North Shore MA Real Estate Blog

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Mon, 19 Jul 2010 18:32:00 GMT

Top Five Tips for Summer Entertaining

RISMEDIA, Summer is finally in full swing and so is the season for entertaining. This summer, try trading in your burgers and hot dogs for a little more glam, while remaining under budget.

Check out these tips from celebrity style and entertaining expert Robert Verdi, in partnership with Ecco Domini, to create tips for throwing the perfect fashionable fete.

1. Bottle Up the Excitement: Grab guests' attention, and evoke beachtime nostalgia, with a unique message in a bottle invitation. Use a clear glass bottle and fill it with a little bit of sand. Then roll up your invite and insert it with a string attached for easy access. For a truly personal touch, hand-deliver it to each guest!

2. Go Tribal: Tribal inspirations are making a mark on this season's attire. It's easy to bring this trend to life at home by introducing native elements into your décor such as hand-carved wooden candlesticks or animal print rugs. Make the most of your budget by picking up some tribal printed material at your local fabric store and draping it over your table. This versatile piece not only adds instant summer style to your room but can later serve as a stylish sarong making you a fashion hit at the beach.

3. Stay Cool: Creating your own style statement often means putting a new twist on traditional wardrobe items. You can apply the same concept to entertaining by using your favorite vase or pitcher (glass or ceramic are perfect) as a non-traditional wine cooler. Simply fill the container of your choice with ice and place the wine bottle inside.

4. Dine Under the Stars: Make the most of your outdoor space this season by transforming your rooftop or backyard into an outdoor cafe. A mix of citronella candles and colorful tea lights will keep the pests away and help set the mood for an intimate evening affair. For an added fashionable touch, try draping a vibrant pashmina over each chair- this adds a burst of color to your space and gives guests a way to keep warm if the night gets chilly. Finally, set all of your foods on large trays ahead of time for an easy and quick way to serve guests without making multiple trips to the kitchen.

5. International Tastes: True fashionistas take their style cues from the fashion capitals of the world. Why not do the same when it comes to your party menu? Trade in the typical barbecue burgers and hotdogs for gourmet treats with international flair. For example, create a buffet of easy-to-eat Italian treats such as caprese salad skewers with mozzarella and summer ripe tomatoes, prosciutto-wrapped melon balls or olive tapenade crostinis.

10 Value-Adding Home Improvement Projects

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 07:10:00 GMT

Now that summer has arrived, homeowners across the country are taking advantage of the warm weather by tackling home improvement projects they have been putting off. If you are looking for ways to add value to your home, the following home improvements may be just what you’re looking for.

Tip 1: Remodel your kitchen
Kitchen updates are one of the best ways to increase the value of your home. Adding modern appliances and refacing your cabinets to give it a more modern look is well worth the investment.

Tip 2: Add a Garage
Homes with at least a two car garage are more attractive to potential home buyers. Having a home with a small garage is almost as bad as having no garage, so consider upgrading before putting your home on the market.

Tip 3: Remodel your bathroom
Bathrooms are very important to home buyers. Just as with the kitchen, home buyers look for modern conveniences. Adding a Jacuzzi bathtub, painting the walls and adding appropriate flooring will go a long way toward increasing your home’s value.

Tip 4: Install the right flooring material
Natural materials such as wood and ceramic are popular among home buyers today. Laminate flooring is a good option, as well, as it creates a natural look without the headaches associated with natural flooring materials.

Tip 5: Install granite counter tops
Granite counter tops are popular in both kitchens and bathrooms. These countertops are low maintenance and quite attractive and can add significant value to your remodel.

Tip 6: Increase curb appeal
Your home needs to grab a potential home buyer’s attention and look great as soon as he or she pulls in the driveway. Add flowers to the outside of your home and make sure it looks bright and cheery.

Tip 7: Add natural light
Home buyers like homes that are bright and cheery on the inside as well as the outside. Look for places to add windows or patio doors that will allow more natural light to come in.

Tip 8: Open up the space
Homes with an open floor plan are more valuable to home buyers than those that feel closed up. Knock out walls wherever possible and open your home up. A great place take out a wall is between your kitchen and your dining room.

Tip 9: Apply a fresh coat of paint
A fresh coat of paint makes a home look new again. When repainting walls, choose neutral colors that don’t stand out too much. Bold colors may be attractive to you, but they may be a turnoff to potential buyers.

Tip 10: Clean up clutter
A cluttered home appears small and dirty. Make certain all clutter is cleaned up on the inside and the outside of the home. Rearrange furniture or remove furniture in order to make the home feel less cramped.

(c) RISMEDIA, Paige Tepping

Kitchen Remodels on the Comeback Trail

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 07:03:00 GMT

The explosion of remodeling shows on TV and makeover spreads in magazines has whetted America's appetite for glamorous rooms brimming with the latest furnishings, appliances and color schemes.

Kitchen remodels are among the most popular, according to a report in the just-published August issue of Consumer Reports and online at consumerreports.org. And the economic slowdown means there are outstanding deals on everything from cooktops to countertops. It also means kitchen designers and building contractors are eager for work and willing to negotiate.

But bargain prices and good looks aren't everything, said Celia Kupersmzid Lehrman, Consumer Reports' deputy home editor.

"When remodeling a kitchen, functionality is every bit as important as style. Fortunately there are many products that look good and work well," she said.

The design of your kitchen is every bit as important as what goes into it, said Jim Spence of Spence & Vaughn Fine Kitchen and Bath in Maitland, Fla.

The most functional design is based on the "work triangle" — the relationship between the prep area, the cooking area and the sink, he said. Ideally, the distance between them should never be less than four feet or more than nine feet. Of the three areas, the most-used is the sink.

When planning a remodel, determining your budget is one of the first steps. The National Kitchen & Bath Association calculates the average kitchen remodel costs between 10 percent and 20 percent of the home's value. But obviously, the extent of the makeover determines its cost. In its latest issue, Consumer Reports takes top-performing products and creates three design schemes: a do-it-yourself makeover for $5,000; a plan that costs $15,000 (the average spent on a kitchen remodel); and a full-scale renovation for $50,000.

Determining your priorities is another key step, said Phil Johnson, a partner at Spence & Vaughn and a certified kitchen designer.

"Do you love to cook? If so, now might be the time to consider professional-style appliances," he said. "Do you have a large family? Consider how best to accommodate them in your new space. Think about the things you love in your old kitchen — and the things you dislike."

In addition, Johnson recommends the following steps for a successful remodel:

—Do your homework. Watch TV remodeling programs, clip appealing pictures and articles from magazines, attend remodeling seminars, visit home shows and parades of homes. Consult with a kitchen designer who is a member of the NKBA, who has the training and experience to avoid many of the things that can go wrong with a remodeling project.

—Visit a showroom. Examine the options in cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring, plumbing and lighting. Decide what you want — and can afford.

—Schedule a home visit. The designer/installer need to measure the kitchen and adjacent rooms, and make a note of existing walls, doors and windows, electrical supplies, ceiling height, attic access, type of wall construction, plumbing details, etc.

—Finalize the project. The design is refined, construction plans are completed, appliances and supplies are ordered — and the initial deposit is paid.

—Survive the dust, noise and workers. With proper supervision, the disruption can be kept to a minimum. Make sure materials are ordered and on the way before beginning the tear-out. Clear a space in the garage for workers' tools and supplies and items removed from the old kitchen. And communicate regularly with the designer/installer.

The August issue of Consumer Reports identifies these four rules for a successful kitchen remodel:

Don't rush. There are many kitchen products that combine value, performance and good looks. Take time to meet with professionals, browse the Internet and visit showrooms and home centers. Haste can be costly. Changing your mind after the project is started typically adds about $1,500 to the cost of a kitchen project.

Size matters. In addition to being expensive, oversized kitchens can be exhausting to work in and keep tidy. A more compact kitchen often functions better. The National Kitchen & Bath Association website, nkba.org, provides guidelines for optimal space between appliances, cabinets and islands.

Beware of budget busters. Leave a 10 percent to 15 percent cushion for surprises, such as unexpected structural repairs. Avoid settling for a cheap option, thinking someday you will replace it with something you really want. Chances are that will never happen.

Get it in writing. When using a professional for a remodel, the written contract should list each phase of the project; every product, including the model number; and copies of each contractor's license, and workers compensation and liability insurance to confirm they are current. Call references and, if possible, visit them.

Take the Bite Out of Summer

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 07:15:00 GMT

Summer means the arrival of certain illnesses and infections caused by bacteria, viruses and bugs that thrive in the warm, moist environment. Although the risk of catching these diseases is low, there are some precautions to take to stay healthy.

For more information on all the diseases, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov.

MOSQUITOES

West Nile virus:

What it is — A viral infection that first showed up in the U.S. 10 years ago and infected thousands each summer but has dropped off dramatically in recent years.

How it spreads — When a mosquito feeds on a bird infected with West Nile, the mosquito can carry the virus and infect a person through a bite. It is not transmitted from person to person.

Symptoms — Most people who are infected never develop symptoms. About 20 percent will develop headache, fever, body aches or rash. In very rare cases, the virus can lead to encephalitis (inflammation in the brain). Last year, 32 people in the United States died of West Nile virus.

Treatment — Doctors can treat the symptoms, but there is no cure; most patients recover on their own.

Prevention — Spray insect repellent with DEET on exposed skin. Avoid being outdoors at dusk, when mosquitoes are most active. Remove all standing water from flower pots and bird baths.

Incidence — 720 confirmed cases in the U.S. last year.

Dengue fever:

What it is — A viral infection.

How it spreads — Dengue is transmitted by infected mosquitoes, not person to person. Dengue is the most common cause of fever in U.S. travelers to the Caribbean, central and South America and Asia. Upon their return to the U.S., sickened travelers can infect domestic mosquitoes, who then spread it to other people.

Symptoms — Dengue typically causes mild illness or none at all. Symptoms can include fever, headache, severe joint pain, eye pain, rash and vomiting. Rarely, severe cases can lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal.

Treatment — There is no specific drug to treat dengue illness, but the symptoms usually can be treated.

Prevention — As with West Nile, the best prevention is avoiding mosquito bites. Researchers at St. Louis University are conducting a human clinical trial of an experimental dengue vaccine. E-mail vaccine@slu.edu or call 314-977-6333

Incidence — The most common mosquito-borne virus, dengue infects more than 100 million people worldwide each year, mainly in tropical regions. There were no reports of cases acquired in the U.S. before 1980. Since then, a few cases have been reported along the Texas-Mexico border. Last month, the CDC confirmed 28 cases of dengue in Key West, Fla. Other recent outbreaks have been linked to American relief workers returning from Haiti.

TICKS

Lyme disease:

What it is — A bacterial infection.

How it spreads — The disease is transmitted to humans by infected blacklegged ticks who in turn were infected by small rodents. It is not spread from human to human.

Symptoms — Fever, headache, fatigue, chills, swollen lymph nodes and a bulls-eye shaped rash in about 75 percent of cases. If untreated, the infection can produce symptoms ranging from facial paralysis, neck stiffness, dizziness and arthritis. Up to 5 percent of people who are untreated will develop neurological symptoms including pain, numbness and tingling in the extremities, and problems with memory and concentration.

Treatment — If the infection is caught early, a three-week course of antibiotics can usually stop its spread to joints and the nervous system.

Prevention — Tuck shirts into pants and pants into socks. Use insect repellent with DEET on exposed skin and permethrin on clothes (available at stores that sell outdoor equipment). Perform tick checks of the whole body, and remove any ticks with sharp tweezers. It is rare to contract Lyme disease if the tick has been on your body for fewer than 24 hours.

Incidence — Most reported Lyme disease cases come from Ne w England and upper Midwestern states. All states reported 28,921 confirmed and 6,277 probable cases of Lyme disease to the CDC in 2008, a 5 percent increase over 2007.

BATS, RACCOONS and SKUNKS

Rabies:

What it is — A viral disease that infects mammals.

How it spreads — Rabies is transmitted through the bites of wild, rabid animals.

Incidence — The majority of rabies cases reported to the CDC occur in wildlife, although most wild animals are not rabid. Last year in St. Louis County, Mo., 590 bats were tested; 23 had rabies. Domestic pets account for 7 percent of animal rabies cases. Human cases are extremely rare, with one or two a year nationwide. The death of a Texas County man in 2008 was the first in Missouri since 1959.

Symptoms — The virus infects the central nervous system and is fatal if not treated early. Early symptoms include fever, headache and weakness. Anxiety, confusion, paralysis and hallucinations can develop.

Treatment — If you are bitten by a wild animal, wash the area with soap and water and seek treatment immediately. Prophylactic shots can prevent rabies infection.

Prevention — Make sure your pets' rabies vaccinations are up to date. If you find a live or dead bat in your home, do not attempt to capture it. Call your county's health department, which will come collect the bat so it can be tested for disease.

BACTERIA

Bacterial meningitis:

What it is — An infection of the blood around the spinal cord and brain. Viral meningitis is generally less severe and tends to resolve on its own.

How it spreads — Bacterial meningitis is contagious in close contact among people through the exchange of saliva or respiratory secretions, although it is not as easily transmitted as the cold or flu and is not spread through the air.

Who it affects — Teenagers at sleep-away camp and college students living in dorms are at increased risk for meningococcal disease.

Symptoms — Common symptoms include fever, headache and stiff neck that may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or an altered mental state. Rare but serious cases can result in the loss of limbs, deafness, seizures or brain damage.

Treatment — Early diagnosis is important to prevent severe illness and the spread of the disease. Meningococcal infections can be treated with antibiotics such as penicillin.

Prevention — A vaccine for bacterial meningitis protects about 90 percent of people who get it. The CDC recommends the vaccine for everyone ages 11 to 18.

Incidence — 1,000 to 2,600 Americans get meningococcal disease every year. About one in 10 cases is fatal.

E. Coli:

What it is — A group of bacterial strains found in the intestines that are mostly harmless. Some strains can cause diarrhea and intestinal illnesses.

How it spreads — E. coli is spread through contact with water or food contaminated with animal feces. Raw milk, undercooked meat, swimming pools and bodies of water can all contain the bacteria. Water test results in the Lake of the Ozarks this month, for example turned up positive for high levels of E. coli.

Symptoms — Stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting.

Treatment — The symptoms can be treated with hydration. Antibiotics are generally not recommended. Most infections resolve within a week. Rarely, severe infections can lead to kidney damage and death.

Prevention — Wash hands with soap and water after using the bathroom or changing diapers. Avoid swallowing pool or lake water. Cook meat and wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.

Incidence — There are an estimated 70,000 E. coli infections each year in the U.S. Many people who are infected don't seek medical care or aren't tested for E. coli.

5 Tips for Teen Job-Seekers

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 06:55:00 GMT

Finding a summer job can be a full-time job, but with the right tools and the right attitude, teens can land one.

"The landscape has definitely improved since last summer," says Steve Kimball, acting senior vice president of marketing for SnagAJob.com. "But it's still a tough market out there for these teens."

A new survey, commissioned by Kimball's group, found that 29 percent of managers say a teen's stiffest competition comes from adults who've re-entered the seasonal or hourly work force because of economic pressures. But 6 percent of hiring managers intend to hire more workers than they did last summer.

"In the fast-food industry, the grocery world and the entertainment world — movie theaters, bowling alleys — we're definitely seeing more seasonal or teen hiring," Kimball says.

Internet job sites are a great place for teens to begin the hunt, Kimball says, because many of them offer thousands of listings categorized by location and industry. He also offers teens a few pointers for snagging a job once they land an interview.

—Be flexible about "where you apply and with your schedule. Don't go into it just wanting to have one type of job." Willingness to work nights, weekends and other odd hours might give teens an edge over adults who have more family commitments or second jobs.

—Be prepared. Practice for the interview with a friend or relative who can role-play and toss some questions your way. Check out the tips and sample interview videos on snagajob.com.

—Mind the details. "It's all about standing out. Pay attention to how you're dressed, the voice mail greeting on your cell phone. No text messaging or answering calls. Make sure you're really answering the questions and looking the person in the eye."

—Apply, apply, apply. "Apply to at least 10 jobs. Teens right now are competing against more seasoned workers, but you can increase your batting average by applying to at least 10 places."

—And remember, a job can be beneficial even if it's not exactly what you set out to do. "It's not just about the money or the work itself," says Kimball. "It's learning the interview process, having to show up on time, learning to provide customer service."

Tips to Stay Cool This Summer

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 07:07:00 GMT

With the official start of summer just around the corner, DTE Energy is offering the following tips to help customers save money and keep cool:

Around the house
--Close blinds, shades and curtains to keep summer heat out.
-- Keep the fireplace damper and doors tightly closed to prevent cooled air from escaping.
-- Run the dishwasher in the cooler part of the day when the lower temperature can better offset the heat and humidity the appliance will produce.

Air conditioning
-- Set the air conditioner thermostat at the highest comfortable setting. When leaving home for more than five hours, raise the thermostat five to 10 degrees. Raising the thermostat just a couple degrees can cut cooling costs by as much as five percent.
-- Regular maintenance is important to operating air conditioners efficiently. Check filters at least once a month. Dirty filters cause air conditioners to work harder and use more energy. Many filters can be removed, washed and dried, and reinstalled. Check the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer for more information.
-- Keep air conditioning units free of obstructions, inside and out, so air can flow freely. Outdoor units should be free of bushes, and leaf and grass debris. Indoors, move furniture and draperies to prevent blocking window units, vents and air returns.
-- Position window air conditioners on the shaded side of the house, away from direct sunlight. Window units generally are not designed to cool more than one room. Close the doors leading to uncooled parts of the house for more efficient cooling.
-- In homes with central air conditioning, leave room doors and air registers open so the system can operate effectively.

Fans
-- Make sure ceiling fan blades rotate clockwise in the summer months to draw cooler air up from the floor.
-- A window fan in an apartment or one-story home should be put in a window on the warmest side of the structure; in a two-story home, put it in an upstairs window. Fans draw cooler air inside during the night and circulate air during the day. Make sure draperies are secured away from the fan for better air circulation and safety.
-- Prevent heat build-up in the attic by opening attic vents and making sure any lower vents are not blocked. A cooler attic benefits the living area below. An exhaust fan or whole-house fan mounted in the attic will pull hot air out of the attic and living areas and draw cooler air in.
-- Use an exhaust fan to blow hot air out of your kitchen while cooking. The savings in your cooling costs will far outweigh the fan's electricity use.

(c)RISMEDIA

Thinking About Quitting Your Social Network? Six Tips Every User Should Know

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 07:16:00 GMT

Facebook has been under fire for the changes made to its privacy model last month, yet despite the latest privacy and control settings announced this week by Mark Zuckerberg, some groups are rallying users to boycott or even delete their profiles on Facebook on May 31 and June 6 in protest. For those who are not ready to completely delete their profile or are perhaps too emotionally invested in their account, there are less extreme options to consider.

Here are six tips to consider:

1. Never share your password with anyone – Not even your best friend or significant other

2. Watch the digital crumbs you leave behind – Remember: your photos, videos, comments live forever on the Web. Don't post anything you wouldn't want your grandma or future employer to see. Also never post sensitive info, such as your phone number, e-mail or birthday. And there's no need to share everything in your status updates (e.g. "Off to Vegas for the holiday weekend!")

3. Ignore the "Check Out the Best Beach Bods" link from your "friend" – It likely came from a hacker who broke into their account

4. Make sure links posted to your page are safe – Use smart Facebook applications like Norton Safe Web for Facebook to run a scan for poisonous links posted on your wall

5. Limit your "Circle of Trust" – If you are using social networking sites to connect with family and friends, ignore requests from people you do not know – it could be a cybercriminal

6. Stay informed of Facebook's privacy settings and changes to it

Traveling this Holiday Weekend? Make Sure You Are Prepared

Fri, 28 May 2010 07:00:00 GMT

This weekend brings the start of the summer travel season. Whether traveling by airl, car or train, there are key tips to consider before heading out.

Make sure to read these 22 travel tips, courtesy of Travelerspoint.com:

1. Security and Keeping Details Safe
Scan your passport, passport photos and paper tickets (if not the e type) in. Store this (in an email for e.g.) in your web based email account.
You can also store the details of your emergency 'lost card' telephone numbers in your web based email account so you know who to contact if your credit card or ATM card is lost or stolen.
This way, even if you lose everything, you have immediate access your all important information. You can even email the details page of your passport to the embassy or consulate when applying for a new one.

2. Split up your valuables
Split up your bank cards, cash, travellers' cheques and credit cards as much as possible in different pockets, your bags and wallet when packing. In case you do get robbed, at least you won't be strapped for cash (unless you have all your bags AND your wallet stolen of course!).

3. Nalgene/Small Bottles
Use nalgene/small bottles to pack toiletries and other small items. There are several sturdy and (very nearly) waterproof ones, with clear/see through ones being preferable (easier for security purposes post August 2006). You can also use small bottles to repack shampoo or lotions so that you don't have to always carry a big bottle with you. This is especially useful if you normally take these items in your carry-on luggage, which as of early 2007 is much more restricted than before.

4. Backpack Tips
When you are packing things into a backpack, place the lighter items at the bottom and the heavier ones on top. Your bag will feel lighter this way as the pack rests on your lower back. It is also smart to place the things you use the most on top. Dirty clothes are perfect to pack at the bottom of a backpack.

5. Plastic Bags
It is always handy to have a few plastic bags around certain items, especially toiletries. Not only does it counter any leaking, the bags can also come in useful to keep dirty clothes in, as garbage bags or even as a makeshift umbrella. Ziplock or other airtight plastic bags are the best.

6. Pack in Plastic
Pack everything in clear plastic bags (preferably zip lock), divided into items e.g. underwear, t-shirts, shorts etc. before packing in your suitcase or backpack. One plastic bag for each type of clothing. This is extremely useful in various ways. When you unpack your bag you just take out a series of bags and you can see immediately what you want. So an overnight stay somewhere just means taking 1 item out of a bag - no rummaging!! In addition, if you have to unpack at customs etc, instead of having to disgorge all your clothing etc out in front of everybody, you can calmly take maybe 5/6 bags out, the contents of which can be clearly seen by the officials. To repack then is also dead easy. Just be sure not to leave your plastic bags lying around if you are travelling in nature! (Tip from a member)

7. Clothes
Pack only what you know you will use and if you are travelling for more than three weeks, plan to wash on the road.

8. Split up clothes when travelling with others
When you are flying somewhere and especially if you have a few stopovers, divide the clothes between different suitcases/backpacks/bags etc. If one persons luggage doesn't arrive at the destination, they'll still have clean clothes available. Airlines generally don't compensate lost luggage for the first 24-48 hours so this will save you money if it happens to you. (Tip from a member)

9. Separate Beach Bag
When packing to head to the beach consider pre-packing whatever you might need at the beach into a beachbag inside your backpack or suitcase. Especially if travelling with kids, this will prove a timesaver!

10. Suitcase lovers
For those using suitcases without a divider. A piece of cardboard makes an excellent divider and helps keep your clothes organized and neat as you are able to lay them out flat on the cardboard. It also makes airport inspections a lot less of a hassle as you can lift out your divider with clothes on top easily.

11. Gifts
While it is a good idea to take some small gifts with you while travelling, pre-wrapping them can be a waste of time if you are flying and your bags are opened. (Tip from a member)

12. Flashlights or Torches
When packing a flashlight or torch (or any other item with batteries for that matter), turn the batteries around so that if the item is accidentally turned on, you won't empty the batteries. Don't forget to turn the batteries back around when using the flashlight.

13. Diaper Bag
If you are travelling with babies, then the diaper bag is an excellent place to hide your valuables. This most likely will not be the first thing to be stolen. It's also a great to use as a waste bag (even when not travelling with a child!), especially at places that do not allow you to flush toilet paper.

14. Shoes
If you want to make sure everything else in your bags stays clean and odor free, place the shoes inside old socks and then inside airtight plastic bags (ziplock).

15. Carry-On
Keep any medication and important papers in your carry-on bag. On long flights with multiple stopovers (especially if flying via London, LA or other major airports), packing a fresh change of clothes is a good idea as bags tend to get delayed or lost on long haul, multiple stop flights. You don't want to end up stuck without medication, clothes or your important papers even if it is just for a few days.

16. Roll Technique
Somehow it seems that bags will hold more if the clothes are rolled rather than folded. If you roll in tissue paper, the clothes will also get less wrinkled.

17. Travelling to warm destinations?
If you appreciate cold drinks think of using a six-pack cooler as a toiletry bag. Once you arrive at your destination and unload your toiletries your 'toiletry bag' guarantees cheap cold drinks on the beach, no matter how remote.

18. Local Tourism Offices
The best source of information is usually local. Check out Tourism Offices to find unbiased feedback on the best accommodation to suit your needs. Excercise caution in countries where you feel the information might not be so unbiased!

19. Minimize on toiletries
Take only half a tube of toothpaste rolled up tight, store shampoo in small containers, only take half a roll of toilet paper (for emergencies only) and crush it so the middle is folded.

20. Take solid shampoo bars and tooth powder
Solid shampoo bars and tooth powder (instead of tooth paste) can be easily located on the internet and make carry-on travel in this age of liquid restriction possible. Places like Beijing now bar all liquids in carry-on bags, and you'll still be able to breeze through without checking. (Tip from a member)

21. Planning on carrying a lot of luggage?
While carrying a lot of luggage is not recommendable, sometimes it is necessary in the case of relocations and so on. If you have the possibility, fly via the US as airlines will allow you 64kg (two 32kg bags) instead of the 20kg in the rest of the world. Even if it is just a stopover in the US, you will be allowed to carry the extra weight. Check with your local travel agent for the details.

22. Packing List and Trip Planning
Ready to start packing? Or is there still more trip planning to be done? Check out our Packing List and Trip Planning guide to help you get the most out of your trip by planning well and packing everything.

Tips on How to Fix Your House Up to Sell

Thu, 27 May 2010 07:41:00 GMT

With the summer buying and selling season just around the corner, now is the time to think about how you can create a lasting first impression with potential buyers. Here are 8 simple tips that will help your home stand out from the crowd.

Open the drapes and blinds. Sunshine is the world's best decorator and nothing is more depressing than walking into a home where shades, curtains and drapes are closed.

Wash the windows - inside and out. For the same reasons as above, no other small improvement will give you more bang than this.

Clean up the yard. Cut back overgrown shrubs, particularly those that obscure windows or make it difficult to get to the front door. Mow the grass, rake or pick up downed leaves and branches, put away lawn tools, kids' toys and discard or store any outdoor furniture that is rusty or ragged. If season and funds permit, put down some colorful annuals or put a few nicely planted containers on or near the front porch.

Clutter Control. De-cluttering and organizing your home is very important and not just to make the place look neat. A cluttered home looks smaller and less airy. All of the pictures, knick-knacks, even an exquisite art collection are distracting to many buyers.

Clean your kitchen and bathrooms – Be sure to pay attention to the kitchen and bathrooms. The kitchen may be old but it can still sparkle. Clean the stovetop with a good degreaser and all countertops to remove stains and discoloration. Wash the front of all cupboards and appliances and keep the floor swept and scrubbed for as long as the home is on the market. De-clutter here too, especially the refrigerator door. Ditch countertop appliances, canisters, etc and keep cupboard doors and drawers closed if your hand is not actually in them. It is critical that the bathrooms sparkle. Old bathrooms can be charming and a new shower curtain or fresh flowers on the counter may be all you need. Put out your best towels and, if you have young children, enforce the flush rule.

Refinish hardwood floors. These are a major selling point when selling your home and sometimes a home's most compelling feature. Often they don't need complete refinishing, just to be roughed up and polyurethaned to obtain that killer shine.

Paint/Repaint Your Home. If your taste in decorating is a bit strong, it may pay to hire a professional to tone down some of the more dramatic color rooms. Neutral colors are best for marketing your home for sale.

Buy, borrow or rent what you need. If your furniture shows the effect of raising five kids or if pets have ruined the rugs and upholstery, think about storing or getting rid of your existing furniture and finding just enough more attractive stuff to get by. If your nest is empty and the kids' rooms are beaten up, throw out the furniture, give the walls a quick wash coat of paint and put one or two small flea market pieces - a hobby horse, a bean-bag chair, the old bassinette from the attic - in the room to merely suggest its use.

Easy Ways of Saving Let You Sit Back and Benefit

Mon, 24 May 2010 07:16:00 GMT

Don't feel like clipping coupons? Unwilling to sacrifice lifestyle to save a buck? Unmotivated to budget?

No problem.

Tap into the world of lazy savings, set-it-and-forget-it ways to keep more cash in your pocket without depriving yourself:

Get dining rewards: Register your credit and debit cards at iDine.com for free and get 5 percent cash back for eating at participating restaurants. No coupons or gift certificates necessary. IDine.com also offers paid memberships for more cash back.

Join a credit union: Almost everybody qualifies for a credit union, and they usually have lower fees and loan rates than traditional banks. Go to culookup.com to find one near you.

Use retail loyalty cards: Sign up for a card at frequently visited supermarkets and retailers. Then shop as usual and watch the savings and goodies pile up. Often you don't need to carry the card. Cashiers can usually look it up by phone number. Or, combine loyalty-card bar codes with such tools as CardStar, mycardstar.com, which has smart phone apps and a wallet-size card via a partnership with KeyRingThing.com.

Buy store brands: Reach for the house brands. They're so much better than they used to be; no coupons or comparison-shopping needed. Or peruse the weekly supermarket flier and buy multiples of whatever interests you.

They are almost always great deals. Along those lines is a tip from Myscha Theriault, co-author of "10,001 Ways to Live Large on a Small Budget." Get half off sunscreen by purchasing body lotion with sunscreen included.

Use rewards credit cards: If you don't carry a balance on your credit cards, use a rewards card that pays you back, preferably in cash. Then shop as you would and reap the rewards. Compare cards online at such sites as CardRatings.com, LowCards.com and IndexCreditCards.com.

Get browser add-ons: Several Web browser toolbars and plug-ins can help you save money shopping online, including CouponCabin.com and Billeo.com. One of the slickest is at GetInvisibleHand.com. Its toolbar is hidden until you visit a product page. Then it appears and tells you whether this is the best price or where you can get it cheaper. It doesn't include shipping prices, but it's passive price comparison for the truly lazy.

Pay online and automatically: Online and auto-pay options can save money, especially by preventing late fees. Buy fewer stamps and envelopes, which is a hassle and expense. You might get a discount. Allstate insurance gives up to a 5 percent discount in most states for paying with automatic bank withdrawals.

Raise your retirement contribution 1 point: You won't notice the difference. And if you do it online, it might take one minute. Repeat every time you get a raise.

Change your thermostat 1 degree: Up in the summer, down in the winter. You won't notice the difference, but over time your wallet will.

Buy CFLs: Replace your five most-used nondimmable lights with compact fluorescent bulbs and save 75 percent in energy costs. Lazy-savings bonus? You won't have to replace CFLs as often as incandescent bulbs, because they last 10 times longer. Similarly, switch to rechargeable batteries. You'll save money and never be caught without when the TV remote fails.

Shrink your spending: Billshrink.com is a good comparison site for wireless phone service, credit cards and savings account rates, but it's also convenient for tracking gas prices. Sign up, and it will send you an e-mail alerting you to the lowest-price gas on your commute.

5 Simple Tips To Help You Save Money

Fri, 21 May 2010 13:17:00 GMT

Who wouldn’t want to have more money? It is doubtful that there is anyone on the planet who would prefer to have less money. So, why do people always find themselves short on funds?

Often, this is the result of not having the proper focus. They will seek to earn more money when such earnings are not possible. After all, there are only so many hours per week a person can work. Having more money is not always a matter of earning more money. Instead you can have more money by cutting costs and saving money.

To help you get on track, read these tips from Finance Tips 101:

1. Always look for a deal or discount whenever you purchase anything. There are hundreds of coupons, discounts, and deals out there and consumers should certainly look out for these deals. And then they should start taking advantage of these deals since they can deliver enormous savings on many types of purchases.

2. Keep an eye on your energy bills both electric and gas. Do you really need to have your heater or air conditioner turned up to the maximum? In many instances, you do not have to do this. You could always use space heaters, ceiling fans, or other such devices. This will certainly help you lower your electric and gas bills. The amount of money that one can save with this tactic can yield incredible savings through the years.

3. Stay away from banks that charge you outrageous fees. If your checking account comes with a multitude of costs to keep the checking account open, you may be better served looking towards those banks which are much less expensive. The same can be said of credit cards that come with high interest rates. If you have a high interest credit card, it would be best to transfer balances to a lower interest rate card.

4. Cutting back on your entertainment budget would be a wise move as well. Yes, we love to engage in our favorite hobbies and activities. But, these passions due come with expenses and you will need to curtail your passions if they are costing a great deal of money. Besides, there are a ton of free things out there you can take part in and they are worth exploring.

5. Take better care of the things you own since it will extend their life expectancy. The longer something lasts, the longer you can wait before having to replace it. Do you really want to buy new clothes or a television set if you do not have to? In the past, you may have. If you are looking to save money, you will want to avoid making new purchases unless you absolutely have to. That means you need to make what you own last.

provided by RISMEDIA, 2010

Safety Tips to Keep You Out of the ER This Memorial Day

Wed, 19 May 2010 07:18:00 GMT

Fun in the sun, by the pool, on a boat or at a barbeque can quickly send you to the emergency department on Memorial Day if you don't plan ahead, the nation's emergency physicians warned.

"We want people to have fun on Memorial Day weekend, which officially kicks off summer," said Dr. Angela Gardner, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians. "But having fun also means staying safe, using good judgment and taking simple precautions that will help keep you out of the ER and most importantly, keep you alive."

The American College of Emergency Physicians has put together the top five tips that you and your family should follow in order to stay safe and healthy over the holiday weekend.

Tip 1: Food Safety -- To avoid food poisoning, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture recommends cooking fresh poultry to 165 degrees, hamburgers to 160 degrees and beef to at least 145 degrees. Refrigerate all perishable food within 2 hours, 1 hour if the temperature outside is above 90 degrees. To guard against cross-contamination of bacteria, keep uncooked meats away from other foods.

Tip 2: Grill Safety -- Emergency physicians see firsthand the dangers associated with an outdoor grill. Consumers should thoroughly clean a grill of any grease or dust. Check the tubes leading into the burner for any blockages from insects or food grease that can cause an uncontrolled fire. Replace any connectors which can lead to a gas leak and keep lighted cigarettes, matches or open flames away from a leaking grill. Do not use a grill in a garage, breezeway, carport and porch or near any surface that can catch fire. Also, always follow the manufacturer's instructions that accompany the grill.

Tip 3: Water Safety -- To prevent drowning, avoid alcohol when swimming or boating. Wear a lifejacket whenever you are on a boat. Make sure young children are supervised at all times when near the beach, on a boat, or by a pool or hot tub. Don't swim alone or in bad weather. Learn to swim and teach your children to swim. We also recommend that you learn CPR in case of an emergency.

Tip 4: Sun Safety -- Protect against sunburn and heat stroke. Wear sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15 or higher and apply it generously throughout the day. Wear a hat outdoors and a good pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes. Drink plenty of water, especially when in the sun or if you are sweating heavily. If you feel faint or nauseous, get into a cool place immediately.

Tip 5: Travel Safety -- Do not drink and drive or travel with anyone who has been drinking. Wear your seatbelt at all times. Make sure your vehicle has been properly serviced and is in good working shape before a long road trip. Familiarize yourself with your surroundings if you are in an unfamiliar place and know where the nearest emergency room is to you at all times in case of an emergency.

"Many of the factors that will determine your safety over Memorial Day weekend or any time this summer will come down to good decision-making and common sense," said Dr. Gardner. "As someone who sees the consequences up close, my best advice is, know your limits, be mindful of certain risks and stay smart."

copy: RISMEDIA 2010

10 Ways to Reduce Your Summer Utility Bills

Tue, 18 May 2010 08:50:00 GMT

Before the summer heat--and summertime utility bill--starts to make you sweat, you might want to consider making a few changes to cut your energy consumption. You can shave dollars off your monthly bills without sacrificing comfort as long as you plan ahead and get creative. Here's a room-by-room guide to saving money this summer--and benefiting the Earth at the same time.

In the basement: Geoff Godwin, division vice president of Emerson, the country's largest provider of heating and cooling systems, says cleaning air conditioning filters every month and getting your system checked by a professional once a year will ensure that it's functioning as efficiently and inexpensively as possible. "A lot of people don't do that--they ignore the AC system until something goes wrong," he says, then they end up buying an entirely new unit instead of making minor fixes.

If you need a new air conditioner, an energy efficient one might be eligible for a tax credit (check at www.energystar.gov/). When you're shopping around, look for a unit with a seasonal energy efficiency ratio of 16 to 21, the highest level of efficiency. Another option is a geothermal heating and cooling system, which utilizes pipes running from the more stable, ambient temperatures found five feet underground year-round into your home, where they pump heat in or out, depending on the season.

Throughout the house: "Make sure your house is leak-free," says Alliance to Save Energy spokeswoman Ronnie Kweller, or else "nice, cold, expensive air is going out the cracks." You might want to consider assigning this task to a professional. Through the Energy Star online directory, you can find a local auditor who will use diagnostic equipment to test your home for areas where air conditioning might escape. Your auditor will probably do what's known as a blower door test, which lowers the air pressure in your home and reveals leaks. He or she may also take a photo of your house with a thermographic camera, with the red areas of the photo indicating where better insulation and sealing are needed.

If you don't want to shell out money for an energy auditor, you can perform a casual energy audit yourself. Efficiency experts recommend feeling around baseboards, windows, doors, light switches, and electrical sockets for air leaks. Air can escape or enter anywhere that two different building materials meet. Kweller also recommends walking around your house with incense to see if the smoke blows in when you pass windows. Kweller says old, wooden windows are especially prone to this kind of leakage

If you find problem areas, seal it with foam or caulking, which you can find at the hardware store. Insulation that meets certain efficiency criteria is also eligible for the federal tax credits. Kweller says properly sealing your house can save up to 20 percent on your utility bill.

Using a programmable thermostat so that the temperature automatically rises when no one is home during the day can yield annual savings of about 30 percent, says Godwin, with much of the savings in the summer, since air conditioning runs with electricity. While some 25 million households own programmable thermostats, only half of those people take advantage of them, says Godwin.

Replacing older light bulbs with compact fluorescents not only reduces your electricity bill, it can help save energy on air conditioning since fluorescents generate less heat, says Kweller. She estimates that each bulb can save about $50 over the course of its lifetime.

In the living room: There's nothing wrong with hosting movie nights this summer, but make sure you shut your entertainment center down when the evening's over. Simply turning off a television set doesn't put a stop to so-called "vampire power"--the power that devices consume even when they're not in use. That's why you should either unplug your electronics or use a Smart Strip, which cuts power when it's not needed.

If you're in the market for a new television, check energy efficiency ratings. The Energy Department bestows its Energy Star rating to sets that use about one-third less energy than regular televisions. In general, LCD televisions use less energy than plasma screens, but both use more than older sets.

Remember to turn the power off or unplug your digital photo frames when you're not gazing at those illuminated photos. Over the course of the year, leaving one on costs about $9--not a lot, but when thousands of people are doing the same thing, it adds up.

In the kitchen: Baking a cake or casserole in the summer will force your air conditioner to go into overdrive. Plus, eating hot food will only make you want to turn the thermostat down. But you don't have to survive on cold pasta salads and gazpacho this summer. Instead of using your oven, consider an outdoor grill or toaster oven for small amounts of food.

If you're up for a challenge, try baking cookies on your car--yes, your car. Nicole Weston of Baking Bites developed a method of baking chocolate cookies with the heat that collects inside cars on steamy days. She suggests parking in the sun, using a thermometer to help monitor the temperature, and protecting your dashboard by putting a barrier between it and the baking sheet. (It should be at least 95 degrees outside and the baking process takes around two and a half hours.)

In the bathroom: If you don't want to spend money on a low-flow toilet, you can still make yours more efficient by dropping a soda bottle filled with sand or water into the back. It will use less water each time it flushes. Ivan Chan of carbonfund.org adds that small steps such as turning the water off while brushing your teeth or shaving can save a substantial amount of water (and money on your water bill) each year. He also recommends installing a water conserving showerhead.

In the bedroom: Stay cool while you sleep with an overhead fan instead of pumping air conditioning throughout the entire house. Shutting the doors and vents of unused rooms can also lighten the load of your air conditioning unit.

Outside: A way to reduce cooling costs in the longer run is to plant trees or shrubs so that your house is more shaded, especially on the sunnier side, says Kweller. (For a quicker fix, draw the blinds or shades when you're not home.)

Signs of Stabilization in U.S. Real Estate Market – Home Price Reduction Levels Drop 26 Percent

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 07:00:00 GMT

Trulia.com recently announced that 20% of current home listings have been reduced in price at least once, compared to 27% in April 2009, representing a 26% decline nationally. Trulia was one of the first companies to issue national price reduction reports and is available to provide historical data on trends taking place as early as April 2009.

“With such a dramatic drop in home price reductions over the past year, we’re beginning to see early signs of stabilization in the housing market on a national level, as well as locally in certain markets,” said Pete Flint, Trulia co-founder and CEO. “As the federal stimulus comes to an end this month, coupled with expected increases in interest rates and foreclosures, the next few months will be very telling for whether the U.S. housing market can be self-sustaining over the longer-term. Trulia will continue to track price reductions going forward as an indicator of health in real estate market.”

In April 2009, Trulia first started tracking price reductions, both nationally and for the 15 major U.S. cities. Of the original 15 cities, those hit earliest and hardest have experienced huge decreases in price reductions compared to the previous year, including Las Vegas (54%), San Diego (52%) and San Francisco (45%). Seattle was the only original city to see a significant increase in price reduction levels with a 15% spike compared to the previous year.

In addition to seeing fewer homes reduced in price, the current report shows several cities have seen significant decreases in the percentage amount slashed off of the original listing price compared to the previous year. New York and San Francisco both saw discounts on home prices drop by more than 30% compared to April 2009.

On the other hand, several cities actually experienced increases in the average price reduction. Houston, Denver, Seattle and Phoenix all saw double-digit percentage increases compared to April 2009.

For more information, visit www.trulia.com.

How to Make the Most of Garage Sales

Sat, 24 Apr 2010 03:00:00 GMT

It’s Spring. Time to dust off those unused items in the attic and basement and prepare for the annual ritual of Yard Sales.

Many garage-sellers are entering the market for the first time or re-entering it as a way to raise cash, and experienced shoppers know this because the quality of the goods has gone down. People hold on to possessions longer in a recession, but now they are trying to sell what they might have thrown away or donated to charity in the past.

For buyers and sellers who are new to the garage sale scene, here are some tips:

What to know if you are selling

-Price low. That should be the goal if you want to get rid of stuff. For pricing guidelines, visit thrift stores, not eBay.
-Heed the signs. Keep signs on every other block and every corner where a turn is required in the city (a half-mile apart along longer stretches in the suburbs). Make sure the address and sale dates are large and easily readable. Add balloons to attract the eye.
-Sell with others. Doing it alone is too much work.
-Sell to early birds but charge extra perhaps a $5 or $10 “tax” for a purchase. Keep it short. Make the sale one or two, but not three, days.
-Promote yourself. Advertise as much as you can in the newspaper and on Craigslist, Facebook and bulletin boards.
-Cut prices. Advertise that on the last day or last afternoon, everything is half-price.
-Offer details. Be specific about sale items in an ad, such as a leaf blower, musical instruments or furniture.
-Be friendly. Greet everyone who comes to the sale.
-Group small items and sell everything for $1 or more to eliminate coins.
-Plan ahead. Take the spring and summer to collect, price and box items to sell in the fall.
-Choose the best hours- 8 am to noon or 9 am to 3 pm.
-Donate leftovers. Call ahead to have charities picks up unsold items.

What to know if you’re buying

-Don’t bring your purse. Leave it in the trunk. Keep quarters, ones and fives in a pants pocket or jacket.
-Cruise around. Check good neighborhoods for better quality goods, but haggle if prices are too high.
-Shop early for the best selection.

-Browse in the late afternoon or on the last day for the best bargains. Any offer is fair near closing time.
-Play it safe. Skip cribs, mattresses, car seats and hockey helmets due to possible safety concerns.
-Set limits. If you’re concerned about overbuying, commit to limits on spending or the number of items.
-Leave your card. Ask to be called if an item remains unsold and the seller is willing to accept your price.

Earth Day Turns 40 – Do Your Part to Protect the Planet

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 07:35:00 GMT

Today is the 40th celebration of Earth Day. What started as an educational ‘teach-in’ in 1970 has turned into a global event dedicated to showing each of us how to do our part to protect the planet. Why should we want to protect the planet? Let’s start with the fact that Americans make up less than 5% of the world’s population, yet we consume 25% of the natural resources and generate 30% of the waste. Each one of us leaves a measurable footprint on the planet and it is determined by the demands we put on nature as it compares to the planet’s natural ability to meet those needs. It’s called your eco-footprint and it’s a concept that is widely being used around the globe to measure sustainability.

Your eco-footprint takes into account where you live, how many people live with you, the size of your home, the forms of energy used in your home, and energy saving measures in your home. The number of miles you travel, how you travel those miles, how you eat, what you eat and where you shop for food are all included in the calculation of your eco-footprint. Your eco-footprint also includes water saving devices in your home, the products used to build your home and the chemicals you use to clean it. And of course it includes the amount of trash you generate and how much you recycle. There are many other items that should be included in a measure of our ecological impact on Earth, but the eco-footprint calculator is a good start. You can measure your eco-footprint at www.footprintnetwork.org.

The typical American eco-footprint is enormous. Only citizens of the United Arab Emirates have a larger eco-footprint. Worse still, the needs of our global population exceed the ecological limits of our planet and it gets worse every year. We are taking from the planet faster than it can naturally renew or regenerate and are now tapping into the reserves at an alarming rate.

There is, however, good news. There is a great deal that each one of us can do to lighten our load on Earth and it doesn’t have to be painful or costly. It’s getting back to the three R’s: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. When you use less energy, waste less water, create less trash and opt for non-toxic solutions—you’ll lower your eco-footprint. It really comes down to adopting everyday green living solutions. It may take a little effort to get started, but the rewards are immediate and impactful—providing savings in your bank account and a healthier future for our children. This year, attend an Earth Day event and learn how you too can do your part.

Expiring Tax Credit Has Buyers Rushing to Sign Dotted Line

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 09:05:00 GMT

Latasha Hall never envisioned herself a homeowner. But by the end of the month, she will be. Just in time.

With the soon-to-expire tax credit for first-time buyers as an assist, the single mother plans to close on a $166,650 three-bedroom house in Clifton Heights, Pa. “If it hadn’t been for the credit, I wouldn’t have done it,” Hall said.

To be eligible for the federal tax credits—up to $8,000 for qualified first-timers and up to $6,500 for certain repeat buyers—houses must be under contract by April 30, with settlement by June 30, 2010.

With those deadlines in sight, some real estate agents say they are relishing their first busy days in months.

For some buyers, a tax credit is an added perk in an already-friendly market with good inventory and low mortgage rates.

For those like Hall, who is working toward her bachelor’s degree in behavior and addictions counseling and who works two jobs, it’s the last piece that fits the puzzle. In January, Hall asked a Realtor for help finding a rental home after her landlord’s lender foreclosed.

A loan officer with the Realty Company, looked at her income (about $54,000) and her credit score (which needed some work, but not much) and suggested she buy instead. The lender used a state loan program that would provide $5,000 of the $8,000 credit up front, for use on closing costs or maintenance on the house. Hall set to work paying off two past-due bills and bugging the credit bureaus—sending weekly faxes and calling often—to update her score quickly. “If I hadn’t heard about this credit, I wouldn’t have worked so hard to get it done,” she said. “This is my time to go out and do what I have to do. I kept thinking about my kids.”

The new Clifton Heights neighborhood is safer, she said, and it’s just two blocks from the school her 9-year-old son attends. The credit has been “a blessing,” Hall said.

To Realtors like Daren Sautter, it’s a relief. “It’s nice to be busy,” he said.

Sellers likely will be thinking the same thing, Realtors say, and listing prices could drop this month.

Daren recently helped Pat Poole price her four-bedroom Cherry Hill house to sell. At $290,000, it went after just one day on the market. Recently divorced, Poole was looking to downsize. She sold the house to a young couple who used the repeat-buyer credit. Her next task: finding a new house for herself and her 17-year-old son in time to secure her own tax credit. “I’m going to get in under the wire,” Poole said.

A flurry of activity is noticeable in areas with a strong inventory of homes affordable to young families, Realtors said.

But some brokers are seeing a “trickle-up” effect. Would-be buyers are able to sell their homes, aided by the rush for the tax credit, and upgrade to communities with better school systems or more historic charm.

In Haddonfield, N.J., the proximity to Philadelphia and access to the PATCO High-Speed Line were big draws for Jeff Minors and Amy Henry. Minors will commute to his job as a financial-news editor in New York City. The couple, longtime renters, were looking to move to southern New Jersey from Norwalk, Conn., with their 2-year-old son. They recently moved into a four-bedroom home in Haddonfield that cost about $575,000. The first-time-buyer credit was an added bonus, Minors said. “We were more concerned about finding the right house at the right price,” he said. “But it’s definitely a nice benefit.”

Many Filers Confused by Stimulus Tax Credit

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 08:26:00 GMT

As the deadline approaches for filing tax returns, the process of claiming a tax break created by the stimulus package has proved to be more work than millions of people had bargained for.

The new tax credit, championed by President Obama as a follow-through on his campaign promise to provide broad-based tax relief, affects 95 percent of all Americans by cutting $400 from the total tax bill for individual filers and $800 for married couples.

In an effort to jump-start the sputtering economy by putting the money into people's pockets as quickly as possible, the government also decided to pay the credit upfront and instructed employers to reduce the amount of federal withholding deducted from workers' paychecks over the last year.

But what millions of taxpayers did not realize was that to have the credit deducted from the total amount of taxes owed, they are required to complete a new form, Schedule M. For millions of retirees, the procedure also requires an additional step because they have to deduct the tax break, known as the "Making Work Pay" credit, from other tax credits they may have received.

While either of those procedures takes only a few minutes, I.R.S. officials said that the unfamiliarity with the process of claiming the credit had led to errors in more than four million of the 82 million returns processed as of this week. The government expects to receive 60 million more returns by the filing deadline on Thursday, so it is possible that millions of additional returns will also contain similar errors.

The I.R.S. said its examiners would correct those errors, file the Schedule M for the taxpayers who neglected to do so and recalculate the filers' taxes to reflect the credit. But the sheer volume of errors involving the tax credit has added to the workload of the agency and could result in delays of several weeks or more for taxpayers whose returns were incomplete.

"We're making sure people get the credits they are entitled to," said Michelle Eldridge, a spokeswoman for the I.R.S. "But it's causing delays."

While mistakes involving the tax credit are by far the most common error tax examiners are encountering this year, I.R.S. officials say that the error rate -- less than 6 percent -- is not surprising for any new provision in the tax code. The Obama administration also contends that, despite the extra paperwork for taxpayers and the delayed returns, the tax credit succeeded in nudging the economy toward recovery by injecting $65 billion into circulation quickly.

But putting the credit into effect has nonetheless been challenging. In November, the Treasury Department's inspector general for tax administration reported that the I.R.S. instructions regarding the credit might have led some employers to reduce withholdings too much. As a result, the audit warned, 15 million or more taxpayers might find that their refunds would be smaller than expected, or they might even owe taxes.

I.R.S. officials say that because of a variety of other tax credits and changes to the code, those problems have not materialized and refunds are actually larger this year than last. But the complications involving taxpayers filing for the Making Work Pay credit have been widespread. Some filers neglected to claim the credit on line 63 of their 1040 forms or to file the Schedule M. Social Security recipients and federal retirees who received $250 stimulus checks were also required to deduct that amount from their Making Work Pay tax credits, adding to the confusion.

"Even those of us who do it for a living are puzzled by this thing, so people doing their own returns have no idea what to do," said Ron Lee, an accountant in Davenport, Iowa. "It's good intentions to get the money out there and reduce taxes. But it creates an accounting headache."

Amy Brundage, a White House spokeswoman, said the Obama administration had made extensive efforts to alert taxpayers to the new credits. In March, Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner and the commissioner of the I.R.S., Douglas H. Shulman, appeared at a White House event to publicize the new tax credits. The Obama administration also placed a tax-saving tool on the White House Web site to help taxpayers understand which credits they could claim. "Helping the American people understand tax relief they are eligible for is an administration priority," Ms. Brundage said in a written statement, "and we will continue to work to help the American people navigate this process during these difficult economic times."

With millions of last-minute filers yet to prepare their returns, I.R.S. officials advised taxpayers to consult with http://www.irs.gov/, or the telephone help line, at (800) 829-1040, if they need assistance.

"And the No. 1 way to reduce errors and get your refund as quickly as possible is to file electronically," said Ms. Eldridge of the I.R.S.

Making Sense of Organic Choices

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 07:36:00 GMT

Some consumers are more than willing to pay higher prices for organically grown food. But are organic strawberries worth the extra dollar?

The health benefits of organic food are one of the most intensely debated issues in the food industry. By definition, organically grown foods are produced without most conventional pesticides, fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge. Livestock aren’t given antibiotics and growth hormones. And organic farmers emphasize renewable resources and conservation of soil and water.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which runs the National Organic Program, says organic is a “production philosophy” and an organic label does not imply that a product is superior. Moreover, some say there’s no need to eat organic to be healthy: Simply choose less processed food and more fruits and vegetables.

The crux of the argument often comes down to the nutritional benefits of organic foods, something that’s hard to measure. To compare the nutrient density between organically and conventionally grown grapes, for example, researchers would have to have matched pairs of fields, including using the same soil, the same irrigation system, the same level of nitrogen fertilizer and the same stage of ripeness at harvest, said Charles Benbrook, chief scientist at The Organic Center, a pro-organics research institution.

Last summer, the debate came to a head after the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a comprehensive systemic review that concluded organic and conventional food had comparable nutrient levels.

The outraged organic community criticized the study for not addressing pesticide residues, a major reason people choose organic. The study also did not address the impact of farming practices on the environment and personal health.

Maria Rodale, a third-generation advocate for organic farming, urges consumers to look beyond nutrition to the chemicals going into our soil, our food and our bodies. “What we do to our environment, we are also doing to ourselves,” said Rodale, chairwoman and CEO of Rodale Inc., which publishes health and wellness content.

Some experts also suggest consumers focus on the producers rather than the product itself. For example, Vicki Westerhoff, owner of Genesis Growers in St. Anne, Ill., uses organic procedures but calls her food “natural” and “chemical-free” because she hasn’t gone through the expensive certification process.

Here’s a closer look at some of the factors that may influence your decision whether to buy organic products.

Fruits and vegetables
Farmers using conventional practices treat crops with pesticides that protect them from mold, insects and disease but can leave residues. Organic fruits and vegetables have fewer pesticide residues and lower nitrate levels than do conventional fruits and vegetables, according to a 1996 scientific summary report by the Institute of Food Technologists.

The bottom line: Experts say pesticide residues pose only a small health risk. But fetuses and children are more vulnerable to the effects of the synthetic chemicals, which are toxic to the brain and nervous system, said Dr. Philip Landrigan, director of the Children’s Environmental Health Center at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. The Environmental Working Group recommends buying organically grown peaches, apples, bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, kale, lettuce, imported grapes and pears because they are the most heavily sprayed. Onions, avocado, sweet corn and pineapple have some of the lowest levels of pesticides.

As for nutrition, one French study found that, in some cases, organic plant products have more minerals such as iron and magnesium and more antioxidant polyphenols. But although mounting evidence suggests that soil rich in organic matter produces more nutritious food, “we are never going to be able to say organic is always more nutrient dense; that’s going beyond the science,” said Benbrook of The Organic Center.

Dairy and meat
Organic dairy and meat products come from animals not treated with antibiotics or genetically engineered bovine growth hormones, which are used to stop the spread of disease and to boost milk production. Past rules on “access to pasture” were vague and didn’t require that the animals actually venture into it. But a new regulation requires that animals graze for a minimum of 120 days. In addition, 30% of their dietary needs must come from the pasture.

The bottom line: The dairy cow’s diet is key. Organic milk has more vitamins, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid because the cows eat high levels of fresh grass, clover pasture and grass clover silage.

As with dairy, organic meat has higher levels of omega-3’s because of the higher forage content in their diet. It also has lower fat overall than animals fed a high-corn diet, said Benbrook. Eating organic dairy or meat also can help with another issue: The use of antibiotics on farms has contributed to an increase in antibiotic-resistant genes in bacteria.

“Pushing animals to grow really fast has a cascade of effects on the environment and the health of the animal,” said Benbrook. “We need to back off the accelerator and focus on the health of the plant, the health of the animal, as well as the nutrient composition of the food.”

Cosmetics, personal care
Chemicals in personal care products have been linked to both environmental pollution and human health concerns. Of particular concern are phthalates, which have been linked to endocrine disruption. Environmental concerns also are rising about the tiny nanoparticles now being added to cosmetics, sunscreens and other products. Notably, organic personal care products can be labeled “organic” but still contain synthetic ingredients.

The bottom line: Of the 3,000 chemicals used in high volume in personal care products, only half have been put through basic toxicity testing, according to Landrigan.

You may be paying more for “organic” products that aren’t actually organic; the USDA regulates organic personal care products only if they’re made of agricultural ingredients. Look for the USDA logo rather than the word “organic” on the label.

Processed foods
Many processed foods—pasta, candy, cookies, crackers, baby food—now come in organic versions. Products made from at least 95% organic ingredients can carry the “USDA Organic” seal if the remaining ingredients are approved for use in organic products. Products with at least 70% organic ingredients may label those on the ingredient list.

The bottom line: Processed organic food hasn’t been shown to be any more nutritious than processed conventional food. In conventionally processed products such as baby food, pesticides aren’t commonly detected because the processing steps “are quite effective in breaking down trace residues of pesticides,” said food toxicologist Carl Winter, director of the FoodSafe Program at the University of California at Davis and co-author of the Institute of Food Technologists scientific summary.

“Pesticides are rarely used on crops grown for baby foods since the ultimate appearance of the crop is less important due to the processing before the product is ultimately sold,” Winter said.

Some consumers may decide to choose organic because those products are not supposed to contain genetically modified organisms.

Cotton, coffee
Cotton and coffee are two of the most pesticide-intensive crops in the world. Pesticide residues have been detected in the cottonseed hull, a secondary crop sold as a food commodity. It’s estimated that as much as 65% of cotton production ends up in our food chain, whether directly through food or indirectly through the milk or meat of animals, according to a report by the Environmental Justice Foundation. Conventional coffee production also has contributed to the deforestation of the world’s rainforests.

The bottom line: Pesticide residues are generally removed during the processing but the chemicals can have a huge impact on the local land, biodiversity and the health of the workers involved. Though buying organic can help preserve environmental health and support farmers who use ecological methods, “it’s more important to focus on the circumstances of growers and farms versus the product itself,” said food writer Corby Kummer, the author of The Joy of Coffee.

Get the Most Out of Tough Times at Tax Time

Thu, 25 Mar 2010 07:23:00 GMT

For thousands of people, 2009 was a pretty rough year. But now that it’s tax time, there may be some breaks available for those who lost a job, looked for one, were overwhelmed by debt or had to take a pay cut.

Some of these are one-time-only offerings. Others may apply only because your situation got so much worse, but that shouldn’t stop you from pursuing them. Here’s what to consider.

-Did you collect jobless benefits during 2009?

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 offered a bit of a tax break to jobless people for last year only. On 2009 returns, taxpayers can exclude up to $2,400 of unemployment compensation from taxable income.

Normally, all money received through unemployment compensation would be taxable, said Luis D. Garcia, a spokesman for the IRS in Detroit. Look for a Form 1099-G, Certain Government Payments, to show the total unemployment compensation paid to you in 2009.

If both a husband and a wife received unemployment compensation during 2009, each would be able to exclude up to $2,400 in benefits from taxable income, according to Mark Luscombe, principal analyst for CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business.

Report unemployment benefits that exceed the $2,400 limit—or $4,800 if both spouses were out of work and collecting—on Line 19 of the first page of the 1040.

- Did you hunt for a job during the year?

Take a close look at whether you could deduct some of the expenses involved, such as long-distance calls or unreimbursed travel. If you qualify, the deductions could apply even if you didn’t get hired.

Not everyone will get this break. You cannot, for example, deduct job-hunting expenses if you’re looking for your first job out of school or if you are looking for a job in a different line of work.

Other hurdles must be crossed, too. Bob Scharin, senior tax analyst for the Tax & Accounting business of Thomson Reuters, said you’d have to itemize deductions and see whether you have enough miscellaneous expenses to take one for job-hunting deduction. Those miscellaneous expenses would have to be greater than 2% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). (Your AGI is found on line 37 of the regular 1040 form).

If your adjusted gross income was $50,000 for 2009, then you’d need more than $1,000 in miscellaneous expenses to be able to take any miscellaneous deductions on Schedule A.

Luscombe said job-hunting expenses can include resume printing, postage, faxes, long-distance calls and unreimbursed travel, including air, taxi and rail as well as mileage and tolls, and lodging for out-of-town interview trips.

- Did you work through a credit mess and have debt forgiven?

While it’s a relief to see credit card debt or other loans forgiven, it’s a shock at tax time to learn that generally any amount of debt that is settled for less than the amount owed is subject to taxes. Your lender would send you Form 1099-C, Cancellation of Debt, to show you what to report on your tax return.

“Many people are surprised when they get the Form 1099-Cs in the mail, and the IRS indicates that many more 1099-Cs are being sent out,” Luscombe said. A taxpayer should receive a 1099-C if $600 or more of debt is forgiven by a federal agency, financial institution or credit union. Not all canceled debt will trigger taxable income. There are exceptions for such things as insolvency or bankruptcy—and foreclosure.

The Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 allows taxpayers to generally exclude income from the discharge of debt on their principal residence or mortgage restructuring. This won’t help if your mortgage debt involved a second home or vacation home.

- Did your paycheck get smaller?

Nobody is celebrating a wage cut, fewer hours or several months without work. But if last year was particularly rough, you might qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit. You must have some income from wages or a job for 2009 and earn less than set income limits.

For example, your adjusted gross income would need to be less than $40,463 if you’re married, filing a joint return and have one child who would qualify under the credit. The maximum earned income credit is $3,043 if you have one qualifying child.

The income limit is $48,279 if married and filing a joint return and if you have three or more qualifying children. The maximum credit is $5,657 for three or more children.

- Did your income drop so much that you now qualify for some breaks that couldn’t work for you last year?

Scharin noted families that had college tuition bills in 2009 could benefit on their tax return this year from certain education credits that are not allowed once you hit certain higher-income levels.

The American Opportunity Tax Credit—formerly called the Hope Credit—offers up to $2,500 for qualified tuition and fees paid for each eligible student in the first four years of college. The American Opportunity Tax Credit cannot be used, though, if your modified adjusted gross income hits $90,000 or $180,000 on a joint return.

“Just because you weren’t eligible in the past doesn’t mean you’re not eligible now,” Scharin said. “Don’t assume because the line was blank last year you should leave it blank this year.”