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June 2009

Are healthy foods really healthy?

 With much ado over the rising rates of obesity within our country, restaurants and food companies have responded with oodles of dishes and products that promise a healthier choice. What you should know is that not all of them are as good for you as they seem.

1. Turkey Burgers
It sounds like a great idea for cutting the fat, calories and cholesterol, while still enjoying the deliciousness of a restaurant burger. After all, turkey meat is lean.

While the latter sentiment is mostly true, you may not realize that a lot of restaurants use only dark meat turkey for their patties. This type of ground turkey can actually have more fat, calories, and cholesterol than a lean cut of beef, such as sirloin. Add any cheese and mayonnaise to that burger, and those numbers increase even more.

If a healthy and lean turkey burger is something you crave make sure that it is made primarily of ground breast meat. Leave off the cheese, ask for extra lettuce and tomato, and make sure it's served on a whole grain bun. Don't forget to substitute mustard for any mayo or mayonnaise-based dressing.

2. Wrap Sandwiches
They're everywhere you look and many are quite tempting. But, before you go ordering a wrap sandwich there are a few things you should know.

While it may be inconspicuous, the main issue is the wrap itself. Many restaurants use a flatbread product that is nothing more than an oversized tortilla filled with modified food starch and fat. Another problem with many of these flatbreads is that the overall surface space is huge. Greater surface space means that many wrapped sandwiches contain more mayo and fillings than a sandwich.

Opt instead for a regular-sized sandwich served on whole grain bread. Once again, fill it with lean meats and fresh vegetables, giving it the nutritional density to satisfy your appetite without adding fat or large amounts of cholesterol to your meal. In terms of condiments, mustard is generally low-calorie and fat free, making it a healthy choice. While the addition of olive oil and vinegar will include some healthy fat grams, a few sprinkles will go far in the way of flavor.

3. Reduced Fat or Fat Free Salad Dressing
Reduced fat or fat free salad dressing sounds like a fantastic idea. The truth is that these types of products generally substitute the fat with loads of sugar and artificial flavorings.

A far better choice is to lightly dress your salads with olive oil and either vinegar or lemon juice. The natural flavors of the fresh salad ingredients will come to life, as opposed to being masked by a cloyingly sweet dressing. Several studies have also shown that olive oil not only aids in digestion, but also the body's absorption of nutrients within raw vegetables.

4. Fruit Smoothies
The poster child for a healthy way to start your day has a lot of potential problems. To start, many smoothies are made with either ice cream or sherbet. It doesn't take a nutritionist to figure out that their inclusion will increase the calorie count of your "healthy" smoothie. It's important to remember that using ice cream will also increase the fat content.

Another issue is that some fruit smoothies include juices and flavored syrups made with high fructose corn syrup, which do nothing but add even more calories. Don't forget to consider the size of the smoothies you are consuming, as many can range upward of 24-ounces. Factor everything together and what you are left with is the perfect storm for a high-calorie beverage.

For a more figure friendly smoothie, make sure that it is made from 100 percent fruit. If a creamier or thinner texture is desired, non-fat plain yogurt and or skim milk are much healthier alternatives than ice cream, sherbet or concentrated fruit juice. Lastly, try to stick to servings that are no larger than 12-ounces.

5. Yogurt (fruit at the bottom)
Yogurt can be a very healthy snack, but diligent label reading is required. While there are many types to choose from, one that needs special attention is yogurt labeled as "fruit at the bottom". Many of these yogurt cups contain enough high fructose corn syrup to boost their sugar levels to that of a can of soda.

Choose instead to buy low-fat or fat-free plain yogurt and a basket of fresh berries. Mix them together and you'll cut the sugar and calories by half. You'll not only receive the healthy qualities of the yogurt, but also some powerful antioxidants provided by the fresh berries.

6. Granola
Granola can be a great source of fiber, but many types contain large amounts of fat and sugar. Once again, it's important to read your labels. A brand of high fiber cereal that we especially like is Kashi™. Offering a variety of options, Kashi™ cereals do a great job of providing fiber, protein and Omega-3 fatty acids, while keeping their fat and sugar levels quite low. They're also pretty darn delicious.

7. Bagels
Who doesn't love starting their day with a toasted bagel smeared with cream cheese? What you may not love – it's a breakfast consisting mainly of high-glycemic carbohydrates and fat. Most bagels are made with bleached enriched flour and cream cheese is a high fat product that most of us apply far more of than the suggested serving. The end result is a highly caloric meal that leaves you wanting even more.

A better choice here is a breakfast sandwich consisting of scrambled egg whites, whole grain bread and sliced fresh tomatoes. It's far more satisfying, as well as nutrient dense.

8. Dried Fruit
As of late, this has become a very popular snack food with new products rapidly appearing on grocery store shelves. But, there are a couple of problems with many of them.

For starters, the process of dehydration leaches out much of the fruit's volume. This allows for mass consumption of this delicious treat. The second issue has to do with the sugar that many companies add to these products. Put them together and the result is a potential for consuming a tremendous amount of sugar.

If a sweet, fruity snack is something you crave, we suggest enjoying a seasonal fresh piece of fruit. There's far more volume to fill you up without adding nearly the amount of sugar to your diet.

9. Energy Drinks, Vitamin Drinks, and Sports Drinks
There are all sorts of problems with many of these products. First on the list is the amount of sugar most of them contain. In addition, they are an overpriced way to deliver trace amounts of nutrients to your body.

In the case of energy drinks, you must be extremely careful. Most nutritionists would agree that consumption of these beverages is hardly the way to either hydrate your body, or provide you with energy. Drinking water and eating a healthy balanced diet do a much better job. The type of energy these drinks provide will most always lead to a quick crash.

If plain drinking water seems a little too boring, feel free to add sliced citrus fruits such as lemon, lime, and orange, along with sliced cucumber to a pitcher of filtered water. It's a tasty, nutritious and calorie conscious way to quench your thirst.

10. White Rice
While it may not be the worst choice you could make, white rice is hardly the best. Having been stripped of its nutritious and fiber-filled hull, it fills you up far less quickly than brown rice. You should know that all grains carry carbs, but it's the carbohydrates that come from refined grains that wreak the most havoc on your blood sugar level.

Let's understand that we're not saying you should completely give up eating anything. Our only goal is to speak honestly about some of the foods touted as being a healthier choice. What's important is that you concentrate on eating a well-balanced, low-calorie and low-fat diet consisting primarily of whole foods. Doing so will not only keep you trim, it'll satisfy your appetite in a much healthier way. It'll also allow for an occasional guilt-free splurge.

6:59 PM - Jun. 29, 2009 - comments {0} - post comment

Skip the hotel and go for the vacation home

This article is by Christine Karpinski, author of How to Rent Vacation Properties by Owner, 2nd Edition: The Complete Guide to Buy, Manage, Furnish, Rent, Maintain and Advertise Your Vacation Rental Investment and Profit from Your Vacation Home Dream: The Complete Guide to a Savvy Financial and Emotional Investment.

Since the beginning of 2008 (or long before), most of your worries have probably involved dollar signs. Whether you’re fretting over your job security, your retirement portfolio, or where our economy is headed in general, the rule of the day is save, save, save. But as the days get warmer, your thoughts and those of your family will likely drift to summer vacation. And if you’ve been pushing those thoughts from your head with a stern ‘We just don’t have the money,’ you’ll be happy to hear there’s a cost-effective solution you may never have considered: the vacation rental home.

Karpinski offers the following reasons why a vacation rental is a better choice than a hotel:

There are plenty of vacation homes to choose from. An overcrowded real estate market means more and more people are choosing to rent out their second homes rather than try to sell them. If you’re looking to stay closer to home this year to cut back on gas or airfare costs, you’ll be happy to know that there’s a vacation home within a two-hour drive of most metropolitan areas in the U.S. By visiting respectable websites-such as HomeAway.com or its affiliates VRBO.com, CyberRentals.com, GreatRentals.com, or Holiday-Rentals.co.uk-you can quickly find the one that’s right for you.

The rental process is getting easier and more convenient by the day. Admittedly, it’s not quite as simple to rent a vacation home as it is to book a hotel room, but it is still pretty easy. Websites like HomeAway provide details about the property and contact info and the consumer takes it from there. Homeowners themselves are becoming more consumer-friendly in their business practices though. Despite popular misconception, you don’t always have to commit to a week. Many homeowners will let you rent by the weekend or even on a nightly basis, particularly during the off-season. And while some of them still expect you to send them a personal check, many others accept credit cards or PayPal.

Vacation homes are more spacious and comfortable. Think about the difference between a tiny hotel room, possibly with limited amenities, and an actual home with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms and kitchens, living and dining areas. People who stay in private homes don’t feel so compelled to wear themselves out cramming in every touristy activity in town. They don’t mind just hanging out in the living room and relaxing more, which after all, is what a vacation is supposed to be.

You can live like a local. No one wants to feel or look like a tourist, an “outsider.” When you stay in someone’s home, you get a more authentic experience.

You can get inside information from the homeowner. One big reason vacation home renters get to “live like locals” is that most homeowners love to provide their guests with helpful hints. They’ll point you to the best restaurants in town, the best hiking trails, and the best bike rental places. They’ll tell you who has the cheapest gas, which roads to take to avoid traffic, and which attractions are overpriced “tourist traps.”

You can cook and do laundry. If you’re on a budget, both of these factors can be huge benefits. Obviously, eating every meal in a restaurant gets pricey. The ability to prepare your own meals not only saves money, there’s just something nice about savoring a home-cooked meal while on vacation. As for the washer and drier factor-being able to bring fewer clothes is not only a sanity saver during packing, it’s a spacesaver for those long car rides.

If the weather’s bad, there’s more to do indoors. Most vacation rental homeowners provide DVDs (along with the electronic equipment to view them on), board games, playing cards, and other family-friendly diversions. Also, more than half of all rental properties now have Internet access.

You might even be able to bring Fido or Fluffy. Many vacation property owners will accept pets, which makes their homes especially attractive to families who can’t bear to part with their four-legged friends for a week.

“Once you go the vacation home route, you probably won’t go back to hotels,” says Karpinski. “Yes, it takes a little effort on your part-and you may have to contact several different owners before you find the right home-but the results are definitely worth it.”

6:43 PM - Jun. 27, 2009 - comments {1} - post comment

Don't ignore these warning signs!

Homeowners might be tempted to put off fixing their home until the economy rebounds. But Consumer Reports warns that some problems, if left unchecked, can lead to thousands of dollars in repairs and might even compromise your family’s health. The trouble signs are easy to spot, provided homeowners know what to look for. What’s more, contractors aren’t as busy now, so they’re likely to be more flexible on price.

The following are the five biggest red flags of home maintenance:

Runaway rainwater. Gutters, downspouts, and leader pipes collect rainwater and channel it away from the house. In very wet regions, leaders should extend at least five feet from the house. Check the entire gutter system seasonally for proper pitch and for clogs, corrosion, broken fasteners, and separation between connections and where gutters meet the fascia board.

Roof and siding. Roofs are the most vulnerable to water infiltration, given their exposure to the elements and the laws of gravity. On a sunny day, use binoculars to spot cracked, curled, or missing shingles, which are signs that the roof is near its end of life. Also check flashing around chimneys, skylights, and roof valleys, and the rubber boots around vents for cracks. Siding is also susceptible to leaks, especially where it meets windows and doors.

Pest infestations. Termites and carpenter ants gravitate to moist soil and rotting wood, another reason to make sure your gutters are in good shape and soil around your foundation is graded properly. Keep mulch, firewood, and dense shrubbery away from your foundation. Once termites infiltrate a home, they can bore through the structure in a few short years.

Mold and mildew. Even houses in arid climates aren’t immune. Hot outdoor temperatures can drive even small amounts of water trapped in the structure to condense on colder interior surfaces, leading to mold. Musty odors, dank air, and family members with chronic runny noses are warning signs. Check under carpets and around windows for visible mold or mildew. Remove cover plates for cable-TV, phone, and Internet connections, and use a flashlight to peer behind walls and wallpaper for mold.

Foundation cracks. Some cracks are harmless, but others can mean trouble. Monitor them using a ruler. Cracks wider than 3/16 inch, even vertical ones, can be a problem. Mark smaller cracks with tape and monitor their progress over the coming months. Be on the lookout for horizontal cracks or bulging or buckling. Along with expanding cracks, those conditions require the attention of a structural engineer.

6:41 PM - Jun. 25, 2009 - comments {0} - post comment

Saving money on groceries

This article is by Stephanie Nelson, the Coupon Mom. 

Some basic tips to saving money while serving healthy food include:

-Do it yourself, don’t pay for convenience
-Simple substitutions-be aware of less expensive, comparable alternatives
-Plans meals based on overall meal cost
-Save 10 to 40% by avoiding all food waste
-Save money and calories with proper portion control
-Use strategic shopping (combining store sales with coupons) on your key items
-Be store flexible: know the prices of your common items and shop where prices are lowest

How to save on produce:
-Compare prices for your common produce at a few different types of stores, such as a discount store (Wal-Mart or Target supercenters), a no-frills discount store (Aldi or Sav-a-Lot), a wholesale club (Costco or BJs) and a couple of local supermarkets. You may find that an alternate store is a better source of produce in the off-season. During the summer, a local farmers’ market could be a good source of healthy produce at a lower cost.
-Talk to the produce manager about markdowns, and find out what time of day they markdown produce (that is generally perfectly good).
-Buy fresh produce in season, concentrating on the featured sale items. If not on sale, buy frozen vegetables as they tend to be less expensive and have coupons available for name brands. Frozen vegetables are frozen at the peak of freshness so they may have more nutrition than fresh vegetables that have been in storage for a longer period of time.
-Save money by doing it yourself. The cost savings of washing your own lettuce, peeling your own carrots, cutting your own fruit equates to an hourly wage of over $50. If it takes 5 minutes to save 60-70%, it’s worth doing yourself.
-Consider the cost per serving of fruits and vegetables and make simple substitutions to vary your diet and save money. Also compare the cost per piece of fruit or potatoes of a 5-lb. bag as compared to buying individual pieces by the pound. Smaller apples cost less, lead to less waste, and have fewer calories.
-Pay attention to food waste and work to reduce it to zero. Food waste accounts for 10% to 40% of families’ overall grocery spending (the average percentage increases as the average grocery spending increases according to USDA statistics). Serve realistic portions for weight-management and proper nutrition. Don’t serve children more food than they would realistically eat.

How to save on meat, chicken, fish:
-Only buy main dish ingredients when they are on sale. Pay attention to your stores’ featured sales item on the first page of their weekly ad and plan that week’s meals around that ingredient. Chicken is a common sale item, so be creative about finding healthy recipes that your family likes using various types of chicken. Buy at least one or two extra weeks’ worth of the main ingredient item to freeze so you don’t have to pay full price in the future.
-Consider buying fish that is flash-frozen to save, or only buy the type of fish that is on sale.
-Talk to your store’s butcher about daily markdowns and check them out each time you visit the store. Stores will frequently mark down items with sell-by dates of that day or the next day. As long as you freeze or prepare the item immediately, it is perfectly safe to eat.
-Buy larger family-pack quantities of meat, chicken or pork and package them into smaller quantities for the freezer to pay a lower per-pound cost.
-Buy less expensive cuts of meat and prepare them to be healthier. Marinate less-expensive cuts of steak to tenderize them, which tend to be healthier because they are lower in fat.
-Only buy boneless chicken breasts when they sell for half price. If not on sale, compare the per-pound price of individually frozen chicken breasts sold in the bag.
-Buy whole chickens at a lower per-pound price, or less-expensive chicken drumsticks or thighs. Buy chicken leg quarters and cut off the skin and visible fat. Bake some for dinner and bake additional pieces to use in a chicken soup, stew or casserole later in the week.
-Compare the per-pound cost of your favorite cuts of meat, pork, chicken, and fish at a local wholesale club to save 20-40%. Buy the large quantity for your freezer or divide with a friend.
-Substitute ground turkey for ground beef when it is less expensive in soups, pasta sauces and casseroles.
-Compare the cost of frozen ground turkey to fresh ground turkey; allow time to thaw if frozen is less expensive.
-Don’t buy sliced deli turkey for $8 or $9 per lb. at the deli counter-make extra grilled chicken breasts and slice for sandwiches during the week. You can also buy your own turkey breast and roast it and slice it for sandwiches.

Snacks:
-Managing snacks is important because family members are likely to eat planned ingredients for other meals if you don’t have easy snacks available. Let family members know what snacks are available and encourage them to choose the healthy options.
-Examples of inexpensive snacks include store brand pretzels, popcorn, store brand graham crackers, carrot sticks, small apples, bananas, frozen banana smoothies with skim milk, diet hot cocoa packets, diet gelatin or pudding, saltines, yogurts bought on sale with coupons, and homemade cookies and brownies.

Avoid food waste:
-Plan a leftover night once per week or plan a consecutive meal based on leftover ingredients.
-Have one shelf in your refrigerator with clear, see-through plastic containers with leftovers. Use for lunches, snacks or leftover night with a different meal for each person if necessary.

6:30 PM - Jun. 23, 2009

Credit score myths

With many Americans considering a home purchase or refinance, seeking a new job, purchasing a new car, or striving to pay off credit card debt, 2009 might be the year of the credit score, said Bills.com president Ethan Ewing.

“Many Americans hold mistaken beliefs about credit scores,” cautioned Ewing, who heads the free online consumer portal at Bills.com. “Misinformation on television and in hearsay from friends and neighbors only compounds the problem.”

Here are the top 10 commonly held myths surrounding credit scores:

Myth #1: A credit score is a credit report. The credit report is a detailed listing of all debts and payments, going back throughout an individual’s entire payment history, Ewing explained. For each entry, it shows the creditor’s name, amount owed, the highest balance owed, the available credit, whether the account is open or closed (and who closed it), the number of late payments and whether the account is in default. A credit score is a number between 300 and 850 that is based on complex formulas incorporating all the data in the credit report.

Myth #2: Those who are not in default do not need to check their credit report. Everyone should check his or her credit report at least once a year (quarterly is not a bad idea in today’s market) to be sure the report contains no erroneous information. Visit www.annualcreditreport.com for a free, no-obligation copy of the report.

Myth #3: Checking a credit report damages credit. Reviewing your own credit information has no effect on a credit score, Ewing said. Neither does a credit report review by a prospective landlord or employer.

Myth #4: Everyone has one credit score. Credit score calculations are compiled using data from three different credit scoring agencies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion). The resulting scores might vary slightly among the three agencies if they have slightly different information, but they will be similar.

Myth #5: Married couples share a credit score. If all of a couple’s accounts are joint, their scores will likely be similar, but each individual maintains a unique credit record and credit score. On the flip side, after a divorce, ex-spouses need to follow protocol to have creditors remove either party from a joint account.

Myth #6: Shopping for a loan destroys credit. It is true that “hard inquiries” - examinations of a credit score in preparation for extending credit can have a small negative impact on credit. However, credit bureaus take into account that consumers might inquire about a loan from multiple mortgage companies or auto lenders. “If multiple inquiries are received from the same type of lender within a 14-day period, the credit scoring companies do not count each inquiry against the borrower,” Ewing explained. But credit card account inquiries to open new accounts are counted individually.

Myth #7: To improve a score, close unused accounts. An important component of a credit score is available credit, or the unused credit that has been offered (on a credit card, for instance) but not used. Closing unused cards removes those available balances from the equation and can actually lower a credit score. Today, some banks are automatically lowering limits or closing accounts to reduce their own credit exposure. Individuals whose debt load is manageable should not experience an extreme effect on their scores.

Myth #8: To boost credit quickly, just pay off bills. Credit scores reflect performance over time. Scores will not change overnight.

Myth #9: For a fee, vendors can fix a bad score. Again, credit scores show historic behavior. Be cautious about companies that claim to “fix” or “repair” credit. “You yourself can remove inaccurate information,” Ewing said. “Beyond that, be aware that some companies send credit scorers a deluge of letters asking that they verify - and in the process, remove all past negative information. If and when truthful information is verified, however, it will quickly return to the credit report.”

Myth #10: Never get help - it is too hard on credit. It is true that credit counseling, debt settlement and bankruptcy all can cause significant black marks on a credit report. “If you are in real trouble, however, you can and should seek help,” Ewing urged. “Which option you choose will depend on the severity of your situation. Credit counseling can help to manage bills, and lower interest rates and monthly payments to creditors. Debt settlement firms can negotiate to lower the principal amount of your debts, typically providing a faster path to debt freedom than credit counseling. Bankruptcy, an even more serious alternative, should be discussed with a bankruptcy attorney.”

“Credit is important, but knowing the truth about credit might be even more important,” Ewing concluded. “Before taking action that might hurt or help your score, check your facts to be sure your actions will help your financial picture.”

5:54 PM - Jun. 21, 2009 - comments {0} - post comment

Websites with freebies

From The Washington Post

As consumers look for ways to pinch pennies, websites that offer or direct people to freebies are gaining in popularity. They include:

• FreeCycle.org: This nonprofit organization, with a mission to help the environment by not cluttering landfills, matches people who want to give away items with people in the same city who want them.

• FreeBirthdayTreats.com: Find out which restaurants give free or discounted meals or services to people on their birthdays.

• Kidsmealdeals.com: If you have children, hit this site to find out where they eat for free with a paying adult. If you register and type in your ZIP code, you'll get a list of all the freebies close to home.

• Swapstyle.com: Swap clothes, accessories, shoes or unused beauty products.

• Avvo.com: Get free legal advice, even anonymously, from an attorney.

5:33 PM - Jun. 19, 2009 - comments {0} - post comment

We need more Sully's

This article is by George W. Mantor at RISMedia.

It is an image for the ages; people standing on the wings of a United Airways jet, floating on the Hudson River.

Living in San Diego, it reminded me of military ships coming into port with the entire crew evenly spaced on the edge of the deck, standing at ease with hands clasped behind their backs.

Next time the flight attendant talks about a “water landing,” I’ll pay more attention. As amazing as the photo is, the story behind the image is equally as riveting and is almost too perfect even for Hollywood.

I don’t recall a time in the post WWII era when we have ever needed a hero more. I don’t need to list the challenges we are facing as a nation, but there is certainly some metaphoric similarities between going down in the Hudson and going down the drain. The problem is that no one individual can save our country. We have a lot of problems and we need a lot of Sullys.

Being a hero is mostly about being in the right place at the right time with the right tools and experience. Meet Captain Chesley Burnett “Sully” Sullenberger III, born to fly. Or, better yet, born to crash. There are very few men alive who could have set that powerless plane down on the water like it was a cigarette boat coming into dock. “We’ll be in the Hudson,” he calmly radioed the tower.

Everything that Sully learned in some 40 years of stick and rudder would be needed on this chilly day in mid January, to pull 155 airline passengers and crew back from the edge of certain death. A pilot since the age of 14, he has done virtually everything one can do in connection with flying. He graduated the top flier in his class from The Air Force Academy. He flew fighter jets and has been a commercial pilot since 1980. He owns his own airline safety consulting business. He had been preparing for his moment all his life. No engines? No problem; Sully flies gliders.

If you ever had to pick the right guy to land a falling passenger plane on a river, Sully had the right resume.

Although, it isn’t really like he had much choice. Pure self-preservation demanded it. The engines stopped and gravity took over. Now, you either fly or die. I’m not discounting his heroics, but it was his fundamental knowledge of the forces of lift and drag, and the pinball wizard’s familiarity with the controls and capabilities of an Airbus 320 that enabled him and everyone behind him to survive, not uncommon valor. He didn’t walk into a burning building to save a child; he woke up in a burning building and got everyone out.

Again, this is no question of his heroism, but he didn’t go from obscure airline pilot to hero in an instant; the hero was already galvanized in him, and when he was called upon he was ready.

So, when you think about what really saved all of those lives, what really put a prepared Sully in that sea it was things like passion, discipline, duty, honor, loyalty, work ethic, attitude and selflessness. Moldy old words to some, but not to men like Sully.

And, that’s a long way from the shrill lament of “Me, Me, Me!”

Long before the events on the Hudson, Sully was highly respected both as a pilot and a man. Sully was the best at what he did and a nice guy, to boot.

The wonderful thing about waking up in the morning is that we never know who is going to make history today-maybe even you or me. But, the question is, when we are called upon, will we be ready? Well, the time has come.

During halftime of the NBA all star game, our first African-American President, Barack Obama, spoke to the television audience about the need to do something for others and the attitude we need to get through the challenges we face. For far too long, we have argued that for some to be winners, others must be losers. But, change has come to America and, if we don’t come together as one, there will be only losers. If our plane sinks, we all drown.

At a time when jocks, actors, and musicians are looked up to as role models, it is good to be reminded that many real heroes just go about their business until the light shines briefly on them. They stick by friends, family, neighbors, and community. They give more than they take. And when we need them most, they are there. They represent the best in all of us.

A hero isn’t someone who throws, or dribbles, or kicks; a hero is someone who takes responsibility for those around him. No special skills are required. Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, but what they have in common is consideration for others.

If you are a secret hero waiting for your moment, your time has come. We need leadership at every level. We need to replace politicians with public servants, takers with givers, and talkers with doers. For too long, we have abdicated our responsibilities for everything from child rearing to representative government. And now, we see what we have gotten for our lack of participation.

It’s time to take back control of our own ship. It’s Sully time in America

5:26 PM - Jun. 17, 2009 - comments {0} - post comment

Tips to negotiate a loan modification

This article is by Caleb Groos at findlaw.com

For some small business owners, trouble on the home front (as in home mortgage front) threatens already precarious business conditions. Home mortgages that once seemed a good source of money for the business now could result in the need to layoff workers or even close. Homeowners with trouble making mortgage payments often hear that their best bet is to contact their lender about a loan modification, but they should be well prepared when they do so.

Whether the problem making mortgage payments is short term or long term, the best option for homeowners often is to contact their lender to try to work out a new payment agreement. Lenders are not obligated to make mortgage modifications, however it is often in their interest to work out a feasible payment plan for the homeowner rather than foreclose and sell the property.

The Obama Administration’s Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan included refinancing of qualifying mortgages owned or securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac to a lower fixed interest rate. As reported by the Washington Post, the Obama Administration announced that the program will apply to previously excluded second mortgages.

In part to help those outside this program, the Obama plan also included $75 billion in matching cash to encourage lenders to agree to mortgage modifications.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when seeking a mortgage loan modification:

1. Don’t fall for any mortgage modification scams (such as advanced fee scams).
2. To learn how to best make your case for a loan modification, contact one of the HUD Approved Foreclosure Avoidance Counselors in your area. They can also inform you about any federal, state or local programs that may assist you.
3. Get an accurate picture of your finances. Your best chance at getting a modification is to demonstrate the ability to repay and a thorough understanding of the costs and income you face going forward.
4. If the problem making payments is short-term, ask your lender about forbearance or postponement of payments for a limited period. Be prepared to demonstrate when you’ll be able to start making payments again.
5. If the problem is long term, and what you need is modification, be prepared to make an offer and demonstrate how you could repay the modified loan. Be sure your lender is up to speed on incentive programs that may be available to help.
6. When negotiating a modification, make sure to understand how it will deal with any fees or penalties that may have accrued. Know what fees are in play and whether the modification will eliminate, reduce or tack them on for repayment.
7. If the lender won’t modify and foreclosure looms, consider asking the creditor to “produce the note,” (particularly when a creditor other than the original lender seeks foreclosure). It’s a stalling tactic, but can sometimes encourage creditors to negotiate.

2:51 PM - Jun. 15, 2009 - comments {0} - post comment

Move up buyers have advantages in this market

Potential home buyers who aren’t eligible for the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit because they currently own a home actually have what could be an even bigger advantage - the opportunity to buy a new home that is bigger and better than they could have just a year or two before. “Now may be an ideal time for any family looking to upgrade from their starter home to one more suited to their current or future needs,” said Joe Robson, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders and a home builder from Tulsa, Okla. “Buyers are able to get more home for their money by taking advantage of current prices and interest rates, along with the bargaining power that comes from the large number of homes on the market.”

Here are the top five reasons current home owners should consider upgrading to their dream home:, which means you can buy more house than you could a year ago - for the same monthly mortgage payment.

1. Interest rates are at historic lows

2. Prices have come down. Even if your current home is worth less than during the last housing market peak, your dream home is likely more affordable too.

3. There are plenty of homes on the market right now, both new construction and existing, giving you lots of choice-and negotiating power.

4. You can move in to your new home faster, as many builders either have completed homes in inventory or they can start work right away due to the production slowdown.

5. You may have outgrown your home, but it’s probably someone else’s ideal starter home. With the $8,000 tax credit expiring Nov. 30, now is the time to market your home to first-time buyers.

The current housing market offers unprecedented opportunities for first-time and move-up buyers alike. For more information on the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit, go to www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com.

2:41 PM - Jun. 13, 2009 - comments {0} - post comment

Know your shut offs

This article is courtesy of Front Range Inspection.

Everyone should know where and how to turn off all utilities to their home. We will often see these shut off locations inaccessible. Never block a gas meter shutoff valve, water shutoff or breaker panel! In an emergency you must be able to shut these off or risk fire, explosion, electrocution, serious water damage or personal injury..

		Water The main shutoff for most homes is sometimes hard to find. Since these valves are rarely used they will often leak when you turn them off. For these reasons, we recommend that you locate your main shutoff at your water meter. This valve is usually under a cover near the sidewalk or at the edge of the road. Open this cover and look for the valve, you will need a tool to turn this off. There are a couple types of valves, so it is important to look at yours and make sure you have the proper tool to turn off the water. Most of them can be turned with an adjustable wrench, similar to the valve on a gas line. Others may require a special tool available at your local hardware store. If you are on a well, familiarize yourself with the equipment in your pump house so you know how to turn off the pump and water valves.
		Natural Gas These shutoffs are located at the meter. It is best to have a wrench that is tethered to the meter, so you know it is there when you need it. If you have propane the tanks have shut off valves at the lines connecting them to the home or appliance. If you ever smell a strong odor of gas (rotten egg smell) shut off the gas immediately, turn off the electricity (this can prevent explosions or fire) and open all the doors and windows. Call 911 for the fire department and the gas company to locate and isolate the gas leak. Electricity You should know how to turn off the power to your home. Usually there is a main shut off in the breaker panel or at the power meter. Occasionally there is no single main shutoff, in this case, turn off every breaker in the panel. If your home has a fuse box there will sometimes be a shut off above or beside the box. If there is no shut off, then unscrew each fuse and lay them out in the same pattern as they were in the box. This is so you can replace each fuse in the proper location and not mix up the amperages of the circuits. Most older homes also have 2 or more pull out fuse holders, so remove these also.

2:37 PM - Jun. 11, 2009 - comments {0} - post comment

How to compete against foreclosed properties

With distressed sales accounting for half of all home sales, many home sellers are finding that traditional sales are competing with discounted prices offered by foreclosed properties and short sales in their local area. To help home sellers attract buyers and compete against the discounted prices offered by distressed properties, ForSaleByOwner.com offers the following tips and advice:

Price the Home Correctly: Home sellers need to price their home according to today’s market and not based on the high price that a neighbor might have received a few years ago. Your Realtor can help you price the home to sell quickly.

Market the Home More Effectively: Traditional home sellers have access to more marketing channels than distressed properties, since not all distressed properties are found on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), or by popular websites like Realtor.com. Traditional home sellers, with the help of their Realtor,  can market their properties with these resources to reach a larger audience of buyers than financially distressed homes.

Keep the Home in Top Condition: Foreclosed homes are typically in disrepair and are in need of some repair or renovation after having been left vacant. It can easily cost a new owner tens of thousands of dollars and months of work to get the home back in shape. A home seller should stage their home to give it the appearance of being in “move-in” condition. The house, as well as all closets, should be kept clean and free of clutter to create the appearance of a more spacious home. Sellers can make their home stand out by doing things like landscaping the front yard to improve curb appeal, replacing worn-out carpets and old appliances, applying new paint in key interior rooms, and tackling other minor home improvement projects.

Offer a Quick Closing: An advantage of being a conventional home seller is being able to offer a quick closing, often an advantage for buyers who wish to move quickly. Distressed properties can take many months to reach a closing date. Sellers should be prepared to offer a 30-day closing date to attract buyers who want to move quickly.

Qualify Interested Buyers: Nothing is more discouraging than spending weeks with a prospective buyer, only to learn that he or she is unable to obtain a mortgage. To avoid such situations, your Realtor should make sure that your buyer is pre-approved for the loan amount necessary to finance the purchase of your home.

2:29 PM - Jun. 9, 2009 - comments {0} - post comment

You can get a mortgage

This article is by Barry Habib, an expert in the mortgage-backed securities market, chairman of Mortgage Success Source and founder of Mortgage Market Guide.

Yes, you can get a mortgage in today's market, but you have to understand that lenders have returned to a pre-2000 mindset – a kind of "common-sense lending" that seeks long-term success versus short-term profits. There's plenty of money available, says Habib, but your mortgage must make sense in today's terms, not the looser standards permitted by lenders in 2000 and 2001.

How Did We Get Here?
In 2000 and 2001, real estate was hot – make that white hot. According to the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Composite 10 Index, an index that follows home prices, values increased 21.5% from the years 1990-1999. During the first two years of this decade alone, home prices increased 23.6% for the same index. This resulted in a period of wildly loose lending guidelines that would ultimately fuel the subprime mortgage collapse in 2008.

In retrospect, it's easy to see, and even understand, the mistakes that were made during this unusual period of growth. Rapidly escalating home prices not only eased economic and personal financial woes, they invited opportunity and risk whose rewards, while hard to resist, couldn't possibly be sustained at such a high level. Nonetheless, increasing equity created flexibility that benefitted buyers and sellers alike – as long as property values continued to ascend.

During this time, borrowers with no jobs, no down payments, and poor credit histories could easily obtain financing. A host of exotic mortgage products flooded the market. And even if a borrower got into trouble, there was a multitude of options to help him or her climb out of the hole, including refinancing or even selling the property. A lot of people made a lot of money during this time.

But, as the real estate market began to turn and the economy began to suffer, home values slowed and then ground to a halt, and the true risk in the market was exposed. No longer supported by skyrocketing home values, borrowers had fewer options, lending guidelines tightened, adjustable rates adjusted, resulting in a crash in the market that is only now just beginning to turn.

What Does This Mean to Borrowers Today?
Simply put, home lending has returned to what insiders call a "full-doc world." This means lenders need proof, documented evidence that a borrower is creditworthy and likely to repay the loan. This creditworthiness is based on the four tenets of lending: the borrower's ability to pay, willingness to pay, equity in the transaction, and the property itself.

Ability to Pay
This is the documentation portion of the equation. In determining one's ability to repay a loan, it is now common for a lender to ask for recent paystubs, W-2s, and possibly tax returns in the case of a salaried employee. For self-employed borrowers and those earning commissions, tax returns for the two most recent years and a profit and loss statement for the current calendar year will likely be required. While certain exceptions may be granted, potential borrowers can further increase their chances of securing a mortgage by keeping their debt-to-income level below 45%.

Willingness to Pay
Repercussions of the credit crisis have made FICO scores more important than ever to lenders. In order to obtain the best interest rate and have a broader selection of loan programs from which to choose, potential borrowers should strive to keep their FICO score above 720.

Borrowers whose scores fall below 720 where the loan will be sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can expect risk-based pricing, which could result in either higher costs or higher rates. So, while it is possible to get a loan with scores as low as 620, programs other than Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac are probably the best path for a borrower with a lower score to take.

Equity in the Transaction
With the exception of mortgage programs guaranteed by the USDA and VA, no-down-payment loans have pretty much evaporated on a national level. Today it is expected that borrowers put a minimum of 3.5% down for an FHA loan and 5%-10% down for agency loans sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

If someone is strapped for cash, however, it is still possible in the purchase contract to negotiate with the seller to pay a percentage of the closing costs, as long as it's within the program's limitations and the property appraises highly enough for this action to be permitted.

With the exception of the President's Home Stability Plan, it is no longer possible to refinance a loan without equity in the property. However, under this plan, millions of homeowners are expected to be able to take advantage of being able to refinance at a loan-to-value of up to 105% of the appraised value.

Cash-out refinancing has also been tightened, compared to just a few years ago. While pulling equity out of a home is still possible, the costs to do so have become more expensive for homes with a higher loan-to-value. Depending on the program, cash-out transactions have generally been limited to a maximum of 85% of the home's appraised value.

The Property
Home appraisals are also being more scrutinized today to ensure the value of the home is both fair and realistic for lender and borrower alike. On May 1st, new legislation (Home Value Code of Conduct or HVCC) placed a barrier between loan originators and appraisers for loans sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (legislation does not affect mortgages guaranteed by the FHA, USDA or VA.)

For those loans impacted by HVCC, all parties involved should be prepared for potential delays. If value conflicts occur, sellers, buyers, homeowners, and real estate agents must be prepared to provide information where needed.

In locations of the country where property values have been in significant decline, additional documentation may be required by the appraiser to help the lender justify the appraised value.

In Summary
Yes, getting a mortgage may be more difficult than it was a few years ago, but don't assume that you can't get one.

9:48 AM - Jun. 8, 2009 - comments {0} - post comment

Feng shui tips for prosperity

This article is by Debra Duneier, president of Living Home By Debra and Senior Associate Manhattan Real Estate Broker for Corcoran.

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese energy practice over 6,000 years old based on the knowledge that there is both good energy (Sheng Qi) and negative energy (Sha Qi). As a Feng Shui practitioner, Debra Duneier, president of Living Home By Debra, Duneier focuses on balancing the energy in living and working environments. Her objective is to enhance and increase Sheng Qi and eliminate or minimize the Sha Qi.

During this financial crisis, Duneier has been called upon by both individuals and businesses to balance the energy in living and working environments and to increase the flow of wealth. Although on site this is a complex procedure performed with analysis of Ming Gua calculations, Form School, Lo Pan Compass readings, Flying Star and Four Pillars, Duneier has created a list of simple tips to increase energy support for your prosperity:

1. The kitchen is a portent for wealth. This comes from the belief that the better you eat the healthier you are. A healthier person is a more productive person and brings in better business. The burners on your stove represent wealth. Keep them clean and alternate your use of the burners when you are cooking. Sometimes Duneier prescribes a mirror over the stove to double the burners. The refrigerator should be filled with healthy food as a full refrigerator brings in abundance.

2. Plants bring life force into our living and working environments. Not only do they bring beauty, but plants clean our air and can absorb electromagnetic fields which have a negative impact on our health. Bamboo and Jade plants are indoor plants that act as wealth enhancers.

3. The Ming Tang of your office or home is the entrance. As you step inside, you are transitioning from the outside world to the inside world. Very often in the Ming Tang area, a rug or mat is placed near the front door. Take 3 lucky Chinese coins and tape them to the back of the rug. Every time someone walks in they symbolically are bringing money into your property and into your life.

4. Keep your toilet seats down when not in use. Keep them up and money will disappear.

5. Whether you work from home or from an office, a wall behind your chair, called a “Black Turtle” is very supportive of you in your work. Be sure you can see the door, which protects you and your deals. In front of you is the ‘Red Bird’. Use this area for a beautiful piece of art which represents your prosperous future. If there is room for a water feature, this is a perfect place for it. Water flowing upwards brings wealth. The sound should be gentle and soothing to you.

6. Goldfish are pretty, relaxing to watch, and bring “life” energy into your environment. They are also magnets for wealth. The winning combination: Fill your tank with 8 goldfish for luck and 1 black fish to keep away bad luck.

2:18 PM - Jun. 7, 2009 - comments {0} - post comment

Second chance for first time home buyers

You've already filed your 2008 tax returns and maybe you've already received your refund. That means it's too late to obtain the $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers enacted by President Obama's Stimulus Plan, right? Wrong. The great thing about this tax credit is that you can still get the cash this year, even if you've already filed your taxes for 2008 – and the money is yours to keep. You don't ever have to pay it back, as long as you stay in the home for at least 36 months.

There's a lot of confusion in the media surrounding this tax credit, but it's actually pretty simple. Qualified first-time home buyers (anyone who hasn't owned a home in the three years prior to the purchase) can receive a tax credit of 10% of the purchase price up to $8,000. All you have to do is purchase a primary home (that means a home you'll actually live in, not an investment home) any time between Jan. 1, 2009 and Dec. 1, 2009. If you make a qualified purchase after April 15, or after having already filed your 2008 taxes, you and your tax professional can submit an amendment to your return and receive the credit on your 2008 taxes – you don't have to wait until next April.
 

3:53 PM - Jun. 5, 2009 - comments {0} - post comment

Uncle Sam's New GI Bill

In August 2009, the Post- 9/11 Veterans' Educational Assistance Act (signed by President Bush in 2008) kicks in for qualifying members of the military on active duty since September 11, 2001. The most comprehensive education program since 1944, this law is designed to provide veterans with a similar level of educational benefits provided to service members at the end of World War II.

Under the new law, qualifying veterans could receive payment up to the full cost of tuition and fees at the most expensive public school in the state in which you enroll. This basically guarantees a free education if you attend your state institution and qualify for the full amount. Under the new law, the current $1,200 program enrollment fee will also be waived.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the maximum basic benefit is earned after serving an aggregate of 36 months of active duty service or after 30 days of continuous service for those individuals who were discharged for a service-connected disability. Individuals serving between 90 days and 36 months of aggregate active duty service will be eligible for a percentage of the maximum benefit.

Unlike previous bills, the new law extends equal benefits to activated members of the National Guard and the Reserves. The Veterans' Administration has advised that clarification and possibly revision may occur until the law takes effect. To learn more about this important bill, visit http://www.gibill.va.gov.

3:52 PM - Jun. 3, 2009 - comments {0} - post comment

Make the most of your lawn and garden this month

This article is from lifetime.com

The warm weather, longer daylight hours, and blooming tree buds can mean only one thing: spring has finally arrived. Now, with winter behind us, it’s the perfect time to head outdoors and freshen up the yard.

In celebration of Lawn and Garden Month, beautify your landscape with these easy tips:

Add a “Recession Garden” - An estimated 43 million people are expected to grow their own fruits, vegetables, herbs and berries this year. Growing your own produce can save your family a large amount of money on groceries each year, and some say that fresh, homegrown fruits and veggies taste better than those purchased at the store.

Befriend the Birds - Consider including a birdhouse, birdfeeder or birdbath in your landscape this spring. Not only will it lead beautiful wildlife to your yard, but it will also serve as a nice decoration. If you’re on a budget this year, you can easily make a homemade birdfeeder by rolling a pinecone in peanut butter and birdseed.

Plant a Family Tree - Enrich your family ties (and your soil) with a tree that the whole family can plant together. Apple trees and mulberry trees look great in the yard and provide a shady spot for relatives and friends. Try planting one of these trees to commemorate your household’s next special occasion, like a birth or a wedding.

Tackle Yard Work With Ease - With all the lifting, hauling and digging, yard work can be a heavy load to bear. The wheelbarrow is a great tool as it helps lighten the burden for homeowners, as more weight is distributed to the wheels, instead of the user.

Take the Natural Approach - If you’re looking for an alternative to pesticide, consider planting some natural repellants to keep insects at bay. For example, mint can be used to ward off ants, and garlic can do the same for Japanese beetles. These additions will blend in nicely when planted among the flowers and vegetables in your garden, and they’ll also provide lots of flavor to spring and summer recipes.

3:47 PM - Jun. 1, 2009 - comments {0} - post comment

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