tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39913225757340685212024-03-05T19:12:08.463-06:00Mr. ShoestringIf you're living on a shoestring budget and are looking for ways to stretch your dollars, to learn DIY tips, or put a little extra dough in your pocket, you've come to the right place.Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.comBlogger178125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991322575734068521.post-56250210558756492642018-07-05T12:04:00.003-05:002018-07-05T12:04:55.493-05:00Quick way to get sale-priced meat products AFTER the sales is overI was in the grocery store the other day, the day after their ground beef was on sale.<br />
Their current price was nearly double the sale price.<br />
No, I didn't want to have to pay the higher price if I could help it.<br />
Know what I did?<br />
I looked through the other shelves of ground beef. Know what I found? Packages of ground beef already marked as the sale price from the previous week.<br />
Since most meat departments print the labels ahead of time, most don't go back and "fix" them for the higher price. It paid for me to be persistent and look around for packages already marked lower.Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991322575734068521.post-22582534718054302032016-06-22T06:00:00.000-05:002016-06-22T06:00:39.067-05:00Tips from Dave Ramsey on saving money for your upcoming weddingIn a <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/blog/ways-to-save-on-top-wedding-costs?et_cid=5511433&et_rid=24925efdcda1eb028041a0e74b7e4b08&linkid=Art3Title">recent article from Dave Ramsey</a>, he lists a variety of creative ways to save money on your upcoming wedding.<br />
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According to the top wedding sites, the average wedding can cost between $20,000-$30,000. And that's from a one-day shindig. Recent college graduates, who went through the whole student loan route, have roughly this amount after four years.<br />
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From the venue to the honeymoon, Ramsey lays out tips to save money on your special day. <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/blog/ways-to-save-on-top-wedding-costs?et_cid=5511433&et_rid=24925efdcda1eb028041a0e74b7e4b08&linkid=Art3Title">Check out the article here.</a><br />
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Along with the article, I also have my ebook <a href="http://marksrpeterson.com/?mbt_book=debt-free-99-ways-memorable-wedding-shoestring-budget">Debt Free I Do: 99 Ways To Have A Memorable Wedding On A Shoestring Budget</a> where I lay out more tips.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlXxjnIIqk9745p4s_G6uu5-tRiHUTZfwb8BUANW9kKfo0OT_DJDrlsvFqgq7QYf33wGmcJbwiBOmwYtnsrS8QGosrgwBz5Mt_M9u1mVOOXzaRtlsThJhDkGqfluQV7HGxOt-vnoZpBEO/s1600/weddingEbook1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZlXxjnIIqk9745p4s_G6uu5-tRiHUTZfwb8BUANW9kKfo0OT_DJDrlsvFqgq7QYf33wGmcJbwiBOmwYtnsrS8QGosrgwBz5Mt_M9u1mVOOXzaRtlsThJhDkGqfluQV7HGxOt-vnoZpBEO/s320/weddingEbook1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://marksrpeterson.com/?mbt_book=debt-free-99-ways-memorable-wedding-shoestring-budget">Here's a link for my site, where you can pick up the ebook from your favorite e-retailer.</a><br />
Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991322575734068521.post-90515445540215796742016-06-04T07:00:00.000-05:002016-06-04T07:00:22.821-05:00Tales of a diabetic father: be overly prepared when travelingDuring the Christmas break 2013, my family and in-laws took a long vacation to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.<br />
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And with two diabetic kids to pack for, this was quite a feat.<br />
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I will expand on this in the near-future, but there is one thing I must advise right now: over-prepare when packing supplies for diabetics. I can't stress this enough. Whatever you think you need, pack a little more.<br />
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Both of my diabetes kids have Medtronic insulin pumps, and the various pieces of equipment needed is mind-boggling. I thought I had packed enough reservoirs for the trip--a little tube to hold insulin inside the pump. But, on our first day out, my son's needed changing because he ran out. Now, luckily, I packed two full bottles of insulin, but I stupidly only packed two reservoirs. I thought I had packed more.<br />
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Needless to say, I was able to reuse the reservoirs by utilizing the detachable pieces that go onto them, but that doesn't excuse the fact that I should've been more prepared. We have another big trip around mid-February and I will make a note to bring with several extra.<br />
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A rule of thumb I now use is this: whatever I think I need, either double the amount or at least increase by fifty-percent. If you think one full bottle of insulin is enough, add another one just to be safe.Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991322575734068521.post-14948206855900483722016-05-28T07:00:00.000-05:002016-05-28T07:00:16.242-05:00Tales of a diabetic father: the importance of having extra suppliesQuite a number of years ago, we've helped another diabetic family--whom we didn't know at the time--because they were in a crisis.<br />
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Long story short, their son's insulin pump broke and Medtronics was overnighting a pump to them. In the meantime, they had to inject insulin the old-fashioned way (at least for us who happen to rely on pumps to do everything): with a syringe. They were also out of town, far from home, and didn't know anyone nearby to help out.<br />
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Luckily, the EMT worker who assisted them was a friend of ours and called us up. We had extra supplies we were able to provide for them, to get them through their crisis.<br />
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As a father who deals with diabetic children all the time, the amount of supplies we have on hand can be daunting. There are times when you wonder why in the world you even have it all. Once again, the events this past Saturday proved why we do.<br />
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We were able to pay it forward.<br />
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Because so many people have helped us out in a pinch along the way.Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991322575734068521.post-25466092621219899822016-05-21T07:00:00.000-05:002016-05-21T07:00:03.516-05:00Tales of a diabetic father: dealing with rebellionRebellion for a young diabetic all comes down to control. They want some. Especially in a world where they seem to have none.<br />
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They're being controlled in what they eat, what they can do, what they can drink. Virtually their entire life is turned upside-down due to this disorder.<br />
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So they rebel.<br />
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Food seems to be the one area where young diabetics rebel first. This can either be two-fold: they refuse to eat or they sneak/horde food. Both can be dealt with easily enough, but you need patience. Remember, we're talking about control here. If the diabetic perceives they're more in control, the less apt they are to rebel.<br />
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Refusing to eat can be dealt with simply making something they like. You need to be reasonable, of course. You just can't let them eat chocolate cake all they want. Our oldest son has never liked mashed potatoes. So, whenever mashed potatoes are on the menu, we make him a baked potato--which he likes. Go figure.<br />
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Sneaking and hording food is a bit more difficult, as you have to be constantly vigilant. As our son's dietician said to us, "Feed him until he's full." So, we feed him until he's full. Then, when we catch him not sneaking food, we praise him. We remind him if he does. It's difficult not to get angry, especially when you're on a strict budget. Ask your dietician for ideas on how to make your little one more full.Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991322575734068521.post-9160788387521122312016-05-14T07:00:00.001-05:002016-05-14T07:00:13.882-05:00Tales of a diabetic father: the dangers of complacency in diabetes (and what we can learn from a Matthew Broderick movie)A number of years ago, our family had a major medical emergency: we lost our daughter's insulin pump somewhere between our local pool, my sister-in-law's van, and our house. Needless to say, we were in a panic.<br />
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I'll spare the details of the ordeal, but rest assured we found the pump by our front door--amidst a pile of shoes in the corner--the next morning. For a good 12+ hours, we had to rely on insulin pens (which my daughter hated!) to deliver insulin and kept an all-night vigil every 2-3 hours.<br />
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We became a victim of complacency. And for diabetics, this is a very bad place to be. Instead of constantly wanting to know where the pump was and making sure she wears it at all times, we fell into a mode that could've turned out dangerous.<br />
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Raising diabetic children requires us parents to have a constant vigil. I'm reminded of the Matthew Broderick movie from 1983 called <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WarGames">War Games.</a><em>. </em>In particular, the DEFCON mode of the country, with DEFCON 5 being completely safe and DEFCON 1 being World War III. Dealing with diabetes requires parents to be constantly in that DEFCON 2 or 3 mode, and ready to move to 1 at a moment's notice.<br />
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Even though emergencies may be far and few between, they can happen. And many of those times can be preventable, as we become victims of complacency.Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991322575734068521.post-2341412800682927352016-05-14T07:00:00.000-05:002016-05-14T07:00:24.122-05:00Tales of a diabetic father: packing extra for tripsThree years ago, over the Fourth of July, I took my wife and our oldest son to Rochester, MN, as my wife had an appointment at the Mayo Clinic.<br />
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Our son has type 1 diabetes. He is on a Medtronic pump, and has been for over ten years. And there is one thing about pump-users: there is a lot of equipment to bring. Even for an overnight trip, like this one was, we still had to bring an extra reservoir full of insulin and 2-3 infusion sets, just in case.<br />
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Because you never know when things go wrong. Even if you're not a pump-user, things can still go wrong. Sometimes we over-prepare for trips, and feel stupid for doing so, but when the crap hits the fan we're glad for the extra supplies.<br />
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I checked our son's insulin level on the reservoir before leaving. It was half-full, which should've been more than enough for the trip. It wasn't. As we left Rochester Friday, our son said, "Ah, Dad, I only have 3 hours left on the pump."<br />
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This was three hours with no bolus activity. Not good. Especially for a 7-8 hours trip.<br />
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Needless to say, we're glad we had the extra reservoir of insulin packed.Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991322575734068521.post-35103466085355905612016-05-07T07:00:00.000-05:002016-05-07T07:00:17.842-05:00Tales of a diabetic father: a math lesson for the younger diabetic childrenWhen our youngest daughter was in the first grade, she was having troubles with math. She wasn't failing. Lord, no. But she was having a little troubles with addition and subtraction.<br />
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Then, I decided to make a game out of her blood sugar checks.<br />
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Let's say we check her blood and her reading is: 145. I then ask her, "Okay, what's 1 plus 4 plus 5?"<br />
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She'll think and think . . . then say, "Ten!"<br />
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Yes! She is so proud of herself.<br />
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Now, so many months later, we still do it. It's a little game we play, which gets her to start thinking of addition in her head. There are times when she counts on her fingers. No problem. At least she's thinking about it.<br />
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And loves it!<br />
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Here's the cool part: it even gets her to remember what her blood sugar is afterwards too, later in the day.Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991322575734068521.post-75484381071230994932016-04-30T07:00:00.000-05:002016-04-30T07:00:16.802-05:00Tales of a diabetic father: the dangers of sugar tabsA few years ago, someone we know had a devastating experience. They had a counselor come into their home to help with their young child, as they thought the child may have a learning disability. In the counseling period, the counselor noticed some of the supplies for their older diabetic child was in easy reach of the younger child.<br />
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The counselor--although I'm sure who meant well, even though they were ignorant of the situation and could've been explained it with a simple conversation with the parents--contacted social services as she felt it posed a threat to the younger child. Social services, in turn, immediately stormed the family's home as if they were a S.W.A.T. team.<br />
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The supplies in question were sugar tabs.<br />
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In other words, in the hands of someone who is not diabetic, candy. Honestly, I've never tasted them but my children who are diabetic say it tastes like candy. Sugar tabs are used when diabetics have low blood glucose levels.<br />
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Do you need to be put them up and lock them away as if they were syringes or "finger poker" needles? No, that's absurd. When you need them the most is during low blood sugar times, which are stressful enough without having to question the location of these little buggers. I can see if it's a very young child and they're afraid of swallowing them. Yes, they could pose a danger then.<br />
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But the child in question was not.<br />
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Keep in mind the ignorance of others who do not have to deal with diabetes on a daily basis. Don't yell at them or put them down. They simply do not know.<br />
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Educate them. Repeatedly, if you have to.<br />
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Because ignorance is rampant when it comes to diabetes.Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991322575734068521.post-6273539534501303272016-04-23T07:00:00.000-05:002016-04-23T07:00:14.876-05:00Tales of a diabetic father: the importance of camps, for both the children and the parentsFor several years, our seventeen-year-old son has attended <a href="http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/parents-and-kids/ada-camps/camps/2013/sioux-1.html?utm_source=Offline&utm_medium=Print&utm_content=adacampsioux&utm_campaign=CAMP">Camp Sioux</a>--an American Diabetes Association sponsored camp just west of Park River, North Dakota. Our eight-year-old daughter went for the first time last year for the entire week. Prior to this, she has gone to their day camps, which have been typically on Tuesdays.<br />
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The day camps for the younger children are more personable for the parents, as we spend the entire day at the camp. The last time I went, two other families were in attendance, and I was struck by the notion that we've been battling type 1 diabetes with our children for a long time. My son was diagnosed in August 2001 (one month before the dreaded 9/11) and my daughter in November 2009.<br />
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Yes, a long time.<br />
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I was also struck by the notion that children with diabetes are alone in their battle. Typically, unless they live in a larger city, they may be the only one in school who has it. Hence the reason why diabetes camps, like Camp Sioux or Camp Needlepoint near the Twin Cities, is very important. The children not only bond with other diabetes children, they learn to be more independent in their diabetes care.<br />
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The two families I met both had children who were just recently diagnosed. They held some of the same fears as my wife and I had in the beginning--not that we still don't have fears, because the minute we let our guard down, life throws us a curve ball. As you can see, the camp is important for the parents too. I only wish there was more of a bonding time with the other parents who dropped their children off.<br />
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I'm sure they all have lessons to teach as well.Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991322575734068521.post-76308648879701894872014-04-05T08:00:00.000-05:002014-04-05T08:00:12.101-05:00Happy 2-year birthday to my very first ebook!Two years ago today, I published my very first ebook on the Amazon Kindle: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ways-Memorable-Wedding-Shoestring-Budget-ebook/dp/B007RKRHZW">99 Ways To Have A Memorable Wedding On A Shoestring Budget.</a><br />
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I published it as an experiment: could I do it?<br />
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That's all. It wasn't an earth-shattering manifesto nor was it intended to be.<br />
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I had a few people laugh and ask me why I could write such a book if I never planned a wedding. My answer is that this book isn't a wedding planning book. It shows 99 ways to cut costs on your wedding. Now, it only has one review--a two-star, also--which is disappointing because I've had a number of people e-mail me to thank me and to say how some of the ideas really did cut costs, for they were things they never thought of.<br />
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So, happy two-year birthday to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ways-Memorable-Wedding-Shoestring-Budget-ebook/dp/B007RKRHZW">99 Ways To Have A Memorable Wedding On A Shoestring Budget.</a><br />
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Also, I have decided to expand my publishing platform to both Smashwords and Kobo Books. Links are as follows:<br />
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<a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/424836">99 Ways on Smashwords</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/99-Ways-To-Have-Memorable/book-Ot_2pcUJOUyMX2tD_XPb9A/page1.html?s=vm0cP88-qk2gp822pHmsgw&r=1">99 Ways on Kobo Books</a><br />
Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991322575734068521.post-69046497590806559042014-01-08T08:00:00.000-06:002014-01-08T08:00:02.929-06:00My sticker-shock experience at Walt Disney World and Universal StudiosOver the Christmas holiday, my family and in-laws went to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. It was a blast--something I highly suggest everyone to experience at least once . . . quite often.<br />
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I will expand on this more, with detailed information on each park, but for now I must share my sticker-shock experience when it comes to paying for meals. This goes at both Universal Studios and Walt Disney World. Now, I'm not mad or even remotely upset at the cost of food. It's an experience and something you need to budget for. Your average kids meal--I highly recommend this if you bring kids--at most places run from $4.99 to $6.99 (this would be at the "$" restaurants - the "$$" and "$$$" places are much more expensive). For adults, double this.<br />
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My family of five had an average meal cost between $45-$55. The portions are more than generous. With this in mind, we budgeted between $100 and $150 each day for eating--this even included snacks. Most places we found accepted cash and debit/credit cards.<br />
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Our other family members--those who didn't come with us--gave our family Disney gift cards, which would be used all over the parks. This was also an added bonus, for it kept the amount of cash needed on us much lower.<br />
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So, when planning your Orlando vacation, over-budget for food. I know there's a meal plan available at Disney World, and we elected not to do so because we could get by with less. Shop around and compare if you feel your family could benefit from the meal plans or not.<br />
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And, most of all, have fun!Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991322575734068521.post-64831715257204438982014-01-07T22:15:00.004-06:002014-01-07T22:15:49.845-06:00A sure-fire way to keep your car running in sub-zero temperaturesI live in northwestern Minnesota, and the past few days this entire state has been in the national news. For what? For being cold.<br />
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Huh?<br />
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Cold is normal for us Minnesotans, but these past few days has been awful cold. I know plenty of people who start their vehicles in the morning, just before going to work, and . . . guess what? They don't run.<br />
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I sympathize. I've been there and gotten the T-shirt. However, after many failed winters and busted power steering hoses, I now have a sure-fire way to keep my vehicles running, even when it's forty and fifty below zero. I start my vehicles every 2-4 hours, depending on the temperatures, and let them run about 15-20 minutes. I don't have a car starter, but if you did, it sure would make life much easier.<br />
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Yes, it may mean taking up at two or three in the morning to start it, but wouldn't that be better than waking up to a dead battery?Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991322575734068521.post-38725340577552423922013-10-23T08:30:00.000-05:002013-10-23T08:30:04.468-05:00Wedding ebook gets a makeoverMy very first book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Memorable-Wedding-Shoestring-Budget-ebook/dp/B007RKRHZW/ref=la_B00CLJQL5G_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1382502206&sr=1-4">99 Ways To Have A Memorable Wedding On A Shoestring Budget</a>, has just recieved a cover makeover.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX19QmihnPjqoJ0SBqTydxmftx8PaTO1LktNQnii_sD5Z_Q23j07Ga9SefWnhRT4CB4w1ipGX2qO2XyywfiiFJMpK-TLXnhDp_H5D4ROOayF-gip6VguSPDrglzS-ESeEnurInDWGx6KLL/s1600/weddingEbook1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX19QmihnPjqoJ0SBqTydxmftx8PaTO1LktNQnii_sD5Z_Q23j07Ga9SefWnhRT4CB4w1ipGX2qO2XyywfiiFJMpK-TLXnhDp_H5D4ROOayF-gip6VguSPDrglzS-ESeEnurInDWGx6KLL/s320/weddingEbook1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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I had this one professionally done--instead of the disaster I produced before. I still sold quite a number of that copy, and hopefully this will sell a lot more.<br />
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Here's a link to the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Memorable-Wedding-Shoestring-Budget-ebook/dp/B007RKRHZW/ref=la_B00CLJQL5G_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1382502206&sr=1-4">Amazon Kindle site.</a> Also, if you could review it, that would be most appreciated. Right now there is a disappointing 2-star review, and although I agree some of the information is common sense, there are still enough unique tips to make it worthwhile. Besides, if it was common sense, then why wouldn't everyone who is trying to save money on a wedding do these?Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991322575734068521.post-86063376317962954072013-07-02T08:00:00.000-05:002013-07-02T08:00:07.960-05:00Avoid overdrafts at all costs.A recent <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/moneybuilder/2013/04/02/consumers-paid-32-billion-in-overdraft-fees-in-2012/">Forbes article</a> cited that in 2012, consumers in the United States paid $32 billion in overdraft fees.<br />
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If you didn't grasp that number, it's this: $32,000,000,000.00<br />
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A hell of a lot of zeros.<br />
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Avoid overdraft fees at all cost. Trust me, I've been there got the T-shirt. At one time, years ago, we were so overdrawn in our checking account that when it came time for payday, we ended up being less than thirty bucks in the black. Luckily, I had a part-time job that was going to be paid the next day, but it was still very unsettling.<br />
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Overdrafts are like quicksand. It's like a hole you can't quite seem to get out of without doing something drastic.<br />
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What did we do? My wife and I sat down at wrote out a detailed budget. We even quit paying on some of our bills so we could at least stay afloat. Our three kids needed to eat and we needed gas in the car. We cut what we could. We've always been an advocate for eating at home, so we just bought more on sale and only what we needed.<br />
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We also quit using the checkbook for a time. We literally put it in the freezer, and only took it out what we got it under control.<br />
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Then, we worked hard not to get back in that situation again.<br />
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What tricks have you done to keep yourself out of overdrafts?Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991322575734068521.post-52182713288584039212013-06-27T08:00:00.000-05:002013-06-27T08:00:03.839-05:00Being harassed by a debt collector? Try Collectionbully.comAre you being harassed non-stop by a debt collector?<br />
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Are they calling you multiple times at work, even when you've asked them to stop?<br />
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Have collection agencies threatened you with jail time?<br />
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If you feel like a debt collector has violated the law by harassment, then you need to get in touch with <a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/recommends/fair-debt/">Collection Bully.com</a><br />
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The link is right <a href="https://www.daveramsey.com/recommends/fair-debt/">here: www.collectionbully.com</a>Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991322575734068521.post-12566200187294050332013-06-21T08:00:00.000-05:002013-06-21T08:00:10.328-05:00Anniversary Time!Sixteen years ago on this date, I married my best friend Melissa.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn38SblZoi9yWOCQVM0s7nA0dO5IkPEwQjKEnWlafKFEOg5meFQZJq158mW1JS9jGN7Mf-MidrOlNlRFtAsUMELhnkHRHmApq2V5pTJ-mf3K81tGH5j1ZHZiLmIsifSARrAUlfSibxSS96/s1600/Wedding+Day+1997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn38SblZoi9yWOCQVM0s7nA0dO5IkPEwQjKEnWlafKFEOg5meFQZJq158mW1JS9jGN7Mf-MidrOlNlRFtAsUMELhnkHRHmApq2V5pTJ-mf3K81tGH5j1ZHZiLmIsifSARrAUlfSibxSS96/s320/Wedding+Day+1997.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Sixteen years later, we still attend this church--and by the same pastor who married us.<br />
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This is also the reason why I write everyday, and our simple wedding is the inspiration behind my ebook <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Memorable-Wedding-Shoestring-Budget-ebook/dp/B007RKRHZW">99 Ways To Have A Memorable Wedding On A Shoestring Budget.</a> Please give it a review. It's only $.99Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991322575734068521.post-27629718910036255542013-06-18T08:00:00.000-05:002013-06-18T08:00:04.527-05:00The hidden job description of a debt collector: to evoke and control your emotionsA debt collector called our house the other day, regarding one of my wife's credit cards that has been in default for a number of years.<br />
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(I must note here that my wife battled with leukemia two years ago, and was not feeling well in the years prior to this--not that we're proud of not paying a debt; we're not, and want to take care of it. But only when we're able to do so; also, she is still in a long recovery from the after effects of her illness).<br />
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I was at work when this call came in and my wife contacted me afterwards, saying they could take away the house and all of our possessions. I spent a great deal of energy calming her down, which only increased my heart rate.<br />
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I was pissed off!<br />
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The next day, when I was home, the butt-head collector calls again. This time . . . he got me! He gave me the same speech (I wish I had recorded it) and I told him he was a liar. I even told him that our financial counsellor said that all collectors are trained liars--he asked who my financial counsellor was and I said it was Dave Ramsey (you know, the guy from Nashville who has helped millions of people get out of debt). He had the nerve to ask who Dave Ramsey was!<br />
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Then, the guy went on a tirade again. I ended up telling him off and gave him a true blue %&@# send-off.<br />
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A thought occurred to me afterwards. He got a hold of my emotions. Big time. Not good.<br />
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If a collector calls and you honestly can't pay at that time, and are truly working on a plan, tell them you're working on it and hang up.<br />
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Don't let their tactics get the best of you. Which is to control your emotions.Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991322575734068521.post-8955349569720666432013-06-06T21:12:00.001-05:002013-06-06T21:12:44.783-05:00My harsh reaction to a dangerous Motley Fool article regarding Dave RamseyToday I discovered a disturbing article regarding financial guru <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/blog/dave-debates-the-motley-fool?ictid=text3.130606.davedebatestmf">Dave Ramsey.</a> I discovered this as I was perusing his website and came across <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/blog/dave-debates-the-motley-fool?ictid=text3.130606.davedebatestmf">a half-hour radio interview with the article writer from the Motley Fool.</a><br />
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I give the guy kudos for at least agreeing to go on the show and debate his views, and I equally give Dave kudos for not ripping the guy a new one--something he sorely needed.<br />
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The article in reference on the Motley Fool site is listed <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2013/06/03/dangerous-retirement-planning-advice-from-financia.aspx?source=isesitlnk0000001&mrr=1.00">here,</a> and the basic gist of his argument is regarding the 12% average rate of return the stock market has done since the mid 1920's. This supposedly causes people anxiety as they harp on with "Oh, you can't get 12% on your mutual funds!"<br />
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I have one word for this: bull.<br />
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The company I work for offers a 401(K) program, and in its mutual fund offerings I have four I am invested in. The average in the last 3 years (the furthest back the data provides unless I view the prospectus), one did a little less than 10%, two were are 13%, and one did 16%. I don't know about you, but that's a lot more than 12%. Besides, I looked at the information Wells Fargo gave us and ALL of the information they state advised that the average rate of return was 12%!<br />
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And here's my greatest contention in response to the "foolish" article: WHO CARES! You're splitting hairs and analyzing data to death, depending on how you want to look at it. This is why I hate following politics any longer, because when the government spews out data for something, you can analyze it fourteen different ways to Sunday and come up with a different analysis--this depends on which political party is in power and which news program you're watching.<br />
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Take Ramsey's teachings of never having a car payment. If you were to save for decades what you'd pay for in car payments, investing in mutual funds which have averaged 12% rate of return, it comes to 5-7 million dollars--and to top it off, Dave ALWAYS ends this statement with "And if I'm half right, you're still okay!"<br />
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I tried to comment on the Fool's article, but I could not without registering on their website--something I am not about to do. Because of this, I will not EVER visit their site nor purchase any of their products.<br />
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(Oh, by the way, the guy who wrote the article had NEVER attended his 9-week Financial Peace University course, had NEVER read any of his books--except for a few choice article in the <em>Total Money Makeover</em>--and was not a regular listener to Ramsey's show. I don't know about you, but if I was going to write an article trashing someone's views, I'd want to do a lot of research and read a lot on what that person said.)Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991322575734068521.post-7431054502933850012013-04-25T22:45:00.002-05:002013-04-25T22:45:39.405-05:00Goodbye, Chase Auto!Chase Auto is out of my life . . . FOREVER!<br />
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After far too long, we've been working through our major debt load and have, as of yesterday morning, paid off out van with Chase Auto.<br />
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The guy I talked to on the phone, to get our final payout total, was very nice. I will not fault him for at least having a job. But, as a whole, I hate Chase Auto! I am glad they are out of our lives forever!<br />
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Okay, let me be clear on this: I signed for the debt, nobody put a gun to my head, and even in January 2011 when the repo man came to take it away because we were three months behind--we got it back two weeks later, and <a href="http://mrshoestring.blogspot.com/2012/05/3-ways-to-deal-with-vehicle.html">this blog post on vehicle reposession</a> spells out our experiences with it--in a way we were thankful because it grounded us in the fact that we didn't want to play around with debt any longer.<br />
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Adios, Chase Auto!<br />
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Next time, I'll saving up and paying cash. No more car loans for this family!Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991322575734068521.post-54634151196015715502013-04-01T08:00:00.000-05:002013-04-01T08:00:00.717-05:00The Wedding Season Begins!The typical wedding season starts in April, five months from today.<br />
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Is your wedding being planned for the summer of 2013? If so, then you're probably already planning for it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVcUJ0LzmX8P2n0EjdTD8s1PJMHvNyGhXrzmUWNDKKwYfG1Dk1_k8PcPKr6leBNTkO5DvzdGweqGA6kYTT3b2ZvcNgk1fuLak_U-xYinkUAUhbuQr-jbO_MH_kKwD9XPd6x8glR5t2Q6A/s1600/wedding1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVcUJ0LzmX8P2n0EjdTD8s1PJMHvNyGhXrzmUWNDKKwYfG1Dk1_k8PcPKr6leBNTkO5DvzdGweqGA6kYTT3b2ZvcNgk1fuLak_U-xYinkUAUhbuQr-jbO_MH_kKwD9XPd6x8glR5t2Q6A/s1600/wedding1.jpg" /></a></div>
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If you wedding is in 2014 or later, there are many resources available on planning your wedding--many are listed by clicking the wedding tab along the side of this blog to sort through them all.<br />
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As always, one such is the ebook <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Memorable-Wedding-Shoestring-Budget-ebook/dp/B007RKRHZW">99 Ways To Have A Memorable Wedding On A Shoestring Budget</a> which is available through the Amazon Kindle site.Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991322575734068521.post-17444112795029030392013-03-19T08:00:00.000-05:002013-03-19T08:00:19.460-05:00$28,400 - average cost of wedding in 2012, according to CNNLast week, CNN Money announced that the average wedding in 2012 cost around $28,400. Here <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2013/03/10/pf/wedding-cost/index.html?section=money_pf&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fmoney_pf+%28Personal+Finance%29">the link to the March 10th article.</a> This total, however, depends on the locale of the wedding, and they make comparisons to those in Manhattan with those in Alaska.<br />
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Almost half of this amount is spent on the reception, with the other top five expenses being: engagement ring, reception band, photographer, and flowers/decor.<br />
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<a href="http://money.cnn.com/2013/03/10/pf/wedding-cost/index.html?section=money_pf&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fmoney_pf+%28Personal+Finance%29">The article</a> breaks down the changes in expenses when compared with those prior to the economic downturn in 2008, and they have some interesting results.<br />
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If this number seems extremely high for you--as it did for us almost 16 years ago--then check out several books on the subject of having a wedding on a budget. One such is my own publication, titled <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Memorable-Wedding-Shoestring-Budget-ebook/dp/B007RKRHZW">99 Ways To Have A Memorable Wedding On A Shoestring Budget</a>. It may seem like common sense, but then answer me this: why do so many couple never budget for their wedding and go deeply in debt for it? My book helps find ways of slashing the budget AND/OR finding ways of adding funds to do it debt free.Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991322575734068521.post-58120157249482426562013-03-12T08:00:00.000-05:002013-03-12T08:00:08.486-05:00Have a library card? Use OverDrive App for free ebooks and audiobooksHave a library card?<br />
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Good.<br />
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Want free ebooks and/or audiobooks?<br />
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Of course you do.<br />
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Then try out <a href="http://www.overdrive.com/">OverDrive</a>. <a href="http://www.overdrive.com/">OverDrive</a> is a service that allows libraries from across the country to download ebooks and audiobooks. Lending periods are typically either 7 or 14 days. I, personally, have just started using this service in the past few months, and I highly recommend it. I have the app for both my Kindle as well as my Droid (found on the Google Play store).<br />
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If you're like most people who love to read but cannot afford to buy as many books as you want, then try out <a href="http://www.overdrive.com/">OverDrive</a>.Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991322575734068521.post-73078411122047069852013-03-05T08:00:00.000-06:002013-03-05T08:00:00.287-06:00Got a late start on your monthly budget?Today is the 5th of March and I must ask you: did you start a monthly budget yet? You didn't. Instead of telling yourself, "I'll just wait until next month," start it now.<br />
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Having a plan for your money is the best way to get a handle on your expenses.<br />
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It doesn't have to be complicated. Take a piece of paper and write down all of your expenses, from debt to food to gas to miscellaneous.<br />
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Prioritize that list, from food, housing, and transportation costs at the top. At the bottom is your total debt and expenses. Minus your income from that total. If you're in the negative, you will have to go back and tweak something. If you have money left over, that's good.<br />
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But what to do with that left-over money?<br />
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Save. Give. Spend wisely. Get out of debt.Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3991322575734068521.post-1750567057102177762013-03-01T08:00:00.000-06:002013-03-01T08:00:02.669-06:00The Final Countdown . . . To The Wedding Season!I can almost hear the iconic sounds of the 80's rock band Europe and their famous song:<br />
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Yes, it is the final countdown before the start of the wedding season, one month from today. If you're planning a wedding, there are several resources listed on the WEDDING tab on this blog.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVcUJ0LzmX8P2n0EjdTD8s1PJMHvNyGhXrzmUWNDKKwYfG1Dk1_k8PcPKr6leBNTkO5DvzdGweqGA6kYTT3b2ZvcNgk1fuLak_U-xYinkUAUhbuQr-jbO_MH_kKwD9XPd6x8glR5t2Q6A/s1600/wedding1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVcUJ0LzmX8P2n0EjdTD8s1PJMHvNyGhXrzmUWNDKKwYfG1Dk1_k8PcPKr6leBNTkO5DvzdGweqGA6kYTT3b2ZvcNgk1fuLak_U-xYinkUAUhbuQr-jbO_MH_kKwD9XPd6x8glR5t2Q6A/s1600/wedding1.jpg" /></a></div>
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Another great resource is my ebook <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Memorable-Wedding-Shoestring-Budget-ebook/dp/B007RKRHZW">99 Ways To Have A Memorable Wedding On A Shoestring Budget</a> which is available through the Amazon Kindle site.Mark S. R. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11242646706856177306noreply@blogger.com0