But if the thought of tackling your cleaning project has you collapsing on the couch in exhaustion, consider some of these tips from Savers thrift store to make the task easier – both in sorting your items and getting what you don’t want out of your house:

* Bring a friend in to help. Not only can the two of you spend a great afternoon together, but your friend can also give you an objective opinion as you sort through items to keep or throw. This allows you to see if your emotions are the only reasons you’re holding on to stuff – like your grandmother’s old vase that’s just collecting dust in your closet.

Actually, things like that vase will do a lot more good out of your house than in it. Savers thrift store pays its 128 nonprofit partners for every item donated either at the Community Donation Center located on-site at its stores or donated directly to its partners. So, all your unused clothing, housewares, furniture and more turn into sustainable funding for nonprofits’ programs and services in your local area.

* Be organized about getting organized. Start in one corner of one room, and slowly make your way around the room in a circle. Don’t move on to the next room until you are finished with the first. If you need to take a break, go for it, but always return back to where you left off.

* Designate a place for donations in a handy, but out-of-the-way location in your house. Encourage family members to place items – clothes, toys, housewares – that they don’t want any longer into the bin. Your children will see that not everything has to go into the trash, and something they don’t want any longer can be used by someone else.

When your donation bin is full, you can use Savers new Nonprofit Locator Tool to find a nearby Community Donation Center where you can drop off your goods or get a list of Savers nonprofit partners in your area with donation home pick-up service. Simply visit www.communitydonationcenter.com and type in your zip code to identify the most convenient drop off location or a specific nonprofit organization you want to support.

* Be realistic about what you think you want to keep. If you haven’t worn that sweater in more than six months, it’s ready to go. And if you lost weight, congratulate yourself by donating all your larger old clothing. This makes it less tempting and more work if you gain the weight back. Another way to determine what is ready to go is to put items you’re not sure about into a box. Seal it, and put it into the basement. If you haven’t opened that box a year later, donate the entire thing. Chances are, you don’t have a clue what’s in the box and don’t need it.

When you donate your unused items to Savers’ nonprofit partners, another person can put them to use, which helps save space in landfills, and organizations in your area will benefit as well. And you won’t have to fear opening your closet door anymore.

Courtesy of ARAcontent and Rob Dandrea, Professional Realtor with Century 21 Bay West, Tampa, FL 727-510-2100   robert.dandrea@yahoo.com         www.robertdandrea.com         rob.dandrea@century21.com

Having the right storage solutions on hand also can go a long way towards helping you get organized and maintain a comfortable, grab-and-go lifestyle. Many do-it-yourself closet systems are available to help with your closet transformation. While professionally installed closet solutions can run thousands of dollars, you can pick up a ready-to-assemble kit containing everything you need to start creating a stylish custom closet in a weekend. So you can have the closet you want without a hefty price tag.

But first, a little planning is in order. Start by purging the chosen closet of items you no longer use. Banish sentimentality, and police your thoughts for these familiar closet-killers:

* “I’ll be ready when that comes back in style.”
* “When I lose the weight, I’ll wear it again.”
* “I don’t really like it, but it was a gift.”
* “It’s out of style, but I always loved it.”

Just can’t let it go? Try putting the item on probation by taking it out of your active closet and placing it in alternative storage – a basement or attic. In a year, if you haven’t been tempted to dig it out, you’ll be ready to pitch it – and well on your way to a more clutter-free home.

Next, organize the items by type and count them. How many pairs of shoes, pants, belts, suits and dresses do you need to accommodate? Then, measure your closet and investigate solutions that make the best use of every inch of space.

Many new homes are outfitted with wire closet systems, but adjustable and beautiful wood solutions, such as Home Options Storage Solutions, found in Lowe’s stores, are more attractive and often more flexible. The unique, all-in-one-box starter kit, containing one tower, three shelves, three rods, three drawers and one wide shelf, has everything you need to get started.

In the meantime, what to do with your closet clutter? Unload it for some quick cash on eBay, craigslist.org, at a local consignment shop or the neighborhood rummage sale, or take it to a donation drop-bin. Or have a “purge party” with friends, where everyone brings and swaps gently used clothing, shoes, purses, scarves and jewelry. Whatever is left at the end of the party is donated to charity. For more information on how to maximize your storage space, visit www.homeoptionsstorage.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent and Rob Dandrea, Professional Real Estate Agent with Charles Rutenberg Realty, Clearwater, FL 33764  727-510-2100   robdandrea.realtyoffice@gmail.com     www.robertdandrea.com

So why is it that so many overlook flooring when refreshing their home decor after a long, drab winter? This year, take a cue from Mother Nature and start your spring decorating from the ground up.

While refreshing rooms with bright new paint colors and lively window treatments is an important step in any spring decorating project, don’t forget the floor. Too often, homeowners fail to update flooring when redecorating a room and wind up at odds with their goal to create a brand-new, fresh look. Today, most consumers find themselves following a strict budget, and flooring is expensive to replace, right?

Think again. It’s easy to update a tired room and outdated floor without breaking the bank. Stylish but budget-friendly fiber-backed resilient sheet flooring like Tarkett FiberFloor, which earned a prestigious “BestBuy” rating from “Consumers Digest” magazine for value and durability, gives you the best of both worlds. FiberFloor not only looks great and mimics natural flooring but also stands up to the stomping, jumping and everyday life found in homes.

“In this economy, homeowners are still redecorating, but they’re doing it smarter,” says Mario Allard, Tarkett Residential director of resilient products. “They want dependable products that provide ongoing value and look great.”

With value, performance and the good looks it delivers, it’s no wonder fiber-backed resilient is today’s fastest growing segment in the flooring category. What’s more, it also comes in a wide variety of designs to meet any personal style. Are you funky and eclectic? Do you gravitate toward a contemporary look? Or do you like something more traditional and austere? There’s fiber-backed resilient sheet flooring out there for any taste and budget.

Also, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. While many homeowners want to replicate the look of attractive natural materials – slate, bamboo, stone and hardwood – resilient flooring, like FiberFloor, also comes in a vast array of colors and textures, providing stylish options for any decor.

“Savvy homeowners have discovered that fiber-backed resilient sheet flooring products aren’t their grandmother’s vinyl,” notes Allard. “Today’s options offer incomparable design, style and durability at a price that doesn’t throw a carefully balanced budget off track.”

When selecting a new floor, be sure to keep comfort in mind, too. A floor might look good, but it might not feel good underfoot, have poor insulation properties or carry sound noisily – all undesirable comfort factors that should be taken into account during the selection process. That’s one of the reasons today’s fiber-backed resilient products have comfort features like improved foam density, which delivers added performance and durability, not to mention warmth, comfort and a quiet living space.

Once the perfect flooring has been selected, it’s easy to fill the rest of the space with bold, cheerful colors thanks to paint, window treatments and fun accessories like cushions, vases and artwork.

“Making the right flooring choice first really pulls the rest of a room together,” Allard says. “Once you lay the foundation – in this case, an attractive, new floor – the rest of the design elements easily will fall into place . . . all with your budget in mind.” For more information, visit www.tarkettna.com or call (800) 367-8275.

Courtesy of ARAcontent and Rob Dandrea, Professional Real Estate Agent with Charles Rutenberg Realty, Clearwater, FL 33764  727-510-2100     robert.dandrea@yahoo.com      www.robertdandrea.com

The National Highway and Traffic Safety Agency (NHTSA) reports the use of cell phones and other mobile devices now accounts for 25 percent of all police-reported traffic crashes. Research shows that driving while talking, texting or e-mailing with a cell phone or PDA can pose a serious distraction and interfere with driving a motor vehicle.

As a result of the growing number of cell phone-related car accidents, more states are pushing for legislation to ban cell phone use while operating a motor vehicle, according to FindLaw.com, the Internet’s leading Web site for legal information. States that have banned the handheld use of cell phones by drivers include California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Utah and Washington as well as the District of Columbia.

The facts are especially alarming for teenagers, for whom driving-related incidents are the leading cause of death. According to an NHTSA report, more than 50 percent of teens admit to talking or texting on a cell phone while driving. At least 20 states, including Texas, currently ban any kind of cell phone use by teenage drivers, says FindLaw.com.

Because of the alarming trend linking cell phone use and driving, the National Safety Council has gone even further by calling for a complete ban on the use of all cell phones, including “hands-free” devices, for drivers nationwide.

Any activity a driver engages in while driving has the potential to distract the motorist from the primary task of operating the vehicle. A distraction is defined by any event or action that takes your eyes off the road (visual), mind off the road (cognitive), or takes your hands off the steering wheel (manual). Some research findings compare cell phone use to other activities such as passenger conversations or changing a CD while driving.

For example, studies have shown that cell phone use compared to carrying on a conversation with a passenger can be equally risky, while other studies show cell phone use to be more risky. The difference between the two is a passenger can monitor the driving situation along with the driver and pause for, or alert the driver to, potential hazards, whereas a person on the other end of the phone line is unaware of the roadway situation.

But what if a driver encounters an emergency situation or witnesses another driver’s erratic driving? As a general rule, if you are in your car and witness a car accident or another emergency, pull your vehicle over to a safe location and call 911.

However, in emergency situations drivers must use their judgment regarding the urgency of the situation and the necessity to use a cell phone while driving. The key here is to avoid creating another emergency because you’re using your cell phone.

In addition to using a cell phone, there are many other distractions that can increase the risk of losing control of your vehicle, according to FindLaw.com. Some activities that appear to be “hands free,” such as looking at a GPS map screen, can be just as distracting as navigating a car while eating a hamburger. According to a study by the NHTSA and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, 80 percent of crashes and 65 percent of near crashes involve some form of driver distraction.

The study further concluded that the typical distraction occurred within three seconds before the vehicle crash. The bottom line is that drivers who engage more frequently in distracted driving are more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle accident or near crash. Some common distractions that should be avoided include:

* Eating while driving, including unwrapping food products.
* Changing a CD or adjusting the radio.
* Applying make-up.
* Settling a dispute between children.
* Controlling a loose pet.
* Reading a print map or watching a GPS map screen while driving.
* Looking at an object or event outside of your car, like another accident.

It is also important to keep in mind that some activities are carried out more frequently and for longer periods of time and may result in greater risk. The primary responsibility of the driver is to operate a motor vehicle safely. The task of driving requires full attention and focus. Cell phone use can distract drivers from this task, risking harm to themselves and others. Therefore, the safest course of action is to refrain from using a cell phone while driving.

To learn more about cell phone use and driving laws, visit www.findlaw.com. 

Rain hastens rust and wood-rot, and ground freezing and thawing or high winds can affect gate alignment. Gate misalignment – as well as rusty metal hinges and latches – can lead to gates that no longer close securely. These conditions can be dangerous or even deadly if ignored. Weakened or damaged fencing can open up your property to unwanted intruders.

Now’s the time to inspect fencing, gates and gate hardware around your property to ensure all are in good working condition.

Selecting the right gate hardware can easily solve most of these problems. Innovative gate hinges and latches by D&D Technologies are made of super strong engineering polymers that will not rust, are adjustable, self-lubricating and include high-grade stainless steel mounting hardware. They require little or no maintenance over the years and are backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

Updating your gates so that they are self-closing and self-latching, improving their security and overall look, can be done in just a few minutes with these unique products. D&D latches feature built-in key locks, which eliminate the hassles and extra cost of a separate padlock or pull-string. The company’s hinges have a built-in self-closing spring that is tension adjustable for different gate weights with a twist of a screwdriver and eliminates those dangerous and unsightly external springs. These products are simple to install, and include easy vertical and horizontal adjustments, which help keep gates properly aligned for secure closing years after the products are installed.

Fences protect children and pets from danger – whether they’re designed to keep toddlers out of swimming pools or to keep children and pets in the yard, away from busy traffic. Properly working gates can also reduce homeowners’ liability.

Even if your fence has been erected primarily to define your property line, it’s ineffective if access gates don’t close or latch properly after opening. When was the last time you checked each gate around your property?

“In our research, we found that when homeowners consider their fencing needs, rusty metal gate hardware that no longer functions properly was their No. 1 concern,” says D&D Technologies’ Senior Vice President Jim Paterson. “Most homeowners are not aware that rust-free and adjustable gate hardware is available.”

If you have a pool or spa, or want to prevent children from opening any gate, D&D’s MagnaLatch is specifically designed for these situations. It meets pool barrier codes and is endorsed by many safety experts.

“Now is a great time to ensure that your fences and gates are functioning properly and are protected from rust, a destructive force that can render gate hardware useless,” says Paterson. “Common gravity latches are inexpensive and function fine when new. However, as soon as rust sets in, these latches no longer close without manual assistance.”

He notes that D&D’s rust-free gate hardware has been sold primarily through the professional fencing industry, but is now available direct to consumers under the Stanley or National Hardware brand through Lowe’s and other hardware retailers.

“For the fencing itself, rust can present greater challenges,” Paterson says. “Steel fences and gates, if not protected with an effective sealant such as powder coating, must be periodically repainted with rust-resistant paint to prevent weather-related damage. Be sure to remove existing rust before painting, and use a rust-preventive primer. For wood fences, use paint specifically designed for fencing.

“Aluminum, vinyl or wood fencing can protect against rust on the fence itself,” Paterson continues, “but the hardware must still be rust-free and adjustable to ensure the gate will be in working order. A quick inspection – and if needed – the minutes spent installing new gate hardware, can help protect your family and property, increasing security and decreasing liability.” For more information, visit www.ddtechglobal.com, e-mail info@ddtechusa.com or call (800) 716-0888, ext. 292.

Courtesy of ARAcontent and Rob Dandrea, Professional Real Estate Agent with Charles Rutenberg Realty, Clearwater, FL 33764  727-510-2100      robdandrea.realtyoffice@gmail.com                   www.robertdandrea.com

Finished look for less
Does your kitchen have shiny brass light fixtures? If so, updating these can instantly make your home look more current and stylish. Home improvement retailers offer a wide variety of stylish and affordable choices in popular finishes, such as stainless steel or old world bronze. Or, for an even more economical choice, turn your current lighting fixtures from brass to beautiful by spray painting them with a new contemporary finish. Manufacturers such as Krylon offer unique choices, like Stainless Steel or Oil-Rubbed Bronze, that add beautiful texture for a high-end look.

Fashionable, functional focal point
Most kitchens have a basic faucet – but as the focal point and most-used item in the kitchen, updating this mainstay can create a functional and fashionable change that everyone will notice.

When selecting a new kitchen faucet, look for a high-arc style with pulldown functionality. Models such as the Moen Anabelle Eco-Performance faucet feature this unique design – with the added benefit of up to 32 percent water savings. The multi-function wand offers both a fast-fill stream for filling pots, as well as two Eco-Performance sprays that conserve water while allowing you to complete everyday tasks such as washing dishes or preparing foods – all with the same great performance. Available at Lowe’s in both Stainless Steel and Mediterranean Bronze finishes, this kitchen update will have you saying “wow” with the aesthetic, functional and water-saving benefits. For more information on Moen Eco-Performance kitchen faucets, visit moen.com or lowes.com.

Sensational shelves
Nothing can make a kitchen look worse than cluttered countertops. But when it comes to storing necessities or displaying decorative items – there often is no other spot. While adding new cabinetry can solve your storage issue, it can be costly. Instead, build exposed shelves to give your kitchen a more updated look and an open, airy feel.

Home improvement retailers offer a variety of pre-made wood shelving in a variety of materials and finishes, or, if you are handy, you can build your own to save even more. Once they are complete, utilize them for a mix of decorative and functional kitchen items and be sure to keep everything neat and clean for a polished look.

Breathtaking backsplash
Adding ceramic tile in your kitchen can add color, texture and a high-end appearance, but upgrading your entire floor or countertops can be very pricey. Instead, adding a tile backsplash can make a dramatic change – with minimal cost and effort. Whether you’re an experienced do-it-yourselfer or not, there are many online step-by-step guides, and many home improvement retailers offer classes for this simple project. And, in no time at all, you’ll have a beautiful tile masterpiece that will accent – and protect – your walls.

With these few updates, your kitchen will look great and be more functional – all without breaking the bank.

Courtesy of ARAcontent and Rob Dandrea, Professional Real Estate Agent, Charles Rutenberg Realty, Clearwater, FL 33764      727-510-2100    www.robertdandrea.com         robdandrea.realtyoffice@gmail.com

]]> http://robdandrea.wordpress.com/2010/03/28/luxury-updates-on-a-frugal-budget/feed/ 0 robdandrea http://robdandrea.wordpress.com/2010/03/27/expert-tips-for-creating-a-beautiful-landscape/ http://robdandrea.wordpress.com/2010/03/27/expert-tips-for-creating-a-beautiful-landscape/#comments Sat, 27 Mar 2010 00:40:03 +0000 Rob Dandrea Realtor-Tarpon Springs/Palm Harbor http://robdandrea.wordpress.com/?p=340 ]]> (ARA) – It may be cold outside, but homeowners are already dreaming of creating beautiful garden settings around their homes come spring. Landscaping success doesn’t have to be hit or miss, and if it has been for you, it may be time to call in a professional landscape designer.

Why? Because in the long run, hiring a landscape designer can cost less than doing it yourself. You’ll get a “doable” design created right the first time, saving you the cost of repeated tries at getting it right or planting the wrong plants in the wrong spots. A professional landscape designer envisions creative solutions to the most difficult outdoor challenges – problems they’ve more than likely solved before.

Plus, a high-quality landscape increases home sale prices up to 10.8 percent, compared to a home with a simply average landscape, according to the Journal of Environmental Horticulture.

Here are some tips from professional landscape designers to create your dream garden.

First, consider your space and any “issues” that it has. Hiding an unsightly air conditioning unit, adding privacy and changing boring views to beautiful ones are issues that landscape designers face with many clients.

“As a certified landscape designer through the Association of Professional Landscape Designers, I see the big picture,” says Boston-based landscape designer Maria von Brincken, APLD. “A designer sees the problems that you see, and often the ones you don’t, and can offer solutions to create beautiful, functional and earthy-friendly landscapes to add to your lives.”

Next, do your homework. Tear out favorite pictures from gardening magazines, and start making a file on what you would like for your dream garden. While not everything might be possible for your garden, it will give your landscape designer a visual starting point. Don’t forget about hardscape such as patios, decks and fencing; designers can help with these also.

Take your time. Brincken warns of the temptation to impulsively buy plants at a garden center and attempt a garden make-over. This can be a costly gamble for those without experience. Many homeowners find that it takes the help of a designer to create a well-planned landscape project that includes both plants and hardscape.

While there is a cost to hiring a landscape designer, it is ultimately more economical to work with an expert to create a plan specific to your yard. The project is completed in a timely manner and within budget when you take your time and create a landscape plan. Expect to spend about 10 percent of the total cost of the project on the design.

Consider what you want to achieve with your landscape. “People are busy, and they want to have an outdoor space that makes them feel comfortable, not frustrated and worn out from gardening chores,” says Judy Nauseef, APLD, of Iowa City, Iowa, and president of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (www.apld.org).

“They also want to maximize their investment in their home,” she adds. ‘Having a well-designed landscape gives the homeowner more living space and also helps with resale value.”

Research and reach out to a few landscape designers. Be sure to interview several designers to find one who meets your needs and personality. Review the portfolio or Web site of each designer, and visit some of their work if possible. Finally, if you have a budget in mind, share this with the designer up front.

Get ready to get dirty. “You can hire a landscape designer for a range of services. You might choose to hire a designer for a two hour consultation for ideas and suggestions that you might implement yourself,” says Patricia St. John, APLD, of Berkeley, Calif., and APLD incoming president. “You could also hire a designer to give you a complete design for your garden. When it comes to implementing the design you have choices — involve the designer while you hire a recommended landscape contractor or even do some of the work yourself.”

Also, you do not have to complete the whole plan at once. A landscape can be installed over a period of time as well. Homeowners can decide what areas are most important and start there.

Take the first step to a dream garden. With the help of a professional landscape designer, you can create a plan that will work for your landscape and you. Finding a designer is easy: visit www.apld.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent and Rob Dandrea, Professional Real Estate Agent with Charles Rutenberg Realty, Clearwater, FL 33764

Approaching the garage sale with a little innovation and creativity will help maximize sales. Advertising department chair of Miami International University of Art and Design, Judith Anderson offers some ideas that can generate buzz: “The same theory Mr. Schulz uses applies – it is imperative to use the same thinking advertisers and event planners use to maximize the opportunities in a garage sale.”

These opportunities include a mix of tried-and-true tactics blended with newer retail innovations. “Retail establishments use customer loyalty programs to increase return business,” says Tammy Tavassoli, fashion department faculty member at The Illinois Institute of Art – Schaumburg. “Applying some of these tactics can increase not only your current garage sales, but future sales as well.”

Schulz, Anderson and Tavassoli offer these suggestions to make the most of your garage sale:

* Scheduling/location/traffic: When scheduling your sale, think about high traffic times like community events or neighborhood garage sales.

* Customer convenience/loyalty: Many shoppers will arrive with children, so offer a designated play area to help keep them occupied while parents shop. Also, offer refreshments like lemonade and cookies. Place a welcome book at the refreshments table. After the sale, send visitors a thank-you note and notify them of your future sales.

* Pricing/merchandise: Since garage sales rarely have a “cost” associated with merchandise, any income is pure profit. You want to price your wares fairly, and consider combining large tables or areas to group like-priced goods – and post the retail on a large sign. This saves time and eases set up. For those who include their contact information in the previously mentioned notebook, you may want to offer a small discount.

* Advertising/marketing: A garage sale should be thought of as an event that requires planning and promotion using advertising strategies to ensure its success. For example, choosing a theme related to the merchandise and carrying it throughout the chosen advertising including the day of the event can be very effective. Other ideas can include:

* Creating an advertising campaign employing traditional media – standbys such as neighborhood signs and fliers (placed in city hall, local business bulletin boards, PTA and school/church bulletin boards) and local directory and newspaper listings.

* Continuing the advertising campaign with new media by creating a social networking fan page and creating an event for the garage sale inviting friends and family.

* Using your Facebook and Twitter updates to inform your networks of the event at least four times (2 weeks prior, 1 week prior, 2 days prior, and the day of the event).

* The day of the sale use Facebook and Twitter to offer discounts to customers or promote additional incentives for referring fans or customers

Successful garage sales require creative planning. Borrowing effective strategies from the merchandising and advertising industries can ensure success. It is important to remember all the tools and resources available, and to minimize wasted time and resources while maximizing your profit margin. To learn more about The Art Institutes schools, visit www.artinstitutes.edu/nz.

Courtesy of ARAcontent and  Rob Dandrea, Professional Real Estate Agent with Charles Rutenberg Realty, Clearwater, FL 33764                   727-510-2100                       robdandrea.realtyoffice@gmail.com    www.robertdandrea.com

* Take it one day at a time … the new reality for most Americans when it comes to financial recovery.

* Don’t put all your eggs in one basket … a poster child for diversification.

You get the idea. So keeping the “what’s old is new again” mantra in mind, here are some famous sayings from generations before that could serve us well in 2010.

1. Don’t cry over spilled milk. The recession is over and it is time to start putting the pieces back together. It might take awhile (patience is a virtue after all), but you need to start somewhere.

2. Save for a rainy day. Call it an emergency savings fund, rainy day fund, or what you will. The idea is simple, but changing your behavior is not. Money is easy to spend and there’s no question that there is still plenty of “gotta have it now” in everyone. It’s time to slow down on spending and start saving. Easier said than done?

“The key really is to get started saving anything,” says Jill Aleshire, senior vice president and director of consumer banking for Thrivent Financial Bank. “Whether it is $20 a month, $20 a paycheck, whatever it is you can set aside, just get in the habit of saving. An emergency reserve goal should be the amount equal to at least three months income and preferably six months income.”

Next, resist the temptation to raid your savings. While most Americans have plenty of credit card debt (and the issue needs to be addressed as part of your financial picture), resist the temptation to raid the savings to pay it all off immediately. Also, resist the desire to raid the savings for cash purchases. If you succumb, whenever the fund is used, the amount withdrawn should be replenished as soon as possible.

3. A penny saved is a penny earned. For an emergency savings fund, a standard savings account or money market account should meet your needs. However, thinking even longer-term, consider certificates of deposit (CDs). CDs help force you to commit your money for a period of time, so they can help you start to make your savings a more permanent habit. The money is not accessible for the term, but you will earn a higher rate of interest than a standard savings or money market account.

4. You’re walking on thin ice. The economy got bad enough that some Americans had to sacrifice the standard financial protection they always took for granted. If you terminated your life insurance policy, now is the time to begin shopping around for a new one. It’s hard to think about, but if something happened to you, would your family be able to maintain their current lifestyle? Could they stay in the house so the kids would not have to move and switch schools? The time to protect your family is now. And, you know what they say, never put off until tomorrow, what you can do today.

5. Home is where the heart is. It’s also where most of your equity probably is too. Look into home equity loans to help you consolidate debt and get back on your feet. Lending standards are now tighter, but banks want your business and will work with you to meet your needs.

Also, first-time homebuyers still have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity due to the number of houses on the market, low interest rates, and the possibility of a nice first-time buyer tax credit. In addition, repeat homebuyers can get in on the tax credit action as well, whether they are downsizing or looking for more space. For more information on tax credits, go to www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com.

6. Another day, another dollar. Unless you are sick as a dog. If you are fortunate enough to still be employed, you do not need to look far to see the financial impact of not having a regular income. While your savings should help protect you if you lose your job, what happens if you get sick or injured and cannot work for a period of time? Consider disability income insurance to help cover living expenses and protect your savings should that happen.

“Disability income insurance is designed to provide a monthly benefit to help cover your living expenses in case you become ill or injured and cannot work,” says Bruce Fear, vice president of Protection Products and Solutions for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. “By setting aside a small portion of your salary – typically just 2 percent to 4 percent (of adjusted gross income) – you’ll continue to receive a monthly income even if you do become disabled.”

7. Lend a helping hand. Reach out to others in need through charitable giving and by volunteering your time and talents. There is plenty of need out there right now and every little bit helps.

8. Stop and smell the roses. We have all been through a lot the past couple of years, virtually none of us untouched by the financial turmoil. Perhaps your most important investment is time spent with family and friends. For more information, go to www.thrivent.com/marketing/savings.html or www.thrivent.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent and Rob Dandrea, Professional Real Estate Agent with Charles Rutenberg Realty, Clearwater, FL 33764                              727-510-2100

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