4/30/12: The Dollar Stretcher
May 16, 2012
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1
Introduction
by Gary Foreman
gary@stretcher.com
Hello to all my Frugal Friends!
Monday is the last day of National Financial Literacy Month.
Naturally we're happy with anything that increases knowledge
of personal financial matters. We're going to cap off the
month with a TweetChat at 3pm ET on Monday.
In the #DlrChat, we'll discuss what you need to know about
making your money grow, rebuilding credit, choosing the best
credit cards and loans, and much more.
Our special guest will be Jacquette M. Timmons, author of
"Financial Intimacy: How to Create a Healthy Relationship with
Your Money and Your Mate" and creator of the Financial
Intimacy Conference. Ms. Timmons is known for leading thought-
provoking conversations about money, choices, relationships,
and life. A behavioral finance enthusiast, Jacquette works as
a financial coach, speaker, and trainer and is the founder of
Sterling Investment Management, a financial education and
coaching firm. A media darling, her appearances include CNN's
Your $$$$$, Your Bottom Line and The Help Desk, FOX's Good Day
New York and Good Day Street Talk, NBC's Today in New York,
BET Tonight's Nightly News and American Public Media's
Marketplace Money. Follow Jacquette on Twitter @jacqmtimmons.
April's Dollar Chat will be sponsored by Sterling Investment
Management. Participants will have the opportunity to win a
copy of Jacquette M. Timmons' book, "Financial Intimacy: How
to Create a Healthy Relationship with Your Money and Your
Mate." For more information about Jacquette M. Timmons and
Sterling Investment Management, please visit
www.sterlingchoices.net
Your hosts for the chat will be Janet Stauble of Bankrate.com,
Thomas Fox from Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp, and myself.
Use #DlrChat or our Tweetchat Chatroom to participate in and
follow the conversation.
Please RSVP to be eligible to win a copy of Jacquette's book
"Financial Intimacy." Send
<mailto:gary@stretcher.com,tfox@cambridge-
credit.org,JStauble@bankrate.com?subject=AprilTweetChatRSVP>
We'll look forward to TweetChatting with you!
Keep on Stretching Those Financially Literate Dollars!
Gary
===========================================================
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How to Get Job Fair Call Backs
by Joanne Guidoccio
Going to a job fair is good. Getting call backs is better!
Melanie didn't really want to go to the job fair, but the
career counselor was adamant. Melanie needed to get out there
and network her way into a new job. She could no longer wait
passively for replies to the hundreds of resumes she had sent
out six months ago.
Job fairs are not limited to new graduates at college and
university campuses. These well-attended events also attract
seasoned professionals, retirees and the unemployed. To find
the nearest job fair, visit Carousel Expo
<http://carouselexpo.com/> for a comprehensive listing of job
fairs throughout the country. Simply click on your state and
scroll down to the present month.
At a job fair, attendees have the opportunity to meet with
many employers in a short period of time. While the
competition is stiff, it is possible for a job seeker to
strategically improve his or her odds of obtaining a second
interview. Consider the following tips:
Do Your Homework
Obtain a list of companies that will be represented at the job
fair. Research those that interest you, learning as much as
you can about their products and services, mission statements,
and company cultures. Ensure that you are well-informed before
attending the fair; do not depend upon the company literature
available at the different booths. You will not be able to
access that information until after the interview.
If you are interested in applying for out-of-state or
international positions, research the state or country. Be
prepared to give reasons why you wish to relocate. Do not
simply say, "I will go wherever the jobs are."
Prepare Your Resume
Update your resume and ask a trusted friend or relative to
proofread the document for spelling and grammatical errors.
Double-check the information bits in the header, especially
the mailing address, telephone number and email address.
Reread the work, education, and volunteer sections. Use the
information from these sections to prepare accomplishment
stories that clearly demonstrate your skill set. Write out
these stories and practice delivering them in mock interviews.
Prepare multiple copies of your resume, at least two for each
targeted company. You should also bring scannable versions of
your resume. Many recruiters are taking their stacks of
resumes back to the corporate office and scanning them into a
database. Carry your resumes in a professional case or
satchel.
Practice Your Elevator Speech
Rehearse a personal introduction that allows you to summarize
your most significant qualifications and achievements in the
time span of an elevator ride. When meeting with a recruiter,
do not immediately hand over your resume. Instead, use your
elevator speech to introduce yourself and then ask a pertinent
question or two about the organization.
Plan Your Visit
When you arrive, survey the layout of the fair and determine
an interviewing order. Whenever possible, meet with your top
choices first thing in the morning. If you are faced with long
lines at a particular booth, move on to the other companies on
your list.
Eat properly, exercise and get adequate rest before attending
the fair. You only have a few minutes to impress each
representative. He/she will not be impressed by a tired,
haggard individual who appears to be going through the
motions. During the day, take frequent breaks and have easy-
to-eat snacks.
Dress Conservatively
Dress codes will vary from one fair to another. While some
require business attire, others are business casual. If you
are applying for a professional or executive position, wear a
black, brown or blue suit in a solid or pinstripe with a white
shirt or blouse. If business casual is more appropriate, wear
nice slacks or a skirt with a collared shirt or blouse. Avoid
cologne or perfume, flashy ties and accessories, and
uncomfortable shoes.
Connect With Each Recruiter
Greet the representative with a firm handshake, show
enthusiasm and maintain eye contact throughout the entire
conversation. Take time to make a positive impression and
obtain additional information about the organization. Do not
aim to drop off a set number of resumes; focus on establishing
solid job prospects. Take notes after each conversation; this
will avoid confusion later.
Follow Up
Ask for the interviewer's business card before leaving the
booth. Follow up with a thank-you letter within 24 hours of
the job fair. In the letter, thank the recruiter for his/her
time, restate your qualifications for the position, and
reiterate your interest in a second interview. Enclose another
copy of your resume. When you follow up in this manner, you
demonstrate a high level of courtesy and respect. This gives
you a definite edge over the candidates who do not send thank-
you letters.
Take the Next Step:
- For more on finding a job, please visit
<http://www.stretcher.com/menu/topic-r.htm#workfind>
===========================================================
In The Dollar Stretcher Community
Financial Literacy
What do the words "financial literacy" mean to you?
http://community.stretcher.com/forums/t/28696.aspx
===========================================================
My Story: Wedding Rehearsal Dinner
contributed by Susan S.
An affordable, enjoyable rehearsal dinner
Thank you for such a "freeing" article
<http://www.stretcher.com/stories/00/000403a.cfm> on the topic
of the infamous Wedding Rehearsal Dinner, and the financial
stress it can bring to parents trying to help their kids have
a wonderful wedding, while staying on a budget. I
wholeheartedly agree that there is no need to spend hundreds
of dollars on the rehearsal dinner. To start with, I think it
is important to stop and think about the purpose of this
dinner.
After months of planning, decision-making, and non-stop
chatter (drama) about all the details of the wedding, the
rehearsal dinner is simply one last opportunity for the
wedding party and those closest to the bride and groom to
share a meal together before the couple starts a new life
together. It also allows both sets of family to be introduced
and spend a little time together getting to know one another.
So where did this idea of having to rent a hall or reserve a
restaurant begin anyway? And exactly who started this deal of
feeling like it has to be in an expensive country club? Why do
we let "them" set the standards when "we" are paying the bill?
Who are we trying to please here anyway?
I know of one wedding party who just wanted a simple, fun
dinner, so they had their rehearsal dinner in the parents'
backyard in the early evening as the sun was cooling down.
They did their own barbecuing with favorite side dishes, and
they made ice cream sundaes for dessert. The evening was
beautiful. The music was playing. While relaxing in lawn
chairs, everyone talked and visited. In a word, they had fun!
No one had to spend money on another outfit. There was no hall
to rent out. Tired little toddlers didn't have to sit still
and behave in a fancy restaurant, and there was no huge
gratuity for a party of 12 or more.
For others without a backyard or in winter weather, what's
wrong with pulling all the furniture out of the family room
and borrowing a few tables to make a banquet area? Just add
tablecloths, flowers, candlelight, and music and serve a huge
spaghetti dinner with all the trimmings. Find CDs of Italian
love songs. Your guests will love it, and it's budget
friendly. It's all about feeling loved, wanted, cared for, and
prepared for.
I have read that being cheap means not paying for anything and
not doing anything while being frugal means doing the absolute
most you can with what you have without wasting anything. I am
very happy to see Americans getting back to the basics and
thinking twice about pulling their hard-earned savings out of
the bank or racking up harmful credit debt just because it is
"wedding tradition."
Weddings are about two people in love. They are not about how
much money is spent and certainly not about trying to impress
people.
Thanks again for an article that will free people to think
outside the box without feeling embarrassed to do so.
____________________
"My Story" is a regular feature of The Dollar Stretcher. If
you have a story that could help save time or money, please
send it to mailto:MyStory@stretcher.com
===========================================================
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Resurfacing Countertops
by Shari Smith
Resurfacing old countertops can save you money
Would you love the look of a brand new kitchen, but don't have
a lot of cash? Are your countertops badly in need of a
makeover, but you dread the thought of three weeks of messy
and costly construction? The solution is to resurface your
counters instead of ripping out and replacing them.
Resurfacing is catching on in all the HGTV circles. The
process is featured on the show "Extreme Home Makeovers." It
just makes sense to reuse what you have, cutting down on cost,
resources, and time. It also keeps unnecessary debris out of
the landfill.
First, let's compare the costs of resurfacing versus
traditional countertop replacement. At the lowest end,
laminate, in a limited number of colors and patterns, runs
about $45 a square foot installed. You are required to demo
your old counters, or it is an additional cost. The process
takes about three weeks.
Another alternative is quartz countertops, which is similar to
granite but not as expensive. That will run about $60 a square
foot. The ever-popular granite starts at $80 a square foot,
with specialty colors running as high as $129 a square foot.
An additional problem with granite is the weight. Your cabinet
base and the floor must be reinforced, which leads to longer
construction times and costs.
A fourth option, and the most expensive, is marble. Most
contractors do not recommend using marble for countertops,
because it is very high maintenance. Like granite or other
natural stones, it must be sealed every year and is
susceptible to chips, stains, and cracks. It is also very
expensive, running about $200 a square foot or more.
Resurfacing a counter runs $40 a square foot. The entire
process takes two and a half days. You can choose whatever
look, style, or color you wish. Granites and natural stones
are popular, as is solid color or patterned. Whether you are
matching the color of your china or bringing in the look of
limestone, you can get exactly the look you want.
Another thing to consider is the resale value of your
remodeling project. You can usually recoup the cost of a
kitchen makeover if you don't go overboard.
"Putting in marble or even granite countertops can be counter-
productive. You could price yourself too high for your
neighborhood," said LuJean Thomas of SK Realty in North
Dakota. "Also, if your design is too specific, it may not
appeal to a broad number of buyers."
I chose a local company and wanted the look of white marble. I
found several examples on the Internet, as well as pieces of
real marble to copy. Al Tanous, of Custom Home Surface Design,
created a sample for me. "Resurfacing is for anyone who wants
the look of high-end granite or marble, but doesn't want the
expense or hassle. It's the perfect solution for updating a
kitchen to resell or just improve the livability of the room.
Plus, your downtime is only two and a half days, versus two to
three weeks."
Once you decide on resurfacing, the contractor tapes off the
countertops and protects the floor and walls. He also removes
the sink. The process begins with four thin coats of concrete.
The first two coats must dry completely in between. At this
time, you might be worried that the counters look terrible,
like a sidewalk job gone horribly awry.
The next day, the base color is applied. In my case, it was
white. Then any patterns or designs are added in all the
various colors. Al said that the most colors he's used in a
job were seven, but you could have as many as you wanted. I
added my input of the exact look I wanted and Al incorporated
them into the design.
Once they dried, he applied a very thick layer of epoxy,
similar to polyurethane. Once all the epoxy was in place, it
required 12 hours of drying time. The hardest part was
reminding people not to touch the surface or let our cats jump
up onto it.
The counters went from rough, bumpy concrete to polished silk.
The epoxy gave a smooth, shiny surface that mimics polished
marble. You can also get a matte finish or semi-gloss if you
prefer.
Once the epoxy dried completely, Al replaced the sink and
cleaned up the kitchen. He transformed my kitchen in two and a
half days. I am quite pleased with the result and amazed at
how closely the finished product resembles real white marble.
Granicrete is as durable as concrete and needs no special
maintenance. It cleans up with water and mild dish soap and
will not stain or chip. If the surface gets dull or scratched,
a tiny amount of liquid wax can be applied to restore the
shine.
If you are considering a kitchen makeover, I highly recommend
resurfacing the existing counters. You will save time and
money and get the look you want but never thought you could
afford. You will also help save the environment by reusing
instead of replacing. Take your kitchen from bland to grand by
resurfacing your countertops.
Take the Next Step:
- For more on kitchen remodeling and renovations, please visit
<http://www.stretcher.com/menu/topic-g.htm#homerekitchen>
===========================================================
Bloggles: Blogs that will blow your mind
Enjoy the Summer Break without Breaking the Bank
Simple tricks for mastering the art of family playtime
http://www.stretcher.com/r/795.htm
===========================================================
Beans and Rice
by Leanne Ely
A great meal for pennies!
Are you looking to stretch those grocery dollars? Let me show
you how to spice up and season that lowly beans and rice dish
so you can enjoy several different ethnic (styled) dishes. And
FYI, these are representations of this type of cooking, not
the actual authentic versions, so don't be hatin'!
First off, cook up a batch o' beans. Use something like white
beans, pintos, red beans or even black beans. Doesn't matter;
we're going to use them up a bunch of ways. Secondly, make
your rice. Needs to be whole brown rice. I prefer long grain
brown rice, but some people like a short grain rice. Just make
sure it's brown rice so you get the nutrition! How do you cook
beans and rice? Look on the back of the packages on each of
them; you'll get all the information you need. The important
part is getting them cooked.
Okay, you've got a big batch o' beans and a big batch o' rice
cooked, right? Now let's look at all the possibilities:
- Mexican-Style Beans and Rice
- Jamaican-Style Beans and Rice
- New Orleans-Style Beans and Rice
- Southern-Style Greens, Beans and Rice
- Indian-Style Beans and Rice
For ease of accomplishment, these "recipes" are servings for
one. Multiply as needed. One serving equals one cup of rice
and one cup of beans. You can bag these beans up in freezer
quality bags and freeze in serving sizes (either individually
or enough to serve your family) if you want. You can do the
same thing with the rice. Once you have all those beans and
rice packages, here's what you can do when you thaw them out.
Remember that these are servings for one, so multiply them out
as needed to serve your family.
For the Mexican-Style Beans and Rice: Serve the rice and beans
plain with salsa, sour cream, grated cheese over the top, and
a quesadilla on the side.
For the Jamaican-Style Beans and Rice: In a saucepan over a
medium heat, place beans and add two tablespoons of coconut
milk, a pinch of thyme, and a clove of crushed garlic and heat
through until warm and bubbly. Serve over rice with chopped
green onions on top.
New Orleans-Style Beans and Rice: In a skillet, add one
tablespoon of olive oil over medium high heat and saute 1/4
cup each of onion, green bell pepper and celery. Add one clove
crushed garlic and 1/8 teaspoon thyme. Mix this into the beans
and serve with a bottle of Tabasco or other hot sauce.
Southern-Style Beans and Rice: In a skillet, add one
tablespoon olive oil over medium high heat. Add 1/4 cup
chopped onion and then add one cup chopped frozen greens. Add
one clove crushed garlic, a pinch of thyme, and salt and
pepper to taste. Add one cup chicken or vegetable broth. Add
1/2 cup beans and simmer until greens are tender. Serve over
rice.
Indian-Style Beans and Rice: In a skillet, add one tablespoon
olive oil over medium high heat. Add 1/4 cup chopped onion and
1/4 cup chopped tomato and cook until tender. Add one clove
crushed garlic, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, 1/4 teaspoon cumin, and
1/4 teaspoon curry powder. Add the beans and simmer for five
minutes. Serve over rice with chopped cilantro on top.
There you go. How's that for Easy Button easy! Enjoy!
_________________
Leanne Ely is a "New York Times" best-selling author of "Body
Clutter" <http://www.stretcher.com/r/612.htm> and "Saving
Dinner" <http://www.stretcher.com/r/610.htm> book series
<http://www.stretcher.com/r/611.htm>. The Dinner Diva
syndicated newspaper column appears in 250 newspapers
nationwide. Learn how to cook great and save significant money
with the Dinner Diva's menus, recipes and shopping lists at
www.savingdinner.com
Take the Next Step:
- For more healthy dinner ideas, please visit
<http://www.stretcher.com/menu/topic-g.htm#grocery-health>
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Tips, Quips, Quotes and Questions
*********
Can You Help This Reader?
*********
Easy Oven Cleaning
Cleaning the oven has never been high on my priority list. I
dislike being around harsh chemicals and scrubbing with
dishwashing detergent takes forever. Is there some easy way to
get a clean oven that I don't know about?
Dawn
Please send your answers
mailto:CanYouHelp@stretcher.com?subject=Clean_Oven with "Clean
Oven" as the subject. We'll include the best solutions in
future issues.
*********
Yes, We Can Help This Reader
25th Anniversary Party Ideas
*********
I threw my parents a 25th anniversary party on the cheap by
noting on the invitations "In lieu of gifts, please bring a
covered dish." My parents have enough "stuff" and we needed
help with the food. We made a turkey and a ham to go along
with the food everyone brought. We also went to the bakery at
our local grocery store and they made us an iced, small two-
tiered cake on which we placed our parent's original cake
topper. We also decorated the cake with a few fresh flowers to
dress it up. It turned out great and some even went above and
beyond and brought a gift too!
Erica
You'll find more 25th Anniversary Party Ideas at
<http://www.stretcher.com/stories/12/12apr30a.cfm?ds0430>.
*********
Instead of Swiffer(r)
I use a Haan(r) floor steamer on my solid surface floors
rather than a Swiffer(r) or a mop. It was expensive at first
(about $100 for the steamer and the floor pads), but the floor
pads are reusable and the steamer just uses water and a small
amount of electricity. It wouldn't take long to use up that
$100 in Swiffer(r) pads and solution! Plus, I am not creating
all that excess waste each time I clean my floors.
A.
*********
Caring for Leather Boots
I have had a lot of luck caring for boots by carefully
brushing dirt from the area where the sole meets the upper and
then applying leather cream generously. I then stuff the toes
with crumpled newsprint. I recently read that a great way to
store winter socks is to jam them into the toes of
boots/winter shoes. The boots or shoes keep their shape and
you don't need another place to store the socks. If the calves
of the boots are long enough to need support, I roll a piece
of cardboard to the shape needed and insert it into the leg of
the boot. I store them lying down; if stored with soles on the
floor, wrinkles can develop in the leg/ankle of the boots as
gravity pulls the leather down.
Marcie
Additional Dollar Stretcher Resource: More on caring for
leather boots
<http://www.stretcher.com/stories/08/08may05a.cfm?ds0430>
*********
Cheaper Pot Hangers
Rather than buying an expensive ceiling pot hanger for your
kitchen, use wrought iron curtain tie back catches. They are
beautiful and give ample room to hang pots and lids on a wall
without putting holes in the ceiling. You can locate them in
small but usable spaces close to your cooking area. They also
come in additional finishes if you prefer something other than
wrought iron. And, the best part is they cost less.
FL
*********
Kitchen Water Waste
We don't have a dishwasher and find it is all too easy to let
the water run constantly as we wash and rinse the dishes.
Several years ago, I was replacing our bathroom showerhead and
realized that the on/off flow restrictor attached to that
showerhead might also work in the kitchen. I removed the
aerator from the kitchen faucet, added the on/off valve, and
then replaced the aerator. It worked brilliantly! With a quick
push of the button, I can now turn the water off without
having to reach for the faucet handle with wet, dripping
hands.
Bev C.
*********
Emergency Preparedness Kits
Here's something to think about for your emergency
preparedness kit. Please be sure to rotate medications
regularly to ensure the medications are not expired. Perhaps
every time you refill the prescription, you could replace the
emergency kit ones and use up the previously set-aside pills.
KT
*********
What would you do with an extra $100? Each month we'll
randomly pick one of the tips we used in our publications to
win a $100 check. This month it could be you. Just send your
suggestion by mailto:Tips@stretcher.com.
Recent winners are:
- Janet from MO
- Barbara from CT
- Denise of Floral City, FL
- Drusilla from OR
If we use your tip in any of our publications, we'll send you
the next three issues of our print newsletter as a "thank you"
and you'll automatically be entered into our monthly $100
drawing!
Receive Dollar Stretcher Tips twice each week. More great
ideas for saving money! Just send
mailto:sub-ds-tips@hub.thedollarstretcher.com
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Money
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----------------------------------------
5 Tips for Finding Free Checking
by Maryalene LaPonsie
Even as banks raise fees there are still places to find free
checking
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/stories/12/12apr30d.cfm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/12/12apr30d.cfm
</a>
Before You Begin Direct Sales
by Debra Karplus
What you need to know before you begin a direct sales career
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</a>
Can You Get Rich in a Class-Action Lawsuit?
You've received notice of eligibility to join a class-action
lawsuit. Should you bother?
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Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/12/12apr24b.htm </a>
Break Bad Habits That Hurt Your Finances
Turn your spending habits into a compulsion to save money and
rescue your personal finances.
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Why Would an Investor Buy a Negative-Yielding Bond?
Here's why Treasury is mulling their sale.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/12/12apr24d.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/12/12apr24d.htm </a>
Video: Financial Security Improving?
What's behind Americans feeling that their financial security
is improving?
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How Do I Stop These Retirement Plan Fees?
Investing your retirement money shouldn't cost you money.
Here's how to fight account charges.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/12/12apr23a.htm ">
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How the Fed Affects Your Life and Money
When the Fed sets the federal funds rate, there's a
trickledown effect on other rates.
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What to Do when an ATM Makes a Money Mistake
ATMs don't often make errors. When they do, here is what to do
to protect yourself.
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Want to Day Trade? It's Easy -- to Screw Up
Don't go into day trading blindly because it can be easier to
make mistakes than profits.
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Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/12/12apr19d.htm </a>
To Be a Day Trader, You Must Know the Lingo
If you want to get into day trading, here's a glossary of
terms you'll need to understand.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/12/12apr19e.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/12/12apr19e.htm </a>
Pros and Cons of Brokerage Checking Accounts
Some brokerages offer checking to their investing clients. Are
they better than a bank's?
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Video: Is the Economy Rebounding?
Are you feeling a bit more optimistic about the economy
recovering?
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Jo Dee Messina Splurges on Those Around Her
Country singer Jo Dee Messina gives back to friends who've
helped make her a success.
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The Lost Decade -- Bust to Investors or Not?
Did the stock market experience a "lost decade" from 2000 to
'09? Yes and no; it depends on how you invested.
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Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/12/12apr18g.htm </a>
5 Costs on the Rise and How to Beat Them
Oil prices will drive up the costs of several items. Learn to
save money as prices increase.
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Readers' Tips
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</a>
In Critical Condition
http://www.stretcher.com/critical/index.cfm
-------------------------------------------
5 Steps to Take if a Debt Collector Calls
by Sergei Lemberg
Don't panic if you get a call from a debt collector
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Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/12/12apr30c.cfm
</a>
Can I Stop a Post-Bankruptcy Home Sale?
If your home is auctioned after you file for bankruptcy, you
may be able to reverse the sale.
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Need Cash Quick? Avoid These 6 Traps
Looking for fast money? Dodge financial ruin by reading this.
You must act now!
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Why Isn't Credit Repair Fixing My Problems?
A credit repair service may be a waste of money when you're
facing debt difficulties.
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20-Somethings
http://www.stretcher.com/startingout/index.cfm
----------------------------------------------
Millennials and Social Security
by Gary Foreman
What millennials need to do today to avoid Social Security
problems later
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</a>
Is Education Still Worth the Debt?
With rising prices, is it still worth taking on debt to attend
college?
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Family
http://www.stretcher.com/family/index.cfm
-----------------------------------------
3 Great Low Cost Summer Activities with Kids
by Kathy Woodard
Great summer times for less $$$
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</a>
Video: Raising a Child with Financial Smarts
Do you want your kids to be smart about money? Follow these
tips to get them started.
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Cash Out Savings for Kid's Home Down Payment?
Find the right source of your loan or gift if you want to help
your child become a homebuyer.
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Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/12/12apr18h.htm </a>
Baby Boomers
http://www.stretcher.com/boomers/index.cfm
------------------------------------------
Right Financial Planning for Boomer Women?
For women approaching retirement, here are the keys to a good
money strategy.
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Home and Auto
http://www.stretcher.com/homeauto/index.cfm
-------------------------------------------
Refinancing Underwater Mortgages
contributed by Refinance Mortgage Rates
How to get out from under your mortgage
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Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/stories/12/12apr30f.cfm
</a>
Force-Placed Insurance
by Mark Chalon Smith
High cost home insurance policies under the microscope
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</a>
10 Cities with the Highest Utility Bills
Utilities in some cities cost 50 percent more than they do in
cheaper cities. What about yours?
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5 Steps to Cutting a Big Car Repair Bill
Major car repair work can cost hundreds of dollars. Taking
these steps may save you cash.
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5 Dirt-Cheap Home Staging Ideas
Use these DIY tips to boost your home's sales appeal at little
or no cost.
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Renters Beware: What to Look for Before Renting
Don't be afraid to ask the landlord questions before renting
an apartment.
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Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/12/12apr20g.htm </a>
Renting an Apartment? Use This Checklist
Before renting an apartment, go through all the questions on
this room-by-room checklist.
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5 Truths about Car Maintenance and Repair
Think you have auto upkeep all figured out? These axioms for
cars today will surprise you.
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How Can Car Co-Signer Avoid Credit Crash?
Here's some credit damage control if you vouch for someone
else's car loan, and it goes unpaid.
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Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/12/12apr23e.htm </a>
Should I Add My Son as a Co-Owner of My Car?
Want to share car ownership? Check on whether your insurance
and auto loan should change.
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Delay Homebuying to Work on Credit Score?
So your credit's not great. Don't assume you should sit on the
housing market's sidelines.
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Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/12/12apr19a.htm </a>
Interest-Only Mortgage Worth the Deduction?
The interest may be too high a price for the tax write-offs
from an interest-only mortgage.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/12/12apr18a.htm ">
Story Here - http://www.stretcher.com/brm/12/12apr18a.htm </a>
What to Do when Home Appraisal Comes in Low
The bank's appraisal was for $20,000 less than the purchase
price. What are the options?
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Lifestyle
http://www.stretcher.com/lifestyle/index.cfm
--------------------------------------------
25th Anniversary Party Ideas
How to throw a great anniversary party for less
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</a>
Other Uses for Body Wash
She found a great sale. Now she's looking for ways to use all
that body wash.
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</a>
Before You Buy: Think Different
by Hannah Walton
What I learned from Steve Jobs
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</a>
Buying a Boat?
by Brandon Ballenger
Here's how to stay afloat
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</a>
Which Airlines Offer Bereavement Fares?
Check this list to see which airlines make those tough travel
arrangements easier to bear.
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Wanna Travel to Outer Space? It'll Cost You
Space travel prices may be out of this world, but for some
it's worth the astronomical cost.
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Stop Job Costs from Sucking Up Your Salary
Nice lunches, fancy threads: Having a job costs money. Here's
how to take more of it home.
<a href=" http://www.stretcher.com/brm/12/12apr19b.htm ">
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5 Travel Tips for a Frugal London Olympics Trip
Want to save on a Summer Games vacation? Follow these frugal
hints for going the distance.
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Video: When to Buy an Airline Ticket
Before you take off, land the best deal on your airfare.
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Your Taxes
----------
Moving IRA Assets under Divorce Decree
If you correctly transfer your IRA assets to your ex-spouse,
it will not be a taxable event.
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How to Account for Business Loss
If you use the cash-basis method of accounting, you can't
incur a loss for an uncollected account.
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===========================================================
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