DEBTSMART EMAIL NEWSLETTER
ISSN 1538-6740
March 13, 2002 Issue 21

Tools for financial success!
A Free E-Mail Newsletter from DebtSmart Online and Press One Publishing.

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Publisher: Scott Bilker, mailto:publisher@debtsmart.com
Editor: Richard Crammer, mailto:editor@debtsmart.com 

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For instructions to SUBSCRIBE, and DISCLAIMER, see bottom of this email.

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IN THIS ISSUE

==> Cool Quote

==> Letter from the Publisher

==> Car Debt or Credit Debt First

==> Handling Frustrations

==> Household Math(tm)

==> Dangerous Information

==> New Low-Rate Card

==> Save Up To $1000 In Grocery Coupons

==> Battle With Chevy Chase Bank

==> DebtSmart Resources

==> Subscribe/Disclaimer Information

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PLEASE FORWARD THIS ISSUE

If you haven't already done so, please forward this issue to one or two of your friends or business associates.

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COOL QUOTE

"Beautiful credit! The foundation of modern society. Who shall say that this is not the golden age of mutual trust, of unlimited reliance upon human promises? That is a peculiar condition of society which enables a whole nation to instantly recognize point and meaning in the familiar newspaper anecdote, which puts into the mouth of a distinguished speculator in lands and mines this remark: "I wasn't worth a cent two years ago, and now I owe two millions of dollars."

--Mark Twain

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LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER
by Scott Bilker

One of my favorite aspects of doing the email newsletter is learning from you, and the last issue is a perfect example.

In that issue we started a new section called HOUSEHOLD MATH (tm) which focuses on how to apply math to uncover the best consumer deals. To my surprise, this quiz was the most popular of all items in the email newsletter issue!

It makes me very pleased that there is so much interest in being challenged by these types of questions. It's so important to be able to work through the numbers and figure out what's best--and you know me by now--when I say "best," I mean the "least expensive."

I hope you find this issue's Household Math(tm) question to be just as interesting.

Just to let you know, DebtSmart.com has transitioned to a new Internet host. Everything should function properly, however you may experience trouble getting to DebtSmart.com. Please let me know if you have any problems using DebtSmart.com--thanks!

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CAR DEBT OR CREDIT DEBT FIRST?
by Scott Bilker

I've already organized my debt with the highest interest debt to be paid off first. Only thing is, my car loan is up toward the top and it's getting close to the time when I would need to roll over the payments of paid off debt to the next highest interest rate debt, my car loan.

Does it make sense to start increasing my payments on this loan? Isn't what I will pay on the loan fixed? If this is the case shouldn't I start paying on the next highest interest debt (another credit card) instead? Thanks for any help! --Mike

Click below to read article:
http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/020313_en.cgi?06&7428 

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HANDLING FRUSTRATIONS 
By Michael Angier

"I'm sooo frustrated!" These words--or something perhaps even more colorful---are things we've all said at one time or another. Several times over the past few days, I said them myself--at least in my head.

Click below to read article:
http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/020313_en.cgi?07&7428 

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HOUSEHOLD MATH(tm)

Test your knowledge by trying to solve these DebtSmart, Household Math problems! After you complete the problem you'll get the solution and explanation.

Question: Two stores are having a sale. In Store #1 the deal is take 25% off, then take an additional 25% off. In Store #2 the deal is take 50% off. Which store has the better deal?

Click below to answer the question:
http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/020313_en.cgi?08&7428 

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DANGEROUS INFORMATION 
by Gary Foreman

Someone told me you weren't supposed to put your social security number on your checks. Also you shouldn't have your number on your driver's license since that number is used for a lot of private things. Can you give me some input on this subject? --Marsha

Marsha has asked a question that we should all be considering. How free should I be in releasing my social security number? And, frankly, what you're about to read isn't going to make you comfortable...

Click below to read article:
http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/020313_en.cgi?09&7428 

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NEW LOW-RATE CARD 
Get the new Capital One "No-Hassle" Visa Platinum Card, with a low 8.9 percent fixed APR on all purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances.

Apply Right Now, it only takes a few minutes:
http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/020313_en.cgi?11&7428 

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SAVE UP TO $1000 DOLLARS IN GROCERY COUPONS!! 
By purchasing a $1000 Saver Book, you will be able to select $1000 in coupons for the national brand name products you want. There are hundreds of different coupons available for items you buy regularly at the grocery store. Click here!!

Click below to save:
http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/020313_en.cgi?12&7428 

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BATTLE WITH CHEVY CHASE BANK 
From Trial Lawyers for Public Justice (tlpj.org)

TLPJ wins battle with Chevy Chase Bank over credit cardholders' right to sue for excessive rate hikes.

Another example of a bank trying to force people into arbitration against their wishes. Except this time they're getting sued...

Click below to read article:
http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/020313_en.cgi?10&7428 

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DEBTSMART RESOURCES

How to advertise in the email newsletter:
http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/020313_en.cgi?01&7428 

How to advertise in the online classifieds:
http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/020313_en.cgi?02&7428 

DebtSmart Books, software, reports, in-print and downloads:
http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/020313_en.cgi?03&7428 

Archive of DebtSmart Email Newsletters online:
http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/020313_en.cgi?04&7428 

How to use DebtSmart articles FREE in your ezine or on your web site:
http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/020313_en.cgi?05&7428 

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HOW TO SUBSCRIBE OR UNSUBSCRIBE FROM THIS NEWSLETTER

All recipients of DEBTSMART EMAIL NEWSLETTER have signed up voluntarily for the newsletter via our website.

TO SUBSCRIBE to this newsletter click on the below link and complete the subscription form:
http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/020313_en.cgi?00&7428

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Please contact mailto:comments@debtsmart.com with any comments, problems, or concerns.

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The author(s), Press One Publishing, and DebtSmart.com shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused, or alleged to be caused, directly or indirectly by the information contained in this email newsletter and/or at the DebtSmart.com web site. The information, methods and techniques described may not work for you and no recommendation is made to follow the same course of action. Every effort has been made verify the accuracy of all content contained herein. However, there may be mistakes; typographical, mathematical or in content. This email newsletter and the DebtSmart.com web site have been created for your entertainment only. You must always seek the proper professional advice before taking any financial or legal action. You have been warned.

We have done our best to ensure that all sponsors included in the DebtSmart Email Newsletter offer quality products and services. Please let us know about your experience with our advertisers by writing to mailto:comments@debtsmart.com

Copyright (c) 2002 Press One Publishing. All rights reserved. Please do not reprint, or host on your Web site, without explicit permission. However, if you found this newsletter helpful, we grant you permission, and strongly encourage you, to e-mail it to a business associate or a friend. Thank you.