DEBTSMART® EMAIL NEWSLETTER
ISSN 1538-6740
February 12, 2003 Issue 45

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

==> Living Within Your Means--The Easy Way, by Terry Rigg

==> Tricky Insurance Pays Off

==> Household Math™: Home Equity vs. Credit Card

==> Survey: Health Insurance

==> How Do You Want To Live?

==> Refinancing And Your Credit Score

==> DebtSmart® Resources

==> Subscribe/Disclaimer Information

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COOL QUOTE

"You have to think outside of conventional wisdom to break through your debt." 
--Dave Hoffman, 1/13/2003

Click below for quotes from all previous newsletters:
http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/030212_en.cgi?04&7428 

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LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER 
by Scott Bilker

Hi,

Thanks again to everyone who complete last issues survey about paying late. There is some great stuff in your responses such as: 85% of respondents reported that they have been late paying at least one credit card bill. Of the people who were late, 96% were charged a late fee. Most were charged from $25 to $49, but it doesn't end there.

Nearly half of those paying late had their interest rates raised as a penalty. The penalty increase ranged from an average of 8.33% APR with a maximum 20% hike. You can read all the results at:
http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/030212_en.cgi?05&7428 

This issue's survey is about health insurance. I'm always on the lookout to save money on insurance, but I also make sure that we are properly covered.

By the way, it's getting closer to the release date (March 2003) of my new book, "Talk Your Way Out of Credit Card Debt: Phone calls to banks that saved more than $43,000 in interest charges and fees!" I'll have a special offer for you as soon as it's released!

Thanks again for reading the email newsletter!

Regards, 
Scott

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LIVING WITHIN YOUR MEANS--THE EASY WAY, BY TERRY RIGG
Review by Scott Bilker

We all know Terry. He's written many excellent and informative articles for DebtSmart. Terry recently contacted me and said he's reducing the cost of his popular online book, "Living Within Your Means--The Easy Way" to only $5!

I personally found the online book packed with great information! Terry covers many topics with an easy-to-understand approach. Some of the numerous topics covered include: (1) Organizing Your Bills and Files, (2) Good Spending and Saving Habits (3) How to Deal with Debt, (4) What to do About Big Money Problems, plus whole lot more.

Terry includes worksheets, links to helpful web sites, and even how you can become a stay-at-home mom!

Click below to read more about Terry's book:
http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/030212_en.cgi?06&7428 

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TRICKY INSURANCE PAYS OFF 
by Scott Bilker

Scott, 
I found out after renewing a credit card that I had been paying for insurance that I wasn't aware of. This insurance would pay benefits in case I died or became disabled. I had the card since 1997 and became disabled in 1998 (Parkinson's). I called a credit card rep and she advised me to put in a claim. She also stated if there were any other balances to transfer I could transfer them and clear them up also. 
--Alan

Click below to read article:
http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/030212_en.cgi?07&7428 

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HOUSEHOLD MATH™: HOME EQUITY vs. CREDIT CARD 
by Scott Bilker

Donna and Kyle need $10,000 to remodel their kitchen. They will be able to repay this in 12 months. Donna gets an offer on her credit card of 0% for 12 months with a $10,000 max and no fees. Kyle's college buddy Vinnie, is a mortgage broker and tells Kyle that he can get him a home equity line of credit at the Prime rate, currently 4.25%, with no application charges or other fees. Kyle tells Vinnie that his wife has a 0% credit card offer and asks him which is better. Vinnie says that in their case the home equity line will have full tax benefits, however they would remain in the same tax bracket. Which option is better? The 0% credit card deal or the home-equity line of credit?

Click below to solve problem:
http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/030212_en.cgi?08&7428 

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SURVEY: HEALTH INSURANCE

Since the cost of health care and health insurance continues to increase every year, many companies have dropped health coverage and many families have found themselves without full coverage or any coverage art all. If you are in this group, you're not alone as 41-million Americans have no health coverage at all. At Debtsmart we continue to look for ways for our readers to cut costs. To that end, have been researching alternatives to expensive health insurance. By filling out the following survey, you will help us get a better grasp on what your needs are, allowing us to look for the ideal solution for you and your family.

Click below to take survey:
http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/030212_en.cgi?09&7428 

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HOW DO YOU WANT TO LIVE? 
by Scott Bilker

People always ask kids, "What do you want to do/be when you grow up?" I'm sure you remember the question well. A fireman, policeman, scientist, doctor, social worker, teacher, superhero, etc.

The truth is that people have many interests and talents. Someone may be just as happy being a lawyer as a teacher. That's why I believe the better question to ask is "How do you want to live?" Do you want...

Click below to read article:
http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/030212_en.cgi?10&7428 

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REFINANCING AND YOUR CREDIT SCORE 
by Gary Foreman

Gary, I purchased a 1999 Buick Regal right before Thanksgiving. The loan was for a 14.5% interest rate. I was told that I should wait at least one year before refinancing. If I did otherwise it would look bad in my credit for not staying with this company for at least a year. I am interested in shopping around to see if I can get a lower interest rate, but am uncertain due to the information that was given. Should I shop around or wait until a year has been completed? --Lillian

Like many of us, Lillian is concerned with her credit score. And, she should be. Not only will her credit score affect how much she'll pay to borrow money, in some cases it can make getting credit difficult or impossible.

Before we look at Lillian's question, we need to learn a little more about...

Click below to read article:
http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/030212_en.cgi?11&7428 

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DEBTSMART® RESOURCES

DebtSmart® Books, software, reports, in-print and downloads:
http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/030212_en.cgi?01&7428 

Archive of DebtSmart® Email Newsletters online:
http://www.debtsmart.com/cgi-pl/go/030212_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/030212_en.cgi?03&7428 

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HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO 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/030212_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.

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Copyright © 2003 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.