Why We Cook

Its interesting really, all the reasons I can come up with as to why we cook. If you look back into ancient times, people cooked to survive. Would you eat raw buffalo? How determined they were to create a fire by rubbing two sticks together and then making contraptions to create a spit to roast the catch of the day. Back in those days, cooking was a full time job just to get a single meal on the table (did they even have tables?). Surely, if I had similar circumstances, that is to have to live without my 101 kitchen gadgets (Yes, they call me gadget girl. In fact, I get kitchen appliances and such as birthday, holiday, even anniversary gifts from my husband each year and my girlfriend yells at him each time. But truly, I asked for these giftshe wasnt TRYING to keep me in the kitchen! I dont do diamonds unless they come in a knife sharpener or something similar. But I digress.

Why else do we cook? Some say they cook to impress others. If you prepare a meal for your girlfriend or boyfriend during courtship, they are sure to be swooned by your culinary skills. I remember when I was dating my husband he would invite me over to his house for an authentic Chinese dinner. He would cut up all the vegetables perfectly, create his marinade, and toss everything in his newly purchased wok. How impressed I was! You dont only get to a man through his stomach. He certainly got to me by demonstrating his cooking skills. He created my image of the perfect husband.

Heres a basic reason why we cook, because we need to eat. Another is that we want to be sure we know what our families are actually eating and that they are eating healthy. Sure, we can go out a get a bite to eat at a local fast-food establishment or take the time to be served at a local restaurant, but do you really know what you are getting? Is it really nutritious and healthy? Obesity is becoming one of the major reasons for premature death. If cooking for ourselves to assure a healthier life isnt reason enough to do it, then I dont know what is.

Although there are many more reasons why people cook I would like to point out why I believe we should cook at home. Cooking is a great way to demonstrate how much we care about those we serve and the great amount of satisfaction it gives us when you know they appreciate your efforts. There are also numerous side benefits to cooking at home two of which are to eat healthier and to spend more time with the family around the dinner table to talk about the days events. Studies have shown that families who regularly cook and eat together have happier marriages, improved childrens health, and stronger family ties. Taking time to plan, shop and create a wellrounded, healthy meal is the greatest demonstration of love and devotion. Although I find the unending list of tasks associated with preparing daily meals somewhat daunting at times, I truly enjoy the process. And, after that first taste, if I hear, Gee Mom this is really good!Wow, how great it feels to know the fruits (no pun intended) of my labor are appreciated and that my family is gaining profound benefits.

Positive feedback from those you cook for can provide you with a can-do cooking attitude. My grandmother was a constant source of feedback for my culinary creations when I was young which is how I think I got hooked on cooking for others. Once you begin to get that kind of feedback, its addictive. You start to challenge yourself by creating even more complex creations time and again. The more they like what you cook, the more you cook. Its really hard not to want to hear positive comments on each and every dish, which then makes one want to try harder to please. You see where Im going with this? And, if you know they are really eating well and enjoying these culinary moments, you know you did your best to thwart the bad diet demons.

If you dont already cook or perhaps you only cook occasionally, you probably havent felt the amazing sense of gratification it brings. Today, many of us are time-starved and therefore the best we can do is grab the phone and order take out. But next time, before you think about ordering that mystery food, realize that many recipes today can be completed in 30 minutes or less and that they taste much better! Theres many a cookbook, magazine and TV show to prove it. Simply browse your favorite on-line bookstore or recipe website and Im sure you will find a gazillion books with 30 minutes in the title.

No time for browsing you say? Okay, heres a few of my favorite recipes that can be put on the table start to finish in no time. Whoever gets to taste these culinary creations youve prepared will no doubt feel special that you took the time (they dont need to know it didnt take all day) to create something wonderful for them to eat. I know that once you hear their oohs and aaaahsyou too will begin to get hooked on cooking. You will start to realize that cooking can be a pleasure as well as a necessary part of our day.

Exclusive Mortgage Leads
Live Mortgage Leads
Mortgage Leads
Voice Broadcasting
Live Mortgage Leads
Voice Broadcasting
Mortgage Leads
Live Mortgage Leads
Mortgage Lead Transfers
Voice Broadcasting

Property And Casualty Insurance Trends

Recent world events have instilled a sense of fear in anyone who turns on the television or opens a newspaper. People are more aware of their vulnerabilities, and more interested in purchasing insurance. The irony is that the same disasters, disease and acts of war have created a negative trend in the property and casualty insurance industry, to the point where these types of insurance are more expensive and more difficult for consumers to obtain.

The property and casualty insurance industry posted a $7.9 billion net loss in 2001. According to the Insurance Services Office (ISO) and the National Association of Independent Insurers (NAII), this is first time that the industry has ever reported a net loss. Experts predicted a negative 2.7 percent return rate for property and casualty insurance, almost 6.5 percent lower than the return rate of the year 2000.

These losses have caused a number of property and casualty insurance companies to cut back in an effort to economize. One step taken to reduce losses was to avoid adding any new property and casualty insurance policies. The insurers have also purposefully stopped updating or renewing existing property and casualty insurance policies. As a result, the premium price of property and casualty insurance policies has increased.

A number of factors are said to have caused the property and casualty insurance problem, including acts of terrorism, natural disasters, economic turmoil, and even mold.

The headline of one trial lawyer publication, "Mold is Gold", indicated that recent court decisions against insurers had jeopardized profitability of the property and casualty insurance industry. Invasive mold was recognized as the latest household hazard, and property and casualty insurance policyholders were cashing in with lucrative lawsuits. A well-publicized Texas lawsuit resulted in a staggering $32.1 million decision -- extremely profitable for the owner, potentially devastating for the property and casualty insurance industry.

The terrorist attacks of September 11 greatly contributed to the negative impact on the property and casualty insurance industry. It has been reported that property and casualty insurance claims related to the events of September 11 totaled as much as $70 billion. The same event has also caused the decline of the stock market, adding to the insurance industrys downward trend.

This negative impact has also had a detrimental effect on the real estate industry, where property and casualty insurance is essential. Property and casualty insurance coverage is essential when applying for a conventional, government-assisted and commercial mortgage; without it, lending companies will reject the mortgage application. Therefore, the real estate market cannot function properly if this type of insurance is more expensive or less accessible. In real estate, mortgages are paramount in closing the vast majority of sales. Without property and casualty insurance, there wont be any mortgages, and sales in the real estate market will plummet. Moreover, without property and casualty insurance coverage, homeowners would find it difficult or impossible to maintain their mortgage obligations. Lenders would be forced to foreclose on the property, or subject the homeowners to expensive lender forced-place coverage.

No one can contest the devastating personal consequences of natural disasters, acts of terrorism and disease. The insurance and real estate industries are two examples of how these events have had a negative impact on our economy as well.

Linda Davis writes for several web sites, such as http://yetra.com and http://tocip.com.Exclusive Mortgage Leads
Live Mortgage Leads
Mortgage Lead Programs
Live Mortgage Leads
Live Mortgage Leads
Live Mortgage Leads
Voice Broadcasting
Mortgage Lead Transfers
Live Mortgage Leads
Mortgage Lead Programs

Book Marketing Landmines and How to Avoid Them

In order to conduct a successful book marketing campaign as a POD published author, you will need to understand the challenges that can hinder your success. If you are not aware of these challenges and try to blindly market your book, you will find yourself caught in the middle of a book marketing minefield - surrounded by landmines that can seriously limit your career as a published author. Once your book is released and you begin to market it, you will discover:

1. Being available means being buried among the thousands of books posted on the online bookstores and computer book ordering systems.

2. You are expected to be an expert on your topic and market your book without any help.

3. Hiring a book publicist is expensive and probably outside of your budget.

4. Your book will not be stocked in traditional bookstores due to your publishers no return and/or non-standard discount policies.

5. Many mainstream book reviewers have a policy against reviewing self-published or POD books, regardless of quality.

6. Your family and friends are your best customers when your book is released then you struggle to sell additional copies.

7. If you do invest in a public relations campaign, you dont sell many copies because:

a. Your book is available to be ordered but not in stock, or

b. You have to buy the books and offer them on consignment. There is little profit and you get stuck with the non-returnable unsold books.

8. You have little PR experience and are scared to death of calling the press to try and get coverage. You are also either a full-time parent or working a full-time job which hinders your ability to market your book even if you knew how.

9. You build a free Website and try the free Internet marketing options. Your Website receives little, if any, traffic and you feel like your Website is about as effective as being buried in a dense rain forest.

10. You buy a few Secrets type books but the only ones making money are those that sold you the books.

11. You realize that there are no secrets, just skills that need to be learned and techniques that must be mastered. You are totally overwhelmed and feel that book marketing is a complex jigsaw puzzle.

12. You try talking to other authors in forums and groups and theyre equally confused, frustrated and demoralized.

Is there a way out of this book marketing minefield?

Now that your enthusiasm has been doused with cold water, you have two choices. You can continue to do more of the same and hope for a better outcome, or you can become an Authorpreneur.

What is an Authorpreneur?

Authorpreneurs do not compete using the traditional book marketing model. Instead, they view their books as products and effectively combine their writing skills with proven Internet Marketing techniques to accomplish better results. This allows them to become an expert within a niche, based upon their book's theme. An Authorpreneur understands HOW to write effective Web content and use technology to generate:

A consistent amount of laser targeted traffic

The right kind of links to their Website to increase their search engine ranking

A large worldwide subscriber list to brand themselves as experts

Consistent book and niche product sales from their list

What about book promotion?

Authorpreneurs also use technology to level the playing field and gain a competitive advantage in gaining PR. They understand that:

98% of journalists go online daily
92% do it for article research
76% to find new sources and experts
73% to find press releases

By building a content-rich professional Website that achieves top ten search engine placement, Authorpreneur Websites are easily found by journalists and producers researching niche topics for their articles and programs.

This leads to interviews and media exposure for Authorpreneurs. Additionally, Authorpreneurs know where to find online media databases to quickly research a list of media contacts interested in their niche topics. Then by conducting targeted e-mail campaigns, they get added to many expert contact lists that gain them future interviews.

Additional benefits

Once Authorpreneurs establish an expert status with their subscriber list and generate steady sales, they use this track record to rise above the clutter to attract literary agents and mainstream publishers with a ready to buy market for their books. Their book proposals are also more credible because they are based upon the actual wants of their niche audience which substantiates the need for their book.

Conclusion

Most POD authors learn book marketing as they go and do not understand the power of leveraging technology to brand themselves as experts. This is usually a painful experience. However, by becoming an Authorpreneur, writers can gain a competitive advantage by combining their writing skills with sound Internet Marketing techniques to avoid the book marketing landmines that can seriously limit their writing careers.

V. Michael Santoro is a published author and successful Authorpreneur. For a free training course on how to become an Authorpreneur, visit his Website at http://www.proauthors.com and sign up for his e-zine. Additionally, you will receive a powerful PDF creation program as a special bonus.Voice Broadcasting
Exclusive Mortgage Leads
Live Mortgage Leads
Mortgage Lead Programs
Mortgage Lead Transfers
Mortgage Lead Transfers
Live Mortgage Leads
Mortgage Lead Transfers
Live Mortgage Leads
Mortgage Lead Programs

Understanding Your Credit Rating

Your credit rating is important. It may determine whether you can get a car loan or a mortgage. But do you understand the elements that decide whether your credit request is approved or denied? Here's what you need to know about your credit rating.

What Is A Credit Rating?

When people apply for loans, credit cards, store cards or mortgages) they are scored according to factors in their application and their credit history. This effectively makes up their credit rating and determines whether lenders think they are a good risk.
The credit history looks at areas such as:

- Whether people have recently applied for credit
- How long they have had credit
- What type of credit they have had (such as different types of loans, credit cards or a mortgage)
- How much money they owe in total
- What their payment history is.

Lenders are particularly concerned with whether people have paid the specified repayments on time. Although one or two late payments may not unduly affect a person's credit rating, regular late payments will raise question marks for lenders.

Looking Into Your Financial History

Lenders are also concerned about other aspects of people's financial history. For example, lenders will want to know:

- Whether people have had any County Court Judgements (CCJs) against them
- Whether they have ever been made bankrupt
- Whether they have ever defaulted on a loan or credit card
- Whether they are in arrears on existing loans or credit
- How many credit applications they have made recently
- Whether they have been turned down for credit in the past

Much of this information is held in reports compiled by credit reference agencies. Equifax and Experian are the largest and best known credit reference agencies in the UK. People can find out what information is held about them by paying a small fee and requesting a copy of their credit report.

Other criteria that affect approval for credit are on lenders' individual application forms. These might include whether people own or rent their homes and whether people are employed (full-time or part-time), self-employed or unemployed. Lenders also look into existing salary and outstanding credit.

How To Get Credit With A Poor Rating

Although having a poor credit rating can make it difficult to get credit, this does not mean it is impossible. Options for getting credit include:

- Loans which are secured on the value of the property owned by the applicant
- A higher interest credit card, with an interest rate that reduces once the holder shows a good payment history
- Prepaid credit card, which works like a mobile phone top up card

Some people have a poor credit rating even when they have no CCJs or arrears on their credit report. This might apply to self-employed people (such as taxi drivers, market traders, hairdressers and other small business people). These people have similar options for getting credit. And they don't have to live on the streets, either. There are self-certification mortgages to enable self-employed people to buy houses.

Joseph Kenny writes for the UK Loan Store who offer the best loans and more information on improve your credit on site.Live Mortgage Leads
Mortgage Lead Programs
Live Mortgage Leads
Mortgage Leads
Live Mortgage Leads
Mortgage Lead Programs
Exclusive Mortgage Leads
Mortgage Lead Transfers
Mortgage Lead Programs
Live Mortgage Leads

It's a Hawaiian Luau Baby

The summer is a perfect time to host a Luau. Regardless of your state of residence, you can have a Luau in your backyard. Hawaiian decorations will add to the ambience and make everyone think they are in a tropical place. A Luau is a perfect theme for a retirement, anniversary or birthday party because all ages enjoy them.

A Luau needs some palm trees. Inflatable trees or supplies to make some are found at any party supply store. They can be placed around the backyard or inside the house in strategic locations. If the party will head into the evening and night hours, hang strand of mini white lights. The twinkling lights provide enough light to see and appear as more stars in the sky.

Other decorations can include colorful flowers, streamers, balloons and pineapples. If you have a pool, place floating candles or live flowers inside to float. It provides a touch of elegance to the dcor. A party supply store will have all of the paper products needed to serve food.

Luaus are known for having great food. If cooking for a large group appears to be a daunting task, ask everyone to bring a dish to pass. Make sure they know the theme and see what they can create to contribute to it. Hire someone to professionally roast a pig and use that as your main course. Take a picture of the pig with an apple in its mouth to use in your scrapbook.

Games to play during a Luau include doing the limbo. The traditional game involves two people holding a pole while others dance under while the pole keeps getting closer to the ground. Other outdoor games can include horseshoes and volleyball. If you have an outgoing crowd, a hula contest may also be a fun idea.

Exclusive Mortgage Leads
Mortgage Lead Transfers
Live Mortgage Leads
Exclusive Mortgage Leads
Voice Broadcasting
Live Mortgage Leads
Live Mortgage Leads
Live Mortgage Leads
Live Mortgage Leads
Mortgage Lead Programs

Stamp Down Financial Burden, Avail Tenant Loans

You can come across a financial emergency anytime in your life. Whenever, wherever you go you can compromise with anything but not money. Similar is the case if you are a non-homeowner. Getting your needs fulfilled becomes a tough job if you do not own a house. But you can make a wise decision by opting for tenant loans which offers fund exclusively for non-homeowners.

Tenant loans are available to individuals who do not own a house. This includes tenants, paying guests, students, people living with friends or relatives, council tenants, housing association tenants, private landlord tenants and many more.

Tenant loans are available in two forms- secured and unsecured. A secured tenant loan can be availed by putting collateral against the loan amount. With a secured tenant loan, you can get a loan amount ranging from 3000-25,000, and even more depending on your collateral value. The repayment term can be anything between 2-30 years. But if you do not want to put your property at risk, you can opt for unsecured tenant loans which do not need any security. You can get amounts ranging from 1000-10,000 and for a repayment of 6 months to 10 years. The interest rate depends upon the loan amount and the repayment.

Tenant loans are offered to all kind of borrowers including no credit and bad credit holders as well. The lender will offer you loan at cheap and reasonable rate which will suit your financial situations.

The easiest and the most convenient way of applying for tenant loans is to apply online where there are enormous number of lenders available on the net. You can easily surf the net and choose the right lender for you. Apart from that online lenders also provide you speed as you no more require meeting personally with the lenders and getting the loan deal. All you need is to fill an online application form which is available on the website of the lender itself. It will take just a few minutes to complete it and submit it to the lender. After submitting the form, the lender will verify some of the details in order to lend a tenant loan to you. You will be asked for details regarding your employment, credit history, residential and identity proof etc. Being a tenant, you can fall short of money anytime. Applying for tenant loans online will satisfy your personal needs in a very short time.

Remove all delusion about a non-homeowners benefits. With Tenant loans, do not ever think that a non-homeowner cannot get financial support. Apply for tenant loans and make your life smooth.

Amanda Thompson holds a Bachelors degree in Commerce from CPIT and has completed her masters in Business Administration from IGNOU. She is working as financial consultant for chanceforloans . To find a Tenant loans, Personal loans, Cheap tenant loans, Secured Personal loans, Bad credit Personal loans UK, Mortgage at cheap rates that best suits your needs visit http://www.chanceforloans.co.uk.Live Mortgage Leads
Mortgage Lead Programs
Live Mortgage Leads
Live Mortgage Leads
Mortgage Lead Programs
Live Mortgage Leads
Mortgage Lead Transfers
Exclusive Mortgage Leads
Mortgage Lead Programs
Live Mortgage Leads

The Power of the Fax

In July 2005, another curious law went into effect. This one, called the Junk Fax Prevention Act of 2005 (JFPA) has several surprises for business owners in terms of sending routine faxes to their customers. This new law just doesnt impact the sending of what we would think of as junk faxes. It addresses several other areas that will impact how you do business via fax.

What is a Junk Fax?

Understandably, we would think of a junk fax as an unsolicited fax. However, under JFPA, unsolicited is defined as any material advertising the commercial availability or quality of any property, goods or services which is transmitted to any person without that persons prior express invitation or permission, in writing or otherwise.

So, if you were sending out an announcement, via fax, regarding a new product or service to your customers, it could be considered a junk fax under JFPA.

Importance of an EBR

But wait, the new law complicates things even more. Your established business relationship (EBR) is now extremely important in terms of marketing your business using the fax.

You are still allowed to send unsolicited faxes to anyone with whom you maintain an EBR. An EBR is defined as "a prior or existing relationship formed by a voluntary two-way communication between a person or entity and a residential subscriber with or without an exchange of consideration, on the basis of an inquiry, application, purchase or transaction by the residential subscriber regarding products or services offered by such person or entity, which relationship has not been previously terminated by either party."

Right to Opt-Out

You also have to provide an opt-out option on all faxes. Fax cover sheets are now to include opt-out information, regardless if your business has an EBR or not, the first page of every fax solicitation has to tell the receiver how they can opt-out of receiving future faxes from your company.

And, we arent talking about a simple opt-out check box. JFPA has kindly provided an extensive guideline for the opt-out notice. An opt-out needs:

To be "clear and conspicuous and on the first page of the" fax;

Notice that your failure to comply within the shortest, reasonable amount of time with any opt-out notice sent by a customer will be a violation of the law;

A "domestic contact telephone and facsimile machine number" for the recipient to transmit any opt-out notice request;

A "cost-free mechanism" that the recipient can use to send the opt-out notice; and

Allows the recipient to opt out "at any time on any day of the week"

Failure to Comply

Noncompliance equals sizeable penalties. The law allows anyone who has illegally received a junk fax to sue for and recover $500 - $1500 or more per violation. Surprisingly, the law now allows for class action lawsuits and even small claims court lawsuits to be filed.

Mortgage Lead Transfers
Exclusive Mortgage Leads
Mortgage Lead Programs
Mortgage Lead Transfers
Live Mortgage Leads
Mortgage Lead Transfers
Mortgage Lead Programs
Live Mortgage Leads
Mortgage Lead Programs
Voice Broadcasting

Option ARMs: The Sky is FallingThe Sky Is Falling So Says The Chicken Littles Of The World

Every investment vehicle and financial program under the sun has some sort of risk attached to it. Whether it is stocks, bonds, stock options (deep in the money/out of the money) puts, arbitrage, stock shorting, derivatives, mergers, Real Estate Investment Trusts, etc. The key is managing the risks within suitable parameters while superimposing an investment template and guidelines over the investment.

Many have used the Option Adjustable Rate Mortgage for consumer home purchases and some are in deep do-do for never understanding exactly what the downside held for them. Many wealthy people have used the Option ARM in combination with financial planning, as they knew exactly what to do with the payment difference between the fully indexed payment and the option payment. They put it to work to more than offset any negative amortization and have benefited. A well-known lender proponent of this vehicle structures the deal with an 80% or lower LTV (Loan To Value) and offers a biweekly payment schedule. This allows the borrower to pay the loan off in 21 to 22 years by making one extra payment per year thereby shortening the term and saving 8 to 9 years of payments. This can make for tremendous savings while working within the program guidelines. The problems started when the Option ARM became morphed by new players in the game by allowing Piggy-Back Second mortgages behind the potentially negative ARM thereby putting more pressure on the borrower to keep up with the adjustments during the current mortgage upswing. Typically the monthly payment has a 7.5% built in escalator per year for the first five years with an additional limitation of the amount of negative amortization (original mortgage amount goes up) 115% of the original loan amount. During an accelerating real estate market the appreciation has kept ahead of the negative amortization. For example: If a borrower had an original 80% LTV loan of $450,000.00 and the difference between the fully indexed rate (fixed margin percentage and the variable index used) and the minimum payment amount was say 6% less and neighborhood prices per appreciating say 11% per year fine. Even with say 3.5% inflation a borrower would be ahead of the game in this scenario. Keep in mind, the 11% appreciation is taking place on the total value where the negative amortization is effecting the mortgage amount only. As long as this scenario carried forward for say five years the borrower could be still be ok. However, when the market turns suddenly, the borrower could be upside down (owe more than the property is worth) in short order.

The best evidence of the sudden turn of events is in monitoring the foreclosure rates of ARMS versus Fixed rate mortgages. In many areas, there are steep rises in these programs. To complicate things, hybrid OPTION ARMS have found there way into ALT A market with borrowers demonstrating less than stellar credit, employment, assets, etc. or a combination of all the aforementioned. With this combination and perhaps a Piggy Back Second Mortgage making for an initial 95% to 100% Combined Loan To Value the handwriting has been on the wall for major problems when a downturn occurred in property values. There will be foreclosures, short sales (lenders settling for less than what is owed) and much agony experienced by borrowers, but eventually it will work itself out. Regulators are already touting closer regulation of Option ARM and other mortgage hybrid products that may pose a danger to the consumer.

So do we through the baby out with the bath water, or is there a way to make this program work?

Lets then look at a four-unit residential investor property acquisition using an OPTION ARM mortgage vehicle. This is a scenario and discussion of buying property in a softer market as is found in many areas of the country. If the goal in any investments is to make something in the range of 10% plus or minus in other investments then how would this four unit stack up. First of all if you are a professional property manager, great. If not, spend a lot of time to locate and interview a licensed professional property manager perhaps with a Certified Property Manager Realtor designation. Proper management is a must. A street smart Realtor who is not afraid to make lots of low offers is another. Like stocks, a margin account can get you about 50% leverage. Likewise real estate has that and more. Our goal then would be to buy an undervalued property with seller help on costs. The property will be structurally sound with a good roof but may be tired looking and dated with tenants paying less rent than the market. After negotiating a stellar price and term deal the financing will need to allow us CASH FLOW while we tune up the exterior and interior including updated baths and kitchens, carpet and new decorating. The existing tenants will be given the opportunity to stay and pay the higher rents or move and bring in new rental customers who can appreciate the amenities of the new digs. The key to this deal is the OPTION ARM mortgage, which will allow for a low starter payment while the property is being rehabbed. When rents stabilize-full payments can be made at the indexed rate. This will be on a 75% Loan To Value basis to make the numbers work. On a $500,000 property a mortgage of $375,000 at a start rate of say 2.75% or a payment of $1,530.90/month. Rents would be $4,400 per month with a vacancy factor. Taxes are $5,200 or $433.33/month and hazard insurance is $291.66/month. The units have separate meters for water, electric and gas. The owner pays the garbage and lawn maintenance and snow removal. The property was the dog on the block so there is excellent appreciation opportunities over time. Rents will move up annually. In this instance, the property has a Net Operating Income of $33,000 before debt service giving a Cap Rate of $33,000/$515,000(including costs) = 6.4%. With the 2.75% payment rate on the Option ARM the cash flow would be $33,000-$19,000=$14,000 in Cash Flow. The initial investment is $125,000 down + $8,000 cost + $35,000 fix up totaling $168,000. So with $14,000 in cash flow the return on equity is $14,000/$168,000 = 8.33%. Now with the interest and depreciation factored in of some $13,636 plus an interest deduction of $26,250 totals (fully loaded) = $39,886 giving a tax loss of $39,886-$33,000=$6,886 but with a before tax cash flow of $14,000. The Federal Tax savings would be some $2,065 for a 30% tax bracket. The total return on equity would $2,065 + $14,000=$16,065/$168,000= 9.56% in After Tax Return. To compare to fully taxed investments we would then allow for the 30% tax bracket or 9.56%/. 70 = 13.66% before tax rate for investment comparison purposes.

Option ARMs can make sense for a discounted value property at a value below market that will appreciate with upgrades and improvements to make for a more desirable rental space. In this niche with 80% LTV or lower using this program can make a lot of sense. A borrower does not HAVE to go negative; it just cuts down on the positive cash flow. The Option ARM gives lots of flexibility to an investor where cash flow is king. Its not for everyone. The property has to be acquired at the right price and there must be the potential for a greater value with improvements and higher rents. If that is not the case, pass; bring on the next property. Make lots of offers and bargain for your terms. The blush on this rose (current market) will be returning sooner than not. Market opportunities do not last in this dynamically changing climate. Option ARMS can be used as a useful cash flow tool. Compared to other investments, the depreciation and interest deductions are huge for sheltering investment dollars with the opportunity for appreciation and increasing rents to keep up with rising operational costs. Take a closer look. This can work for good or bad credit. Give it a shot and complete your due diligence.

Dale Rogers
http://www.brokencredit.com

Dale Rogers is a thirty-year mortgage veteran and frequent contributor to the Broken Credit Blog The BCB is a free website created to assist the general public with information about credit repair and responsible mortgage lending.Live Mortgage Leads
Exclusive Mortgage Leads
Live Mortgage Leads
Live Mortgage Leads
Live Mortgage Leads
Live Mortgage Leads
Live Mortgage Leads
Exclusive Mortgage Leads
Live Mortgage Leads
Voice Broadcasting

Niche Marketing

If you have access to a computer connected to the internet, you already have the means to earn a good living with very little cash outlay.

Your main outlay will be in time. Time spent learning all that you can about marketing a product on the internet. Time spent on finding a product that has appeal. If it has appeal to the masses, you can bet your bottom dollar that there are thousands of other marketers promoting it.

There is nothing we can do about that. What we need is a product that has appeal to a select group of people with a specific need. This is known as Niche marketing.

What sort of niche do you aim at? Only you can decide that. What are you interested in yourself? There must be thousands of other people interested in the same thing, or something similar.

The various sporting activities all have their following. The major league sports are well covered but there are thousands of sports and pastimes that tend to remain in the background. They all have their adherents.

Who do you know who does something different from the crowd on the weekend? Think about it. Do they go to art classes? What about hill walking? Bookbinding classes.? Whatever they do, you can bet your boots that there are thousands of other people doing the same and they all have their own special needs. Even if its only a book on how to do it.

You may be surprised that the majority of spare time activities are carried out in other countries as well, all over the world. On the internet you have a global marketplace. In the high street you have your local catchment area with perhaps only a few hundred interested people.

In a high street shop you are open to the public about eight hours a day. With the internet your shop never closes. The net never sleeps. Twenty-four hours a day. Seven days a week. All year round. Open to the whole world.

Now! Dont go jumping in with two big feet. Stop, Think, Do your research now. Before you get too excited.

Find that niche, Study it until you know all the answers. Find a niche that really interests you. If it does not excite you, how do you expect to excite your intended clients?

Join forums and discussion groups. Ask questions. Better still, answer questions. Every time someone in the group asks a question, do some research on the internet and find the answer.

The more answers that you can provide, the more your name will become respected by others in the group. The more research that you do the easier it will become for you to find the answers.

Soon you will become one of a select number of experts in your subject that everyone else looks up to.

You are not allowed to advertise within these discussion groups but as a rule you may have a small By-line that describes who you are and what you do. Plus a link to your website. That is enough to get your name known and trusted by those within your sphere of interested.

Discovering products of interest to your new-found niche will be no problem. The major search engines such as Google and Wanadoo will turn up every-thing that you need.

Remember: The more research you do and the more you study the market, the more you will gain in the long run. On the other hand , dont take research so seriously that you never get started.

If fifty million others can do it, I am sure you can as well. The market for niche products can never become saturated. There will always be another niche.

Copyright 2006 Homer Farey

Homer Farey sells and gives away software and e-books on line. He is also a member of a number of affiliate programs that he joined when he first came onto the net. He finds them too lucrative to even think of giving them up. If you would like to know where he gets the freebies to give away, Take a look by clicking here.: http://www.runurl.com/xx.php?2ldVoice Broadcasting
Mortgage Lead Transfers
Live Mortgage Leads
Mortgage Leads
Exclusive Mortgage Leads
Mortgage Lead Transfers
Live Mortgage Leads
Live Mortgage Leads
Live Mortgage Leads
Live Mortgage Leads

10 Best Reasons Older Adults Need to Practice Yoga and the Soft Martial Arts

Today, millions of older Americans are experiencing a higher quality of life by taking an active and positive approach to their personal wellness. They are enjoying improved health and successful living by becoming self-educated, personally responsible and proactive. The most successful are those who adopt a whole-person wellness model, addressing the needs of the body, mind, and spirit.

Most people know about the research that shows that regular exercise provides a wide range of health benefits and, perhaps most importantly, can preserve function and independence. Fewer realize that their choice of exercise activity can produce another host of unexpected benefits. By choosing mind/body exercises, such as yoga or soft martial arts (like Chi Gung and Tai Chi), older adults can unleash even greater health and vitality.

Yoga and Chi Gung (as well as all other soft arts) are ideal choices for older adults because they positively affect the whole person: body, intellect, emotions, and spirit. They increase vital energy while strengthening and soothing the body, focusing the mind, and nurturing the spirit.

The ten best reasons older adults need a mind/body practice are:

Body Caring for the body improves health, preserves your ability to function and preserves independence. Yoga and Chi Gung offer powerful protection from falls a major threat to older adults!

1. Strengthen Muscles and Bones Yoga especially builds muscle strength and bone mass. The vital weight-bearing postures of yoga stimulate the bones to retain calcium. In yoga, both the upper and lower body receive the benefits of bearing weight, unlike walking or running.

2. Improved Heart and Respiratory Health Chi Gung and the soft martial arts have been shown in studies to improve circulation, heart health, and respiratory function. Yoga breathing exercises are very powerful tools to increase respiratory function, breath capacity and physical energy. Both increase vitality and sense of well-being.

3. Increased Flexibility Yoga and Chi Gung both increase overall flexibility, contributing to improved everyday functioning and mobility, and protection from falls. Despite popular notions, you do not need to be flexible to practice yoga. The idea is to practice at your current level with patience and compassion, gently becoming more pliable.

4. Better Posture Good posture calls upon our new strength and flexibility to keep our spine healthy and strong. Healthy body posture supports digestive and respiratory functions as well. Poor posture in combination with osteoporosis leads to stress fractures.

5. Improved Balance Balance gives older adults the confidence to move freely and to engage in physical activities. One of the most important parts of a senior fitness program is balance training. Seniors who exercise and practice balance activities, like those found in yoga and Chi Gung, can avert the devastating effects of a fall the second leading cause of accidental death for seniors. Balance is an intangible force that many people take for granted.

6. Increased Energy Yoga and Chi Gung are, in essence, ancient renewal and balancing systems for our vital energy. More than the sum of their parts, these practices gently revitalize the body. The term Chi itself means energy, and Chi Gung literally means energy work.

Mind - Challenging the mind is crucial to staving off diseases like Alzheimers. Be sure to stimulate your intellectual dimension through learning new information and exploring topics that require judgment and decision-making. The physical aspects of a mind-body practice lead directly to a mental sense of rootedness, stability and balance.

7. Intellectual Stimulation Learning a mind-body exercise is like learning a new language with its own vocabulary and rules. It takes focused attention. It is a practicea journey of exploration. Yoga and the soft martial arts also invite us to explore a way of thinking that may be very unfamiliar to us.

8. Emotional Support The philosophies infusing yoga and Chi Gung encourage us to be mindful of the present moment, to be aware and grateful of all around us, and to let go of our attachments of how we think things should be. This positive outlook leads to a sense of calm and well-being.

Spirit - A new study shows that once people retire, they adopt a new sense of time and their place in the world as their values and beliefs begin to change. Adding a spiritual dimension to your exercise activities offers additional wellness benefits. In addition to yoga and Chi Gung, consider nature walks and mindful strength training and meditation in all forms.

9. Connecting with the Big Picture A mindfulness practice is a direct way to practice connecting with a truth larger than ourselves. Practicing becoming quiet and receptive allows our inner wisdom to be heard. Older adults have indicated a desire to search for the meaning of life. Practitioners of yoga and the soft arts create a deep sense of richness and unity in their lives.

10. Inner Exploration Central to the spiritual dimensions of the older adult is the desire to explore the inner self. Beyond the physical exercises of yoga and Chi Gung, they challenge us to look deeply at ourselves, to be with ourselves. We learn to celebrate our strengths and forgive our weaknesses while practicing patience and focused concentration.

Copyright 2005 Karen B. Cohen All Rights Reserved.

Live Mortgage Leads
Live Mortgage Leads
Live Mortgage Leads
Voice Broadcasting
Live Mortgage Leads
Live Mortgage Leads
Exclusive Mortgage Leads
Mortgage Lead Transfers
Mortgage Lead Transfers
Mortgage Lead Transfers

Soccer Systems of Play, Positional Dynamics and Team Formation 4-5-1

4-5-1

Defense;

4, defenders are usually arranged as outside left, inside left, inside right and outside right.
The most recent idea is to have them lined up in a banana shape with the middle of the curve closest to the goalkeeper and the outside defenders, the points, slightly ahead but behind the midfielders.

Some considered the flat back option but this means much more communication from the capitain of the defense usually one of the insiders.
The general idea is to have the two defenders attend to the attack coming in from their side.
This format requires a high degree of verbal communication in addition to sight and hand gestures.

With both of these options the opposite outside tucks in a little to mark the center of the field covering the goal and any incoming additional attacking opponents.
When the team has possession the defenders would then play wide to stretch out the other teams attackers.
This is also known as playing it around the back.

Sometimes the defenders can be lined up in a diamond shape. This is to utilize the last player back as a "sweeper" who clears the ball up the field and out to the other defenders and mid fielders.
This player is in constant communication with the goalkeeper and relays the message to the other defenders. This is because the goalkeepers can see the complete field from their vanatge point.

At times and in some cases too often this central defender will by-pass the midfield and play it up to the forwards. I say too often because this usually has the forwards out numbered by the opposing defenders.. However there are a few "power forwards" who could handle this situation, but most are unable too.
It does create a certain amount of excitment with this surprize attacking option.

The defender at the top of the diamond is considered the "stopper" whose duty is to challenge any attack or attacking play. They usually play from side to side rather than up and down the field.
This defender is involved in shutting down any play and play making.
These players really read the game well. They need to, or they would be doing all the running as the ball is in constant motion.

Midfield;

5, midfielders,

Two outside/wing players who dominate the flanks of the field. They also act as attackers creating many scoring opportunities for their teams.
These are hard working players and a usually super-fit. However sometimes after a few runs on the side these can switch with inside players for a rest.
If this is possible, the team can keep their opponents confused and always looking for changing plays and positions.
This type of positonal play can not be defended by a man-on-man team defense. This requires a good zone defense and a constantly communicative team.

The 2 inside players are usually defensive in their roles but will become part of the attack when their team has possession. They will generally use the central midfielder to create plays and control the tempo of the game.

Forward,

This team is usually confident of their lone striker.
The striker in this formation actually acts as a "post-up" player. This means that this striker at times plays with the opposing defense at his/her back.
This player will try and stretch the defense, will receive the ball to lay it back to the oncoming team-mates to close the ground/space that this striker has created.
The cycle continues until a good scoring opportunity has been formulated.

Occationally this striker will turn and attack the goal when the timing is right.
This is usually communicated to the strikers by their team-mates.
However a great striker will sense these situations based on the run of play and the opportunities that this striker has created.

Mortgage Leads
Live Mortgage Leads
Live Mortgage Leads
Live Mortgage Leads
Voice Broadcasting
Mortgage Lead Programs
Live Mortgage Leads
Mortgage Lead Programs
Exclusive Mortgage Leads
Live Mortgage Leads

After Bankruptcy, Rebuild Your Credit Before Buying Real Estate

You have gone through bankruptcy and you do not owe anyone. Now is the perfect time to purchase that home you have always wanted right? Wrong! Yes, you can probably locate a real estate mortgage lender, since you cannot declare chapter 7 bankruptcy again for at least 6 years. The problem is that you will pay the highest finance charges for the privilege of obtaining that real estate mortgage, charges that will extend over the life of the real estate loan.

Before even looking at real estate, get your credit straightened up first. The bankruptcy will appear on all three of your credit reports from seven-to-ten years, which will make you a higher risk to real estate lenders. You cannot do anything about this; however, you can show real estate lenders that you are handling credit much better now by rebuilding it. This can lower your risk factor, when obtaining a real estate mortgage. Using the following improvement steps, you actually can rebuild your credit in a relatively short time.

First, get copies of your credit report from the credit agencies, and clean them up. You have the right to one free report from all three agencies annually, which can be obtained through www.annualcreditreport.com.

Ensure that creditors, who were listed in your bankruptcy, have cleared their information from your credit reports. Otherwise, it will appear as if you still owe them money and are not paying.

Ensure any creditors not listed in your bankruptcy and you are paying regularly have been reporting your good credit record to all three agencies. Contact any not reporting this and ask them to do so. This will increase your chances of getting a loan for your real estate.

If there was a specific event or cause for your bankruptcy, you can add up to a 100-word explanation to your credit report at each agency. The real estate lender will get this explanation as part of your credit report.

It will look especially good to real estate lenders if you have received credit counseling, and the counseling will help you in several ways. A good credit counseling agency will help you create a budget and counsel you in how to use and stick to it. They offer counseling on using credit in your future, as well as how to re-establish your credit. They can help you move toward your goal of buying real estate. Once you have successfully completed credit counseling, ask them for something in writing to that effect. It can help when applying for your real estate loan

The problem is finding a reputable agency. Some are downright questionable. Here are a few ideas to assist you in locating a reputable agency:

They should be a member of either the National Foundation for Credit Counseling or the Association of Independent Consumer Credit Counseling Agencies. Both are national trade associations.

Agencies approved by the U.S. Trustees office (part of the Department of Justice) are good agencies. You can see those for your area at: http://www.usdoj.gov/ust/eo/bapcpa/ccde/cc_approved.htm.

Interview the agencies, asking what they offer and the cost for each service. Good agencies should meet with you for 60-to-90 minutes, reviewing your financial situation and offering budgeting advice before doing any credit repair.

Ask for costs in writing from the agency you choose. They should charge around $50 or less, with budget counseling sessions for less than $20 each.

Steer clear of those who push their debt management program, where they want you to pay all your remaining creditors through them.

Check http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/fiscal.htm for more ideas from the Federal Trade Commission.

Use the credit counseling agencies to help you rebuild your credit the right way. It can take less than a year to achieve; yet, it will make a big difference when you obtain that real estate mortgage.

John Harris is an expert researcher and writer on real estate topics such as economics, credit improvement tips, home selling advice and home buying preparations. For more on San Diego Homes for Sale visit http://www.twtrealestate.comLive Mortgage Leads
Mortgage Lead Programs
Live Mortgage Leads
Live Mortgage Leads
Live Mortgage Leads
Live Mortgage Leads
Live Mortgage Leads
Voice Broadcasting
Mortgage Lead Transfers
Exclusive Mortgage Leads