DEBTSMART® EMAIL NEWSLETTER
ISSN 1538-6740
August 28, 2002 Issue 33

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

==> Credit Card Balance Transfers

==> Consumer Spending Quiz

==> DebtSmart® Opportunity Survey

==> Reverse Mortgages

==> No Bills! Complete Office Suite (CD ROM)

==> Get What You Want!

==> Eight Steps to Tackle the Money-Saving Process

==> Ending the Paperwork Nightmare

==> 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

"Worrying about it (your financial situation) won't help, only action will!" 
-- Larissa S. Bilker, 2002

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LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER 
by Scott Bilker

Hi,

Thank you all for being active readers of Debtsmart®! Last issue of the email newsletter was one of the most read issues ever!

The responses to last issue's survey about budgeting are very interesting. In general, most readers do track their spending but do not use financial software to do it. The top three categories reported were (1) Housing, (2) Groceries, and (3) Utilities. Most of you said that your best friend does not track his/her spending. Most people spend less than an hour per week on their finances.

Everyone contributed some great advice, so I recommend reading the comments. For all results click below:
http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/020828_en.cgi?05&7428 

Next issue of the email newsletter will be delayed by one day and released Thursday, 9/12/02, in respect of the one-year anniversary of the most horrific terrorist attack in American history.

Regards, 
Scott

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CREDIT CARD BALANCE TRANSFERS 
by Scott Bilker

Scott, I would like to use a credit card introductory rate to pay off a bank loan. I will need to borrow $13,000.00 credit to pay off the loan. In order to do this, I will need to open two new credit cards, preferably with 0% interest for 6 months. I would then like to transfer the balances on those credit cards to new credit cards with low introductory rates. How often can I continue to transfer to new cards with introductory rates?

I have heard that if my credit report shows too many credit card company requests within one year that I will be turned down for new credit cards. I have also read that I can request credit card issuers not to run a credit report on me...Is this true, or do the companies automatically run a credit report on the applicant every time a balance transfer request is made? --Gail

Click below to read article:
http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/020828_en.cgi?04&7428 

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CONSUMER SPENDING QUIZ 
by Richard Crammer

Have you ever wondered if what you spend on food is higher than the average family? And what about how much you spend on housing, clothing, or entertainment?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics annually reports the spending habits of consumers in the US. All of the answers from this quiz were taken from this report. So, if you are curious about how much you spend compared to the national average, take the quiz.

Use the below link to take the quiz:
http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/020828_en.cgi?12&7428 

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DEBTSMART OPPORTUNITY SURVEY

Getting out of debt can be accomplished by doing three main things: (1) Getting organized, (2) Becoming more efficient with existing debts, and (3) Making more money. We've mainly been focused on 1 and 2 here at DebtSmart however, we're thinking about creating an opportunity for people to get involved in. Please let us know your thoughts by taking this issue's survey.

Click below to take the survey:
http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/020828_en.cgi?06&7428 

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REVERSE MORTGAGES 
by Gary Foreman

Gary, 
I am almost 80 years old, a widow, excellent health, no debts, my house is paid off, worth close to $200,000. I live on my social security with a small savings backup, and I manage to make my taxes and maintain a car and live well. My children think I should take out a reverse mortgage and spend the money doing some traveling. As they are all doing well and do not expect or want me to just save the house for them. Are there any pitfalls in this?
--Betty

Click below to read article:
http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/020828_en.cgi?07&7428 

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NO BILLS! COMPLETE OFFICE SUITE (CD ROM)

CD ROM of award-winning software package that is really 10 applications in one!

The debt elimination program is a compilation of applications to help people get a better understanding of their credit and debt situation. Each of the applications fills a unique need in your quest to become more financially free.

Included are The Credit Doctor, Car Buyer, Budget Analyzer, Big Spender, Credit Analysis, Penny Saver, Debt Tracker, Sound Advice, Favorite Cards, No Bills, Mortgage Analysis, and Credit Repair Workbook!

Click below to learn more:
http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/020828_en.cgi?11&7428 

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GET WHAT YOU WANT! 
by Michael Angier

I've probably learned as much from my kids as I've taught them--maybe more. I learned this particular lesson from my oldest son, Mike. The year was 1994. Mike was in the Marine Corp and...

Click below to read article:
http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/020828_en.cgi?08&7428 

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EIGHT STEPS TO TACKLE THE MONEY-SAVING PROCESS 
By Gregory Thomas

Part 2: Declare Your Money-Saving Goal

Now that you are 100% sure in your decision to effectively save more money, the next step is to decide on a specific goal you want to achieve.

The purpose of establishing a money saving goal is...

Click below to read article:
http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/020828_en.cgi?09&7428 

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ENDING THE PAPERWORK NIGHTMARE 
by Maria Gracia

With all of the paperwork flowing into our lives day after day, it's easy for it to get out-of-control. Forms, memos, letters, catalogs, mail, flyers and advertising offers are stacked in our In Box. Leave that In Box untouched for a day, and you've got yourself a paperwork pile. Leave it untouched for a week or more, and you've got yourself a paperwork nightmare! Here are a few simple ideas to help end the nightmare and get all of your paperwork under control...

Click below to read article:
http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/020828_en.cgi?10&7428 

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DEBTSMART® RESOURCES

DebtSmart® Books, software, reports, in-print and downloads:
http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/020828_en.cgi?01&7428 

Archive of DebtSmart® Email Newsletters online:
http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/020828_en.cgi?02&7428 

How to use DebtSmart® articles FREE in your e-zine or on your web site:
http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/020828_en.cgi?03&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/020828_en.cgi?00&7428 

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 © 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.