Criteria to meet to ensure the dream home does not turn into a nightmare:

Be debt free.

Emergency fund of three to six months living expenses (including a house payment) minimum. This is not a line of credit or home equity. This is cold hard cash put away somewhere safe and never to be touched unless it is truly an emergency.

Downpayment in the amount (usually at least 20%) to avoid paying PMI.

Loan no longer than 15 years, fixed rate.

Total Principal, Interest, Tax and Insurance (PITI) doe… Continue

Living in an area of the country uniquely filled with entrepreneurs, many local farms, a beautiful four season environment and filled with civic minded people who have a local mindset, I consider myself very fortunate. Unfortunately there is little “industry” in our area that has interested and attracted many of our young people when they are in a position to make a decision to leave or stay in this area. Often these kids go off to college, and decide there is little for them in the community th… Continue

Great article with info from an interview with Reeta Wolfsohn
http://tiny.cc/MnKxr

In the spirit of David Letterman:

The Top 10 Great Things About Being Debt-Free:

10. You don’t mind the phone ringing. And if it is a solicitor you get to hit them with your debt-free spiel and make them hang up on you.

9. You discover an envelope stuffing scheme that really works.

8. You realize the reason your money piles up is because it has nowhere else to go.

7. Weekly budgeting becomes a snap. Only thing in there are services, food, fun investments and other savings. Pretty much your… Continue

An interesting article regarding Overlimit Fees from a former credit card company employee. http://tiny.cc/DQrnr