7/28/08

15 MONEY MOVES FOR HARD TIMES; CONSUMER RESOURCES; AIRLINE FEES; and REVERSE MORTGAGES

15 Money Moves for Hard Times
15 Money Moves for Hard Times - While economists debate whether the country is in a recession, consumers are being buffeted by skyrocketing prices, growing debt, layoffs, the subprime lending squeeze and a stock market roller coaster. While you may not be able to control the price of oil or the prime rate, there are some simple things you can do to shore up your finances, safeguard your future and ride out whatever the economy throws at you.

Some Great Consumer Resources
Today, with so many of us looking for ways to get the most value for our dollar, I thought I'd take this opportunity to share some great websites for consumers. I know there are many others out there, so if you have a favorite you'd like to share, please email it to me and I'll include it in my next Pook's E-News.

Air Travel:
These are four of my favorite resources for air travel:

• AirfareWatchdog.com - "We're the only site that lists low airfares on all airlines,
  including Southwest. And we include special fares that you can only buy on the airlines' own sites." Sign up for notification of the best deals from your favorite airport.
  
• kayak.com - " Kayak is a travel search engine. Which means we search hundreds of travel sites from all over the world, provide the information to you in an easy-to-use display and send you directly to the source to make your purchase." A great portal for finding great airfares.
  
• seatguru.com - The ultimate source for information on airplane seating and in-flight amenities. This is the place to go to before you choose a seat.
• SmarterTravel.com - Sign up for email notification of great airfare deals and articles on travel. Especially good info for Seniors.

Automobiles:
Edmunds.com - A great resource when you're looking to buy a car (prices, reviews, information, inventory).
Kelley Blue Book - Valuable information on New Car Prices and Used Car Values

Grocery Coupons:
http://shortcuts.com/home
http://www.printgrocerycoupons.net/
http://www.couponmom.com/

Misc. Resources:
ClarkHoward.com - "Save more, spend less and avoid rip-offs."

Airline Fees Information
The valuable information below is courtesy of airfarewatchdog.com

• Airline Baggage Fee Chart
• Frequent Flyer Fee Chart
• Shipping Baggage vs. Airline Fees Chart
• General Airline Fee Chart

These two articles are courtesy of SmarterTravel.com

• Airline fees survival guide, part one
• Airline fees survival guide, part two
• 
  

Reverse Mortgage - What is it and is it for you?
Reverse Mortgage -- Valuable information from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

7/27/08

MY NEW E-PRO CERTIFICATION

Dear Friends,

I'm proud to announce that I now hold the designation of e-PRO. I am one of a select few real estate professionals to earn this prestigious certification offered through the National Association of REALTORS.® The valuable information I have gained through the e-PRO course will help me stay at the leading edge of technology in the real estate industry.

With more than 70% of consumers beginning their real estate research on the Internet, e-PRO certified agents have the expertise to meet the demands of today's Buyer and Seller. I am looking forward to utilizing my new technology skills to help my clients with all of their real estate needs.

This continues to be a great time to buy. With interest rates still hovering at around 6%, and with inventories high and prices lower than they have been in years, this is the perfect time to buy. If you are looking to sell your home, don't despair, as this can be a good time for you, too. While the market may indicate that your home's value has gone down, pricing it right for the market and making it "the best in show" can make it sell and allow you the opportunity to buy another great home at a great price. Whatever your needs are, I'm here to help.

Warmest Regards,
Pook