Articles and Tips August, 2009
Sell Furniture Like A Gypsy
You can sell furniture door to door and make a lot of money fast. How do I know that? I’ve seen it in action. I’m not sure if it is politically correct to call someone a “Gypsy” these days or not, but that’s what they were called when I was a little boy back in the 1960’s. During the summer months, I remember seeing a large flatbed truck loaded with wooden patio furniture slowly driving up ...Welcome to Credit to the Wise
This website is intended to be a resource to help you get out of debt, improve your credit, grow your wealth, and build your legacy. Poke around and enjoy articles about how to deal with credit problems, control your spending, earn more money, secure your future, and stories of success. My business is mortgage lending and I love the whole business of money. I hope you'll feel my passion for people, my hate for the shackles of excess debt, ...Do You Have A Dream?
Today, August 28, 2009, marks the 46th Anniversary of Martin Luther King’s famous “I Have A Dream” speech. Take some time today and read or listen to the complete speech (I did) – it is powerful and moving – a reminder of a darker time in America, yet a beacon of hope because so many of King’s dreams have already come true. People can change – and that gives us all hope for a better ...Become an Umpire
Umpiring baseball. Officiating for basketball, soccer, football, or any number of organized sports out there can be a great source of income and fun. I've personally spent many evenings and weekends earning money doing these things, and I love it. Be warned that this is NOT a great job to take on for many people. There is a lot of pressure placed on you when you find yourself in the middle of the action. Split-second decisions ...Become a Doula
What is a "Doula"? The basic definition of a doula is "a woman who is experienced in childbirth and who provides physical, emotional, and informational assistance and support to a mother before, during, or after childbirth". This article is not intended as instructional manual for "How to become a doula". But I'm including it here as an illustration of the types of extra income opportunities you can find if you look for them. And this type ...Home Equity Options
Second Mortgages are often called “Home Equity Loans”. If you want to avoid re-doing your first mortgage (maybe you have a really good interest rate on it now, for example) but you still want to access your equity, you may want to consider a 2nd mortgage like this. There are two basic types of Home Equity Loans. You can either do a defined loan with set terms (HEL) or you can do a flexible ...Repair Your Credit
How's this for a nightmare scenario - your car broke down for good, and you desperately need a loan to buy a new one. You go to the bank, confident in getting a good rate. After all, you pay your monthly bills on time and your mortgage is average for your lifestyle. However, after a credit check, the bank manager refuses to lend you the necessary funds. You leave the bank, shocked and embarrassed. What ...Debt Consolidation – What to Look For, What to Watch Out For
With recent market dynamics, the average American has accrued more debt than savings, which is detrimental to long-term financial health. Many options are available that can assist you in achieving your financial goals to free yourself of heavy debt. Debt consolidation has become a growing trend for consumers to conveniently lump all of their monthly payments together into one solution. Many professional debt consolidation experts can help you through the convenience of the Internet. Debt consolidation ...Credit Card Debt
"You’ve been pre-approved!" You see these all the time. Credit card companies do anything to gain your business – why wouldn’t they? With their huge interest rates, that’s a lot of extra cash they can profit off you, if you carry a balance every month. And with it being so easy to simply put all your purchases on this convenient little piece of plastic, it’s no wonder so many people carry massive credit card debt. ...Latest Articles
Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early?
I often find myself in long conversations with my borrowers over the best way to pay off mortgages early. Do I recommend the “Bi-Weekly Payment” ...
Making Sense of the new Tax Credit Extension
Homebuyer Tax Credit Extension
Okay, I think I get it now and I’m ready to give you the scoop on the new tax credit extension. ...
Variable Rate vs. Fixed Rate
Choosing a Variable Rate is like Ordering a Pizza
“Should I pick an adjustable rate mortgage, like a 3/1 or 5/1 ARM, or go with ...
Washington Women Veterans Summit 2009
"Top 10 Ways to Get Out of Debt and Build Wealth" is the title of my workshop at the Women Veterans Summit this year. I’m ...
Know your Statutes of Limitations
“Can you just make a small payment as a show of good faith?” Have you been called by a collection agency trying to collect on ...