Real Estate Information Archive

Twice in the last five years I have moved my business headquarters or home. Each time led me to the uncomfortable awareness that I was a pack rat. Well, at least more of one than I wanted to be. I found that my closets, bookshelves and drawers were filled with mementos and decorations that didnt really matter much to me or my welfare. I had kept books that I never intended to read or refer to again, files taht were now obsolete or useless and knickknacks that were not special to me or my family. So what? Well, today I have boxed up for donation more than 140 books, 30 tape albums, dozens of assorted items all to be sent to a local charity thrift store. And the sense of liberation I feel is extaordinary! Not only that but I have a clearer sense of the real priorities in my business than before the purge. When was the last time you cleaned out your desk, closet or attic? Every time we send out the old, we make room for the new. Something wating for its time and space to come into your life. Why not make room for it today?

Jim Cathcart

Author, The Acorn Priniple.

 Do you know your credit score? Your credit score is a number, roughly between 300 and 800 that reflects your credit history as detailed by your credit report. Less than half of Americans know their score based on a survey bye the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) You can buy your credit sore from all three major credit bureaus-TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian - or you can buy them through fair Issacs' webiste www.myfico.com. Fair Issac is the research firm that owns the mathematical model used to calculate your FICO score. The scores are not included in annual free credit reports.

Here are simple steps to improve air circulation in your home and save some money:

Open windows on opposite sides of the house to pick up daytime breezes and create cross-ventilation.

Vent warm air through upstairs windows (heat rises)

Draw Curtains, shades and shutters to block daytime sun.

Leave doors ajar between rooms so that air can move around.

If nights are cooler, open windows only in the evening, to let in cool air; close them in the mornings. Consider a whole house fan that can exchage all the air every one to two minutes.

An estate plan is a technique through which a person conserves assets and transfers them to heirs at least tax cost. There are many elements to estate planning. It begins with a will and can include trust, a power of attorney and insurance. Whatever the structure, keep it up-to-date, review at least every two or three years, keep family members aware of the details including the location of all the significant financial papers and how to reach the key advisor(s). Also consult heirs before putting the plan into effect so there are no suprises in the arragements.