A NOTE FROM RANDAL

Hello Everyone,

Welcome new subscribers and thanks to all of you who have been sharing The Frugal Life News with others!

This issue has some great questions that need our answers.Please take the time to visit our forum and post your answers. Everytime you do that many others benefit from your efforts.

We appreciate all your doing to help others know about The Frugal Life.com

Frugally yours,
Randal

FRUGAL FINANCES

Can You Beat The Pros?

The latest 5-year average return for the S&P 500 is 3.97%. This means if you invested in an S&P 500 Index Fund, which simply mimics the stocks in the S&P 500 Index, no fancy management or stock picking, your results would be close to 3.97%. I say, "close," because even an unmanaged index fund has fees, which reduces your return.

How would your S&P 500 Index Fund results compare to the leading Full Service Brokerage firms? Here's an interesting way to find out at Zacks.com

Of the10 top firms with a 5-year track record, you would have placed 7th, outperforming such big wigs as Goldman Sacks (3.64%) and A.G. Edwards (2.35%).

This is their 5-year average!

Subtract inflation of around 2.5% and taxes and we're talking negative wealth growth.

The top performer, Charles Schwab, turned in a respectable 12.95%, but given the risk of common stock investing, this isn't exactly knocking the ball out of the park.

Here's a strategy for improving your investment performance and beating even Charles Schwab, with NO risk and NO taxes.

Five years ago, if, instead of investing in an S&P Index Fund, or giving your money to Charles Schwab or, heaven forbid, Goldman Sachs, you started paying off your debts as fast as you could, where would you be today?

You'd be free of all of your consumer debts!

All of your credit cards -- average 14% -- would be paid off. All of your student loans -- average 7.14% -- would be paid off. All of your car loans -- average 7% -- would be paid off. And you'd be 2 years away from completely paying off your mortgage.

Your five year average return? It's exactly equal to the interest rates on the debts you pay off fast. So, if you have credit card debt averaging 14%, your investment performance would be even better than Charles Schwab. Plus, there are no performance diluting fees or taxes, and your return is guaranteed.

Greg Moore is the Architect of the Debt Freedom System, "DebtIntoWealth -- Lessons from My Journey to Debt Freedom."

Free Lesson #1 - Debt Freedom Course

Pay off all of your debt in 5-7 years using the money you already make. Find out why financial guru and best-selling author, Suze Orman, is advising her millions of followers to "Pay Everything Off as Fast As Possible!"

FRUGAL HOME COMMUNICATIONS

Cell Phones, Long Distance, Prepaid Phone Cards & Internet Service Plans for Cellular Phones

3.9 cent Long Distance With No Access Numbers to Dial
Prepaid Phone Cards
Internet Service
No hidden fees or charges!

Shop for Long Distance, Cell Phone & Internet Service

FRUGAL FASHION

How to Be Glamorous on a Dime
From WikiHow.com

You look at other women and wonder how do they put it all together? They must spend a fortune to look that way. . . the beautiful clothes, shoes, and make-up. Well the secret to looking gorgeous without breaking the bank is quite simple. It might take a little time, but it is worth it.

How-to Steps

1. Piece your outfits together correctly. You don't have to spend hundreds of dollars on the latest trends that are going to be out of style in a couple of months anyway. There are three staples in a women's wardrobe: black pants, crisp white shirt, and the little black dress. They can carry you for years. Black pants can be topped off with beautiful dress shirts for a more glamourous look, or with a simple v-neck for a more casual look. Buy classic pieces.

2. Use your imagination. For example, right now embellishment is the big thing for summer. Instead of going into a boutique and paying $50.00, $70.00, or who knows how much more, instead go into your local fabric store. Check for lace, sequins, or anything you can think of. Take a tank top and glitz it up for the fraction of the price, top it off with a pair of jeans and you're good to go. Look through your current wardrobe and try to make it look different. Take a regular solid colored skirt and add a ribbon bow. Imagination is the key.

3. Go thrift shopping. No, it's not a bad word. You would be really surprised what you can find. Purses, dresses, skirts. It may take a little time, but look through the racks, you never know the gem that's waiting for you. If you really don't feel it's for you, buy specials. Clearance sales are good, and buy at the end of every season, the price is marked down quite considerably. But don't just buy something because it's on sale. Try it on and see if you like the way the garment fits.

4. Pluck or wax your eyebrows. This looks clean and gives you an instant new look.

5. Remember that costume jewelry is a frugal girl's best friend. This can change the whole look of an outfit. Remember that simple black dress. Well the right jewelry can take it from office day to fun evening.

6. Know that a little make-up goes a long way. Glamorous women often do not appear to have make-up on, but they do. Being glamourous is looking like you rolled out of the bed looking fabulous. Avoid too much make-up and overly done hair.

7. Get some soft waves or curls for a natural look. If your hair is very straight go with it and have some interesting layers cut so you really can roll out of bed with it.

Tips

* Fashion does not have to break the bank. Swap clothes with friends.
* Learn to sew you will save a lot of money.
* Fashion is what suits you, not the model in the magazine. While it is okay to get ideas from a magazine, only fashion victims follow it to the letter. Be an individual.
* Get fit and healthy.
* Be confident, not arrogant.

Warnings

* Try not to be too trendy. Remember, fashion should be fun. Don't be a slave to it.

FRUGAL SHOPPING

More Than Half of Americans Polled Admit to Re-gifting

Wrapping up that unwanted picture frame from last Christmas and giving it to someone else as a gift might not be as taboo as it once was. A survey found that over half of the respondents admitted to "re-gifting" with passing on gifts becoming a far more common and acceptable phenomenon. 78 percent of consumers who were polled felt that it was acceptable to re-gift some or most of the time. According to the survey, the mostly commonly re-gifted items were decorative household items, such as vases, paintings, picture frames and other trinkets. 77 percent of respondents said they re-gifted because the item was perfectly suited to the new recipient. The study showed that 9 percent of people admitted they re-gifted out of laziness to purchase a new gift and 4 percent confessed that they re- gifted out of dislike for the recipient.

Source: Reuters News

eBates.com

Don't forget eBates.com where you can shop and earn rebate checks. They send you a cash check. You can shop at over 800 stores and besides the rebates, some stores have exclusive coupons, free shipping offers, and limited-time sales!

You get $5 just for joining and if your friends sign up and use it, you will get $5 for every referred user. Nice way to earn extra shopping dollars. If you choose to sign up and use eBates, we'll be using the bucks on our ISP service to continue to provide you with this newsletter. The rebates are up to 25% off. Pretty cool!

Here's the eBates link

Make Your Own Cleaning, Health, Bath and Beauty Products
Essential oil kits allow you to make your own safe non-chemical home and beauty products. Making your home less toxic for yourself, children and pets. Health, Home and Beauty Essential Oil Kit

FRUGAL PETS

Natural Remedies and Herbal Heartworm Programs

Robin Sockness has worked with thousands of pets over the many years we have referred to her. She's great at what she does because she's seen such great success with her own pets and those she has helped. Herbs are safer and less expensive so it's a win-win situation for all. Herbal prevention programs available also. Get more information on Robin.

Healthy Pet Foods

Pet food ingredients can create a lot of health problems for our pets, and that can cost a lot of money with recurring health issues feeding the pockets of our veterinarians. Be an informed pet owner when it comes to what's in pet foods. You already know that you feel better if you eat right. Help them to feel better too.

Information Links for Pets

Healthy Pet Corner provides informational links for dogs, cats, birds, horses, rabbits, and reptiles. Visit Healthy Pet Corner now.

Free Samples of Pet Food, Supplements and Treats

We now have free samples at our Healthy Pet Net website. Get a free sample pack that offers 3 products for dogs and 4 products for cats which includes the new Distinctive Choice canned cat food. These products are formulated by nationally recognized holistic veterinarian and author, Dr. Jane Bicks. Our cat, Squeek, loves the food. We also give her the treats that are designed to keep hairballs from forming. You'll even get a sample of the vitamin supplements for dog or cat. There is a $2.95 shipping fee and quantities are limited. Visit the site now and order your free samples

FRUGAL TIPS

Saving Money, Saving Energy

Here are five easy things you can do suggested by Consumer Reports:

1. Turn down the heat during winter. Lower the thermostat 5 to 10 degrees when you're sleeping or out of the house; a 10 degree decrease can cut your heating bill by as much as 20 percent.

2. Let the dishwasher do the work. Don't bother pre-rinsing dishes. Consumer Reports has found that this added step can waste 20 gallons of heated water each day.

3. Put your PC to sleep. Keeping your computer and monitor in sleep mode can cut your energy use by as much as 80 percent. To find out how to put a PC with Windows XP to sleep, click here (for other versions of Windows, click on the link and search the site for that version); to put an Apple computer to sleep, click here.

4. Set your water heater to 120 degrees. It can save up to 10 percent in water-heating costs compared to a 140 degree setting.

5. Don't overdry your laundry. Clothes will need less ironing and hold up better if you remove them when they're just a bit damp. Or better yet, consider using a clothesline or drying rack. Hanging even some of your clothing items can help you save energy.

Source: Consumer Reports Greener Choices - Great website and free newsletter.


FRUGAL LEARNING

Singing Success At-Home Study Course

The Singing Success Vocal Training Program, by celebrity vocal coach Brett Manning, is the only vocal training program that guarantees a full octave increase in your vocal range. And you can do it at home. You'll learn to sing as easily as you speak, completely eliminating vocal strain, and you will learn to master the techniques of vocal style, including runs, licks and trills. 100% guaranteed. Get a full refund if it doesn't do all it promises. The best thing about it is that you can try it out and send it back for a full refund if it doesn't do all it promises to do. Read more about the Singing Success Program.

WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE FORUM

Give your advice for these questions at the Frugal Life Community Forum.

Critters Forum

1. Lately I have had a problem with stray dogs pooping in my yard.How can I deter them?
Also having trouble with cats in my garden,how can I keep them out? I've heard of cayenne but how often would I need to put it down, doesn't water wash cayenne away very quickly?

Do-It-Yourself Forum

1.I want to remove the writing but keep the picture on a nice T shirt. Has anyone tried to hot iron it off? Or used a chemical? Anything? Thanks

Gardening Forum

I would like to know if there is an inexpensive recipe for a soil sterilizer. I have a lot of trouble with unwanted vegetation in my walkways and driveways. I have seen recipes for vegetation killer on this site but I need something long lasting. Thanx ---- Gadget

Miscellaneous Forum

For years I have used plastic taps to reduce wear on the heels of my shoes. I used to buy them from a company called Hale Heels. They went out of business a few years ago. Does anyone where I can buy these taps?? They're like the old metal ones you used to put on the heels of shoes, but they're plastic. Thanks

HOME BUSINESS IDEAS

Nature's Sunshine Herbs and Supplements

Make Your Own Bath & Beauty Products

Flint River Ranch Oven Baked Pet Foods

Healthy Pet Net Foods and Supplements

FORWARD TO A FRIEND

If you enjoyed what you read today, please forward this newsletter to your friends by clicking on the white envelope below --- or send them the link to this site.

COPYRIGHT, LEGAL DISCLAIMER & REPRINT INFO

© 2006 Randal J. Watkins

Information in The Frugal Life News (TFL) has been derived from sources believed accurate and reliable. In no event shall *The Frugal Life,* Randal Watkins, or the corporate sponsor, Sunshine Life Center, Inc. staff be liable for any damages whatsoever resulting from any action arising in connection with the use of information herein.

There is no remuneration for suggestions, tips, or ideas submitted by readers. All suggestions, tips, and ideas, submitted for publication in The Frugal Life, become the property of The Frugal Life, notwithstanding similar rights of the reader submitting such suggestions, tips, or ideas. TFL publishes readers' names with their suggestions, tips, and ideas unless a reader requests otherwise at the time of the submission.

Forwarding and Use of This Newsletter You may forward this newsletter in its entirety and/or use this copyrighted newsletter on a website if you include the following credit:

Editor, Randal J. Watkins, of TheFrugalLife.com, provides this free newsletter to subscribers. Visit The Frugal Life website to subscribe or find frugal information to live well on what you already have. http://www.thefrugallife.com

A NOTE FROM RANDAL

Hello Everyone,

Welcome new subscribers and thanks to all of you who have been sharing The Frugal Life News with others!

We just received a notice of a new website that should be of interest to everyone:

www.mygrocerydeals.com just recently launched and is now live nationwide. We are a free, time and money saving service, that allows consumers to go online, do their pre shopping based on advertised grocery flyer specials, look at nutritional information, create their shopping list and then head out to their selected store(s) with list in hand. Visit their site to sign up and get started.

Donna, has just signed up and I encourage you to use the resource too.

Frugally yours,
Randal

FRUGAL FINANCES

The Pension Protection Act of 2006...

Financial planners and Investment advisers are all giddy about a change for employees of companies offering 401K plans following the signing into law on August 17 of the 900-page Pension Protection Act of 2006.

www.snipurl.com/ppa2006

Employers can now **automatically** enroll their employees into the company 401K plan. Employees must **opt-out** to regain control of their paycheck.

This is lauded as a method for increasing employee participation in their own retirement planning without regard for whether the employee has other plans for their money.

It's also a potentially huge source of revenue for qualified "fiduciary advisers:"

"...qualified 'fiduciary advisers' are allowed to offer personally tailored professional investment advice to help employees manage their 401(k) plans... The fiduciary adviser may be affiliated with the investment funds offered in a 401(k) plan but would have to meet disclosure, qualification, and other self-dealing safeguards."

Does business and government believe employees are complete ignoramuses?

There used to be a retirement concept called, "Defined Benefit," where an employer provided -- and funded -- pensions for the benefit of workers who gave their lives to the company.

This worked well for a while, until companies started defaulting on their pension promises through bankruptcy or competition-induced cost cutting.

Congress thought this was bad for workers, so they created 401Ks, giving workers the **option** of supplementing employer pensions with their own money... so called, "Defined Contribution," plans.

And now we've come to this... where employers **automatically** enroll employees into Defined Contribution plans, requiring employees to use their money to fund an employer forced, but not funded, retirement.

Sure, some employers sprinkle a few percent as matching contribution, but this is **optional**, and it's not even close to former pension funding.

So... employers escape the cost of pension funding and bear no responsibility for 401K investment results while appearing to support a retirement plan for their employees.

Smart!

Oh, and remember, the way 401Ks are regulated, the more participation by lower paid employees, the greater contribution permitted by larger salaried employees... i.e., executives.

Very smart!

If your company offers a 401K, watch for this automatic wealth transference purportedly for your benefit as an employee incapable of making this determination for yourself. If you're currently using this portion of your salary for other purposes, you must proactively opt-out of this plan to get them to stop.

What can you do about the funds captured before you've had a chance to opt-out?

The law is silent on this matter.

Greg Moore is the Architect of the Debt Freedom System, "DebtIntoWealth -- Lessons from My Journey to Debt Freedom."

Free Lesson #1 - Debt Freedom Course

Pay off all of your debt in 5-7 years using the money you already make. Find out why financial guru and best-selling author, Suze Orman, is advising her millions of followers to "Pay Everything Off as Fast As Possible!"

FRUGAL HOME COMMUNICATIONS

Cell Phones, Long Distance, Prepaid Phone Cards & Internet Service Plans for Cellular Phones

3.9 cent Long Distance With No Access Numbers to Dial
Prepaid Phone Cards
Internet Service
No hidden fees or charges!

Shop for Long Distance, Cell Phone & Internet Service

FRUGAL GARDEN

Growing an Indoor Herb Garden

It's that time of year when you are winding down in the garden and looking forward to winter. You can still garden indoors and an herb garden is a lot of fun and really greens up winter in the home, besides providing fresh herbs for those delicious warm winter soups.

Here's an article by Kate Gilby to tell you how it's done:

FRUGAL SHOPPING

eBates.com

Don't forget eBates.com where you can shop and earn rebate checks. They send you a cash check. You can shop at over 800 stores and besides the rebates, some stores have exclusive coupons, free shipping offers, and limited-time sales!

You get $5 just for joining and if your friends sign up and use it, you will get $5 for every referred user. Nice way to earn extra shopping dollars. If you choose to sign up and use eBates, we'll be using the bucks on our ISP service to continue to provide you with this newsletter. The rebates are up to 25% off. Pretty cool!

Here's the eBates link

Make Your Own Cleaning, Health, Bath and Beauty Products
Essential oil kits allow you to make your own safe non-chemical home and beauty products. Making your home less toxic for yourself, children and pets. Health, Home and Beauty Essential Oil Kit

FRUGAL PETS

Natural Remedies and Herbal Heartworm Programs

Robin Sockness has worked with thousands of pets over the many years we have referred to her. She's great at what she does because she's seen such great success with her own pets and those she has helped. Herbs are safer and less expensive so it's a win-win situation for all. Herbal prevention programs available also. Get more information on Robin.

Healthy Pet Foods

Pet food ingredients can create a lot of health problems for our pets, and that can cost a lot of money with recurring health issues feeding the pockets of our veterinarians. Be an informed pet owner when it comes to what's in pet foods. You already know that you feel better if you eat right. Help them to feel better too.

Information Links for Pets

Healthy Pet Corner provides informational links for dogs, cats, birds, horses, rabbits, and reptiles. Visit Healthy Pet Corner now.

Free Samples of Pet Food, Supplements and Treats

We now have free samples at our Healthy Pet Net website. Get a free sample pack that offers 3 products for dogs and 4 products for cats which includes the new Distinctive Choice canned cat food. These products are formulated by nationally recognized holistic veterinarian and author, Dr. Jane Bicks. Our cat, Squeek, loves the food. We also give her the treats that are designed to keep hairballs from forming. You'll even get a sample of the vitamin supplements for dog or cat. There is a $2.95 shipping fee and quantities are limited. Visit the site now and order your free samples

FRUGAL TIPS

Finding New Life for Old Clothes and Shoes

Have you seen the piles of clothing when you drop off bags at the Salvation Army or Goodwill ... the larger organizations that take donated household items? It's very discouraging to realize that much of our "stuff" goes into warehouses. It gives me a feeling of not having done anything by donating.

Why not try something different?

Dress for Success takes women's suits, shoes and briefcases, which are passed on to economically disadvantaged women entering the professional world. www.dressforsuccess.org/how_to_donate/suits.asp

Jobs for Youth, a Chicago-based organization helps young women and men from low-income backgrounds integrate into the business world. They take donations of men's and women's business clothing.
www.jfychicago.org/volunteer/vol_clothing.html

Fairy Godmothers (NY, VA and PA) takes gowns, shoes and accessories to provide girls, who are unable to afford outfits for their proms, a chance to go. After all isn't that what fairy godmothers are for? http://www.fairygodmothersinc.com/donate/index.html Enchanted Closet in Atlanta or Princess Project in San Francisco are similar organizations.

One World Running provides running shoes and gear, soccer cleats, and baseball equipment to athletes in Africa, Central America and Haiti.

If your shoes are still wearable, this is a great place to recycle them.
www.boulderrunning.com/oneworldrunning/about.php

If your shoes aren't wearable, send them to Nike (no matter what the brand) to be ground up and recycled as playground mats, basketball courts and running tracks. Better use than the landfill, eh!?
www.nikereuseashoe.com

FRUGAL LEARNING

Singing Success At-Home Study Course

The Singing Success Vocal Training Program, by celebrity vocal coach Brett Manning, is the only vocal training program that guarantees a full octave increase in your vocal range. And you can do it at home. You'll learn to sing as easily as you speak, completely eliminating vocal strain, and you will learn to master the techniques of vocal style, including runs, licks and trills. 100% guaranteed. Get a full refund if it doesn't do all it promises. The best thing about it is that you can try it out and send it back for a full refund if it doesn't do all it promises to do. Read more about the Singing Success Program.

WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE FORUM

Give your advice for these questions at the Frugal Life Community Forum.

Cooking Forum

1. Hi everyone! I'm new here! Just wondered if anyone had a recipe for kitty treats. I have several for home made dog biscuits but wanted to try something for cats. Thanks Mari

2. I am "ancient of days" and live alone and HATE to cook. It seems like such a waste of time. Does anyone have any good easy, fast, lo-cal recipes or suggestions? Thanks. Sewpink

Do-It-Yourself Forum

1. I desperately need some frugal help- 8 weeks ago I opened the kitchen faucet and could get no water- tried the whole house- no water. To make a long story short I called a plumber and found out the house has a sand point not a well and that the pipe has a hole in it- it could not pump watre to the house so the water pump birned up and the pressure tank has developed a hole. The plumber said I need to have a well drilled and replace pump and pressure tank- cost 8,000.00 Went to several banks and can not get a loan- we make 29,500 for three people and this is too much to qualify for government assistance. At this point We have been 8 weeks without running water, any suggestiond would be appreciated! I need help! Thanks

HOME BUSINESS IDEAS

Nature's Sunshine Herbs and Supplements

Make Your Own Bath & Beauty Products

Flint River Ranch Oven Baked Pet Foods

Healthy Pet Net Foods and Supplements

FORWARD TO A FRIEND

If you enjoyed what you read today, please forward this newsletter to your friends by clicking on the white envelope below --- or send them the link to this site.

COPYRIGHT, LEGAL DISCLAIMER & REPRINT INFO

© 2006 Randal J. Watkins

Information in The Frugal Life News (TFL) has been derived from sources believed accurate and reliable. In no event shall *The Frugal Life,* Randal Watkins, or the corporate sponsor, Sunshine Life Center, Inc. staff be liable for any damages whatsoever resulting from any action arising in connection with the use of information herein.

There is no remuneration for suggestions, tips, or ideas submitted by readers. All suggestions, tips, and ideas, submitted for publication in The Frugal Life, become the property of The Frugal Life, notwithstanding similar rights of the reader submitting such suggestions, tips, or ideas. TFL publishes readers' names with their suggestions, tips, and ideas unless a reader requests otherwise at the time of the submission.

Forwarding and Use of This Newsletter You may forward this newsletter in its entirety and/or use this copyrighted newsletter on a website if you include the following credit:

Editor, Randal J. Watkins, of TheFrugalLife.com, provides this free newsletter to subscribers. Visit The Frugal Life website to subscribe or find frugal information to live well on what you already have. http://www.thefrugallife.com