Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Around the Home – Recycle Your Way to Less Waste
Image via Wikipedia
Seventy-five percent of the waste we generate in American homes is recyclable but less than 35% is actually making it to a recycling center. The following steps are simple practices you can put into place to help you do your part and make a habit of recycling.
Make It Easy: Most of us keep our recycling bins outside or in the garage, which isn’t always convenient. Put other containers throughout your home to serve as recycling bins—especially in places where it’s easy to forget to recycle. One of those places is the bathroom. Think of all the empty shampoo bottles, toilet paper rolls, and even those cardboard soap boxes that usually get tossed in the trash. In your home office, have another basket to collect paper for recycling. By spreading out small containers for recycling around the house, the entire family will be more inclined to think twice before throwing something in the garbage.
Know Your Numbers: All plastic containers have a little number inside recycling arrows located on the bottom which identifies the type of plastic used to make the product. Many local curbside recycling programs accept products marked with a No. 1 or No. 2 but some take all seven types of plastic.
It Makes Cents: Throwing aluminum cans in the trash is like throwing money out the window. Recycled aluminum is turned into new cans in less than 90 days and it can be recycled over and over again. It takes 95% less energy to make a can from recycled materials and produces 97% less water pollution. So choose beverages in aluminum and recycle every can.
Speak With Your Wallet: Filling your curbside-recycling bin is just the beginning. Complete the circle by seeking out products made from recycled content—especially post-consumer content. That’s the materials you recycle and not the scraps on factory floors.
(c) 2010, The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, N.C.).More U.S. Homeowners Expected to Remodel in 2010
The Spring 2010 Sentiment Report, a survey of 5,000 homeowners in the U.S. who are considering remodeling, also shows that the recession has had several impacts on U.S. homeowners. These include:
-The most popular projects in the past–remodeling the kitchen and bathrooms–have decreased in popularity, as adding a bathroom has taken the honors of the most popular project. This makes sense since, for many homeowners, updating an existing room can be put off because it is often seen as a “luxury,” while for many, the addition of a bathroom is a necessity due to changes in the needs of the family.
-Interest in do-it-yourself projects, both the actual building as well as acting as their own general contractor, has remained steady throughout the economic downturn.
-Economizing on the cost of materials is growing in popularity at the same time, as fewer homeowners are reporting they will use expensive materials for their remodel. The percentage of homeowners reporting they will use average costing materials remains the same.
-The number of homeowners reporting they are “excited” about remodeling has climbed to an all-time high of 54%, which is primarily due to homeowners who aren’t excited about remodeling choosing to put their plans on hold to wait until the recession is over. This may be a costly choice for homeowners since the cost to remodel now is as much as 20% lower than in 2006, according to a special cost to remodel study published earlier this year.Summary Results from the Report
Homeowners who report they: 2008 2010Plan to hire a general contractor 66% 64%
Plan to do some of the remodeling work 67% 66%
Are excited about remodeling 48% 54%
Plan to remodel a bathroom 49% 42%
Plan to remodel the kitchen 55% 48%
Plan to add a bathroom 49% 53%
RISMEDIA, January 30, 2010
3 Factors to Take Into Consideration Before Jumping Into Housing Market
Image by Getty Images via Daylife
Lenders are insisting on credit scores of 640 to 660 for loans sold to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and 580 for FHA guaranteed loans. Those standards are higher than the federal agencies themselves insist on. FHA—which guarantees loans for people with low down-payments—has been raising its own insurance charges to borrowers and demanding higher premiums from people with poor credit scores.
RISMEDIA, February 6, 2010—(MCT)—
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
Top 5 Reasons to Buy a Home in 2010
- Housing Affordability Is at Record High Levels Each month the National Association of Realtors issues its “Housing Affordability Index,” which measures the ability of the average family to afford the average home. In November 2009 the national affordability index was 167.7. This means that if a family with the median income of $60,034 wanted topurchase a median-priced existing single-family home at $171,900 (witha 20% down payment of $34,380), they would have 167.7% of the qualifying income needed to purchase that home.
- Interest Rates Are at Historic Lows
In the 1990s rates were higher than 10 percent. This look back through
time makes it easy to see that today’s mortgage rates are relatively low.
Take the first step toward a home purchase and contact me for a credit-checked priorityBuyer® preapproval to see exactly how much you can borrow with today’s
interest rates.2 - Tax Credits Available for a Limited Time
· First-time homebuyers have until April 30, 2010, to take
advantage of the federal tax credit of up to $8,000!3
· Repeat Homebuyers: Repeat homebuyers have until April 30,
2010, to take advantage of the federal tax credit up to $6,500!3
· Renovations: Buying a home that needs a new roof, windows, or
insulation? Qualified homeowners may receive a tax credit for
30% of renovation costs, up to a maximum of $1,500, for
energy-efficient improvements to their current primary
residence. - Inventory of foreclosure and short sale properties
Also called real-estate owned or REO, lender-mediated, lenderowned,
or non-traditional, these properties may appeal to bargain
hunters looking for that hidden gem. - Inventory of homes overall is at a 7-month supply
nationally.5 It is a buyer’s market!
More sellers than buyers in the marketplace can mean more
choices and more bargaining power for buyers.
Monday, February 01, 2010
President's Budget Provides Funding for Fire Service Programs
Image via Wikipedia
In proposing $305 million for SAFER, President Obama noted that Congress is likely to add an additional $500 million for SAFER as part of an emergency jobs package. The House of Representatives included the $500 million for SAFER in a jobs bill that it approved in December, and the Senate is expected to include SAFER funding in its version of this emergency bill. The total proposed for SAFER funding would therefore rise to $805 million between the emergency spending and the regular Fiscal Year 2011 appropriation process.
The $805 million proposed for hiring fire fighters is on top of the $420 million that Congress approved for Fiscal Year 2010 and the $210 awarded for Fiscal Year 2009.
"Congress and the new administration have designated more than $1 billion for fire fighter jobs over the past three years. This stands in sharp contrast to the previous administration, which proposed zero funding for SAFER and attempted to kill the program each year," says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger.
The president's budget proposal now goes to Capitol Hill, where Congress is likely to change funding levels for many of the programs. Historically, Congress has approved more for the FIRE Act and SAFER than the president proposed, and the IAFF will be working with its allies in the House and Senate Appropriations Committee to grow the funding levels for these programs.
"We treat the president's proposal as a baseline," explains Schaitberger. "Our job is now to make the case to congressional appropriators why we need even more money than the White House recommends."
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
IRS Tax Form for First-Time Residence Buyers
Directions on filling out the form http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i5405.pdf
A New Twist on Tracking
I just found this great new site from Dan Moses and
Mark Brown that will help you Increase your profits,
Track and Analyze your entire sales process and
they'll even train you how.
It's time for a new twist in the ad tracking world...
... ProTrackerPlus turns up the heat on the
competition!
It's time for trackers to Step Up and Deliver
RESULTS by training you how to use tracking
to really boost your marketing intelligence.
It's time for ProTrackerPlus!
Check them out today... this is the best tracker
I've ever seen.
And... you can
Join for free
http://www.protrackerplus.com/?rid=6312
Thank you,
David Rigney
Monday, January 25, 2010
FDA posts new nationwide Salmonella Warning
Image via Wikipedia
Posts New Nationwide Recall...
Details and product info link:
http://www.emergencyemail.org/
Everyone Can Use Free File with the IRS?
Image via Wikipedia
The IRS Free File service provides free federal income tax return preparation and electronic filing for all taxpayers. All you need is access to a computer and the Internet and you can prepare and e-file your federal tax return for free.
Free File is offered through a partnership between the IRS and the Free File Alliance, a group of private-sector tax software companies. Since Free File’s debut in 2003, more than 27 million returns have been prepared and e-filed through this program.
Free File offers two options. The first is Traditional Free File, which includes approximately 20 tax preparation software products from which to choose. Taxpayers with 2009 incomes of $57,000 or less are eligible for this service. The second option is Free File Fillable Forms, which is an electronic version of IRS paper forms. All taxpayers can use Free File Fillable Forms to prepare and file tax forms electronically.
Use the following steps to file your return through IRS Free File:
Step 1. Get Started Access IRS.gov and click the Free File logo or go to www.irs.gov/freefile. You must access Free File companies through the official IRS Web site to qualify for the free service.
Step 2. Determine Your Eligibility If your 2009 income was $57,000 or less, you’re eligible for Traditional Free File’s easy-to-use, step-by-step software. If your income was higher, you are eligible for Free File Fillable Forms.
Step 3. Link to Free File Company Service If you opt for Traditional Free File, you can choose one of the approximate 20 offerings by reviewing which one fits your situation. You can click "I Will Choose A Free File Company" or "Help Me Find A Free File Company." To get started with Free File Fillable Forms, just click the "Choose Free File Fillable Forms" button.
Step 4. Prepare and e-file your Federal Income Tax Return Either Traditional Free File or Free File Fillable Forms will allow you to file your return electronically, for free.
Both the fillable-forms option and the "full service" Free File offerings are only available through IRS.gov. Whether you are new to Free File or a returning taxpayer, you must access Free File through IRS.gov; otherwise, the provider may charge a fee.Saturday, January 23, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
Ten Things You Should Know about the Making Work Pay Tax Credit
Image via Wikipedia
Many working taxpayers are eligible for the Making Work Pay Tax Credit, a provision created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in early 2009.
Here are 10 things the IRS wants you to know about this tax credit to ensure you receive the entire amount for which you are eligible.
1. In 2009 and 2010, the Making Work Pay provision provides a refundable tax credit of up to $400 for individuals and up to $800 for married taxpayers filing joint returns.
2. For taxpayers who receive a paycheck and are subject to withholding, the credit will typically be handled by their employers through automated withholding changes.
3. Taxpayers receiving less than the full amount of the allowable credit through reduced withholding will be entitled to claim any remaining credit when they file their tax return.
4. The amount of the credit actually received during 2009 in the form of reduced withholding will be reported on your 2009 tax return. Taxpayers who do not have taxes withheld by an employer during the year can claim the credit on their 2009 tax return filed in 2010.
5. Taxpayers who file Form 1040 or 1040A will use Schedule M, Making Work Pay and Government Retiree Credits to figure the Making Work Pay Tax Credit. Completing Schedule M will help taxpayers determine whether they have already received the full credit in their paycheck or are due more money as a result of the credit.
6. Taxpayers who file Form 1040-EZ will use the worksheet for Line 8 on the back of the 1040-EZ to figure their Making Work Pay Tax Credit.
7. In 2010, you may notice that your paychecks are slightly lower than in 2009. The slight decrease may be because of the Making Work Pay Credit. Most of the credit for wage earners is distributed through reduced withholding. The credit – which was spread out over nine months last year – is being spread over 12 months this year. A little less credit in each paycheck means slightly higher withholding. But don’t worry, in the end it all adds up.
8. Certain taxpayers should review their tax withholding to ensure enough tax is being withheld in 2010. Those who should pay particular attention to their withholding include: married couples with two incomes, individuals with multiple jobs, dependents, pensioners, Social Security recipients who also work, and workers without valid Social Security numbers.
Having too little tax withheld could result in potentially smaller refunds or – in limited instances – small balance due rather than an expected refund.
9. To ensure your current withholding is appropriate for your individual situation, you can review Publication 919, How Do I Adjust My Tax Withholding? You can also perform a quick check of your withholding using the interactive IRS Withholding Calculator on IRS.gov.
10. If you find you need to adjust your withholding, submit a revised Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Allowance Certificate to your employer.
Visit IRS.gov for more information about the making Work Pay Tax Credit, Schedule M, Form W-4 or Publication 919. You can also call 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676) to order forms and publications.Wednesday, January 20, 2010
U.S. 192 businesses want to create a brand for tourist corridor west of Disneyland
SRQ terminal could get major renovation
Image via Wikipedia
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
New year begins with no estate tax
Tax season is open: Here's how to get started
Image via WikipediaEarly tax filers could see returns in 2 weeks, IRS says
Early tax filers could see returns in 2 weeks, IRS says
By Harriet Johnson Brackey, Sun Sentinel
January 14, 2010
Billions of dollars waiting to be claimed. Free help with the paperwork. Online tools to make the task simple.
Does all that get your financial heart beating? It's the start of tax season and the e-filing gate is open, so you can start filing your tax return electronically now.
Two out of three taxpayers now go through the e-filing system, rather than send in paper tax returns by mail.
Filing a tax return may not be fun, but it is the trigger for tax money to begin flowing back to millions of South Floridians.
It comes in sometimes large checks, especially for those at the bottom of the pay scale. Last year, 1.7 million Florida taxpayers – including 170,000 in Broward and 103,000 in Palm Beach counties -- received a special tax refund designed for those with low incomes. The Earned Income Tax Credit pumped in $3.6 billion into Florida. That works out to more than $2,000 for each taxpayer.
The national average refund, for any sort of reason, was even more than that. Last year, it was $2,705. More than 100 million taxpayers received a refund for the 2008 tax season.
If you file your return now, your refund money could be in your bank account in two weeks. That's what the IRS schedule says is supposed to happen. And if you're waiting for your employer to send you your W2 wage statement, you can get a jump on that, for many employers, by grabbing a copy for free at http://www.hrblock.com/w2 .
If you wait until April 15 to file your return, it'll take you more than three weeks to get a check in the mail.
If refunds don't get your motivated, how about some help with this job? There's plenty available.
In South Florida, dozens of special volunteer tax preparation sites are opening starting Saturday. These Volunteer Income Tax Assistance centers will prepare tax returns for free for those whose income is $49,000 or less. To find a VITA site, call 211 in Broward or 561-383-1111 in Palm Beach county or 311 in Miami Dade.
If you don't mind working on your taxes online, other tools available are at no cost.
If your adjusted gross income is less than $57,000, you can use the IRS' Free File program that gives you use of commercial tax preparation software at no charge. This is available at irs.gov.
If you have a personal computer and you can download software from the IRS, you can also electronically prepare and file your own return.
Or, you can take the really easy route, if you're comfortable with doing your own taxes. The IRS has created almost all the major tax forms in a way that allows them to be filled out online. This program is called Free File Fillable Tax Forms. It's easier to use than to say.
Finally, here's how much time you have to invest: The IRS says the average taxpayer will spend 5.2 hours completing the 1040 form.
It's a question of time vs. money. You can do the return or pay someone else to do it. The average fee this year will be $225, says a survey by the National Society of Accountants. And, of course, it's tax deductible.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
TheSqueezePage - Intro Video
What is a Squeeze Page/Landing Page? Do You Want To Know How To Capture Leads From Your WebSite? Do You Know Who Is Visiting Your WebSite? Check This Free Video Out.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
January edition of MarketWatch In Chicago Land
Click on the Title for the full story.
Your Real Estate Update
Here are a few of the high points of today’s video: * 1 out of 8 homeowners are in trouble.
* 9.97% of loans are delinquent.
* 3%+ of all mortgages are now delinquent.
Monday, January 11, 2010
The Secret To Massive Traffic Is Duplication
all of the courses, reports and "secrets" on how
the millionaire marketers generate massive
traffic. Don't be mad - but I could have saved
you thousands - here's the key:
Duplication
Yep, one single word that all will confess is
key to massive online traffic (which leads to
more sales and greater success - faster).
Find a system that gets results, and simply
"ramp it up"! But duplicating the steps involved
in getting traffic can be expensive and very time
consuming - Here's another word:
Wrong!
Yes, they used to be - but that was before the Zipper...
http://trafficzipper.com/index.php?af=4008
See you there,
Dave
P.S. - Spots are limited - and you'll see why only a
very lucky few will get in - move fast to join me now:
http://trafficzipper.com/index.php?af=4008
First-time buyers dominate Illinois housing market
“2009 has been a strong buyer’s market and in particular for the first-time buyer who was able to take advantage of the low interest rates and more affordable home prices and large supply of homes on the market,” said Mike Onorato, GRI, president of the Illinois Association of REALTORS®. “We should see this trend continue early in 2010 as the $8,000 first-time buyer tax credit has been extended through April 30 and expanded to include a tax credit for long-time homeowners of up to $6,500.”
Let me know if I can help, Dave drigney@ksgmac.com
Sunday, January 10, 2010
After 6-year wait, protection from bad credit reports
Image via Wikipedia
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Huh? 31.95% DON'T know what a "Squeeze Page" is?
Image via Wikipedia
that I found quite interesting...
If you've been around the IM (internet marketing) scene for awhile, you've most likely heard the term "squeeze page" before, right?
At least that's what I thought.
Well, James surveyed approx. 500 people on his list who are interested in making money online. Many stated they were interested in affiliate marketing, product creation, MLM, etc...
One of the questions was "Do you know what a
"Squeeze Page" is?"
68.05% answered yes and 31.95% answered NO.
To be honest...
I was shocked that 31.95% said no.
What about you?
In light of this shocking survey data I decided to
write this post today to go over the very basics
of what a squeeze page is and why you should
be using them in your business (if you are not
already.)
And for those of you who already use them, pay
attention. You will probably learn something too.
Here goes...
A squeeze page which is also known as a "lead
capture page" or "name squeeze page" is a simple
web page with one purpose; to get your visitor
to give you their name and email address so you
can follow-up with them. That's it.
One of the best ways to get someone to opt-in
to your squeeze page is by offering something
of high perceived value such as a mini ecourse
or a highly targeted eBook.
For example, let's say you are promoting a multi-
level marketing business opportunity. The products
are great and you are a raving fan.
Most people would just start promoting the website
the company supplies. I say no. This is a perfect
opportunity to implement the use of a squeeze page and offer something of value first.
That way, you collect the leads, you follow-up with
an introduction of yourself and begin building a
long lasting business relationship.
In sales, what we are really selling is "us" first,
then the product.
You always want to provide value first. Once your
prospects warm up to you, then it's time to ask the
right questions to determine if your product or
business opportunity can help solve their needs.
If you'd like to see a high quality, high converting
squeeze page that James has put together, you
can visit the link below.
It's important to read the "thank you" page on the
other side you can get an idea of how the whole
process works.
http://iwantafreecopy.com/r/RigneyRealty/rich1a.html
Until next time...
Yours in success,
David
Thursday, December 31, 2009
reBlog from viralurls.com: Official ViralURL Blog
I found this fascinating quote today:
1. If you don’t have this already, get a free video recording software like e.g. CamStudio (PC) or Screenflow (Mac)viralurls.com, Official ViralURL Blog, Dec 2009
You should read the whole article.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
HEALTH ALERT: FDA Posts Expanded Tylenol Recall
Details...
http://www.emergencyemail.org/
Selling Your Home In 2010
that is going to sell their home in 2010 you need
the proper Exposer in the Market.
Do You Know The Top 10 Marketing Sites To Sell
A Property?
Free Neighborhood Market Analysis On Your Property:
http://www.drigney.com
A Buyers First Step In The Process of Buying A Property
(88% of Time) First Looks On Line (A Website) then
Calls A Realtor or Drives By The Property.
Just One Of The Sites in 2009 Has Over 4.3 Billion Dollars
worth of inventory.
One of The Top 10 Sites Click-Throughs for 2008-2009:
+41.56% Property Unique Viewed, +75.40% Property Page
View and Average Time On A Website +10.83%
Source: Google Analytics
Free Neighborhood Market Analysis On Your Property:
http://www.drigney.com
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Check this out
MULTIPLE lists with one url.
Plus you can earn some pretty big commission when your downline
upgrades.
Here's the link:
http://www.ListJoe.com/j/rigneyrealty
I think the site is very well put together. What do you think?
Talk to you soon,
David Rigney
Follow Me On Twitter:
http://twitter.com/rigneyrealty
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