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Publication Information: Copyright "The Dollar Stretcher, Inc." 2001. ISSN 1527-2974
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In this issue:

Introduction

The Question of the Day
by Doris S. Dobkins

Taking Care of Your Christmas Tree
by Brenda Hyde

Sites 4 Moms
How Do I?
by Kathleen Bieke

My Story: Eliminating Shave Cream
by California Joe

My Best Bargain
Contributed by Jessica P.

Tips, Quips, Quotes & Questions

On www.Stretcher.com This Week

Hello to all my Frugal Friends!

Happy Hanukkah to all our friends of the Jewish faith. May your holidays be filled with wonder.

All the Best!
Gary

This week, I've received emails from several readers who have recently been laid off from their jobs. Some were surprised and some weren't.

This article revolves around a simple question, a question I've been asking myself every day for the past couple of weeks.

The question makes me think! The question gives me a better perspective for my frugality.

The question is, "What would life be like for you if you lost your job tomorrow?" If your paychecks would stop immediately, what would you do?

How long could you last on savings? Would you end up going into major debt?

If you are like most people with credit card debt, a car payment a mortgage, and living from paycheck to paycheck, you'd probably panic. If you had some money in savings, it could tie you over for a while but for how long?

I want you to think about this question for a while. If you have no debt, no car payment, no mortgage and no credit card balances, how much money would you need each month to live on? Now if you were to lose your job, how would you feel? You could probably get a minimum wage job anywhere and get by with no problem, right?

What is that worth to you? Is it worth getting out of debt for? Is it worth it for you to have financial freedom and peace of mind that a debt-free lifestyle can give? If so, establish a debt elimination plan for yourself, follow it and achieve success.

I know there are people who want to keep their mortgage and/or invest their extra payments for a higher return in the stock market. I know that many people are hanging on to their mortgage because they think it is their last tax deduction. But what about the peace of mind that comes from knowing that what's yours is yours and that you are debt free?

For me, that's the only way to be. I'm working on my plan, how about you?

Doris Dobkins is the Money Saving Expert Author of "Financial Freedom A-Z Home Study Course" and publisher of the free weekly ezine $mart Money New$. You can subscribe to $mart Money New$ by sending an email to: mailto:join-smart_money_news@nova.sparklist.com or sign up at her web site: www.creativefinances.com

Christmas trees can be beautiful, whimsical, enchanting or they can be dry, brittle and appear ready to burst into flame at any second. Admit it, we've all forgot to give the proper care to our lovely Blue Spruce and the needles have practically jumped off the tree. It really doesn't have to be that way if you follow this list of easy to remember tree tips:

• Buy your tree the day you are going to set it up, so it doesn't and dry out while everyone decides where to put it. IF you must buy ahead, then put it in a shed or the garage in a bucket of warm water until you are ready for it.
• Cut about an inch or so off the bottom of the tree and trim any stray or long branches that are bent or hanging away from the main part of the tree.
• When you do decide to place your tree make sure it's not in front of a heating vent or any source of heat, such as a television or other appliance.
• Water, water and more water! DO NOT let the water level go below the base of the tree. Recruit everyone in the house to check it on and off throughout the day. Make a game of it and put up a colorful chart with each family member's name and who is suppose to water the tree each day! Let the motto be "The Christmas Tree won't dry out on my day!"
• Don't waste time and energy on adding things to your tree water. I researched this and there is no proof that corn syrup, bleach or any other additive prolongs the life of the cut tree more than clean, fresh water on a daily basis. The key is NOT to let the level fall below the end of the tree base. It should be covered at all times. Your tree stand should hold at least 1/2 or more of water. If you have a tradition of adding corn syrup or bleach to your water there is probably no harm in doing so. Do be careful that kids and pets are kept away from any toxic additives such as bleach.

After you have your beautiful tree set up please be cautious of several things:

• Check all light and extension cords to make sure they are not broken or frayed.
• Do not use candles near your tree.
• Be sure the tree is secure! I have more than one horror story of trees falling over. ( Sorry Mom, I know I said I would never mention it again!) Take precautions again frisky dogs and busy kids.
• Never leave the house or go to bed with the tree lights plugged in.

Christmas Trees are one of my favorite Christmas traditions. Whether your kids choose an orphan Charlie Brown tree or you bring home King of the Trees to surprise your family, they are all special and unique to each Christmas celebration. Take of your tree, decorate it with love and creativity-the memories will live on forever!

Brenda Hyde is a wife and mom to three who lives in the winter wonderland of Michigan. Visit her at http://oldfashionedholidays.com for more holiday traditions, crafts and cooking.

Quick! How do you do a 180 jump on inline skates? Go to www.ehow.com and find out. You can find out tons more too. You must register to surf the site but don't worry, it's free. The purpose of this site is all right there in its name. Learn how to do just about anything. You can find out how to rappel down a cliff if you go to the Sports & Fitness page. Or take it easy and go to the Food & Entertaining page and make 10- minute tomato sauce.

They have ehow Centers that help with advice on many topics. Just a few are automotive, taxes, pets and my personal favorite is the Computer and Home Electronic help site. There are Top Ten lists for all their centers. Learn how to build a PC, send an email attachment and much more. Get the most out of your Mac and customize your Windows computer-all in one place.

Click on the Holidays and Traditions icon. You can find pointers on etiquette and gift giving for all sorts of holidays. Have questions about Easter and Passover? Find out what these holidays mean to those who observe them and even get traditional recipes and tips. If you're getting married, you will definitely be interested in surfing this site. Planning parties, rehearsal dinners, etc are just a couple of interesting topics here. You can even subscribe to their online newsletter. This is definitely worth a bookmark! Until next time.

To receive Kathleen's FREE weekly newsletter send a blank email to sub-4moms@stretcher.com Copyright 2001 Kathleen Bieke. All Rights Reserved.

After years of shaving, I finally have found a way to keep shaving costs to a minimum. As a male, I shave daily. I didn't want to spend bucks continually buying cans of shaving cream and polluting landfill with aerosol cans every time I finished one.

I had read where people had shaved using only soap, but whenever I tried it, my face felt terribly bruised.

I had heard where hair conditioner would be a good lather, but getting it on my face from a hair conditioner bottle posed a minor challenge: too much or too little.

I had tried the electric shaver, which worked fine but later in the afternoon I felt like I had gained too much of a shadow.

So here's my every morning solution:

• First, I use the electric shaver. This takes off most of the immediately visible daily growth.
• I then wet my face with warm water.
• Then I apply soap. I use a bar of soap, and actually apply the soap bar against my face. I found that soaping up my hands and trying to get soap from hands to face did not apply enough soap to make a real substantive lather.
• Then I apply a thin layer of hair conditioner on top of the soap already on my face. I use a pump bottle (formerly from hand creme) which I fill with conditioner. So only one press of the pump is all I need.
• Then I use my safety razor, and enjoy a guilt free and money saving shave.

Benefits:

• Cheap hand soap.
• Cheap buy in bulk hair conditioner. Lasts a long time.
• Safety razor lasts a lot longer, as the growth that the electric razor removes is what is the major wear and tear on the safety razor's blade.

"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 MyStory@stretcher.com

I needed some real filing cabinets desperately! I'm 30 years old and I was using 3 paper accordion files to hold my papers - I hated to file, naturally.

At work they were auctioning off old furniture, and there were several varieties of filing cabinets and returns. I had my heart set on a nice 2-drawer cabinet, but obviously nobody else did because my bid of $10 scooped it!

Send your Best Bargain by email to Best@stretcher.com with "Best Bargain" as the subject. We'll include the best ones in future issues.

More methods for easier and cleaner baths and showers at www.stretcher.com/stories/01/011210a.cfm

More resources for the gardener at www.stretcher.com/stories/01/011210b.cfm

Please send your tips by to 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'.

Would You Be Ready?
by Doris S. Dobkins
If a layoff happened?
http://www.stretcher.com/stories/01/011210c.cfm

Taking Care of Your Christmas Tree
by Brenda Hyde
Easy to remember tree care tips
http://www.stretcher.com/stories/01/011210d.cfm

How Do I?
by Kathleen Bieke
Need a quick answer?
http://www.stretcher.com/stories/01/011210e.cfm

My Story: Eliminating Shave Cream
by California Joe
One man's solution
http://www.stretcher.com/stories/01/011210f.cfm

Internet Holiday Shopping
by Gramma Schneider
This grandma plans on doing her holiday shopping from home
http://www.stretcher.com/stories/01/011210g.cfm

Kitchen Secrets
by Joan Bramsch
You learn some things raising five kids
http://www.stretcher.com/stories/01/011210h.cfm

Sell Your Used Car
You don't have to wear a plaid suit to get top dollar on your used car
http://www.stretcher.com/brm/01/011203a.htm

18 Ways
To save money during the holidays
http://www.stretcher.com/brm/01/011205.htm

Auto Insurance
How to save
http://www.stretcher.com/brm/01/011207d.htm

Cleaner Baths & Showers
Getting rid of soap scum
http://www.stretcher.com/stories/01/011210a.cfm

Should I invest or pay off student loans?
http://www.stretcher.com/brm/01/011206b.htm

Should you roll closing costs into your mortgage?
http://www.stretcher.com/brm/01/011207g.htm

December tax moves that could cut your April IRS bill
http://www.stretcher.com/brm/01/011206c.htm

Out-of-Store Experience
Learn your rights when shopping on-line or by catalog
http://www.stretcher.com/brm/01/011203.htm

Mortgage Rip-off
Fight illegal mortgage fees!
http://www.stretcher.com/brm/01/011206.htm

Paying for College in Hard Times
Here's how to keep your kid in school
http://www.stretcher.com/brm/01/011207.htm

Mortgage Refinancing
Don't get burned in the refi frenzy
http://www.stretcher.com/brm/01/011207a.htm

FAQ on refinancing
http://www.stretcher.com/brm/01/011207b.htm

Planting a Victory Garden
A first time gardener wants to grow some veggies
http://www.stretcher.com/stories/01/011210b.cfm

Long-Term CDs
Look for better yields during the coming year as the economy recovers
http://www.stretcher.com/brm/01/011207c.htm

Another Interest Rate Cut?
Could it be the last?
http://www.stretcher.com/brm/01/011207e.htm

Investing's magic formula
http://www.stretcher.com/brm/01/011203b.htm

Four reasons not to tap your retirement money
http://www.stretcher.com/brm/01/011206a.htm

Six months later, a reader can see the end of her debt tunnel
http://www.stretcher.com/brm/01/011207f.htm

Using a home equity loan to pay off a mortgage
http://www.stretcher.com/brm/01/011203c.htm

Trying to get a mortgage with really bad credit
http://www.stretcher.com/brm/01/011204a.htm

Declaring bankruptcy when your father is a co-signer
http://www.stretcher.com/brm/01/011205a.htm

Using money from multiple retirement plans to help buy a house
http://www.stretcher.com/brm/01/011205b.htm

Deducting temporary accommodations
http://www.stretcher.com/brm/01/011206d.htm

Resident aliens and mortgage-loan paperwork
http://www.stretcher.com/brm/01/011207h.htm

Tax Moves
You've got one month to make these moves that could cut your company's April tax bill
http://www.stretcher.com/brm/01/011206t.htm

Garage Door Remotes
The Natural Handyman
What makes them different?
http://www.stretcher.com/stories/01/011210k.cfm

Toyota Oil Consumption
Ask Bob: The Auto Answer Man
Is there a simple solution?
http://www.stretcher.com/stories/01/011210m.cfm

Readers' Tips
http://www.stretcher.com/stories/01/011210t.cfm

Speaking of Success!
by Philip E. Humbert, PhD
The never ending quest to attract customers
http://www.stretcher.com/stories/01/011210j.cfm

Home-Office Tax Complications
It could cost you when you sell your house
http://www.stretcher.com/brm/01/011207j.htm

Now?
Tax timing of business-equipment purchases
http://www.stretcher.com/brm/01/011204t.htm

All Knotted Up
Taking over a chiropractor's practice
http://www.stretcher.com/brm/01/011204b.htm

Sick Days
Turning to flexible leave programs to keep employees on the job
http://www.stretcher.com/brm/01/011205c.htm

2nd Chance?
Layoff opens door for deli start-up
http://www.stretcher.com/brm/01/011206e.htm

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