Painless Ways to Save Money

Tawra Kellam

The average American often feels overwhelmed by debt and doesn't know where to start or how to go about getting out of debt. It's a misconception that the more money you earn the easier it is to save. My husband and I paid off $20,000 of credit card debt and medical bills in 5 years on an average income of $22,000 a year.

Here is how you can save over $7,000 in just one year cutting a few things from your grocery bill. They are painless, simple and add up over time.

If you don't think that cutting out one bag of potato chips or one soda will add up, look at the numbers at the end of a year. If you're trying to save so you can be a stay-at-home mom or dad, to pay off a down payment on a house, get rid of some credit card debt or just to have some emergency money, here are 13 ways to do it without depriving yourself:

By eliminating one $2.00 bag of potato chips (not all just 1 bag) from your grocery bill each week you can save $104.00 per year.

Cutting out one six-pack of soda will save another $104.

A weekly $4.00 box of granola cereal adds up to $208 a year.

If you eat out one less time each week at $30 a meal, you can save $1,560 and ordering one less delivered pizza at $20, can save you $1040 per year.

Similar annual savings can be realized by cutting out weekly purchases of fruit rolls ($130), daily gourmet coffee at $2.50 per cup ($910), a daily liter of soda ($365), snack cakes ($455), one less bottled water ($455), one cup less juice per person in a family of four ($546), 3 lbs. less red meat a week ($390), and by eliminating a $4.00 lunch five days a week ($1040).

By themselves, these efforts may seem small--but they add up to over $7,000.

Tawra Kellam is the author of the frugal cookbook Not Just Beans: 50 Years of Frugal Family Favorites. Not Just Beans is a frugal cookbook which has over 540 recipes and 400 tips. For more free tips and recipes visit our web site at www.LivingOnADime.com.

Hiring Slogans

Beware of Companies With These Hiring Slogans:

"JOIN OUR FAST-PACED COMPANY": We have no time to train you.

"CASUAL WORK ATMOSPHERE": We don't pay enough to expect that you'll dress up.

"MUST BE DEADLINE ORIENTED": You'll be six months behind on your first day.

"SOME OVERTIME REQUIRED": Some each night and some each weekend.

"DUTIES WILL VARY": Anyone in the office can boss you around.

"MUST HAVE AN EYE FOR DETAIL": We have no quality control.

Tired? When You Should See Your Doctor

Dr. Cherry

We all have bouts of fatigue once in awhile. But when should you be concerned enough to see your doctor?

According to the Mayo Clinic, "sudden or persistent fatigue, despite adequate rest, may mean it's time for you to consult your doctor. Unrelenting exhaustion may be a sign of an underlying medical problem." See your doctor if you're extremely tired or unable to regain your energy after several weeks of increased rest. Medical causes of fatigue can include the following say Clinic experts:

• Anemia. This blood disorder results from a number of problems that affect your blood's ability to transport oxygen, causing fatigue.
  
  
• Cancer. Although fatigue can be a symptom of cancer, don't be alarmed. See your doctor for a thorough checkup and get regular cancer screenings.
  
  
• Depression. A loss of energy that's accompanied by any number of symptoms - including sadness, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping or oversleeping, a lack of interest in pleasurable activities and difficulty concentrating - may be a part of depression.
  
  
• Diabetes. Extreme fatigue can be a warning sign of diabetes. (Other symptoms: excessive thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision and recurring infections.)
  
  
• Restless legs syndrome (RLS). This condition is characterized by an inability to keep your legs still and by tingling or aching sensations in your legs, feet or arms. The symptoms generally occur at night, preventing sound sleep.
  
  
• Sleep apnea. Signs of this disorder include loud snoring, pauses between breaths and awakening frequently while gasping for air. It's a common source of fatigue because it interferes with sound sleep.
  
  
• Thyroid problems. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid gland fails to make or release enough thyroid hormone. Signs and symptoms include sluggishness, chronically cold hands and feet, constipation, dry skin and a hoarse voice. Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid produces excessive amounts of hormone causing fatigue, muscle weakness, weight loss, increased heart rate, nervousness and irritability.
  
  
• Chronic fatigue syndrome. Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that doesn't improve with bed rest and may worsen with physical or mental activity. It affects more than a million Americans, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Of all chronic illnesses, CFS is one of the most mysterious (up to 80 percent of people with CFS do not know they have it, says the CDC). Severe and debilitating fatigue, muscle aches and difficulty concentrating are the most common symptoms. In some cases, low-grade fevers and swollen lymph nodes may develop.
  

We all have bouts of decreased stamina and a lack of energy. If a discernible medical ailment is not found, then the cause of fatigue may be due to a combination of factors, including stress, an improper diet or a lack of exercise. Fortunately, God has given us certain natural nutrients that can alleviate tiredness and boost your energy level. You can find these nutrients in my Energy Support formula. Give it a try. You'll be glad you did!

For more information on Dr. Cherry's ministry, visit his Web site: http://www.AbundantNutrition.com

Hillary's Double Speak

Elephants never forget, so let's remind Hillary Clinton of her past positions on Iraq and cure her memory loss.

On October 11, 2002, she cast her vote supporting the President's resolution to go to war. She said her vote was cast with the "conviction" that the war authorization "best serves the security of our nation."

Hillary also said that she rejected setting a timetable to withdraw from Iraq. Her exact words:

"I reject a rigid timetable that the terrorists can exploit, and I reject an open timetable that has no ending attached to it." (Associated Press, 12/3/05)

You can watch the video of these statements by clicking here.

But in recent months and days, Hillary has voted against providing funds to support our troops and their safety. The legislation she voted against provided $1.6 billion for body armor, $2.4 billion to help combat IEDs, and $3 billion for mine resistant vehicles.

And now she is saying that "this is not our fight." She wants to withdraw.

The President and the Republican Party will not forget our commitment to protecting Americans at home and abroad. Neither should Hillary Clinton. Remind her of her past positions and her support of our troops by contacting her here:

Sen. Hillary Clinton
476 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510-3204
(202) 224-4451
E-mail form: http://clinton.senate.gov/contact/webform.cfm?subj=issue

Sincerely ,


Robert M. "Mike" Duncan
Chairman, Republican National Committee

Why women drive with two hands and men with only one

The study - called The Secret Life of Cars and What They Reveal About Us - also found that motorists are four times more likely to sing on their way to work than on the way home.

Houston mosquitos?

How would you like to be the electrician that opened this box???

An electrical panel opened at a chemical plant in Seadrift, TX

All In One Kitchen

Theft in New Zealand

Police in New Zealand were mystified by the apparent theft of a complete toilet bowl from a police station in Auckland.

When a local news reporter asked the police sergeant if they had any leads, he replied, "At present we have nothing to go on."

Human Tetris!

What Time Is It?

On some air bases, the Air Force is on one side of the field and civilian aircraft use the other side of the field, with the control tower in the middle. One day the tower received a call from an aircraft asking, "What time is it?"

The tower responded, "Who is calling?"

The aircraft replied, "What difference does it make?"

The tower replied, "It makes a lot of difference. If it is an American Airlines flight, it is 3 o'clock. If it is an Air Force plane, it is 1500 hours. If it is a Navy aircraft, it is 6 bells. If it is an Army aircraft, the big hand is on the 12 and the little hand is on the 3. If it is a Marine Corps aircraft, it's Thursday afternoon and 120 minutes to 'Happy Hour.'"

Always Feeling Tired? What You Can Do

Dr. Cherry

"Fatigue robs you of the energy you need to keep up with the demands placed on you, to enjoy your life, even to make the changes in your life needed to maintain your health. Fatigue puts pressure on your work, your home life, and your relationships - which only makes you more tired. It can be a downward spiral..."

Those words from a popular Web site for women (www.womentowomen.com) say a lot about how a lack of energy affects so many of our lives. In fact, fatigue is among the most common complaints doctors hear from their patients.

So why are so many of us so tired so often, and what can we do about it? Fatigue can have a variety of lifestyle causes. Here are some of the major ones - along with solutions - according to the Mayo Clinic. (In my next newsletter, I'll discuss when you should see your doctor about your fatigue.)

--------------------------------------------
Lack of sleep. Getting even an hour less than the sound slumber you need each night (seven to eight hours is the ideal, according to most experts) can leave you drowsy and unable to manage your daily routine. As we get older, it becomes harder to get uninterrupted sleep, we tend to sleep less soundly, and we often awaken earlier.

Solution: Practice good sleep habits. Most experts say not to eat, read or watch television in bed. For a better night's sleep, keep your bedroom cool, dark and quiet. Try to establish a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at about the same time each day. If you nap during the day, do it early and keep it short. Also, schedule any physical activity at least six hours before bedtime and don't eat a large late-night meal.

--------------------------------------------
Stress and anxiety. Going through life anxious and on edge can keep you from relaxing and getting the rest you need. If you're so busy that you're running from one task to the next without a break, it's eventually going to wear you down.

Solution: Reduce stress. Be realistic about your limitations (learn to say "no"), and put aside time each day to do something you enjoy.

--------------------------------------------
Inactivity. It's a common excuse: "I'm too tired to exercise" - so you don't. But engaging in moderate physical activity can help decrease stress, improve mood and leave you feeling energized. Just don't overexert yourself at first if you haven't been exercising.

Solution: Include at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking, swimming or gardening each day. If that's too much, start with 10 minutes several times throughout the day. Once you get moving, you'll be surprised at the stamina you'll feel.

--------------------------------------------
Eating habits. If you're not eating properly or drinking enough fluids (fatigue is often a sign of dehydration), your body isn't getting the fuel and fluid it needs.

Solution: Start your day with a low-fat, high-fiber breakfast that includes plenty of complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains and fruits for lasting energy. Stay away from sugary cereals and juices and caffeinated drinks. They can make you feel sluggish later in the day. Don't skip meals; refuel every three or four hours.

--------------------------------------------
Certain medications. Some medications (both prescription and over-the-counter), including many beta-blockers and antihistamines, can cause fatigue. In addition, some cold medications and pain relievers contain caffeine and other stimulants that can keep you up at night.

Solution: Talk to your doctor if you think your medication is making you tired. He or she might be able to suggest an alternative medication or make other recommendations, such as taking your medication at a different time of day.

For more information on Dr. Cherry's ministry, visit his Web site: http://www.AbundantNutrition.com

WANTED: Helicopter students

Jay Leno Sniffs Anti-Helium

Digging for Hidden Fees

Mary Hunt

Have you ever wondered how banks can offer free checking accounts and still stay in business? And what’s with really nice computer printers for $99? How can companies do that and not lose their shirts?

Take that printer for example. What unsuspecting customers don’t realize is the company has attached itself to their wallets. They’ll fork over about $1,500 in ink cartridges in the first four years to use that dandy $99 printer - cartridges that never go on sale. That’s where the company makes its money. Hidden fees.

And about your “free” checking account. Just how much did you pay in ATM fees this past year? Uh, huh. You guessed it: hidden fees.

We live in a fee-driven economy. Fees are hiding everywhere - even in hotel rooms. Sure, you think you got the deal of the century - just $80 per night - but that’s going to disappear once you realize you have to pay a $20-a-day parking fee, $2 for every local phone call and if in a moment of weakness you pluck those $12 cashews from the mini bar, you’ve just been clobbered by the equivalent of hidden fees.

How about your cell phone? Since January 2002 wireless providers have charged customers nearly $1 billion in additional fees. These are not the fees you may have been so careful to avoid like roaming and extra-minute charges. These are official-looking add-ons with names like Federal Recovery Fee, Federal E911 Fee and Number Portability Service Charge.

How up to speed are you with your monthly credit-card statements? If you’re late by even five minutes with a payment, prepare to get slapped with a $35 late fee. Ditto if you go over limit.

Hidden fees are lurking everywhere. Whether you get trapped into paying them all depends on how you play the game.

Basically there are two kinds of consumers: Sophisticates and myopes. Sophisticates play the hidden-fee game with great success. They read all the fine print. There are few lengths to which they will not go to avoid paying hidden fees. They are forever having fees waived because they dare to speak up and challenge them.

Myopes - persons suffering from short-sightedness or “myopia” - don’t see hidden fees. Companies love these naive consumers who pay hidden fees without flinching and without a single word of complaint.

The best way for myopes to get their financial vision corrected is to hang around with sophisticates. Pay attention to what they do.

To counteract the high cost of printer cartridges sophisticates print on “draft” mode when the quality of the print job is not critical. That makes their cartridges last longer. You’d never catch a sophisticate plucking a tasty morsel from a hotel mini bar. They scrutinize a car rental agreement before they sign on the dotted line, refusing to accept the additional insurance (hidden fee). They fill the rental with gas before returning it because they know what happens if you don’t - $6-a-gallon added as a hidden fee. They question every fee, every charge on everything. Nothing gets past a sophisticate.

Sophisticates are on to the sneaky tricks of gift card providers. They know that gift cards begin melting away through dormancy fees and maintenance.

Have you figured out to which group of consumers you belong? Let’s check:

Do you pretty much believe that by some miracle there really is a “free” checking account?

When you rent a car do you cave in to all the add ons?

Do you just pay your cell phone bill without first questioning every charge on that statement?

If you answered yes, there’s a pretty good chance that you are a financial myope. But do not despair. There is hope for your condition. You can give yourself financial lasik surgery simply by making the decision to stop being naive and start digging.

Uncovering hidden fees is good for us. It makes us better consumers. It builds our financial confidence and provides a little padding for the wallet, too. But more than that, digging for hidden fees - and then avoiding them - is empowering.

And it’s pretty good insurance against getting ripped off, too.

"Debt-Proof Living" was founded in 1992 by Mary Hunt. What began as a newsletter to encourage and empower people to break free from the bondage of consumer debt has grown into a huge community of ordinary people who have achieved remarkable success in their quest to effectively manage their money and stay out of debt. Today, "The Cheapskate Monthly" is read by close to 100,000 Cheapskates.

All Hands Meeting

CLICK FOR LARGER

The Inventor of the slip-and-slide becomes a father

Oops

Teenagers trash can

In the desert