Avoid Foreclosure with Free Mortgage Help

Have you been watching the news everyday hearing about the federal bailout and wondering if there is any help for you regarding your home loan? I have been compiling some key resources regarding several government and non profit resources that are in place to assist troubled home owners. President Obama has recently passed legislation to help financially strapped homeowners in an effort to reduce foreclosures. Obama is expanding several programs and has started a few new one to address the current financial housing crisis. 

 

If you know any one who is in trouble, please pass this information to them.

FORECLOSURE HELP

The following groups are available to help at-risk homeowners:
• HUD at (800) 569-4287, (877) 483-1515, or www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hccprof14.cfm
• HOPE NOW, a cooperative effort of HUD mortgage counselors and lenders to assist homeowners: (888) 995-HOPE or www.hopenow.com
• NeighborWorks America: www.nw.org/network/home.asp
• Federal mortgage modification and refinancing programs: www.makinghomeaffordable.gov
• The Controller of the Currency’s consumer information site for banking-related questions: www.helpwithmybank.gov
• OCC Customer Assistance Group: www.occ.gov/customer.htm
• Federal Trade Commission: www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/homes/rea04.shtm
• Federal Reserve Board: www.federalreserve.gov/pubs/foreclosurescamtips/default.htm

Boulder Bikes

Boulder Bikes

During my thirtieth birthday I invited many of my friends to travel to Boulder Colorado for some fun in the sun. Many of our friends would get together for a trip or two per year to catch up with friends, enjoy a pint of beer and reminisce of the good old college days in Cincinnati, Oh. Several friends made the trip from Naples Florida, Cincinnati Ohio, Denver Colorado, Dallas Texas, Chicago IL and more.

We had a tour of duty through the rigors of Boulder on our mountain bikes enjoying the countryside and peaceful mountain scenery. we also made a trip to Estes park, Colorado Springs, and Denver to round out the extended trip. It was a very memorable time enjoying Colorado and each others stories.

I highly recommend a trip with friends hiking and biking your way to adventure.

Brian

bms Art studios

10 Minutes Saved Me $500 on my Home Owners Insurance & $700 on my Car Insurance

I saved $500 on my home owners insurance policy this year. It is amazing what 10 minutes and a phone call to my insurance agent can accomplish. This year’s story begins with my auto policy which started my home owner’s insurance policy re-shop.

I recently was reviewing my car insurance policy and checked out Progressive’s website. Their new website allows you to be the “agent” and build your policy. You can itemize your policy to maximize your savings and customize your coverage. well 10 minutes on the website allowed me save $700 per year! I was amazed how easy it was. I then sent an on-line PDF copy of the new policy to my insurance agent for my cancellation.

The e-mail found it’s way to my agent with a small PS. stating I am shopping for my home owner’s policy next. There was one advantage my agent had which was I couldn’t find a insurance provider that allowed you to buy a home owners policy on-line. even Progressive didn’t offer home insurance coverage in the state of Florida.

The next day I received a quote from my agent saving an additional $500 per year.  Last year I had shopped and saved $1,200 off the policy which was awesome. I am now proud to say that my insurance premium seems to be some what appropriate even being a few miles from the Gulf of Mexico and Naples bay in Florida.

The following day my agent saved the auto insurance policy by beating the newly shopped Progressive policy. The economic crisis has one upside. You have an instant reason to haggle or reduce many of your services such as insurance premiums or cable television.

The net result is 10-15 minutes of insurance shopping:

$500 Home Owner’s savings

$700 Auto insurance savings

It is never too late to save. Be frugal and demand lower rates. Companies have to re-earn your business yearly. Check out my last’s year post that outlines how I saved $1,200 reviewing my home owners policy.

Beautifully Worthy

BMS Art Studios presents photography, paintings, and sketches. Beautifully Worthy Photograph was taken on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach by Brian M. Schoedel

Economic Stimulus or Political Robbery?

 

President Obama seems to be making strides everyday he is in office. Is our economy really recovering with the hundreds of billions that have spent? Have we been sold an economic recovery and manipulated by doom and gloom in the media?

We as Americans have endured more in the past few years than much experience in a lifetime. It is only a distant memory that many hard working Americans were living the American dream. Many people had great incomes from their jobs and small businesses. More people were able to buy homes since our economy was thriving at record pace. So many people remember watching their homes double and triple in value over the past 5 years.

It seemed like overnight millions of Americans watched as their homes rapidly decreased in value as their neighbors lost their jobs and foreclosure notices were posted. Suddenly that imaginary retirement fund we call equity evaporated almost overnight. Many people in all facets of the economy and all income levels start losing their jobs. The media blamed it on careless people who purchased luxury homes and expensive cars hey couldn’t afford. Sure there are people who live outside of their means when they are being told to buy larger overpriced homes and sold exotic loans that help you afford the unattainable. The truth is that average American could afford what they were sold when they had loans that were affordable and jobs that’s income were steadily rising. Fast forward to 2009 elections and doom and gloom sold papers.

As for many Americans their home is their single largest investment. We have been robbed of our wealth and sold pipe dreams by irresponsible developers, bankers and politicians. Suddenly our homes became large liabilities worth no more than that overpriced, crappy American automobile. Depreciation and inflation spread like wildfire into our investments and 401k retirement funds. The same people that sold us our American dreams traded and sold  the paper backing our overpriced luxury  homes called Collateralized Debt Obligation (CDO). These repackaged investment funds looked like triple aaa rated investment gold. We watched our investment portfolios on the rise alongside our home values. Americans felt rich many for the first time in their lives. Everything was going well. Then the house of cards fell. No longer were the banks able to peddle their disguised time bomb funds. Suddenly other countries wouldn’t finance our debt lifestyles.

We lost everything. One by one millions have lost their homes, jobs, retirement funds, and savings. We watched our dreams slip away stolen by the very people we trusted. We have lost our confidence and ability to take care of our families.

Now we have politicians selling more doom and gloom. Will the US be able to borrow our way out of this mess? Will jet setting executives keep plundering hundreds of millions of money we as tax payers cannot afford to lose? Are we placing our children in more debt? We are at a critical juncture in American history. Do we allow our government to finance private companies plunder what little we have left while high flying executives making millions retire in style? I ask that as Americans we pull together and keep an eye on our politicians. We keep an eye on the very so called leaders that got us into this mess borrow and give irresponsible executives money they are inevitably going to waste.

Keep an eye on the monthly ATM withdrawal our politicians are making. I ask for you to write to your Congressmen, Senators, and President. Ask them what is the real cost of this crisis? What are the alternatives? Our politicians are asking for more money every month with no accountability. Stand up and say, enough is enough! Check how our money is being spent at: http://www.recovery.gov/

Tiffany jewelry Packaging

Tiffany & Co Packaging Robin Egg Blue

Shortly after being established Tiffany establishes their robin egg blue color to symbolize their company’s marketing materials, catalogs, and gift boxes. The notable robin egg blue colored jewelry box is a statement of elegance, quality and craftsmanship. Tiffany & Co. a pioneer in understated branding is unmistakably the most recognized jewelry brand in the word.

See more posts about Tiffany & Co. a great American Jeweler.

Abstract Silver Jewelry

Shop for sterling silver jewelry

Tiffany and Company Established in 1837

Tiffany & Co. Original Store on Broadway in New York City

Tiffany & Co. was established in 1837 under the name Tiffany & Young. Tiffany & Co. was started by Charles Lewis Tiffany & John B. Young on September 18^th. The original store was opened as a stationary & fancy goods store located on 259 Broadway in New York City. Tiffany & Co’s revolutionary pricing concept of a non negotiable pricing makes headlines and changes retail stores in the United States.

See more posts about Tiffany & Co. a great American jeweler.

Abstract Silver Jewelry

Shop for Sterling Silver

How do I care for Silver Jewelry

Abstract Silver Jewelry

How should I store my sterling silver jewelry?

Store your silver jewelry in cloth pouch, or in compartment in your jewelry box. Keeping your fine jewelry safe will minimize scratches and damage. Store pieces in a separate plastic zip lock bags to reduce tarnishing and oxidation.

Should I avoid chemicals while wearing my sterling silver jewelry?

Avoid household chemicals including chemicals such as bleach, chlorine, ammonia or cleansers that may damage the finish on your silver jewelry. Try to avoid beach sand which may scratch the antique finish or shine.

How should I clean and care for my sterling silver jewelry?

Prevent tarnish build-up, a dulling that naturally occurs when silver reacts with the sulfur or hydrogen sulfide in ambient air. Clean your silver jewelry with polishes made specifically for use on sterling silver to remove tarnish. Silver polishes and solutions may be found at hardware stores, discount retailers, department stores, and jewelry stores. I recommend a treated sterling silver polishing cloth to easily remove excess tarnish from your silver jewelry. Take extreme car not to remove antique style finishes during polishing. The best way to prevent tarnish is to wear your silver jewelry and regular cleanings.

What do the markings on my jewelry indicate?

Many types of jewelry are on the market. Many silver plated or alloys may include silver. For genuine sterling silver look for the following markings which are generally stamped on all fine sterling silver jewelry.

• Ster
  
• Sterling Silver
  
• Sterling
  
• .925
  

What does .925 mean?

Fine Silver or Pure Silver is very soft and malleable. Sterling Silver jewelry usually consists of 92.5% of silver and 7.5% of other alloys in order to improve strength and durability. Most sterling silver includes copper which improves the jewelry’s hardness without affecting sterling’s shine and finish.

Abstract Silver Jewelry

View Sterling Silver Jewelry

Crown Jewels

Tiffany acquires some of the French crown jewels in 1887. The press names Lewis Comfort Tiffany as the “King of Diamonds.”

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Abstract Silver Jewelry

shop now at www.abstractsilverjewelry.com

Tiffany & Company Names New Art Director

Louis Comfort Tiffany Circa 1908

Charles Lewis Tiffany establishes the “Tiffany art jewelry department” in 1902 to manufacturer their innovative jewelry designs and enameled jewelry. His son is Louis Comfort Tiffany is named the company’s first Art Director in charge of their new designs for both jewelry and gifts.

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Abstract Silver Jewelry Shop now! www.shop.abstractsilverjewelry.com