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The Frugal Life News – 01/26/05

Archived Message of “The Frugal Life
News”

Published by The Frugal Life.com

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The Frugal Life News
January 26, 2005 Edition
https://www.thefrugallife.com

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A Note From Randal
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Hello Everyone,

Our forum has been busy this last few weeks. Looks like many of you have been keeping up with the new posts. We are grateful, without your input the forum would not be the helpful tool it has become.

tulips#2_reworked33

If you haven’t signed up do so today. We have great information and also it has become a great place to post a question and get a response very quickly too. Sign up directions are below in the newsletter.

We appreciate all of your sharing of our ezines and websites and hope this year turns out to be a great one for you and all those associated with you.

Frugally yours,

Randal

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Frugal Finances
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Getting Back On Your Debt Freedom Track in 2005!

Hi Greg,

I purchased your program several years ago and you have written several times. I have paid my student loans from $25,000 to $2,500 and gotten rid of a lot of debt. I am working towards the goal of being debt free.

I am “broke” most of the time, suffering from cash flow, or lack of it problems. I used to be a quicken freak but after the divorce I got away from it. I also have so much less to track now.

While I guess I should be out of debt by now, I’d rather go slowly than crash and burn. If I get too compulsive, then I go off on a spending spree.

How do I set up a budget and how do I get back on track?

Thanks, Kathie

Hi Kathie,

This is a great question to open the New Year.

First, I want to point out your glass is HALF FULL. You’ve paid off Thousands of dollars of debt. No small feat. Congratulate yourself!

Next, let’s talk about BROKE…

BROKE is good! Broke means you have no money, but when you get some, it will be yours. But, since you have debt, or more precisely, since your Liabilities exceed your Assets, you have to work your way up to BROKE.

When you have debt, and you get some money, it’s not yours. It belongs to Your creditors. You must turn it over to them. If you don’t believe me, try NOT Sending them this money when your debts come due.

Being broke is better than being in DEBT.

“Better to go to bed hungry than wake up in debt.” – Ben Franklin

I’m not a fan of traditional budgets, precisely because of the result you identify – too much compulsion leads to spending sprees. The old, “I owe it to myself…” excuse.

Instead, go ahead and build a Spending Plan for 2005. Pre-programmed Spending helps alleviate the feeling of deprivation. Using a Spending Plan, you determine how much you should spend each month to achieve your family’s goals in the areas Of Spirituality, Debt Freedom, Education, Leisure, Health, etc.

Contrast this with the traditional Budget, in which family goals are generally relegated to whatever is leftover after mandatory expenses. Your Spending Plan will also help with cash-flow problems.

To get back on track, start fresh. It’s a New Year. Make a brand spanking New Debt Freedom Plan in harmony with your Spending Plan. Collect all of your Current debt data, prioritize, and go as fast as you can but don’t hurry. If you Hurry you’ll make mistakes, lose focus, “crash and burn.”

Now that you’re back on track, don’t just stand there. Get moving!

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Frugal Gardening
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Take the time to clean houseplants. Take a damp cloth and wipe dust off of leaves. Run them under water a bit. This will keep them healthy and lively. Also check under leaves to make sure they are insect free.

During chilly winter nights, make sure that curtains and blinds are closed to give some insulation to the house plants nearby and prevent them from getting frost damage.

Take the time to prepare your garden tools for Spring. Sharpen and oil gardening tools such as cutters, shears, and shovels. Make sure that all the tools are still stored properly to prevent damage. Keeping tools in top condition will extend their life and save you money.

You may want to begin to lay out your plans for your Spring garden. By having a basic plan, you’ll know what plants and seeds to order from gardening catalogs when they arrive in the next month or so and keep you from over buying.

Best of luck in all your saving,

Jeffrey Strain

For more saving advice go here

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Simple Living
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Simple Benefits

Since ancient times, mankind has used pure plant essential oils for many benefits and uses. Some are antiviral, antimicrobial or antifungal. Others may soothe inflammation, relax tense muscles or enhance breathing.

Many popular products in stores today use additives and artificial fragrances. Discover how affordable it is to make your own products using 100% natural, pure essential oils.

Here’s what you can do with essential oils:

* Diffuse your favorite scent
* Mist and refresh
* Calming massage
* Luxurious baths
* Refreshing soap
* Facial care
* Body pampering
* Soothing pedicures
* Natural hair care
* Make your own perfume
* Chemical free home cleaning

Find recipes, pure oils and aromatherapy supplies here:
https://www.theherbsplace.com/essential_oil_recipes_sp_4/
Simple Benefits

Make Your Own Home And Beauty Products
Bath, Beauty, Perfumes, Cleaning and Air Freshener/Deodorizer

https://www.theherbsplace.com/essential_oil_recipes_sp_4/
Essential Oil Recipes

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Frugal Decorating
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Discovering Bonus Storage Space Right In Your Own Home – by Lois Breneman

All of us have probably said how we need more storage space in our homes. First of all, getting rid of all those things we really don’t need will cut way down on the needed storage space. Then how about investigating every available space in your home and putting it to good use if you are still in need of more storage space? In many cases it is available and just waiting to be found!
Here are some clues as to where you can discover extra bonus space right in your own home!

Hang a clear vinyl pocket organizer inside the linen closet to hold bandaids, small tubes of medications, a thermometer, ball syringes, etc. Everything will be easy to see and locate quickly when needed.

Hang another clear vinyl pocket organizer inside the coat closet for sunglasses, gloves, scarves, fold up umbrellas, etc.

Hang more clear vinyl pocket organizers inside your children’s closet doors, unless the doors are louvered. I’m sure you will agree that small things stored in these pockets are so much better than scattered all around their rooms!
And everything will all be visible through the clear vinyl!

For the rest of this article go here:
https://www.thefrugallife.com/bonus_storage.html
Bonus Storage

Deodorize While You Kill Bacteria and Viruses

Essential oils will make your home smell wonderful without the dangerous air freshener chemicals that have been in the news. The big bonus is that you also get the anti-microbial properties of essential plant oils so you can kill germs throughout your home without bleach and toxic cleaning products.

The AromaBall is a handy plug-in appliance with a ceramic plate that holds a small pad on which you add essential oils. Easy-to-use as a night light.

Get more info and/or purchase here:
https://www.theherbsplace.com/product/aromaball-plug-in-diffuser-p-2/
AromaBall for
Deodorizer and Anti-Microbial Home Defense

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Frugal Pets
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Herbal Heartworm Program and Prevention

Robin Sockness works with pet owners with an individualized program and has currently worked with over 300 dogs. Herbs are safer and less expensive so it’s a win-win situation for all. Prevention programs are available also.
Read more about it here: https://www.theherbsplace.com/bandit-s-heartworm-program/
Herbal Heartworm
Program & Prevention

Free Information, Free Ecards, and Pet Foods Too!

Healthy Pet Corner provides lots of information and links for birds, cats, dogs, horses, rabbits, and reptiles. https://www.healthypetcorner.com
Healthy Pet Corner – Your Pet
Portal

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Frugal Tips From Our Subscribers
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Save Your Fingernails

Ever spend too much time and lose too many fingernails trying to get the key ring apart to put on another key or to replace one you took off for the repair shop?

Putting on a new tag for your pets collar?

An easy way to do it is to grab a staple remover which will spread the rings apart to attach new keys or pet tags on their collars.

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What’s Going On In The Forum
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Maybe you can help these folks out with a few suggestions? Or post some of
your own questions. LOG-IN TO POST Here’s the link:
https://www.thefrugallife.com/bulletinboard.html
Forum

Questions Needing Answers At The Forum

Cleaning Forum
1. I am looking for a home made recipe for the dry carpet cleaner, similar to Host.  Something non-toxic for pets. Thanks!

Do-It-Yourself Forum
1. I am trying to find some directions to make cabins, furniture etc. with popsicle sticks. I remember making them as a kid in Canada but have searched literally hours now and have been unable to find any. Does anyone have any ideas? Jenna

Personal Care Forum
1. I read a lot of the information posted on the website and was wondering what type of olive oli do you apply on your skin? Organic? Virgin, extra virgin etc. Was just wondering if someone could steer me in the right direction before i buy my first bottle! Thanks

2. I noticed that many of you recommend witch hazel as a natural frugal astringent. I was wondering if it was diluted before application or does anyone have any other recommendations as to what can be added to it? Thanks

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Home Based Business Ideas
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Home Spa Party Plan – Make Bath and Body Products

Have you noticed how popular bath and pampering products have become? The HomeSpa Party Plan taps into that craze. Guests at HomeSpa parties will learn how to make bath salts, personalized perfumes, body spritzers and more using essential oils, while you make a nice income from Nature’s Sunshine.

Nature’s Sunshine Products – Herbs and Supplements

If you’ve been a natural health nut, you have a lot of information to share. Earn an income selling over 500 natural health products, beverages, essential oils, skin care systems, water filters, and more. Websites are also available for $15.95/month (plus an initial $19.95 set-up fee).
https://www.theherbsplace.com/rebate_program/
Nature’s Sunshine
Products

Life’s Abundance Foods and Supplements

Life’s Abundance products by Dr. Jane Bicks and Dr. Barry Sears who developed the Zone Diet for Overweight Dogs. Besides dog, cat and horse products, they have a non-toxic line of cleaning products – safe for pets and children. Websites available for $10.95/month (plus an initial $29.95 set-up fee).
https://lifesabundance.com/General/FieldRepSignUp/FieldRepApplication.aspx?realname=10037649&cat=4&hdr=&Ath=True&crt=0
Life’s Abundance

Life’s Abundance Health Products

Life’s Abundance People products are produced by the same company that produces Healthy Pet Net pet products. These products are backed by the same research and wisdom that has helped Life’s Abundance to become a leading edge manufacturer of quality products. Which in turn, assures you of having the best products to achieve the long-term wellness and quality of life you are seeking.

Find out more about these unique products here

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Legal Disclaimer
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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 TFL staff be liable for any damages whatsoever resulting from any action arising in connection with the use of information herein.

TFL does not knowingly accept ads from advertisers deemed detrimental to TFL’s readers, however, publication of an ad in TFL does not constitute an endorsement for such product or service.

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.

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