Saturday, July 16, 2011

Your Credit?

Debt to Income Ratio

Alright, you are getting a regular paycheck, how you're going to spend your money now is all up to you. Some people say they live from paycheck to paycheck; well, what if a paycheck is not enough until the next one comes? The way we manage our finances and improve our credit score is all about a little smartness coupled with common sense. Remember, don't let money control you, control your money.
A good rule of thumb is 10% to your church, 10% to your savings.
How do you determine the debt to income ratio?
Debt to income ratio is how much money is coming in versus going out in debt payments.
Add up all your debt payments including mortgage principal, property taxes, insurance, credit cards, student loans, car payments, and do the math.Compare the total to the income that you are receiving, monthly or annually.
The debt to income ratio should be 36% or less.
For example, your gross income is $5,000 a month, your total debt payments should be $1,800 or less; if your income is $2,500 your total debt payments should be $900 or less.
Whatever you can to stay out of debt changes your ratio and increases your chance of becoming debt free.
Hint: One percent difference in a $200,000 mortgage can cost $45,000 interest in 30 years.
Review your finances. Restructure your spending. The wise saying goes: Live within  your means.
Be a good steward.

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Styles and Fads: Right or Wrong

Energy! Alternative sources of energy! 
Solar Panels! Global Warming!
It's very interesting that President Carter put solar panels on the White House. It is equally interesting that Ronald Reagan had them taken off. Here we are in the year 2011. Some of the programs instituted by Jimmy Carter are back in style. Are we going to have solar panels installed at the White House again? And how much energy would the White House could have saved if those solar panels were not taken down? And what position would our economy be if solar energy would be allowed to foster? The question to you my friend that was over 30 years ago, what are we going to do now?
Wouldn't it be interesting if solar panels will be put back in the White House. How will the country respond?
And since people are talking about cutting budgets how many jobs would it create and how much energy would be saved if solar panels will be placed on the pentagon,which is the largest building in the world?

Finance

The Rule of 72

Does everybody know how money works in the market today?

In today's economy, everyone investing their money should  know how money works and what banks and corporations do with their money.
The Rule of 72 is a simplified method in estimating how long the money you invested will take to double, given a fixed annual rate of return.
By dividing 72 by the annual rate of return (or interest) investors can get a rough estimate of how many years it will take for the initial money invested to duplicate itself.
Based on the charts you can compare the difference between low rates and high rates of return and which doubles your money faster.
       Money Invested                Rate of Return                          No. of years to 
                                                                                             double your money
              $1,000.00                      1%                                            72 years
              $1,000.00                      2%                                            36 years
              $1,000.00                      3 %                                           24 years
              $1,000.00                      4%                                            18 years
              $1,000.00                      6 %                                            12 years
              $1,000.00                      8 %                                              9 years
              $1,000.00                      12%                                             6 years
              $1,000.00                      24%                                             3 years

An Artist for Life

Giles Banks Liddell Jr. PhD.

Originally from Chicago by way of Mississippi, he rose to be the great abstract and science fiction artist of all time. He uses various mediums and green materials to produce pieces of beauty and greatness. His works are seen all over the world and he won various awards and competition prizes. How do I know? I am his lucky wife.
Most of his works will be shown here. His design and productivity  goes from  T-shirts, picture frames, wood art, into gazebos and domes construction. Oh if he is not busy doing art work or consultation, he will be seen at the casino singing at the karaoke bar or at the pool hanging out with friends.
He has some art works on display at the Institute of Healing Arts in Tempe, AZ

Click on these sites to see some of his works. New additions are coming our way too.
 artist's portraits
http://www.yessy.com/cocontg1/gallery.htmy?=8571
artwanted.com and type in giles liddell for search option.
smile and have fun.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Pulchritudino?

Pulchritudino of Pain
when it goes away
then you know relief.
you learned to endure
and you're pain free.
Pulchritudino of  Dirt 
when seed is there
it grows into life
you will not know its value 
until you put it to use.
Pulchritudino of Sorrow 
 when it is over
joy comes
comfort of friends
God's answer to a prayer.
Pulchritudino of  Work
work is noble
means prosperity
using your talents and tools
to make the world a better place. 
Pulchritudino of Darkness
as night comes, illuminates the moon
and the stars are born
it is rest for another day
for tomorrow the sun will shine. 
Pulchritudino of Loss 
another gate opens,
maybe windows more
take a step to another door
see how great you've become.