The Dollar Stretcher, living better...for less

Can You Help This Reader?

We need your help to solve these three frugal living problems. Please read them and see if you can help these readers. Thanks!

Cheap Heat?

My husband and I are considering buying a home that has electric baseboard heat. The electric bill for this home averages $260- $300 per month, for a 2200 sq ft home. It has no AC or existing duct work. We really love this house but do not want to go broke heating it. I work at home and have a small child so can't let it get too cold. Can anyone give me some guidance as to what would be the best course of action? What type of system do you suggest we put in if we buy it? We live in Westminster MD. Gets pretty cold in the winter. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Sandy

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Condensed Milk Substitute

With the holiday baking season approaching, I'm wondering if any of your readers have a "recipe" for a substitution for sweetened condensed milk. I can't quite see paying up to $2.00 per 14 oz. can when its only ingredients (as listed on the can) are milk and sugar.
Thanks.
--CR

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Collection Harassment?

I would like to know exactly what my legal rights are concerning creditors contacting me at work. I have sent two written requests informing them that I cannot receive calls at my new job. I haven't made my "90 day" yet, and I am afraid that calls of this personal nature will threaten my job. I have told creditors this, and they don't seem to care (If I lose my job, how do they expect me to earn money to pay them?) I have an answering machine available and have asked them to leave a message for me. They lie and claim they do, but their messages are the only ones "not being recorded."

I am struggling to get out of debt from two credit cards, totaling under $2,000. Creditors demand I give them access to my checking account to make payments, but I've refused because I am afraid of what rights this would actually give them to withdrawal an amount more than I've specified (or can send at any one particular date). I've requested the dates the payments are due to be changed to match my pay dates, and the companies have refused. This creates a situation in which they have been charging at least $20 each time I miss a payment, even by one day.

I feel like I am completely without rights. The overwhelming majority of the debt is from the companies charging late fees. I have contacted different "credit counselors and debt managers" via the web, but most of these places charge at least $20 per month or more for use of their services, and won't guarantee a reduction or waiving of late fees from the companies.

I feel like I am a hostage, with no end in sight. Can anyone offer helpful suggestions?
--NB

Yes!! You can help this reader. Email your suggestions to gary@stretcher.com. We'll include the best suggestions in upcoming issues.

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