January 23, 2003
Volume 8, Number 4
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PUBLICATION INFORMATION:
Copyright "The Dollar Stretcher, Inc."
2003. All Rights reserved. ISSN 1527-2974.Copies may be
distributed without alteration electronically free of charge.
This newsletter may be reproduced, without alteration, for non-
commercial purposes without prior permission. "The Dollar
Stretcher" is distributed via email each week between Wednesday
8 p.m. and Thursday 8 p.m. United States Eastern Standard Time.
The newsletter runs approximately 34k in length. All articles
are printed with the author's prior consent. It is assumed that
any questions, tips or replies to questions may be reprinted. The
name and email address of the sender will not be used unless
specifically requested or approved. All letters become the
property of "The Dollar Stretcher, Inc".
"The Dollar Stretcher", Dollar Stretcher, Inc. and "American
Consumer Credit Counseling" do not assume responsibility for
advice given. All advice should be weighed against your own
abilities and circumstances and applied accordingly. It is up to
readers to determine if advice is safe and suitable for their
own situations.
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IN THIS ISSUE:
Introduction
Create Storage
by Nita Holstine
Stock Up!
Selling Your Home
by Yolanda Kennedy
With or without an agent?
Spend Less on Your Wedding Dress
by Shaunna Privratsky
Beautiful but frugal
Ask Bob: The Auto Answer Man
Heat and Optimal Gas Mileage
dTips, Quips, Quotes & Questions
On www.Stretcher.com This Week
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Introduction
by Gary Foreman
gary@stretcher.com
Hello to all my Frugal Friends!
All the Best!
Gary
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Create Storage
by Nita Holstine
Stock Up!
Do you ever find a great bargain on something you always use,
wishing you could buy a dozen? Probably enough to last you a
year. But you can't because you don't have room to keep them.
Maybe you could keep them but then you wouldn't be able to
find them when they were needed.
I found the perfect spot when I needed this kind of extra
storage and pantry space. It had to be cool and dark, handy
yet not in the way of traffic. It was the back closet. A
little fall cleaning and it was easy enough to condense items.
Closet organizers are wonderful, but I had a bookshelf that
worked just fine and holds my many "pantry" items. Close the
door and it looks like a regular closet.
Now, when we visit the local bulk and truckload specials
warehouse, we buy at least enough not to make a trip again for
several months. Hey, that's saving even more money!
______________________________
Nita Holstine is the Editor of PhancyPages CommuniquS.
Inviting you to sign up for your FREE email newsletter.
www.phancypages.com
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Selling your home
by Yolanda Kennedy
With or without an agent?
There is so much discussion today about selling your home with
or without an agent and with good reason. The realtor's
commission usually runs in the thousands. Between the stock
market and job market, saving that money is necessary.
However, are you making a decision that will help or hurt your
finances?
Selling your home with an agent is necessary in certain
situations. If you are not able to be objective about the
value of your home, trying to selling the home yourself may
actually cost you time and money.
It is risky business if you are relocating and the home will
be vacant. An agent is responsible for the property. A good
agent will go through the home on a regular basis to make sure
everything is ok. The agent will be present during the buyer's
inspections and can give you informed feedback about the
status. In cases where you can't get back for the settlement
(closing) you can sign a limited power of attorney and the
agent will sit in your place at the closing and send you the
check.
As you see, an agent may be worth the money depending on your
situation.
If you are willing to trade some of your time for the
commission then you are in business. In order to save money on
anything, you have to be willing to go an extra step but the
rewards are great. Don't be fooled. There is some work
involved and putting your home on a website is only step one.
You have to be willing to market your home and market it
consistently. Develop a marketing plan for your home so that
as time goes on, you are keeping your home in front of
potential buyers.
Marketing your home is the key to selling it. If you think
about it, that is how many things are sold. You must make a
few decisions you must make before you move forward with
selling your home yourself. The first thing you want to ask
yourself is if you are willing to put in the time? Time is
required to make the flyers, set up your web site, take the
pictures, and return calls from buyers and agents. Set aside a
few minutes daily to follow up.
You have to decide when you will make the house available for
showing. Are you going to have an open house and what (if any)
commission you are going to pay? When someone puts an offer
in on your home you have to accept or counter the offer. If
there is a problem with any of the inspections you will have
to decide how to handle it with the buyers. Oh wait; these are
things you need to decide on with an agent any way.
Should you sell your home yourself? The truth is there isn't a
right answer. It depends on you and your situation and if you
are willing to put some effort into it. Can you sell your home
yourself and save thousands? Yes. Is it worth the little extra
work? Yes. Will the attorney or Title Company handling the
settlement handle the seller side also? Yes, usually for a
small fee. It is mostly tax and mortgage payoffs anyway.
____________________________
Yolanda Kennedy is a mother, wife, friend and neighbor who
believes education is the key to building the life you want
for your family. Her business www.UnitedHomesByOwner.com helps
homeowners save thousands instead of paying it to an agent.
Thinking about selling your home, List Your Home For FREE!
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Spend Less on Your Wedding Dress
by Shaunna Privratsky
Beautiful but frugal
Congratulations, you are getting married! Now you need to find
a dress. You may have a special gown in your family you would
love to wear, perhaps your mom's grandma's, a favorite aunt's
or a dear friend's. The sentimental value far outweighs any
price tag. Every bride wants a flattering, fabulous dress, yet
she should not have to max out her credit card or take out a
loan to purchase the dress of her dreams.
Dozens of women told me that their number one regret was
paying too much for their wedding dress. Several confessed
that they were still paying the bill two, three or even five
years later. If you need to purchase a dress, here are a few
innovative ways to spend less on your dress.
The first step is to get an idea of your favorite style and
establish your budget. Page through bridal magazines or go
window shopping with family or friends. You may decide that
you desire a traditional full skirt with petticoats and a long
train or you may settle on the simplicity of an unadorned gown
of exceptional style.
Now you can begin searching for your ultimate dress. In a
typical bridal shop in Fargo, North Dakota the average wedding
dress costs $630 to $850. The couture or designer dresses run
much higher, in the $1,100 to $3,200 ranges. Even the
"discount" dresses are only marked down 20%.
A smart alternative is to check out your local thrift or
second-hand store. Virtually every city has one or more thrift
stores and most carry wedding dresses at extremely low prices.
The dresses have been professionally dry-cleaned and repaired.
Some have never been worn: bridal shops frequently donate
gowns if the line has not sold well or if it is considered
"dated".
I browsed eleven thrift stores in the Fargo/Moorhead area and
found a plethora of wedding dresses, ranging in style, size
and price. All of the dresses were under $80. One striking
dress had a five-foot, flowing train, a sweetheart neckline
with a delicate lace overlay and dazzling pearls and gems
scattered throughout. The price tag: $75.
One store offered six brand new dresses with the tags still
attached in assorted sizes. The same store had a rack of new
bridesmaid's dresses in soft shades and neutrals. Another
store was running a "bag sale" - all the clothes you can fit
in a large paper grocery bag for $4. I saw a woman stuff two
wedding dresses in a bag. She told her friend, "My daughter is
getting married and if she does not like either of them I will
just sell them at my garage sale for $20 each."
Another place to find tremendous bargains is in the classified
ads. Almost every day there are wedding dresses for sale,
usually described in exquisite detail, for up to 75% off of
what the bride originally paid. Here is an actual ad from The
Forum:
"Cream colored crepe wedding dress, sheath style, short
sleeves with pearls & beading, never worn, size 14, $250.
(701)-555-5555." A single phone call could help you acquire
the perfect dress.
Often-overlooked sources for wedding dresses are garage sales.
I once bought a pretty wedding dress and veil for $.50 for my
three-year-old daughter to play dress-up with. I even wore it
one Halloween when I took my kids trick-or-treating, to the
amusement of our neighbors. If you find a dress at a garage
sale, you have to be more careful. The dress might need costly
repairs, cleaning or alterations.
If you just cannot bear the thought of wearing a gently used
dress, consider the clearance racks at department stores. Many
social dresses are as elaborate as a wedding dress and a
surprising number are white, shades of cream or cafe `au lait.
The dresses run the gamut from classic minimalist styles to
fanciful creations fit to adorn a luminous bride. Depending on
the season, you might find an incredible bargain for 50%-80%
off the original price.
When you find the most spectacular wedding dress in the world
within your budget, you will look as radiant as you feel on
your wedding day. The money you save can be used for the rest
of the wedding or your honeymoon. Best of all, you will not
regret spending too much on your wedding dress as you start
your new life together.
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Ask Bob: The Auto Answer Man
Heat and Optimal Gas Mileage
Dear Bob,
Running the heater in mixed mode causes the compressor to run,
which reduces gas mileage. Which part is causing the
compressor to run? Is it the floor vent or near the
windshield? Or more specifically, how should I run the heater
to optimize gas mileage?
Nancy
Nancy,
Whenever the defroster is on, it is running the Air
Conditioning (provided that the outside temperature is above
40 degrees). This is to remove the moisture from within the
vehicle. The cut off temperature may vary per make of vehicle.
Good Luck!
Drive Safely!
Bob, The Auto Answer Man
______________________
If you have a question for Bob send it by
AskBob@stretcher.com He's able to answer many of them
personally and we'll include the best questions in future
issues of The Dollar Stretcher.
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Tips, Quips, Quotes and Questions
*********
Can You Help This Reader?
*********
Storage
I have recently moved to a smaller house and have gotten rid
of unnecessary items. The problem is where to store things
with which I just can't part, such as heirlooms, out-of-season
clothes, important papers, and Christmas decorations. Any
suggestions?
Marge
Please send your answers terry@stretcher.com with
"Storage" as the subject. We'll include the best solutions in
future issues.
*********
Can You Help This Reader?
*********
Selling Prom Dress
I am looking for a place to sell my prom dress. I only wore it
one time and I am ready to let another girl enjoy it.
Tiffany
Please send your answers terry@stretcher.com with "Prom
Dress" as the subject. We'll include the best solutions in
future issues.
*********
Reducing Apartment Utilities
Schedule energy audits with both gas and electric companies.
There is a small charge on each monthly bill that goes towards
these services. They will advise you on specifics for your
apartment. Also, they often will wrap your hot water heater,
insulate a window or two, install a door sweep, and give you a
fluorescent light bulb. By having both gas and electric energy
audits, you can learn from two different perspectives and get
two times the energy conservation stuff. Don't forget to stock
up on a few fluorescent bulbs when they are on sale. They last
much longer and use about half of the energy of regular bulbs.
Seth
more suggestions for controlling your utilities at
www.stretcher.com/stories/03/03jan20a.cfm
*********
After a Bleach Spill
I spilled bleach on a denim dress and was devastated. I
searched for ideas all over until I saw new denim clothing at
a craft show that had been hand painted. I bought some fabric
paint and painted flowers and leaves over the spots. I even
coordinated some areas with a flower that wasn't hit by
bleach. I get more compliments on it than I can believe!
WL
more suggestions for what to do after you've spilled bleach at
www.stretcher.com/stories/03/03jan20b.cfm
********
Disposable Razor Life
Keep your disposable razors in a glass cup with some mineral
oil. Cover just the blade with mineral oil. This keeps the
moisture from destroying the edges of the blade. The blade
will last much longer. The mineral oil acts as a protective
coating.
Wash the razor thoroughly before putting it in the mineral
oil. Especially on dual or triple blades, you should wash
between the blades. You can even use an old toothbrush to
clean the head of the disposable razor. Be sure to clean
between the blades.
Frank T.
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When It's 40 Below...
I live in the north where the temperature can drop to minus 40
during the coldest months. I use fleece blankets instead of
sheets. They are always toasty. I also wear wool sweaters when
the weather is really cold. I usually find them at garage
sales or thrift stores for very little money. The new "techno
wear" gets a lot of press, but there's nothing to compare to
100 percent wool for warmth. I wear mohair and the softer wool
next to my skin. For coarser wools, I wear a turtleneck
underneath to prevent itching. I wash these in cold water and
air dry and have never had any problem with shrinking.
SA
*********
Frozen Ground Meat
One time while "browning" ground beef for a casserole, I
became very discouraged, as usual, with the fact that I simply
couldn't break up the meat as finely as I wanted. I decided to
try my old hand held potato masher. I figured it was worth
trying. What a great discovery I made! It is so very, very
easy to break up the meat with the masher! I just wish I had
thought of it years ago! Gently but firmly press down on the
handle, and give it a quick little twist. Do this several
times, and I guarantee that you'll be pleased.
Judy S. of Platteville, WI
*********
Start Collecting Now
Here is a post Christmas tip that can be used next year or
anytime of the year for gift giving. I have a large collection
of holiday and all occasion tins that are designed for cookies
and candy packaging. I have purchased these tins after
Christmas and during the year for a dollar or less at my
neighborhood dollar store or card shop. I also find these tins
at garage sales and flea markets for 25 to 50 cents.
They are a great way to package small gifts for all occasions.
With the high price of gift-wrap and ribbon, this is a real
money saver. In addition, the receiver of the gift has
something useful when the gift has been opened instead of
throwing the wrapping away as we normally do. I packaged
gloves, scarves, wallets, slippers, bath products, etc. in my
tins this year. These tins come in all sizes so it's easy to
find the size you need. When you are at garage sales or flea
markets this summer, keep this tip in mind.
D.
*********
Please send your tips by Tips@stretcher.com If we use
your tip or reply to 'Can You Help' in any of our
publications, we'll send you the next three issues of our
print newsletter as a 'thank you'.
================================================
On Stretcher.com This Week
<http://www.stretcher.com>
editor's note: Hotmail and WebTV users may have trouble with
some addresses. Please access them from our front page
www.stretcher.com
When the Child Support Check is Late
by Sandra Ray
Running a household when the check doesn't arrive
Click Here
Ten Minute Tidy
by Deborah Taylor-Hough
Progress in just a few short minutes
Click Here
Interest-Free deals are not always worth it
Click Here
Boost Your Career
Tips for scoring a win at work
Click Here
Lowering Utility Bills
An apartment dweller needs help
Click Here
Bleach Spot Blues
Can her shirt be salvaged?
Click Here
Create Storage
by Nita Holstine
Finding storage for those grocery bargains
Click Here
Selling Your Home
by Yolanda Kennedy
Is an agent necessary?
Click Here
</a>
Poll Results
More worry about reducing debt than losing weight
Click Here
Unclaimed Pensions
Could part of the $43 million belong to you?
Click Here
Spend Less on Your Wedding Dress
by Shaunna Privratsky
The dress of her dreams
Click Here
Stock Up on High Yielders
Collect some cash while you wait for the market to improve
Click Here
Want Career Advancement?
Start by keeping a clean desk
Click Here
Property Insurance for College Students
When kids head off to school, they should pack insurance policies to protect their personal property
Click Here
Prevent On-Campus Theft
These steps can reduce the chances you'll have to file a claim
Click Here
Set Your Own Mortgage Length
Don't sit on the refi sidelines end credit section
Click Here
Getting co-signer off a car loan
Click Here
You'll need to get a rate lock to guarantee the mortgage interest rate
Click Here
Changing houses and keeping HELOC
Click Here
Heater and Gas Mileage
Ask Bob: The Auto Answer Man
How your heater can reduce your gas mileage
Click Here
</a>
Readers' Tips
Click Here
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YOUR TAXES
Managing tax-favored retirement accounts
Click Here
Make your tax software pay off
Click Here
The IRS's electronic signature option lets filers replace 'John Hancock' with '12345'
Click Here
================================================
HOME AND SMALL BUSINESS
Here's how to make employee evaluations an effective management tool
Click Here
Matching big company marketing efforts
Click Here
Timing equipment purchases for your company
Click Here
================================================
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PUBLICATION INFORMATION: Copyright "The Dollar Stretcher,
Inc." 2003. ISSN 1527-2974. All Rights reserved. Copies may be
distributed without alteration electronically free of charge.
This newsletter may be reproduced, without alteration, for
non-commercial purposes without prior permission. "The Dollar
Stretcher" is distributed via email each week between Sunday
noon and Tuesday 8PM United States Eastern Time. The
newsletter runs approximately 34k in length. All articles are
printed with the author's prior consent. It is assumed that
any questions, tips or replies to questions may be reprinted.
The name and email address of the sender will not be used
unless specifically requested or approved. All letters become
the property of "The Dollar Stretcher, Inc".
SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION: "The Dollar Stretcher" is a FREE
weekly newsletter.
To UNSUBSCRIBE send leave-dollar-stretcher-accc2-906593S@ds.xc.org
If you have a problem subscribing or unsubscribing send an
LWilson@xc.org and a real live human being will try to
solve the problem.
SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION is available by
mailto:marketing@stretcher.com
The Dollar Stretcher reaches over 150,000 readers every week.
copyright 2003 The Dollar Stretcher, Inc.
All rights reserved.
The Dollar Stretcher
PO Box 14160
Bradenton FL 34280-4160
gary@stretcher.com
www.stretcher.com
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Phone: 1-800-769-3571 Fax: 1-617-244-1116
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