Winter Related Water Damage....

As winter sets in, water damage related to snow and ice becomes a very real possibility.  Failure to properly winterize your home and protect it from the elements can end up costing you hundreds or even thousands of dollars, and worse, it may not be covered by insurance.

Over 10% of all water damage related losses are the result of winter storms and the average claim for such damage is just over $3,000.  If you haven’t already done so, make preparations now for winter weather.

Start with your home’s exterior, as it will bear the brunt of the elements.  Make sure your gutters are free from obstruction.  Clean out all leaves, sticks, or other debris that may clog up the gutters or your downspouts.  Failure to provide for proper drainage may result in “ice damming”, where the water is unable to drain and instead seeps into the house, causing damage within ceilings and walls.  You can also install gutter guards which are screened shields designed to keep unwanted debris out of the gutter assembly.

Trim trees and remove any dead branches that you find.  The weight of ice or snow could cause branches to break, causing damage to cars or potentially injuring someone standing in the wrong place.

Keep your steps and handrails clean and in good shape.  This can prevent falls due to ice.  You should also seal up cracks in your outside wall or foundation.  This will prevent any snowmelt or runoff from seeping in.

Disconnect all hoses from outside spigots.  Failure to do so may result in your pipes freezing.

As for the inside of your home, keep your thermostat set no lower than 65 degrees.  Remember that the temp inside the walls will be substantially colder.

Add extra insulation to your attics, basements, and crawlspaces.  Heat rises, and as it escapes through the roof, it can cause the snow on the roof to melt.   

Have your heating system (furnaces, boilers, chimneys, etc.) serviced at least once a year to prevent possible fire and smoke damage.  Check all pipes for leaks or cracks and have the pipes repaired immediately.  Any exposed pipes should be wrapped with heating tape or insulation.

Have an emergency pressure release valve installed.  This will prevent increased pressure from bursting frozen pipes.

Make sure all smoke and fire alarms are working properly, and look into adding a carbon monoxide detector, because a winterized home may be sufficiently sealed to retain a significant amount of this lethal gas.

In the event of frozen pipes, know where and how to cut off the water to your home.  This is important to prevent the pipes from bursting.

If you are going to be away from your home for an extended period, either turn your water off or have the system professionally drained to prevent freezing or bursting.  If possible, have a friend or neighbor check on your home on a regular basis.

For emergency water damage repair....

Managing Your Personal Finances 101

I never gave much thought to management of personal finances until recently.  I was a musician, on the road, and I preferred to let my wife handle our family money.  It was an irresponsible move on my part that would come back to haunt me. 

Now I’m separated, facing divorce, and looking to rebuild a personal and professional life for the first time in two decades.  Worse, I’m on my own and taking a crash course in personal finance and responsibility.  Add to that the fact that as a single person writing for a water mitigation blog, I’m working with a lot less than I had originally and you begin to see the dilemma.

So, for this blog entry, I decided that I would do some research and establish a financial game plan, one that not only works for me but that can hopefully help other people out as well.  Some things are common sense, others I am just discovering at the tender age of 44.  So let’s jump right in, shall we?

Get Paid What You Are Worth.  When deciding on a career and pursuing a job in that arena, do your homework and make sure you know what that position is worth, on average.  That way you won’t price yourself out of the market and you won’t end up in a job that may be underpaying you by thousands of dollars each year.

Spend Less Than You Earn.  Oh if only our government could learn this particular gem.  No matter how much or how little you get paid, if you spend even a penny beyond that, you will slowly but surely go broke.  You don’t have to make huge sacrifices or drastically alter your lifestyle, just make sure the amount going out is smaller than the amount coming in.  It is not rocket science.

Don’t Impulse Buy.  Ask yourself repeatedly “Do I NEED this?”, and if the answer is “no”, then walk away from it.  If you have to have it, pay for it with cash instead of adding to your credit card balance.  Hey, we all had to save up for things we wanted as kids, so what makes us think we are entitled to instant gratification now?

Take Stock Of ALL Your Money.  Keep track of your money to determine how much you actually have.  This includes cash on hand, bank balances, available credit lines.  Knowing where you stand helps you determine exactly what you can do.

Stick to a budget.  This is not as hard as it sounds.  For me, it simply involved making a spread sheet with all my expenses, then checking it every month to make sure I was staying reasonably close to those goals.  Some items are fixed, such as cable or internet bills, while others will fluctuate, such as water, gas, groceries, etc.  

Try to determine how much you will spend on various items each month and make every effort to stick close to it.

Pay Off Your Credit Cards.  This was one thing that was drilled into me early on.  Don’t run balances from month to month because you will end up paying out the nose in interest payments.  Cards are so easy to use in lieu of cash that they can result in debt spiraling out of control within a couple of months.  Learn to use them for the tool they were always intended to be, not as the lock on a cell of ever increasing debt from which there is no return.

Set Goals:  Paying off debts may not come quick or easy.  Look at what you owe and develop a methodical plan for dealing with them, one at a time.  Maybe choose a smaller card debt and plan to have it paid in full within a three month period.  Stuff like that.

Save Something.  Once you have paid your bills for the month, see what is left over.  Now resist the urge to go out and spend it.  Put at least part of it into a savings account.  You’ll be surprised at how quickly it adds up and before too long you will have a rather impressive nest egg socked away.

Invest.  Finding profitable stocks or bonds to invest in never hurts.  The savvy investor can do quite well in the market.  Don’t put all your eggs in one basket though, find a number of different options to invest in.  That way if one tanks, you still have chips on the table.

Make The Most Of Employment Benefits.  Flex spending accounts and medical and dental insurance are worth a lot.  Maximize the use of them as it reduces taxes and out of pocket expense.

Contribute To A Retirement Plan.  Even though more and more employers are doing away with retirement plans (this morning’s news reported that many baby boomers will not be able to afford to retire as they had hoped for), you can still put money into an IRA.  Make sure you make provisions to be able to live once you have left the work force.

Keep Good Records.  Now this is one that I have issues with, because the most detailed records I ever kept were set lists taped to the stage in front of me.  You need to make sure that you provide for as many allowable income tax deductions and credits as possible.  Have a system in place and use it throughout the year.  That will make it much easier to organize and recall once tax season rolls around.  You don’t want to miss a single item that might save you a buck or two.

If you are a young person just starting out, then effective financial management means that you will be able to successfully provide for your future and that of your family.  Even if you’re an old(er) guy like me, having to start all over midway through the game, you can still take control of your situation and at least make it better.  It is easy to become one of the many…take the steps now to stand out in the financial marketplace. 

Now go therefore and manage your money like the pros…

When The Wife Is The Abusive Spouse....

In any marriage there is going to be conflict.  It would be unrealistic to expect otherwise.  There does, however, come a point where normal conflict spills over boundaries and becomes abuse.  Spousal abuse is sadly all too common in today’s society, and it is no longer just a boy’s club.  More and more cases of the wife being the abusive party are recorded every year.

Now granted, the men still have the monopoly on abuse, but it is entirely possible for a wife to abuse her husband.  It isn’t talked about much, partly because it is less common, and no doubt in part because few men are willing to admit to it.  However, women are every bit as capable of being abusive as men, and the damage done is just as deep, just as long term, and just as hard to recover from.

To clarify, abuse does not necessarily mean striking or beating physically.  It can also refer to other forms such as emotional, mental, and verbal, and women are more likely to use these forms of abuse than they are to become physical.

Emotional abuse typically begins as a form of blackmail.   A disagreement may be had where the wife accuses the husband of not loving her.  If he truly loved her, he would disagree or be so adversarial.  I know it doesn’t sound like much, but repeated over and over ad nauseam over the course of months or years, it can be a powerfully demoralizing and punishing tactic.

Screaming fits, uncontrolled rage, and other forms of abuse are also problems.  In some cases, this may be attributed to a disorder known as IED (Intermittent Explosive Disorder), where the part in question demonstrates a disproportional emotional reaction to a given situation. 

There does come a time where the husband needs to do what is best for him.  Women are constantly encouraged to get out of abusive relationships, yet for some reason men are not normally extended the same courtesy.  Make no mistake, abuse is abuse, no matter which party inflicts it, and there comes a time where you have to make the decision to leave.

Don’t buy into the hyperbole that many women use to maintain some level of control.  They may say “you’re no good” or “you’ll never amount to anything” or “you won’t make it without me”.  Well, you are, you will, and you can.  Don’t let the negativity drag you down. 

Before the time comes to actually make your escape, you need to make plans.  Don’t rush headlong into it unprepared.

You should open a separate bank account in your name, ideally at a different bank from your joint account.  Arrange to have your paycheck direct deposited into that account.  Some spouses wipe the account clean.  Do not do this.  Withdraw the half of the money you are entitled to, but no more.  Taking the high road will only make you look good if this ends up in court.

Remove personal items or valuables to a secure location.  Things which mean a lot to you may be destroyed in a temper tantrum thrown by your wife over your leaving.  Get them out of the house one or two at a time, over the course of a few weeks.  These are usually treated as separate property by the courts, meaning she will have no grounds to reclaim them later.

If your wife has ever threatened you with false reports of domestic violence or called the police on a fabricated charge, make sure local law enforcement is aware of this and your plan to leave.  Some suggest actually having law enforcement present when you remove yourself and your belongings from the premises.  I recommend making the physical move when she is at work or out of the house for an extended period.

Be honest with your children.  If you live in an abusive home, don’t presume for a minute that your children don’t know.  They do.  They have either seen or heard it.  Tell them why you are doing this, but avoid bad mouthing your spouse.  Being honest is one thing, but keep it from getting personal.

Disengage from your wife.  This is harder than it sounds, particularly if you have been in the relationship for a long time.  Resist the urge to answer all of her calls or e-mails.  Let it wait until it is convenient for you.  When you must communicate, keep it short and limited to the business at hand.  You do not have to listen to further bad mouthing or put downs.  Do not hesitate to hang up if this happens.

Be honest about your situation.  Many men in situations like this become experts at either making excuses for their wife’s behavior, or hiding it effectively.  People will want to talk to you about what happened, and if you choose to engage, be honest.  Again don’t bad mouth, but don’t be afraid to expose what was. 

She is also likely to carry out a smear campaign against you with mutual friends, family, your kids’ teachers, doctors, pastors, etc.  Defend yourself with the truth.  Do not sensationalize and most certainly do not make things up.  Simply stick to the truth.

Obama's Health Care Mandate - A Wolf In Tacky Clothing?

Easily one of the most controversial pieces of legislation ever crafted, President Barack Obama's historic healthcare reform bill was met with resistance on numerous fronts, most notably among the rank and file of the American populace. Many citizens viewed it as an unprecedented power grab on the part of our government, designed to force private insurers out of business and pave the way for a single payer, government run healthcare system.

One of the most polarizing elements of the bill was the individual mandate to either purchase health insurance or pay a steep financial penalty. Almost immediately after passage of the reform bill, over twenty states filed lawsuits challenging the Constitutionality of the mandate. The question: Can Congress force American citizens to purchase health insurance under threat of penalty?

The answer initially would seem to be "yes", because the Constitution does grant government the power "to regulate commerce", and because government has long regulated a number of various economic activities, such as the funding of Social Security and Medicare through taxation, and conducted regulation of other companies or industries as it affects interstate commerce.

Supporters of the mandate will tell you that Congress' authority lies in the Commerce Clause, that because government has the power to regulate commerce between states, that it by rote has the authority to demand it from individuals as well. If allowed to stand, this would be the first case in history of the United States government mandating an activity by all citizens of the Republic.

The unprecedented move here is that Congress has never before mandated individuals must engage in economic transactions with a private company, with tax penalties to enforce it. It is one thing to regulate the automobile industry, but quite another to make law requiring every citizen to buy a Ford Focus. Furthermore, nowhere in the Constitution is government granted the power to do so.

The claim has been made by proponents of the bill that health care is no different from auto insurance, which is also required. This is not entirely accurate. You are only required to purchase auto insurance if you have a license and own a car that you wish to drive on public roads. This is a far cry from being required to purchase a health insurance plan simply because you are alive and breathing. The government overreach here is something from which many Americans will retreat, and ultimately resist.

The precedent that is set by the individual healthcare mandate is simple: from this point forward, there is nothing that the government cannot force you to buy under threat of financial or legal penalty, and the Constitution's limits on congressional power will have been effectively eliminated.

One of the prime examples used to drive this point is the recent government bailout of the auto industry. Theoretically, since government is now the primary shareholder in General Motors, it would not be out of the question for them to introduce a mandate for all Americans to buy at least one General Motors vehicle to boost sales, or be required to pay a tax based on a given GM car's blue book value.

As of this writing, a federal judge has cleared the way for the more than 20 state lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the health care mandate to proceed. Time will tell if the US government will succeed in its efforts, noble or nefarious, to provide healthcare by mandate for all Americans.

Handling Memory Loss...

When I was eighteen years old, I was involved in a terrible car accident that left me flat on my back for most of the summer of 1985.  Before that accident, my memory was as a steel trap, able to retain information on an almost photographic level.   After the accident, I discovered that my memory was still quite good regarding events I had experienced months or even years before, but I was suddenly having serious problems remembering other things, like my phone number, my address, what I had for dinner last night, etc.

Memory loss is a problem that affects nearly all of us at some point.  It may be major, it may be minor, and it almost always occurs naturally to a degree as we age (we actually start to show a decrease in brain activity while we are still in our 20’s, as depressing as that sounds).  As in my case, it may also be brought on by sudden trauma, or even stress.  In worst possible scenario cases, it may present as the precursor to Alzheimer’s Disease.

Other causes of memory loss may include amnesia, where the memory is affected by organic or functional causes.  Also Dementia may be a factor, the loss of memory due to old age.  Dementia may actually be treatable and reversible if it has not reached an advanced stage.   However it happens, it is not something we welcome, so how do we conquer it effectively?

The symptoms of memory loss are obvious, the sudden inability to recall information, getting lost or disoriented easily,  and they usually occur gradually and may vary in intensity based on the underlying cause.

Memory loss may also be evidenced by states of confusion or decreased levels of alertness, as well as an indicator of more serious problems in older adults.    The inability to form coherent words in conversation or to make decisions are also a sign that something may be wrong and you should seek medical attention.

It is extremely difficult to prevent trauma induced memory loss, because traumatic events cannot be foreseen.  Simple actions such as wearing seat belts or protective helmets can go a long way towards preventing head injuries that may result in memory loss.  My own injury was the result of not wearing a seat belt.

Evidence suggests that a nutritious diet and decreasing stress can also help to prevent or alleviate memory loss.  Avoiding alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs may also prove beneficial. 

Treatment for memory loss is only possible if the loss was caused by a treatable condition, and even then success is not guaranteed.  Memory loss due to aging cannot be reversed, but steps may be taken to help the patient cope with it.  The importance of family involvement should never be discounted; family members can take special orientation classes to teach them how to cope with their sick relative and how to help them make the most of an unwelcome condition.

Memory problems that are not associated with normal aging include:

Forgetting things much more often than you used to.

Forgetting things you’ve done many times before (I recently did a musical presentation and forgot the words 

to a song I had written and performed hundreds of times.  Better yet, I forgot the words TWICE).

You have trouble learning new things, methods, or concepts.

Repetition of phrasing or stories in the same conversation.

Trouble making choices or handling money.

Not being able to keep accurate track of what happens each day.

There are ways to cope with your memory problems. 

Keep lists.  Lists provide a measure of organization, and if it is in front of you to read, you aren’t relying on memory recall to bring it to the forefront.

Have a routine that you follow every day.  Sometimes it never hurts to just make certain things second nature.

Make associations (connections in your mind), such as landmarks to help you find various locations.

Keep a detailed calendar.  The more detailed, the better.  You can even program your computer to remind you when certain dates and events are approaching.

Put important items such as car keys, wallet, cell phone etc in the same place every time.

Repeat names when you meet new people.  Repetition really helps ingrain the information for easier recall later.

Do things that keep your mind and body busy.  The mind needs working out just like any other part of the body.

If you have trouble remembering a word, run through the ABCs mentally….sometimes just hearing the first letter of a word can spark your memory.

Don’t ignore the warning signs of memory loss.  If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, see your physician right away.  With proper care and treatment, you can still have a rewarding and fulfilling life….

Buying Your First Home....

Okay, so you’ve had it with the one room apartment with the upstairs neighbor who can’t do anything quietly.  You want a place that you can put a nail in a wall anywhere you darn well please without having to worry about non-refundable security fees.  In short, you want a place that you can call yours.

But you’ve never done it before, this is a new frontier, maybe not where no man has gone before, but certainly out of your frame of reference.  The thought of taking on a home loan that stretches over a third of your expected life span is a scary one, and not to be entered into lightly.  So let’s look at the steps required to make you a homeowner.

Credit – In today’s financial world, credit is everything.  Your credit score not only determines if you will be able to get a home loan, but exactly how much you’ll end up paying on that loan.  You need to review your credit; get copies of your credit report from all three reporting agencies, Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian.  If you find any errors, get to work to correct them right away, as it may take up to thirty days before changes actually appear on your credit statement.

You should also review your finances to determine how much of a home you can afford.  Use an online mortgage calculator to help you determine a payment range within your comfort zone.

Mortgage Types – there are different types of mortgages, and every one has its pros and cons.  Find the one that works best for you and your situation, based on how long you plan to own the home, available down payment, etc.   Mortgages may be broken down into adjustable, fixed rate, balloon loans (which are only advisable if you plan on coming into a great deal of money in the next ten years or so), or government backed loans (as if we needed the government any deeper in our back pockets).  There are other options to choose from as well.

Wish List – Okay, now you can get on to the fun stuff, namely sitting down and making a list of what you want in a home.  Consider size, features, location, etc, and break your list into two categories, needs and wants.  Having a list and checking it twice will keep you focused and help avoid getting sidetracked by elements that are unnecessary. 

Secure A Real Estate Agent – much the same way I pick an auto mechanic based on the size of his tool box (the better he is, the more he’s gonna get paid, and the more toys he’s gonna have), I chose my real estate agent based on the huge billboard ads he had around town.  I figured he must be doing pretty good.  Look for an agent who has been successful at making a name for himself in your area.

Neighborhoods – narrow down two or three neighborhoods that look attractive to you.  Be sure to research the quality of area schools as well as local crime rates.  There may be a reason that home has a too-good-to-be-true price.

Pay A Visit – visit the houses that you like, and see what your impressions are.  The key is to see if the home you are looking at feels like home to you.  I wish there were a more scientific approach, but there it is.

Make The Offer – home and car sales are the two areas where you can negotiate price.  Make an offer and be prepared to handle a counteroffer.  Hopefully, you can reach an agreement with a minimum of back and forth.  Your real estate agent will submit offers on your behalf and let you know if it has been accepted or not.

Pre-approval – this will let you know if a) you can buy a home, and b) how much you can realistically afford.    It will also show sellers that you are serious about buying, which can be invaluable when there are multiple buyers or offers on a given property.

 Home Inspection – Once you have found a home and made an offer, secure a home inspection.  It will be $500 or so out of pocket, but when you consider the peace of mind it provides, then it becomes an invaluable service.

So go and find the home of your dreams.  Making a good first decision now will only result in bigger and better things for you later on.

Self Employment - Good Idea Or Pipe Dream?

Everybody in the general workforce has probably considered or flirted with the idea of becoming self-employed.  Who among us wouldn’t want to be our own boss, calling the shots, and generally doing things the way we see fit as opposed to carrying out the wishes of the unseen corporate hotshot in the upstairs office.  It’s an attractive notion, but not one that should be entered into lightly.  As appealing as it is, only about 10% of folks are self-employed, while a staggering 71% say they would like to be.

For starters, it’s not a cakewalk…..it’s hard work.  To be successful you have to be resilient, resourceful, flexible, and willing to step out.  Suddenly, you are without the benefit of a well oiled company machine and competent staff to make sure everything gets done, and the success or failure of any project lands squarely on your shoulders.

Some of the obvious benefits of self-employment include, but are not limited to:

Flexibility – you can work from anywhere.  How many of us have the exact gripe that we could do our job from  home, a coffee shop, or a park, and probably be much more productive, yet we find ourselves tied to a cubicle desk.  Well, now you have that option.

Freedom of Choice – you choose when you work, and for how long.  Sometimes our best and most productive hours are not necessarily between 8AM and 5PM.  I know mine aren’t!

Be Your Own Boss – this is the biggie, because who isn’t convinced we know better than the boss man?  Well, this can be a plus, assuming that you do, in fact, know better.  If not, well, more on that later…

Wear What You Like – I worked for myself for 20 years and was always more than comfortable in a jeans and t-shirt.  The idea of the dress code never made any sense to me.  An employee who is comfortable in his element will always be more productive.  Always.

Earning Potential – yes, Virginia, you can reap higher benefits working for yourself.  Not to say it will come easy, however.

Of course for every upside, there is the inevitable downside:

No Fixed Income – I worked for myself for over 20 years, and it was doubly frustrating because my income varied from month to month.  It is impossible to budget when the amount coming in keeps fluctuating.

So Long, Perks – it’s easy to get used to little things like benefits, insurance, free internet, and business class travel.  Don’t expect to be able to afford them when you’re self-employed, at least not for a while.

You’re Always On The Clock – time is money, and one of the things I learned early on was that the amount of time I put into my business was directly proportional to the amount of money I had to spend.  Even on vacations or days off you will find yourself monitoring your phone and e-mail messages.

No Best Mates – unless you have a partner in your business, anybody you hire will automatically make you a “boss”.   Being the big guy doesn’t really lend itself to “hanging out with the guys”.

A Whole New World – of responsibilities, anyway.  You’ll not only be doing the job you are familiar with, but you will be getting crash courses in other areas of your business.  You may be down with marketing, but you’ll have to step up and learn sales, finances, web design, and management skills…if you plan on having a viable business.

So are you ready for the world of self-employment?  Does it sound appealing?  Do you hear Johnny Paycheck’s “Take This Job And Shove It” ringing in your ears?  Well then, ask yourself a few questions….are you ready to work the long hours it takes to become successfully self-employed?  Can you handle the stress, and the fear of potential failure?  Do you work well alone and figure out how to overcome obstacles?   If so, your home office may be the place you need to be.   Weigh the good and bad carefully before making your choice.

(These words of wisdom were written by an author who is in fact, gainfully employed….by someone else…)

Take the monster.com self-employment quiz to help determine if you are ready to make the leap (I’m not quite there yet….)

Hardwood Floors Vs. Carpeting...

Okay, this article is going to be biased, no question.  Ever since I moved into my first home and the washer hose backed up, flooding a third of our brand new carpet, I’ve been a big fan of hardwood floors.  Of course I’ve never had a house with hardwood, but that will be resolved with my next home.  Trust me on this. 

If you are trying to determine which option is better for you, you need to consider comfort, price, and sustainability.  There are advantages and disadvantages to both.

Carpets are generally more comfortable underfoot, and may be preferable in situations where people have to stand for extended periods.   Carpet is also a cushion in the event of slips and falls, as well as providing a measure of insulation with regard to noise and temperature.  Carpet may also last ten years or more.

The types of carpet to choose from include:

Cut Pile - A cut pile carpet refers to a carpet whose loops have been cut. This leaves behind individual tufts of fiber. Cut pile carpets are very popular. Carpet durability is maintained despite the loops being cut; this is achieved by choosing durable fiber types, increasing the amount of twist in the fiber and having a high density of fiber tufts.

Cut and Loop Pile - When a combination of cut pile and loop pile fibers are used to make a carpet, it’s usually to create a more decorative look. This combination can create sculpted effects in a carpet.

Level Loop Pile - A level loop pile carpet contains loops that are all of the same height. The increasingly popular Berber carpet is made of level or multi-level loop pile. The level loop pile carpet is very durable, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas. The texture creates a casual, relaxed look. It’s frequently used in offices or finished basements.

Multi-Level Loop Pile - Multi-level loop pile is made of a few different loop heights. The different loop heights create a more interesting casual pattern in the carpet while maintaining a durable texture.

On the other hand, carpet can be easily damaged or soiled, with a more involved and expensive cleanup process.  Some cleaning procedures may require that the carpet actually be taken up, a time consuming and involved process.  Over time, carpet may also become matted, and more difficult to clean thoroughly.

If you are considering hardwood, wood only enhances the beauty of a room.  When it comes to maintenance, damaged wood can be sanded and refinished rather than replaced.  Also, wood does not collect as much dust and allergens as carpet.  Hardwood floors are usually easy to clean and maintain their color even over long periods of time.  They are difficult to stain and dirt is easily cleaned off. 

Hardwood floors also have attractive natural patterns in the wood, something that is virtually impossible to replicate with carpet designs.

There are several different types of hardwood flooring:

Red and White Oak – These species are naturally pale in color, with hints of pink running through the Red Oak. Both are known for their utility across all kinds of applications. White Oak is known to be slightly harder than red oak, although red oak in turn is slightly easier to saw and nail.

American Cherry – Used for cabinet making as well as flooring, American Cherry is known to be an attractive species that is very easy to work with. It is not as hard as either red or white oak, but offers a greater tonal range of color that darkens over time to become even more rich in tone, due to photosensitivity.

Hard Maple – Harder still than oak, the uniform texture of maple as well as its naturally abrasion-resistant surface makes it an excellent choice for hardwood flooring. Early North American settlers relied upon maple for its hardy nature, and it continues to be popular today.

Brazilian Cherry AKA Jatoba – One of most notable features of this exotic species is its color – a rich, reddish brown that eventually ages into a lustrous burgundy. Another important as aspect of Jataba is how hard it is; it is harder than some species of mahogany. So for look as well as durability, Brazilian Cherry excels.

However, wood can also expand during times of high humidity, in some cases warping or buckling. They can also fade, splinter, dent, or break, and can be severely damaged by leaks from water heaters, bathrooms, or washers.  Also, they do not absorb sound at all and can make for a noisier house.

Hardwood floors are also more expensive than carpeting, because they are all natural materials as opposed to synthetic.    It takes longer to install hardwood in a home, as it must be carefully measured, cut, and laid in strips.  In addition, the wood will lose its shine over time, creating a dull look, and may be slippery to walk on when it gets wet.

For me, all the advantages fall in favor of hardwood flooring, but in the end, it all comes down to personal taste.  What works best for you, your home, and your family are all that matter.  

Buying Foreclosed Homes....

It’s been said that one person’s misfortune is another person’s fortune, and that is certainly the case in the real estate business.  When you purchase a foreclosed home, you are benefiting by cashing in on a home that someone else was unable to pay for.  They are a bit more difficult to execute than traditional home sales, but the potential to turn them (or “flip them”) for a nice profit may be very attractive.

Foreclosures occur when the homeowner is unable to make the payments.  Banks do not like having to foreclose, because they stand to lose a considerable amount of money.  The upside for the consumer is that banks will often sell these homes for as much as 30% discount in order to recoup at least some of their loss.  Last year, the national average when buying a foreclosure home was 25% below the full market value.

It is fairly easy to locate foreclosed homes, as the sign out front will say something along the lines of Deposit Required, Bank Owned, or Corporate Owned.  You can also peruse the classified section in your local paper, since sheriff listings or auctions will be listed there.  Sheriff auction may be the least expensive way to purchase a foreclosed home.

Although not exactly foreclosures, short sales may be an attractive option.  Short sales are designed to move houses quickly in order to avoid foreclosure.

It is wise to locate an agent who is experienced in foreclosures.  Many sellers will refuse to entertain offers from buyers who are unrepresented.   You need to move fast if you find a promising foreclosed property because there is a very good chance it will not be there the next day. 

You’ll need to inspect the property.  Some sheriff’s auctions, while attractively priced, only allow for sight unseen purchase, and for good reason.  It has been my experience that most people who fall behind on payments are decidedly less obsessive about maintaining the maintenance or general appearance.  Some foreclosures almost qualify as “fixer uppers”.  Keeping this in mind, you might want to mentally add 10% to your offer to maintain an idea of what you will end up spending on the home.

Consider how long the house has been empty.  Typically, the longer the house has been unoccupied, the more damage you will have to deal with.  Check out the landscaping; if a house has been neglected, trees, vines, and bushes can contribute to the deterioration of the structure.  There may also be damage as the result of vandalism or even damage caused by the previous owners.

See if the foreclosed home has any liens on it, such as unpaid taxes, homeowners association dues, etc. and find out who is responsible for those costs.

Make sure to check out the surrounding neighborhood as well.  Buying a home and spending considerable amounts of money fixing it up will do little good if the area is marked by numerous foreclosures or a high crime rate.  Drive through at various hours of the day and night and see what opinion you end up forming.

Think long term.  Many foreclosed homes may decline in value over the coming months, so you have to approach the transaction from a long term perspective.   Foreclosures are not ideal properties for “quick flips” as they will usually require a long term investment of time as well as money.  Make your goal a fully amortized, fixed rate mortgage.

Assuming your credit is good, get prequalified for a mortgage, locate the listing broker, and make your offer.    

Have the home inspected if the seller allows.  Personally, if the seller opposes an inspection, withdraw your offer and look elsewhere.  A reputable seller should have nothing to hide.

Be aggressive in negotiating with a bank…..remember, the home is just sitting there and doing nothing for them.  They are motivated to move the property.  Don’t go overboard, but don’t be afraid to push a little, either.

As with any government operation, you’re going to end up dealing with a lot more paperwork than you would for a normal real estate transaction.  Be prepared to give it the time required.

If you are patient, and play every card right, there is no reason that you cannot get into a nice home for an attractive price.  Knowing all the possible issues going in will go a long way towards making the process more palatable for all involved.

Tips For Traveling Abroad....

A trip overseas can be an exhilarating experience, particularly if it is your first time.  It can also become quite the nightmare if you do not make adequate preparation to begin with.  So take time in the weeks leading up to your departure to make adequate preparation for your journey.

My first airline trip was memorable….an eight hour jaunt from New York City to London…..overnight….and I was afraid of flying.  I held somebody’s hand most of the way across the Atlantic, and I’m not sure who it was.  You should purchase the best, most roomy seat you can afford.  Go first class if at all possible.  Bring along a book, travel pillow, and eye covers.  Most overseas flights are several hours in duration…make it as comfortable as possible.

You should file for a travel visa as soon as possible.  You can do so at the consulate of each country you plan to visit.  Make a copy of the application for your records.  This process may take several weeks, so get started early on.

Likewise, renew your passport if it is not current.

Know the requirements of the country you will be traveling to.  Some countries will allow you to stay up to 90 days, while others require that you limit your stay to a week or so.  Make sure you have all of your travel documentation in order well in advance of your departure and that it remains on your person for easy access.  It will make for a much less nerve wracking experience.

I hate shots.  There’s just something about sticking a long nail, I mean needle, in your arm that rubs me the wrong way.  Unfortunately, different countries require various types of immunization requirements.  Again, do your homework and have this done several weeks in advance of your trip.

Have access to additional funds.  ATM cards may be the weapon of choice in the States, but anywhere, else, make sure you have a credit card with you.  This will prove invaluable in the event of an emergency.  Don’t feel the need to take everything with you….remove any unnecessary cards such as Social Security, library card, or any item that could make you susceptible to identity theft.

Other countries do not operate on the same wavelength as the US.  Literally.  Have the proper electrical adaptors so that little items like hair dryers will still work in London or Paris.

Buy travelers insurance.  Sure, like any insurance, you hope you won’t need to use it, but it is a good idea if somebody falls seriously ill or is injured while out of the country.

Know the cultural expectations.  Actions and words in the States may carry completely different connotations in other countries.   For example, in Egypt, a thumbs up hand gesture is considered obscene.  In France, asking any question of a personal nature is considered rude, while in India, winking is considered to be a sexual gesture.

Learn the language.  If you are going to Spain, learn at least enough Spanish to get by.  Going to another country and expecting them to speak perfect English (or English at all), is beyond arrogant.

While you are there, exercise some common sense so you don’t come off looking like the ugly American.  

Get to know the concierge in your hotel, as he can be of great assistance in suggesting attractions and arranging transportation.

When it comes to language, at least learn the words for “help” “police”, “food”, and “bathroom”.  Of all the words that might come in handy, these are the front runners.

When taking photos, always ask permission before including shots of any people or government places.  Some countries frown on this and you could end up losing that expensive camera.

Always behave respectfully.  The casual attitude of most Americans may be construed as rude or disrespectful to the locals.  Do not draw undue attention to yourself.  This is also a draw for pickpockets and robbers.  I know it’s difficult, but try not to come off like a tourist.

Always act within the limits of the local law.  Watch “Locked Up Abroad” to get an idea of what happens to you when you don’t.

With proper planning before the trip and common sense exercised throughout the journey, there is no reason that you shouldn’t be able to relax and have the time of your life.

See you when you get home!

Finding A Competent Auto Mechanic...

Much like a doctor, an automobile mechanic is somebody we are all going to have to have in our lives.  We all have cars, cars that will break down from time to time.  In order to save money, it is important that you find somebody that you trust, who will do a good job, and only fix that which you need fixed, without trying to talk you into a dozen other things that you don’t need for the sole purpose of padding the bill.

Growing up, we were fortunate enough to have a man that we knew and trusted who kept our cars running.  After my dad passed away, this man would also go a long way towards helping my now-single mother keep her finances in order, again, by only fixing that which needed to be fixed, and knowing how to do so in the most economically feasible manner.  Once I left home and moved far away, I knew finding somebody similar would be a tall order.

When your car goes on the fritz, you have three options.  You can take it to the local dealership, or a national chain, or a local mechanic.

The appeal of the dealership is the name recognition.  The obvious plus is that you are taking it somewhere with mechanics who work on your type of car all the time and are well versed in that particular model.  A GM mechanic works on GM cars all day long, which is a plus.  The downside is that dealerships tend to be much more expensive than other shops.

The same goes for national chains such as Pep Boys, who do quality work but also are looking at high dollar revenue goals.   They will typically make much more out of smaller issues in order to squeeze you for a few more bucks.  This is why every time you have your oil changed you usually get a laundry list of other matters that simply must be attended to right then.

In my opinion, the local shop is the way to go.  Local mechanics have their reputation on the line, and aren’t going to do anything to tarnish that.  They are going up against the dealerships and national chains, and they have to create that level of trustworthiness without the promotional and advertising budget the big boys have.  This is only done by word of mouth, fueled by quality work, good attitude, and solid customer retention.

When it comes to finding a good mechanic, word of mouth is the best way to find somebody.  Talk to friends and neighbors and see who they use.  Check with local car clubs or enthusiasts and see who they trust their prized wheels with.  Some newspapers or area magazines also run “Best In Town” articles, which may include automotive repair shops or individual mechanics.

A good mechanic will also have the proper credentials, such as affiliation with industry groups such as the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), Automotive Service Association (ASA) or the American Automobile Association (AAA).    Of course no membership in any organization is a guarantee against incompetence, but it does let you know that the mechanic has had a considerable amount of training to qualify for membership.

You can also go online and Google the shop you are considering.  Many times you can find reviews or customer comments that can tell you much.

Does the mechanic give you options designed to save you money?  This is one surefire way to identify a good, trustworthy mechanic.

And my favorite measuring stick….will the mechanic let you sit nearby and watch your car being repaired?  A good mechanic will.  I have fond memories of standing beside my 1978 Camaro while Mr. Edwards did his work.  He was enthusiastic about his work and genuinely did not mind having me around (or if he did, he hid it REALLY well).  Some things never change.   

If you get the chance, check out the mechanic’s tool kit.  I’ve always said I’d prefer to take my car to the guy who has the most toys.  It’s a surefire sign that he does his job well if he can afford a sizeable array of tools.

As a rule, local mechanics know that they may be seeing your car again, so they will take time to get to know it and you.  Contrast that with a dealership where you may take your car in ten times and have it worked on by twelve different people.  There is a personal touch to the local shop that not even the best equipped dealership can duplicate.

No this is not a scientific formula, simply advice from me personally that has served me well for my entire adult driving career. 

Now go therefore and find one of the good guys….

Repairing Your Damaged Credit Rating...

I never paid much attention to my credit rating until I worked for a couple of years in the car business.  I was privy to credit ratings on all kinds of customers, and it really drove home for me just how important a good credit rating is.  Once I learned to read the credit reports and process them properly, I was appalled at the financial situations that seemingly intelligent, responsible adults could allow themselves to get into.  I vividly remember a couple who, together, made around $250,000 each year and yet I couldn’t even get them approved to buy a $10,000 car.  I'll also never forget their explanation...."Oh, we have the ability to pay, Mr. Ritchie, we just don't have the inclination."  What to say but "wow".

From that point on I became almost rabidly anal (don’t ask) about keeping my credit score as high as I could get it.  Bills were paid on time, and card balances were paid off every month.  I’m 44 years old and my credit rating has never dropped out of the 700’s.  Of course I’m also going through a divorce right now which is notorious for wrecking credit ratings, so we’ll see what happens, right?

Unfortunately, a lot of people feel that if their credit is ruined, then it is ruined for good.  This is not so.  Even if your credit rating is below the basement (750 is excellent, 650 stinks, below 600 means you’re pretty much screwed), you can still come back.  All it takes is some due diligence and financial discipline.

Firstly, you’ll want to order copies of your credit report from all three credit bureaus, Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian.  Not everybody reports to all three bureaus, so you will need all three to glean the most complete picture of your current credit condition.  You can do this for free once every year, and it is recommended even if your credit rating is excellent.

 Resolve your debt.  Out of control debt is one of the main reasons people have low credit scores.  Devise a spending plan that reduces your debt and gets you set up to pay everything on time, each month.  If you are in a difficult spot, don not hesitate to call your creditors and tell them….many will work with you to make sure your debt doesn’t end up being classified as delinquent or “bad debt”.  Ask for reduced monthly payments, or perhaps changing the date your payment is due in order to help balance out the month.

If you have any accounts that are already in collections, deal with those first, as they are the ones poised to do the most damage to your credit score.   Slowly close out any unneeded or unused credit cards or accounts.  

Most advisers suggest carrying no more than three credit cards (I carry a whopping one, if they don’t take Discover, I’m out of luck). 

You can also be proactive in adding information to your credit file.  Some outfits do not report activity to the credit bureaus….so determine which accounts you are good with and ask them to report your activity.   

Before opening any new accounts, ask them if on-time payments will be reported to the credit bureaus.

If you have really bad credit, such as the notorious bankruptcy, then it is important to begin rebuilding good credit right away.  This may be easier said than done, but you will find companies that will extend you that second chance.  And when they do grant you that chance, for heaven’s sake, don’t screw it up.  Pay your bills every month, on time, every time.  The faster you do so, the faster you will improve your credit score.

Quick note: don’t go overboard.  Too many credit applications can look bad and have a negative impact on your score.  Look for the best deals, interest rates, etc., before applying for new credit.

Open a savings account at your bank (and keep adding money to it).  This will show your creditors that you are serious about working hard to save money and that you have sufficient funds to repay debts.

Of course you must beware the scams that go along with any credit repair efforts.  You will receive mail, e-mail, and phone calls from companies offering to help clean up your credit report…..once you pay them an upfront “administrative fee” of course.

There are numerous red flags to alert you if a company is only seeking to separate you from your money:

If the company wants you to pay upfront for credit repair services.  No reputable company will ask for a dime until services are satisfactorily rendered.

If the company doesn’t advise you on what you can do for yourself for free.

If the company recommends that you do not contact any of the credit bureaus.

If the company advises you to invent a new credit identity, or if they ask you to dispute all the information on your report, even if it is accurate and timely.

Even legitimate companies like Consumer Credit Counseling can have an adverse effect on your attempts to rebuild.  Many of the services CCC advertises are things the average consumer can do themselves, mainly contacting your creditors and seeing if there is a way to work through your difficulties and make things right.  

If you take care of things yourself, you don’t have the negative stigma of working through CCC on your credit history.

Taking the proper steps, in the proper order, not to mention exercising some fiscal responsibility and self-control, will go a long way towards helping you re-establish a healthy credit rating.

Now go therefore and spend wisely…..

Buying A Used Car Without Getting Taken....

I had to buy my mom a new car last week.  No choice, the 2000 Olds Alero she had was giving up the ghost.  I mean, when your car is conking out while you’re driving down the road, the writing is on the proverbial wall.  I didn’t realize what a jalopy the thing was until I saw it parked beside its replacement, a 2008 Chevrolet Impala.

One of the reasons people drive cars until the wheels fall off is because they say they want to get the most out of it before going in debt for a new one.  Which sounds good, but I’m betting a close second on the list would be the fact that nobody but nobody particularly enjoys the process of shopping for a car.  Car dealership horror stories are something we all have in common, whether it is high pressure salesmen, cars that fall apart when you drive them off the lot (I have a story on this one), or lousy financing situations that place an undue burden on your family budget.

First of all, you have to determine what kind of car you are going to buy, and unless you just have money to burn, it is always preferable to base your choice on needs as opposed to wants.   Ask yourself exactly what you will be using the car for, how many people or what types of cargo you’ll be transporting, and how many miles you’ll be putting on it every day or week.

You also need to determine if you want a manual or automatic transmission, or four wheel drive, tow package, etc.  Can it transport everyone and everything you need transported, and will it fit in your garage?

Set your budget.  It is crucial to establish a monthly payment that you can handle without putting undue burden on your family finances.  Your car payment should never exceed 20% of your monthly take home pay. 

My last car was a 2002 Camaro, and while it was a looker and certainly fun to drive, well, that was about it.  I had three children at home at the time, which meant once I threw my wife in the mix there was no way we were all going to get in this car.  I also do model rocketry as a hobby, which means transporting a lot of gear and equipment to some fairly remote off road places (not a chore the Camaro was built for).

So looking at my needs, I needed something that I could get the whole family into with a relative amount of space and comfort, as well as something that could accommodate everything associated with my hobby, and could be beaten around without much worry.  My solution?  A 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Personally, I haven’t bought a new car since 1994, I have found it infinitely preferable to let someone else take the depreciation hit (which occurs the moment you drive the thing off the lot)…..even cars that are only a year old may be a full.  You’ll also typically pay less in insurance costs, and many used cars may still be under factory warranty.  For those that are not, Certified Used cars will offer some measure of warranty protection.

You need to work with a salesperson that you feel comfortable with, but of course there are no guarantees.  I bought a vehicle from a salesman that came highly recommended by my wife's grandfather, but that didn't prevent him from selling us a complete lemon.  Fortunately, after buying several cars and spending a couple of years myself in the business, I now have a guy that I buy from almost exclusively.  The earning of trust can never be underestimated.

I have never bought a car from an individual, but many folks recommend this approach, saying that it is usually less stressful than dealing with a dealership, and the prices may be slightly better. 

When you do find a car that you are interested in, a test drive is mandatory.  Drive it as you would in everyday scenarios, and above all, ignore the salesperson’s pitch.  I like driving with my radio up loud, so that’s how I test drive my cars as well.  The car will always sell itself….any vehicle that requires a salesman to sell you on it isn’t worth buying. 

Ask for service records as well as  Carfax history report.  Do not buy any car with a history of serious damage or other major issues; you’ll just be buying someone else’s problems.

Of course the negotiation process can be a harrowing one, and one that takes all the joy out of buying a car (which is a shame, since it is one of the bigger decisions you will make).   My negotiation tactic is simple, I tell them upfront what I am willing to put down and what I am willing to pay per month.  They have one shot at earning my business.  I have no intention of spending a perfectly pleasant day going back and forth with some unseen used car manager.  I am not opposed to them making a profit on me, even a good, one....my primary concern is whether or not they can meet my goals. I heartily wish more people would adopt this approach. 

Most of all, learn the power of the word “No”.  Don’t be afraid to get up and leave if they can’t meet your requirements but insist on putting pressure on you to cough up some more cash, or pay more each month than you know your budget will allow.

I also highly recommend securing your own financing.  I have never had a dealer offer the same interest rate as my credit union offered.  Oh, yes, they might counter and offer a competitive rate, but the fact that they could offer the rate yet refrained from initially doing so speaks volumes.  Go with who you trust. If you are financing the car, use payment calculators to determine the monthly payment for the car you want to buy.

Yes, children, it is possible to navigate through the used car buying world and come out with a minimum of scars. 

Now go therefore and buy yourself a new ride…..

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To Self Publish Or Not.....

Self-publishing is a growing trend among writers.  With avenues into the various traditional publishing houses becoming narrower and narrower, often times, doing it yourself and going it alone are the only ways you’ll ever see your work in something resembling print.

I first self-published at the age of six (or was it seven?  I don’t remember…anyhoo….); it was an original story, with illustrations done by yours truly, cobbled together on lined notebook paper and stapled together on the kitchen table.  Granted it was only about six pages long, but there it was.  I was so proud.

I continued to write all the way into my adulthood, short stories, poetry, songs, screenplays, etc….all the while hoping that one day I might be discovered and become the next Stephen King.   I probably would have never given self-publishing a second thought if it weren’t for my newsletter.

I put out a newsletter as a part of my career in music, detailing what was going on in my life, announcing upcoming shows and projects, and in general trying to make folks’ lives a little brighter by offering some off the wall humor and inspiration.  After a time, people began to suggest that this might make good material for a book.

I agreed, partly out of ego, and partly out of acknowledgement that they were right.  Many of these inspirational mailings started out much longer and more in depth, whittled down to an acceptable length for a mass e-mail that recipients could read in a hurry.  I went back to the source material, picked out the ones I thought were best, and before I knew it, I had half a book’s material in front of me.  Over the next three months, I wrote material for the other half. 

Then of course, was the question of what to do with it.  Somehow, a collection of musings (no matter how brilliant) from a relatively unknown regional musician just didn’t sound like something traditional publishers would be chomping at the bit to snap up.  What to do?

Then it hit me…..I was touring full time and had a ready made audience……the people that would likely be on my mailing list were in attendance at my concerts every night.  I could produce the book myself, and market it at my various appearances.

The result was the book “Crossroads” published in 2007, and a project which I wrote, edited, laid out, and designed.  Probably more than most want to take on, but I sure was proud when it came out.

If you are thinking about diving into the self-publishing well, there are a few things to consider.  First, the good stuff:

You have control.  You are able to control the whole process.  In traditional publishing, once a manuscript leaves your hands, it goes to somebody else for editing, somebody else for artwork, somebody else for marketing, etc.  Self-publishing authors retain all rights and control over how the work is produced and used.

You know your market.  This was me in a nutshell.  You have a product that may have a specific niche audience, one you are very familiar with.  I was a Christian music artist and had written an inspirational book based largely on some difficult times in my life.  I knew this book would have an audience within the church.

A matter of time.  Self-publishing gets you on the streets quickly.  If you are accepted by a traditional publishing house, it may still be more than a year before your book hits the shelves.  The turnaround time on my book was only a matter of weeks following my beating it into final draft status.

Money.  At the end of the day, let’s face it; it’s all about the money.  In traditional publishing, an author gets about 10% of the selling price per book.  A self-publishing writer can receive up to 60% of the selling price.  Greed is good.

Proving yourself.  A self-published book that sells well will catch the attention of traditional publishing houses.  There are numerous cases of self-published writers whose work was later picked up for release by a major publishing house.

Undivided attention.  The self-publishing author can give a project his or her unwavering attention.  In a traditional setting, there may be over a hundred books in production at any given time.

Sound good so far?  Well, stay tuned, children, because there is always a darker side.  Some of the negatives include:

Flying solo.  Traditional houses have large teams of professionals in all areas of production, from editing, graphic design, packaging, sales, distribution, legal, etc……you need to either get really competent in all these fields or be prepared to part with some cash to hire qualified help.

Marketing.  This is the toughest nut to crack.  Many of us can write, but successful marketing is a unique talent all its own.  How are you going to convince readers to open their wallets and buy your book?  Better…how are you going to get enough of them to buy your book for it to be successful and warrant all the time, energy, blood, sweat and tears you have put into it?

Time.  Everything involved with the creation, execution, and marketing of your book will come out of your time.  Are there enough hours in the day for you to do it all?

Money.  Oops, there’s that word again.  In self-publishing, you have to invest your own money into your project, with no guarantee that you will ever see a return on that investment.  With traditional publishers you generally get an advance and royalties if your book sells well.

Prejudice.  There is a knee jerk reaction to self-publishing, with some people believing  “ well, if the author had to publish it himself, this thing must really suck.”  Of course self-publishing also put authors in the same company as Charles Dickens and Mark Twain.

So there you are with your manuscript.  Weigh the pros and cons, and go after the scenario that best suits your personal and professional goals.  Now, go therefore and write well….