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DEBTSMART EMAIL NEWSLETTER - Tools for financial success! A Free E-Mail Newsletter from DebtSmart Online and Press One Publishing.
ISSN 1538-6740
May 14, 2001 Issue 2
Scott Bilker, Editor and Publisher, publisher@debtsmart.com
Richard Crammer, Editor, editor@debtsmart.com

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IN THIS ISSUE
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=> Letter from the Publisher

=> Credit Card Tip

=> Great Deals You Can Find in the Classified Ads

=> Refinancing Secrets Uncovered

=> Thrift Shops

=> Your tips

=> Subscription Information
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Letter from the Publisher
by Scott Bilker

First, I want to thank everyone for their feedback about the first email newsletter! Most people indicated that they wanted the email newsletter to be more frequent--we shall “make it so.” In fact, that’s what we’ve been working on for the last several weeks, specifically, new software tools that now enable us to deliver the email newsletter faster and more smoothly.

Next, there have been some changes to the main web site. Photos have been added to the articles and a new classifieds section has been created so people can post items for sale, services, etc. I’ll talk more about this later.

Another change, at least for now, in the newsletter, is that only a portion of some articles are included with links to where interested readers can see the entire piece.

About the print edition of DebtSmart... Right now the next issue of the print magazine is scheduled for late this year, fall. My goal is to increase the frequency of the print publication--I’ll keep you posted.

Lastly, for those of you in NJ, PA, NY, and DE, check your TV station guide to see if you get CN8 (Comcast Network). If so, then keep your eye on a show called, “Real Life,” hosted by Mary Amoroso.

Mary has invited me on the show as a guest many times, the most recent being on 5/1/01. I brought my friend Joe DiBiase on with me to talk about his success with credit, plus how he went on to build a successful pest-control business.

If you happened to catch the show, please let me know what you thought of it. You can see some photos from the show at: http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/010514_email_news.cgi?1&5699

You can reach me with your comments at: publisher@debtsmart.com

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Credit Card Tip
by Scott Bilker

One topic I’m always asked about is how to increase the chances of getting accepted for new credit. What happens to many people, myself included, is that you apply for these “pre-approved” offers and get rejected. Obviously they’re not really “pre- approved.”

If you read the fine print you’d find some type of weasel-wording that gives the bank an opportunity to reject you for credit if they find any problems in your credit report.

However, I have found one technique that really increases your chances of getting that new card. Many times there’s a section of the application for transferring balances.

I’ve always thought that my chances would be better if I did a balance transfer when applying for a new card and eventually I got my chance to put that to the test.

This is what happened...my wife applied for a CapitalOne pre- approved credit card and was rejected for several reasons. Specifically, number of cards, balances on revolving credit, number of inquires, and lastly, but no doubt the REAL reason, lack of a Balance Transfer Request.

I couldn’t believe they actually put that in the letter. Well, the same day we got the rejection letter we also received the identical offer and application, for the exact same card.

So my wife applied again for the same card, but this time we did a $200 balance transfer on the application. Guess what happened? You know it...she got the card—no problem.

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Great Deals You Can Find in the Classified Ads
by Larissa and Scott Bilker

Many people run directly to the store to buy brand new items at full price when there are many other options. In fact, one of the best options we've found is shopping for items through classified ads. That's why we've just started the DebtSmart Online Classified section so you can shop for items and services, plus post stuff to sell.

You have probably used classified ads in the past for numerous reasons however, we want to tell you about one of our best experiences and remind everyone that you can save BIG money by shopping for "pre-owned" merchandise rather than running out to buy new all the time.

One of the best deals we found using classified ads is sitting beautifully in our dining room right now!

Read the rest of this article by clicking below: http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/010514_email_news.cgi?2&5699

**Special Offer to DebtSmart Subscribers!** If you want to post a classified ad you get 60 days for the price of 30 days by entering OFFER CODE: 123 when you post your ad. You can post your ad by clicking below: http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/010514_email_news.cgi?3&5699

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Refinancing Secrets Uncovered
by Scott Bilker

You may be thinking of refinancing since interest rates are lower than ever. But with all the costs, application fees, points, etc. how can you be sure you're getting the best deal? Can you be sure that it's better than your current loan?

There are many "rules of thumb" that may or may not apply to your situation, like, "if the new mortgage is at least 2% less than the existing mortgage, it's good to refinance," but that may not always be true. Other variables become significantly important depending on your specific situation. For example, you may want to roll some other debts into a new mortgage or you may be going from a 30-year loan to a 15-year loan.

My philosophy is that the best loan is the cheapest loan. No matter where you "buy" your money it's still the same--little green pieces of paper with pictures. The only thing that separates one loan from another is...

Read the rest of this article by clicking below: http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/010514_email_news.cgi?4&5699

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Thrift Shops
by Harvey L. Bilker

What are thrift shops? Where do you find them? What are they all about? How can they help you cut down on your debts?

What are Thrift Shops?

Hospitals, churches, and other charitable organizations establish thrift shops to raise money for their causes. Items from clothes through appliances to devices to aid the elderly, such as wheelchairs and walkers, are donated to them.

The cost of running a thrift shop is nil, especially if the rental is donated. Volunteers spend a few hours a day there in shifts and help patrons of all ages.

Certain thrift shops specialize in...

Read the rest of this article by clicking below: http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/010514_email_news.cgi?5&5699

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Your tips

If you have a great credit tip please let us know so we can include it in the newsletter and online. You can send your tip ideas to: mytip@debtsmart.com

By sending your tips you agree that they become the property of DebtSmart and Press One Publishing. This means we have the right to print, post, and copy, the tip in any manner and for any purpose

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