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www.BetterBudgeting.com

Volume 8, Issue 10
November 2008
Copyright © 2001-2008 by Blue Ridge Publishing, Inc.
ASIN:B0000A0XQM

IN THIS ISSUE

Available in our online edition only, use these index links to jump right to your favorite section of our ezine!  View this month's issue at... http://www.betterbudgeting.com/ezine/dec2008-027183.htm

 1) From the Editor...
 2) Helpful Links
 3) Featured Columns this Month
     ~ Living a Better Life
     ~ Financial Journey
     ~ Black Belt Shopper
     ~ Budget Decorating
 4) Editor's Book Pick
 5) Tip Rewards
 6) Frugal Recipes
 7) Grocery and Menu Planners
 8) Grocery Tips & Coupon Savings
 9) Kid Site & Joke of the Month 
10) Money in the News
11) Free Samples, Discounts and Printable Grocery Coupons
12) Subscription Information

NON-PROFIT GROUPS: If you have a non-profit group and would like to order our free BetterBudgeting brochures please read more here... http://www.betterbudgeting.com/freebrochure.htm

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FROM THE EDITOR...

Greetings Better Budgeters!  Welcome to this month's issue of Living a Better Life: The Free Money-Saving Tips Ezine, we're so glad to have you with us!  We've got a great issue prepared for you this month with lots of new tips and wonderful ways to help you save more money, we hope it will be a blessing for you and your family.

Our 2nd Annual Homemade Christmas Ornament contest is now officially open! To find out how to submit your homemade ornament please visit this page...
www.betterbudgeting.com/homemadechristmasornaments-2008.htm

I've written a brief update on my health and surgery recovery (it's good news!) on our dinner blog so be sure to visit me there when you get a chance.  The link is on the right hand side of the site under our Frugal Recipes section.  The best way for you to write me back about that is to post a comment if you'd like, I will probably not publish all of them but I promise I will read your replies, you know I always enjoy hearing from y'all! 

Our next Better Budgeting class will be starting soon, on January 12th!  If you'd like to register for my class you can sign up now at http://www.betterbudgeting.com/budgetingclass.htm.  I have been teaching this 5-week email family budgeting course for FOUR years and the registration fee is still only $15.00.  After January we will be increasing the registration fee to $25.00 to help pay for our business expenses.  This has been a difficult decision to make but it is time and I hope y'all understand.  So if you would like to take my class and learn how to create your own successful budgeting system that is completely free to maintain year after year, now is the time to sign up! :o)     

We would also like to congratulate Vicky Fox for submitting our Dec. money-saving Tip Rewards!   If you have a creative money-saving tip or a special homemade gift/craft idea you'd like to share you could be featured in our next issue and earn your own rewards!

On behalf of everyone that helps keeps Better Budgeting running smoothly each month (and a personal THANK YOU to each and every one of them!) we would like to wish all of you a wonderful and BLESSED Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and New Year!  God bless you all!!!

Remember, it's not about being able to spend more money, but enjoying and managing what you already have... BETTER!

Michelle Jones 
Founder and Publishing Editor
www.BetterBudgeting.com 

P.S. Visit me at www.MichelleJonesOnline.com  I have started working on new pages but they are not available for you to see just yet... hopefully soon! :o) 

Eliminate Your Debt!
This multi-media program by Leo Quinn can help you pay off all your bills, including your mortgage, in less than 10 years. And you won't have to pinch pennies, get a second job or cut back your spending in any way.  I believe this product is so valuable, helpful and down-to-earth, I highly encourage you to take a few minutes to learn more!
http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/adtrack.asp?AdID=167070

Effective Budgeting Made Simple!
Effortlessly organize and get control of your personal finances. Unique BudgetMap system replaces your check register and fits in a standard checkbook. Works with cash, checks and credit card transactions. 'BudgetMap is compact, tidy, and amazingly effective.' - Mary Hunt, author of Debt-Proof Living. Check it out now!
http://www.budgetmap.com/click.here/betterbudgeting/20081215

2) HELPFUL LINKS 
Resources to Help You Manage Your Money and Save More!

* ARTICLE TOPICS
A selection of our articles previously featured in Living a Better Life.
http://www.betterbudgeting.com/articletopics.htm

* BETTER BUDGETING CLASS (Date of next session: 1/12/09)
Sign up for our next Better Budgeting Class!  Get more info here...
http://www.betterbudgeting.com/budgetingclass.htm

* BUDGETING & DEBT WORKSHEETS
Our free and easy to use printable worksheets.
http://betterbudgeting.com/budgetformsfree.htm

* BUDGETING CALCULATORS
Free budgeting, debt, housing and other great calculators.
http://www.betterbudgeting.com/budgetingtools.htm

* COUPONS
Print free grocery coupons and learn how to save more at the store!
http://www.grocerysavingtips.com

* CREDIT REPORTS 
Learn about credit scores and how to fix credit mistakes, on your own!
http://www.betterbudgeting.com/creditreports.htm

* DEALING WITH DEBT (FREE EBOOK)
Need another copy of your free subscribers gift? Send an e-mail to freeebook@betterbudgeting.com?subject=Free-Ebook-Dealing-With-Debt

* DENTAL PLANS 
Choose a dental plan and save even more with our exclusive discount.
http://www.betterbudgeting.com/dentalplan.htm

* FREE INSURANCE QUOTES
Free auto, health and life insurance quotes.
http://www.betterbudgeting.com/insurance.htm

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3) FEATURED COLUMNS
Free Money-Saving Tips from Our Senior Writers and Featured Columnists!

Living a Better Life... from the Editor's Desk
by Michelle Jones, Founder and Publishing Editor
39 Frugal Tips for Saving Money at Christmas
There are a gazillion ways to save money which is one of the reasons why I love my job so much… the information we share with you each year here at Better Budgeting is overflowing.  And Christmas is certainly one of those times when we need to implement as many money-saving tips as we can; so that we can spend less and enjoy the true meaning of Christmas... read more

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NEED LAST MINUTE TECH GIFTS 

FOR THE HOLIDAYS?

See this week’s sale events & free shipping at BestBuy!

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Credit Wise
by Jennifer Wallis, Senior Writer

How to Be Financially Fine in '09

It’s pretty much impossible to escape the constant talk about the economy right now. I’ve heard our current uncertain economic status compared to the Depression in the 1930’s. For us everyday folks, that kind of talk can be really frightening. Instead of feeling like a sitting duck--just waiting for everything to happen to you--it’s time to take control and do something about it. The fate of your financial future simply can’t be left to anyone else so it’s time to take the lead... read more

Frugal Parenting
by Rachel Keller, Senior Writer
Tasty Tips for Stretching Extra Food and Leftovers
What do you do with extra food—throw it out because your family won't eat leftovers? Is it really worth the effort of saving that little bit of food? While it might be easier to just toss it out, many of those leftovers combined can make tasty quick and easy new meals. Try some of the following ideas to get your creative juices flowing. You'll save time and money by not buying... read more

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Frugal Crafts & Homemade Gifts
featured column by BetterBudgeting's crafty readers!

2nd Annual Homemade Christmas Ornament Contest... 

All submissions due by January 15th!

www.betterbudgeting.com/homemadechristmasornaments-2008.htm

Homemade Gifts & Frugal Crafts
Submit your favorite craft or homemade gift idea here and you could earn some extra spending money if your article is chosen for our next newsletter!
http://www.betterbudgeting.com/craftsubmissions.htm

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4) EDITOR'S BOOK PICK
I Have a Stack of Books on My Desk for Review Each Month... Only the Best of the Best Get Featured Here!

Editor's Complete Recommended Book List...

Recommended Ebooks:

How to Own Your Paycheck Again
by Leo Quinn
http://www.betterbudgeting.com/ownyourownpaycheck.htm

Black Belt Shopper's Guide - Bargain Shopping
by Larry Wiener
http://www.betterbudgeting.com/blackbeltshoppersguide.htm

101 Coupon Tips - Learn How I've Saved Over $18,000!
by Michelle Jones
http://www.blueridgepublishing.com/ebooks-101coupontips.htm

Frugal Family Recipes Cookbook - 114 Recipes
by Michelle Jones
http://www.betterbudgeting.com/frugalcookbook.htm

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5) TIP REWARDS
Win $25 Cash and Free Coupons with Your Money-Saving Tips!

Every month we select a subscriber's money-saving tip submission for our special Tip Rewards, if you'd like to submit a creative tip for our next issue please read how here...
http://www.betterbudgeting.com/tiprewards.htm

Congratulations to Vicky for submitting our favorite reader's tip for this issue!  She will receive $25.00 (USD) and a huge stack of clipped grocery coupons with a value of up to $100.00 or more!!!

This Issue's Winning Tip!

Rainy Day Fund Challenge to Our Readers
by Vicky Fox
Here's a great challenge from one of our readers to create a Rainy Day Fund from spare change and $1.00 bills...
http://www.betterbudgeting.com/savemoney/rainydayfundchallenge.htm

Do You Have a Creative Money-Saving Tip to Share?
You could be our next Tip Rewards winner!  Get more info here...
http://www.betterbudgeting.com/tiprewards.htm

See All of Our Previous Tip Rewards Winners!
http://www.betterbudgeting.com/thriftymoneysavingtips.htm

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6) FRUGAL RECIPES
There's More to Life than Macaroni and Cheese!

Frugal Family Recipes... "What's for Dinner Tonight?"

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7) GROCERY PLANNERS
Free Grocery Planners and Menu Planners to Save You Time and Money!

8) GROCERY SAVING & COUPON TIPS
Helping You Save More on Groceries Each Month!

Free Grocery Saving Tips by the Aisle
Print Your Free Coupons this Week at www.GrocerySavingTips.com

"I adopted a cat recently and needed to get him neutered, and his vaccinations.  I contacted our local animal shelter and was able to get everything done for only $38.00!  When I called my usual vet to find out her charges it was going to be $89 for the spaying and $45 for the vaccines.  I couldn't believe the difference.  The animal shelter also does annual vaccines as well for much cheaper than my vet.  Thanks for letting me share!" - Vicki in California

"As soon as your children are old enough, buy them a calculator (discount stores have them for as low as a dollar for basic calculators).  Have them help you figure how much an item costs per serving or ounce. Compare the prices together to find the best deal on several items.  Not only does this teach them about bargain shopping, but they also get a good math review (I'm a teacher if you can't tell).  Soon, they'll try to beat you on finding the best bargains!" - Angela 

"Buy a thermos for the kids to take to school.  Not only is it better for the environment, but it is so much cheaper to put juice in there than to buy juice boxes." - Laura

Do you have a grocery tip to share?  We'd love to hear from you! E-mail your tip to contact@grocerysavingtips.com?subject=Share-Grocery-Tip

9) KID SITE & JOKE OF THE MONTH
Frugal Family Fun - Courtesy of the Jones children! 

KID SITE OF THE MONTH

This site is fun and educational!  You can play arcade-style math games, read web books and make your own Mad Libs!

www.funbrain.com

(We have two for you this month!)

What do you call a spy movie set at the North Pole?  

submitted by Rachel

Don't peek at the answer below until after you guess!

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Answer: "A chiller thriller!"

What did the extreme biker call her winter wheels?  

submitted by Rachel

Don't peek at the answer below until after you guess!

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Answer: "Her ice cycle!"

Do you have a kid's site or joke you'd like to share?  
editor@betterbudgeting.com?subject=Kids-Site-and-Joke-of-the-Month

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10) MONEY IN THE NEWS
Keeping Our Readers Informed!

Fed Cuts Interest Rates to Near Zero to Combat Economic Recession
The Federal Reserve Tuesday cut its target for a key short-term interest rate to a record low range of zero to 0.25%, from the previous 1%, and vowed to maintain "exceptionally low rates" for "some time." The dramatic move sent stocks soaring as the Dow Jones industrial average surged 4.2% and broader indexes jumped more than 5% after the central bank said it would accelerate its use of nonconventional tools to stimulate the economy, like buying mortgage-backed securities or Treasury notes. In a statement announcing its actions, the central bank's policymaking Federal Open Market Committee, which was unanimous in its decision, said the job market, business and consumer spending and manufacturing had all weakened since its Oct. 29 meeting, while inflation pressures "diminished appreciably. It promised to do whatever it takes to support the economy.
Read more at USA Today...

Uh-Oh: Gas Prices on the Rise
Gas prices rose for the second consecutive day following eighty-six consecutive declines. The motorist group AAA reported Sunday that the national average price for a gallon of gas rose to $1.663 a gallon from $1.66 the previous day. The reports are based on a daily survey of credit card swipes conducted for AAA. The average price of gas was $1.656, according to AAA's Friday report.
Read more at CNN...

Fannie to Help Renters Stay in Foreclosed Homes
Fannie Mae said Monday that it is finalizing a plan to help renters stay in their homes even if their landlord enters foreclosure.  The mortgage giant said it's working on a national policy to allow renters living in foreclosed properties — and who can make their rental payments — to sign new leases with Fannie while the property is up for sale. Or they could get cash to help move into a new home.  Sibling company Freddie Mac aims to have a similar plan in place by early January.
Read more at USA Today...

Big 3 Woes Don’t Give Japan’s Automakers Joy
In recent years, Toyota has edged closer to overtaking General Motors as the world's biggest automaker.  But now as GM and the entire U.S. auto industry teeter on the brink of collapse, Toyota and other Japanese carmakers are hardly rejoicing. They say the bankruptcy of any of Detroit's Big Three would spell serious trouble for them as well.
Read more at MSNBC...

As Economy Worsens, Fed Set To Slash Rates
As U.S. unemployment rises painfully higher and retirement nest eggs are shattered, the Federal Reserve is prepared to slash a key interest rate - perhaps to an all-time low - in a desperate bid to stem the country's economic slide.  With the Fed's key rate dropping ever closer to zero, the central bank is moving into uncharted territory.
Read more at CBS News...

Consumer Advocates Warn Against Refund Loans
In a season full of layoffs and foreclosures, the offer may sound tempting: next year's tax refund turned into a holiday cash cow now.  Long Island consumer advocates have been on the lookout for the marketing of "refund anticipation loans" during the holidays instead of tax season. These short-term loans had been primarily offered by tax preparation chains, and they carry fees and double or triple digit interest rates - as high as 700 percent - critics said. Once the tax preparer estimates refunds based on pay stubs, borrowers get cash advances in as little as a day. The lender gets the refund at tax time.
ead more at Newsday...