows your reflexes ­ the same is true of alcohol
    and some prescription drugs ­ reduced driving skills. You may
    even fall asleep at the wheel of your car.

    SOLUTIONS

    Take time to let the meal digest and alcohol work its way out
    of your and your party's systems. Another way to make it home
    safely after a special gathering is to find a designated driver.
    Find someone that is safe, sober and sane.

    Why not extend the fun?

    Enjoy the company of loved ones a little bit longer before you
    hit the road. The life you save may not just be your own, but
    that of your traveling companions (loved ones) as well. Spend an
    extra hour or two to let the event sink in.

    Think about it this way: If the driver feels any sign of
    sluggishness after a brief layover then thank your lucky stars
    that you did not hit the road.

    Stay active after the feast. Take a walk. Play a game of cards
    or charades. Help do the dishes or that project in the basement,
    workshop or garage. Toss a ball around or shoot some hoops.

    Imagine the danger of using a loaded gun with slowed reflexes.
    Not a happy thought. Think driving on a full stomach is risky
    and unsafe then you must avoid hunting after the feast or party.

    Whoever drives should stay focused. Drivers must be prepared
    for the journey. They should watch out for obvious driving
    distractions such as kids, cell phones, the radio, etc. Road
    rage is another problem that can literally kill the outing.
    Relax.

    Drive safely and enjoy the trip. Keep the memories happy ones.
    Give yourself and your family the chance to enjoy future
    celebrations.

    Happy holidays!

    Think you're cheap? Visit the Champion Cheapskate Training

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

    This information was inspired by Arthur A. Hawkins II's
    website, TimeManagement4U.com. Budget Stretcher readers can
    learn more about it at http://www.timemanagement4u.com.

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    Site of the Week

    Parenthub.com

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    Grandpa Terry's Email

    Hi Grandpa Terry!

    Your budget has really been helping me get my spending in line
    and see where our "leaks" were... I am trying to set up a budget
    for next year that includes all of those once a year and
    quarterly payments - life insurance, pest control, etc. My
    budget is so close to the penny I am scared about the ability to
    stick to it, but I have to do something. I was trying to see how
    the budget fit the expenses we had in the past 3 months that I
    have been tracking to see how much we were over/under. For
    example, what would the category of life insurance be if I
    didn't pay out the amount for that month:- +, - or $0? I am
    trying to figure out how much we are under as far as income so I
    can figure out why our budget never seems to work out.

    Thanks for your help.

    Maria

    My Response:

    Hi Maria,

    Sorry it's taken a few days to get back to you. By the way,
    I've changed your name in the database.

    The way I normally work the quarterly, semi-annual or annual
    payments is to allot an equal amount each month and keep it in
    your checking account until the payment is due.

    I hope this answers your question.

    All the best,
    Grandpa Terry

    -------

    Hi Grandpa Terry:

    I'm sure you've heard this one before, but for those
    subscribers to your newsletter, Better Budgeting who haven't;
    I'd like to list this tip for them.

    When you don't find an advertised product on the shelf at your
    local grocery store, first ask if they have it in storage in the
    back of the store. If not...or if it's too hard to get to right
    away; ask if you can purchase a substitute of equal or 'greater'
    value. I've done this lots of times and sometimes the manager
    will let me get a similar item that is more expensive even. If
    all else fails, ask for a rain check.

    It goes beyond saying what a wonderful and informative
    newsletter you have Grandpa Teri. (Hope I got the spelling of
    your name correct...If not, please forgive me).

    Wishing you and all at Better Budgeting a very happy and
    blessed holiday season.

    God bless... Mary

    -------

    This site has helped me in so very many ways..that I can't even
    begin to count...it has made me a lot more aware of where and
    how much money is spent..and I now make a much wiser choice
    before buying....anything.....

    It has help me in my making of meals, cleaning this house,
    opportunities for so much "new" knowledge in ways to save and to
    enjoy the fruits of my labour....

    I for one am very thankful..plus I am being much better in
    planning things ..and carrying thru with them..no matter how
    small or how big...it has added a lot of peace and contentment
    on my everyday life...for this I am very Thankful at this time
    of Thanksgiving...

    Deb

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    Subscriber Tip

    Dear Grandpa Terry,

    In an effort to reduce my home gas bill, I have found several
    ways to save. I try to use my gas dryer as little as possible. I
    have several collapsilble clothes dryers that I set up in my
    home. The one that really has saved time and money is one I
    made. My gas water heater and furnace is in a closet in the
    middle of my home. I have taken hooks and run several clothes
    lines in the closet. I made sure that the clothes are not in
    contact w/any of the heating elements. They dry very quickly
    from the heat that is generated by the pilot lites and the
    enclosed heated area. This is great and it is not in plain
    sight. I have been able to cut my propane usage over the last
    year by 2 thirds! I hope this idea helps others as it is easy to
    do and very effective.

    Jonnie

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    Budget Stretcher Partners

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    Frugal Folks.com
    Tidbits from the Pantry
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    Free Credit Card Reviews
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    Subscriber Tip

    You can shop safely online this season by shopping from
    companies you already know and trust. I found a great online
    shopping mall at http://www.saveeasy.us. I can buy directly from
    all my favourites, like ToysRUs, RadioShack, The BodyShop and
    Walmart without having to fight traffic. And I can do it on my
    schedule, which is usually 2 o'clock in the morning!

    Cathy

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    Consumer Lending and Personal Credit Guide

    LendersMark.org is a consumer credit webite with a growing
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    loan / lending officer, or operate a credit organization, we
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    interest to our readers.


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    This Week's Article Links

    Just click the links to view the article

    Saving Money on Banking and Credit Services
    by Chemain Evans

    One holiday tradition to break -- overspending
    By Karen M. Kroll • Bankrate.com

    Your Consumer Rights
    By Terry Rigg

    To read more articles visit:

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    Special Recipe

    Holiday Cooking

    Microwave Oven Peanut Brittle

    1 1/2 cups dry roasted peanuts
    1 cup white sugar
    1/2 cup light corn syrup
    1 pinch salt (optional)
    1 tablespoon butter
    1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    1 teaspoon baking soda

    Grease a baking sheet, and set aside. In a glass bowl, combine
    peanuts, sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Cook in microwave for 6 to
    7 minutes on High (700 W); mixture should be bubbly and peanuts
    browned. Stir in butter and vanilla; cook 2 to 3 minutes longer.

    Quickly stir in baking soda, just until mixture is foamy. Pour
    immediately onto greased baking sheet. Let cool 15 minutes, or
    until set. Break into pieces, and store in an airtight
    container. Makes 16 servings

    This recipe compliments of The Best Cookbook Anywhere Not Just

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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 remove grease from wallpaper, apply baby powder to a clean
    powder puff, rub, and spot disappears.

    ~~Cuticle remover will clear hands of nicotine stains.

    ~~Use Lubriderm skin lotion or Turtle Wax to shine your shoes.

    ~~Treat stubborn bathtub stains with a mixture of cream of
    tartar and hydrogen peroxide. By the time the paste dries, the
    stain should be gone.

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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.