The following is an article from Kim Komando - visit her website here: http://www.komando.com/
Sites help you get your finances in order
10/7/2008
House prices are falling, and the cost of gas and food is on the rise. Specialized software and sites can help you manage these financial changes. And if you use the right resources, it won't cost you a thing.
Create a budget
The first step to taking control is to understand how you spend your money. Start by determining your basic living expenses such as housing, food and transportation.
Then, list other monthly expenses. This may take some work. So pull out your bills and credit card statements. Fortunately, free software can make light work of organizing it all.
SimpleD Budget (Windows) is a small program that helps you track expenses. You enter your monthly expenses and income. After allocating your money to certain categories, you enter payments as you make them.
You'll see when you're approaching the limit for a particular category. You'll also get an idea of how fast you're spending money.
Buddi (Mac/Windows) works much the same as SimpleD Budget. However, it can also help you generate various reports. For example, you can see how your net worth has changed over the months.
Another free finance manager is AceMoney Lite (Windows). It has more features than the other two. For example, it can download stock quotes from the Internet.
Review your credit report
Once you know where cutbacks can be made, you're ready to make changes. Maybe you want to downgrade your car to a cheaper model. Or perhaps you're looking for a car that uses less gas. And, of course, you may want to refinance your home.
Before you do this, you should review your credit report. A poor credit report can stifle your chances of locking in a lower rate on loans.
You'll want to check your report for accuracy and fraud. Then, you can contact the credit bureaus to correct errors.
You can get your credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com. You can request one copy from each of the three reporting institutions once a year. Those reports are free.
You must enter your Social Security number to get your report. If you're uncomfortable doing this online, you can mail your request.
AnnualCreditReport.com provides information on disputing items on your reports. However, it does not provide your credit score. For that, you'll need to pay about $10.
Find your credit score for free
Your credit score can play a large role when you apply for credit. Quicken Loans has an interesting site—Quizzle.com. It will give you a free credit report, and throws in a score. That is a Quizzle score.
It tells you how well you're doing as a homeowner. Quizzle also will help you gauge your home value. You'll also find out how to save on your mortgage. Additionally, there's a budget management tool.
Quizzle is interesting, even if you don't need a mortgage, or can't qualify. You should come away with a better understanding of your finances.
For now, Quizzle is aimed at homeowners. It should provide service to renters soon.
CreditKarma.com also provides you with a free credit score. The score comes from one of the three major credit-reporting bureaus. The site will also help you monitor your score over time.
CreditKarma provides you with special offers based on your credit score. For example, you can get a lower interest rate on credit cards. You may also apply for offers from cable companies and other businesses.
These are tough economic times. Using these resources could make them a little more bearable.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Online Job Help
The following is an article from Kim Komando - visit her website here: http://www.komando.com/
Online help for a tough job market
12/20/2008
Unemployment is at a 14-year high. So, if you’re looking for a job, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, the competition makes landing a job more difficult.
You must be savvy. You’ll find plenty of help online. I have some tips, and some places to look.
Creating a stellar résumé
Your résumé is your professional calling card. A poorly executed one might well go into the trash. A clean, clear effort might get you an interview. Few people land jobs with just a good résumé. But a sloppy résumé is a killer. So, your résumé must be top-notch and error-free. It is the price of admission.
Most job boards offer tips for crafting a résumé. Or, search Google for sample résumés. Microsoft Word includes templates. Microsoft has more on its site. Take your time and do it right.
Watch out for filters
Companies often filter résumés with software. So, keywords are paramount. For example, list by name the programs you know. And include a job title in your objective.
Filters can also harm you when you e-mail your résumé. It could be flagged by a spam filter. For example, the term magna cum laude will likely flag your message.
Predicting what will trigger spam filters is difficult. Online tools like SpamCheck can help. They examine your message for “spammy” words.
Optimizing your résumé’s format
The format of your résumé is also very important. Obviously, you want a fully formatted résumé suitable for printing. Include indents, bullets and font formatting.
You also need a plain-text résumé for e-mailing. It shouldn’t contain bullets, special characters or font formatting. Use asterisks instead of bullets. All caps can be used to separate sections and highlight words.
Indents and complex spacing should be avoided. Spacing often doesn’t appear correctly in e-mail; this affects your résumé’s readability. E-mail it to yourself to check readability.
Many sites can use your plain-text résumé to complete an application. The contents of your résumé are matched with the appropriate fields.
E-mailing your résumé
If possible, do not e-mail your résumé as an attachment. Attachments can spread malware. Many corporate networks strip them from messages.
Opening an attachment also takes more time. Don’t give employers an excuse not to view your résumé!
Instead, put the job title or reference number in the e-mail subject line. In the body of the e-mail, place your cover letter and résumé. Mention also that a professionally formated version of your résumé is available.
Finding opportunities
Your first instinct is probably to start at a general job site like Careerbuilder and Monster. By all means, use these sites. But don’t forget specialized job boards.
Competition on general sites is tough. And you may not find high-level or specialized jobs. So, seek out a job board specializing in your field. There will be fewer job listings. But your chances are better.
Tech workers should try Dice. Upper-level executives should head to TheLadders. It list jobs paying $100,000 or more. SalesJobs is for sales professionals, while eFinancialCareers specializes in financial positions. For government jobs, hit USAJOBS.
Search Google for other specialized sites.
Network, network, network
Networking is still important! It can help you find unlisted positions. And contacts may be able to get your résumé to the appropriate party.
First, join an industry organization. You’ll meet others in your field, including those with hiring authority. You’ll also hear about opportunities. Many organizations have their own job boards.
Alumni associations are also helpful. Former classmates in your area may help with your search. You’ll find information on your alumni association on your college’s Web site.
You should join a networking site to develop new connections. The most popular is LinkedIn. You might also try Ecademy and Ryze. These sites are similar to other networking sites. However, the atmosphere is more buttoned down and professional.
My last word
I have done a lot of hiring over the years. Résumés that are off-target are quickly pitched. I once advertised for a researcher. A guy sent a résumé highlighting his invention of a pizza machine! Too bad I wasn’t looking for that. Tailor your résumé to fit the job.
If you get an interview, act like you want the job. Have a few questions. Answer those asked with confidence and enthusiasm. A tie for men never hurts. If you’re female, avoid short skirts and revealing tops. And always, always send a thank you note afterwards.
Online help for a tough job market
12/20/2008
Unemployment is at a 14-year high. So, if you’re looking for a job, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, the competition makes landing a job more difficult.
You must be savvy. You’ll find plenty of help online. I have some tips, and some places to look.
Creating a stellar résumé
Your résumé is your professional calling card. A poorly executed one might well go into the trash. A clean, clear effort might get you an interview. Few people land jobs with just a good résumé. But a sloppy résumé is a killer. So, your résumé must be top-notch and error-free. It is the price of admission.
Most job boards offer tips for crafting a résumé. Or, search Google for sample résumés. Microsoft Word includes templates. Microsoft has more on its site. Take your time and do it right.
Watch out for filters
Companies often filter résumés with software. So, keywords are paramount. For example, list by name the programs you know. And include a job title in your objective.
Filters can also harm you when you e-mail your résumé. It could be flagged by a spam filter. For example, the term magna cum laude will likely flag your message.
Predicting what will trigger spam filters is difficult. Online tools like SpamCheck can help. They examine your message for “spammy” words.
Optimizing your résumé’s format
The format of your résumé is also very important. Obviously, you want a fully formatted résumé suitable for printing. Include indents, bullets and font formatting.
You also need a plain-text résumé for e-mailing. It shouldn’t contain bullets, special characters or font formatting. Use asterisks instead of bullets. All caps can be used to separate sections and highlight words.
Indents and complex spacing should be avoided. Spacing often doesn’t appear correctly in e-mail; this affects your résumé’s readability. E-mail it to yourself to check readability.
Many sites can use your plain-text résumé to complete an application. The contents of your résumé are matched with the appropriate fields.
E-mailing your résumé
If possible, do not e-mail your résumé as an attachment. Attachments can spread malware. Many corporate networks strip them from messages.
Opening an attachment also takes more time. Don’t give employers an excuse not to view your résumé!
Instead, put the job title or reference number in the e-mail subject line. In the body of the e-mail, place your cover letter and résumé. Mention also that a professionally formated version of your résumé is available.
Finding opportunities
Your first instinct is probably to start at a general job site like Careerbuilder and Monster. By all means, use these sites. But don’t forget specialized job boards.
Competition on general sites is tough. And you may not find high-level or specialized jobs. So, seek out a job board specializing in your field. There will be fewer job listings. But your chances are better.
Tech workers should try Dice. Upper-level executives should head to TheLadders. It list jobs paying $100,000 or more. SalesJobs is for sales professionals, while eFinancialCareers specializes in financial positions. For government jobs, hit USAJOBS.
Search Google for other specialized sites.
Network, network, network
Networking is still important! It can help you find unlisted positions. And contacts may be able to get your résumé to the appropriate party.
First, join an industry organization. You’ll meet others in your field, including those with hiring authority. You’ll also hear about opportunities. Many organizations have their own job boards.
Alumni associations are also helpful. Former classmates in your area may help with your search. You’ll find information on your alumni association on your college’s Web site.
You should join a networking site to develop new connections. The most popular is LinkedIn. You might also try Ecademy and Ryze. These sites are similar to other networking sites. However, the atmosphere is more buttoned down and professional.
My last word
I have done a lot of hiring over the years. Résumés that are off-target are quickly pitched. I once advertised for a researcher. A guy sent a résumé highlighting his invention of a pizza machine! Too bad I wasn’t looking for that. Tailor your résumé to fit the job.
If you get an interview, act like you want the job. Have a few questions. Answer those asked with confidence and enthusiasm. A tie for men never hurts. If you’re female, avoid short skirts and revealing tops. And always, always send a thank you note afterwards.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Mortgage Services
Struggling homeowners not tapping mortgage services
Phoenix Business Journal - by Mike Sunnucks
Distressed mortgage borrowers have numerous avenues for assistance as they face financial burdens related to their home loans and the down housing market.
The problem is, troubled homeowners are reluctant to take advantage of loan modification programs and other aid related to the subprime and foreclosure mess.
“Homeowners do not want to deal with the situations they are in, so they don’t call, open mail or make contact,” said Carolyn Mitchell, community development manager for Wells Fargo Bank.
Homeowners generally want to keep their financial woes private, she said. Some are unsure about who to call, she said, while others simply don’t believe they can be helped out of their predicament.
Wells Fargo, like other lenders, set up loan modification lines and participates in other foreclosure prevention programs. For example, Hope Now — a partnership involving lenders, housing and consumer assistance groups — assisted 6,600 Arizona homeowners during the first three quarters of the year.
Anne Hilby, spokeswoman for the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, said the state has received more complaints this year related to mortgages and real estate, but she said homeowners often are hesitant to report such problems, including legal issues.
“Our office has found that many times, borrowers facing foreclosure are overwhelmed by their situation and embarrassed to seek help,” she said.
State Housing Director Fred Karnas said Arizona’s foreclosure help line has gotten more than 9,400 calls since it launched in May, but many borrowers are skeptical about coming forward because they are worried they will get in trouble if they fudged their original mortgage application.
“They don’t know who to trust,” Karnas said.
Arizona has the second-worst foreclosure rate in the U.S., with one of every 149 households in some stage of the foreclosure process, according to RealtyTrac Inc. Nevada has the worst rate: one of every 74 households.
The State Bar of Arizona set up a foreclosure and bankruptcy assistance program in February through its Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education.
Foundation education and information manager Leslie Ross said the Web-based assistance program links low-income homeowners with legal aid, and other individuals to bankruptcy and financial attorneys who can offer them counsel. Ross said between 200 and 300 consumers have used the Lawyers Helping Homeowners service, but the State Bar would like to see more people take advantage of it.
“Most people who are in this situation are not used to seeking help,” Ross said.
Tanya Wheeless, president of the Arizona Bankers Association, said consumers may be skeptical of their options, but they still should reach out.
“You can’t get help if you don’t ask for it,” she said.
Foreclosure Help Lines
Lawyers Helping Homeowners: azlawhelp.org/housing.cfmWells Fargo Home Mortgage Loss Mitigation: 800-678-7986Arizona Attorney General consumer line: 800-352-8431Arizona Department of Housing Foreclosure Help-Line: 877-448-1211National foreclosure help: www.hud.gov/foreclosure or www.hopenow.com
Phoenix Business Journal - by Mike Sunnucks
Distressed mortgage borrowers have numerous avenues for assistance as they face financial burdens related to their home loans and the down housing market.
The problem is, troubled homeowners are reluctant to take advantage of loan modification programs and other aid related to the subprime and foreclosure mess.
“Homeowners do not want to deal with the situations they are in, so they don’t call, open mail or make contact,” said Carolyn Mitchell, community development manager for Wells Fargo Bank.
Homeowners generally want to keep their financial woes private, she said. Some are unsure about who to call, she said, while others simply don’t believe they can be helped out of their predicament.
Wells Fargo, like other lenders, set up loan modification lines and participates in other foreclosure prevention programs. For example, Hope Now — a partnership involving lenders, housing and consumer assistance groups — assisted 6,600 Arizona homeowners during the first three quarters of the year.
Anne Hilby, spokeswoman for the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, said the state has received more complaints this year related to mortgages and real estate, but she said homeowners often are hesitant to report such problems, including legal issues.
“Our office has found that many times, borrowers facing foreclosure are overwhelmed by their situation and embarrassed to seek help,” she said.
State Housing Director Fred Karnas said Arizona’s foreclosure help line has gotten more than 9,400 calls since it launched in May, but many borrowers are skeptical about coming forward because they are worried they will get in trouble if they fudged their original mortgage application.
“They don’t know who to trust,” Karnas said.
Arizona has the second-worst foreclosure rate in the U.S., with one of every 149 households in some stage of the foreclosure process, according to RealtyTrac Inc. Nevada has the worst rate: one of every 74 households.
The State Bar of Arizona set up a foreclosure and bankruptcy assistance program in February through its Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education.
Foundation education and information manager Leslie Ross said the Web-based assistance program links low-income homeowners with legal aid, and other individuals to bankruptcy and financial attorneys who can offer them counsel. Ross said between 200 and 300 consumers have used the Lawyers Helping Homeowners service, but the State Bar would like to see more people take advantage of it.
“Most people who are in this situation are not used to seeking help,” Ross said.
Tanya Wheeless, president of the Arizona Bankers Association, said consumers may be skeptical of their options, but they still should reach out.
“You can’t get help if you don’t ask for it,” she said.
Foreclosure Help Lines
Lawyers Helping Homeowners: azlawhelp.org/housing.cfmWells Fargo Home Mortgage Loss Mitigation: 800-678-7986Arizona Attorney General consumer line: 800-352-8431Arizona Department of Housing Foreclosure Help-Line: 877-448-1211National foreclosure help: www.hud.gov/foreclosure or www.hopenow.com
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Landscape Services
Berrys Custom Landscapes has been providing creative custom landscape to people all over the valley since 1986.
We design and install all phases of outdoor enjoyment; from water features with fish and aquatic plants, desert to tropical plant selections, sprinkler and drip irrigation systems, all types of masonry work from bbqs, planters, walls, posts and mailboxes to in-ground trampolines, outdoor lighting, paver driveways and patios.
With our extensive knowledge of plants and trees we can help you make the right choices in designing the yard of your dreams.
We also provide expert maintenance service to keep everything working and growing for years to come.
Call Brian Berry today for a free estimate on how we can make your home more beautiful and fun to be outside
602-625-5109 or 480-981-6517
e-mail me at randee_berry@msn.com or berrylandscape@gmail.com
We're located in your neighborhood
http://berryscustomlandscapes.blogspot.com/
We design and install all phases of outdoor enjoyment; from water features with fish and aquatic plants, desert to tropical plant selections, sprinkler and drip irrigation systems, all types of masonry work from bbqs, planters, walls, posts and mailboxes to in-ground trampolines, outdoor lighting, paver driveways and patios.
With our extensive knowledge of plants and trees we can help you make the right choices in designing the yard of your dreams.
We also provide expert maintenance service to keep everything working and growing for years to come.
Call Brian Berry today for a free estimate on how we can make your home more beautiful and fun to be outside
602-625-5109 or 480-981-6517
e-mail me at randee_berry@msn.com or berrylandscape@gmail.com
We're located in your neighborhood
http://berryscustomlandscapes.blogspot.com/
Monday, December 8, 2008
Spanish Lessons
http://bilingual-kids.blogspot.com/
My name is Irene and I was born and raised in Guayaquil, Ecuador. My family moved to NYC when I was 13 making my native tongue Spanish. I graduated with a bachelors degree in both Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Brigham Young University and though I taught many different age groups I soon found my passion teaching preschool-age children. I ran a preschool of my own for 6 years before closing its doors in 2007 to refocus my efforts in designing a very solid Spanish program.
We are looking to enroll 6 students per session. Our sessions are 40 minutes long twice a week. You may also choose to do 2 consecutive sessions once a week. The rate is $40 per month (4 weeks).
For more information, please visit: http://bilingual-kids.blogspot.com/
My name is Irene and I was born and raised in Guayaquil, Ecuador. My family moved to NYC when I was 13 making my native tongue Spanish. I graduated with a bachelors degree in both Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Brigham Young University and though I taught many different age groups I soon found my passion teaching preschool-age children. I ran a preschool of my own for 6 years before closing its doors in 2007 to refocus my efforts in designing a very solid Spanish program.
We are looking to enroll 6 students per session. Our sessions are 40 minutes long twice a week. You may also choose to do 2 consecutive sessions once a week. The rate is $40 per month (4 weeks).
For more information, please visit: http://bilingual-kids.blogspot.com/
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Carpet Direct
Carpet Direct is a national organization that places custom orders directly
to the nation's leading flooring manufacturers on behalf of homeowners, builders, real
tors, and people like you. This streamlined process of ordering floor covering has lead to elimination of a tremendous amount of overhead on many levels. For instance, you do not have to pay for any of these costly overhead items such as: expensive showrooms, collection or credit departments, advertising, inventory, or additional employees. By eliminating these and other traditional expenses, you can buy flooring just like the retail stores. You become the middle man!
Mark Hull
480 577-4023
markhull_carpetdirect@yahoo.com
Mark Hull is a Carpet Direct floor covering expert. Mark is completely mobile and will carry hundreds of samples to your jobsite, home or office.
Mark can help you choose carpet, wood flooring, laminate, tile and vinyl from manufacturers like: Stainmaster, Beaulieu, Shaw, Gulistan, Dixie and more.
To learn more about how you can become the "middle man" and save money over traditional flooring companies, click here.
Real Estate Options
I felt the need to write a few words concerning real estate options in hopes that I may offer assistance to those who may not know where to go for advice.
I have been selling homes as a Real Estate agent for 8 years. A little over a year ago as property values began to plummet I became aware of my past clients, friends and family struggling in a difficult economy to make their mortgage payments.
I have spent the last year obtaining specialized training and experience including receiving the Certified Short Sale Professional Designation. I recently opened a Real Estate company dedicated in part to helping families avoid foreclosure and we have partnered with a local mortgage company who specializes in facilitating loan modifications.
In a loan mod, we work with your bank to show them you can afford your home with a little help. (often times resulting in a reduction in interest, extending the term of the loan and/or in some cases a principle reduction). I will be honest and say there are homeowners with mortgages they should never have been given. For example, if your mortgage is more than 5 times your gross income, or you are spending more than 2/3 of your net monthly income on your mortgage, the best thing is probably to get out of your home and into something more affordable. The reality is if you are struggling now times will probably get worse and you will dig deeper into debt. In these situations a loan modification is unlikely to help.
If your home is not worth what you currently owe (you have “negative equity”) then a Short Sale may be the best alternative to foreclosure. A short sale is done when your mortgage company agrees to let you sell your home and in turn agrees to take a reduced amount than what is owed at closing. The silver lining to this situation is you can stop the downward spiral of debt and start over. Your credit is repairable in as little as a year and you can begin again to build wealth.
It is important to note, everyone’s situation is different and every mortgage company is different. It is also important not to wait until it is too late as foreclosure can be detrimental to your credit. There are options and I am available anytime to go over your specific situation. I would not charge you for this advice.
Laura Higginbotham
RE Options, llc
480-570-6800
480-570-6800
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Clear Water Concepts
Clear Water Concepts is a team of experienced water treatment specialists, serving the greater Phoenix area for the past 10 years. We specialize in high quality, innovative residential water treatment products.
CWC is a licensed, bonded, and insured contractor ROC184768. We understand the value in developing, and maintaining quality relationships with our customers. For information about our products or services please visit our website, or contact us @ 480-497-4239 or 480-204-2766.
Matt Ulrich
Clear Water Concepts
8306 E. Kael St.
Mesa, AZ 85207
Friday, December 5, 2008
Superstition Springs Endodontics
Dental implants, bridges, dentures are all good replacements for missing teeth, but nothing is as good as a natural tooth!
If your dentist recommends you extract your tooth, ask him if it can be saved with root canal treatment.
After a root canal, your tooth can be restored and function naturally like the rest of your teeth ensuring comfortable chewing and natural appearance.
Endodontists are dental specialists that can often save the most severely injured teeth. An endodontist has additional training, experience, instruments and equipment to perform all aspects of root canal treatment which will allow you to save your natural teeth. If you are having a problem with a tooth that has already had a root canal, an endodontist is trained to correct the problem an help you save your natural tooth (click here).
If your tooth cannot be saved, replacement options may include a dental implant or bridge. But it is often less costly to save a natural tooth then to try and replace a tooth after it is gone.
To learn more about the most common myths about root canal treatment, click here.
Dr. Jason Hales & Dr. Edward Carlson of Superstition Springs Endodontics are dedicated to helping your save your teeth. You can contact them at: 480 807-8022.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Kennedy Pool Service
Full service pool maintenance and repair. Over 20 years of experience. Call today!
David Kennedy 480 967-8855
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