Small Projects, Big Bang
Uncertainty and restraint is reflected in homeowners' ROI in remodeling projects, according to Realtors® in 80 metropolitan markets surveyed by Remodeling magazine for this year's Cost vs. Value Report.
Read More »

Fannie Mae Announces Deed for Lease
Fannie Mae is implementing the Deed for Lease Program under which qualifying homeowners can remain in their homes by signing a lease in connection with the voluntary transfer of the property deed.
Read More »

Make Taxes Less Taxing
While there is no escaping filing taxes, you can choose how you prepare your return. Hiring a tax professional to prepare your taxes could save you money in the long run on deductions you might have missed.
Read More »

Cinco Charities Houses First Guest
After nearly two years, several fundraisers, and lots of legal and financial wheeling and dealing, Cinco Charities has officially housed it's first guest, and ironically his name is Lionel Sleeper.
Read More »

First Time Homebuyers Guide to Taxes
There's nothing quite like purchasing your first home. You're on your own. You have a substantial financial investment. And you now have some different tax considerations. You're probably well-aware that home ownership affords you several new ways to save on the annual Internal Revenue Service bill.
Read More »

11 Ways to Hurt Your Credit
Numbered lists tell us everything from how to lose weight to what not to do when planning a party. Many are fun and frivolous, but few lists are as important as one that tells you what not to do when it comes to your credit score. If you are applying for a loan, obtaining insurance or hoping for a new job or promotion, a good credit history makes a difference.
Read More »

Why You Need a Homestead Exemption
One of the greatest advantages of owning your own home is being able to take advantage of the tax deductions on your home. While taxes make up a large portion of your monthly note each month - there is a way to ease the burden. Enter Homestead Exemptions. Learn about what they are, how they can save you money, and how you can claim yours.
Read More »

January 1 - a day of new beginnings, and it's coming soon. The new year is a natural time for you to take stock of your life and make a change for the better. Here are some suggestions to help you actually keep those resolutions.

Think Small
(Or at least doable.) If resolving to lose 50 pounds is a bit overwhelming, commit to a "no snacking after dinner" policy. Smaller goals give you a greater chance for success.

Begin in December
Why no get started now? A new year is an attractive time to change, but convincing yourself you don't need excuses to change can be even more helpful.

Have a Strategy
What will it take for you to achieve your goal? Set up a plan for how you will get to the gym every morning or how you intend to set money aside to build up your savings account.

List the pros and cons
Make a list of the pros and cons of your resolution and refer to it when you need help or motivation to stick to your goals.

Don't be shy
Tell all your friends and family about your resolution. That way, when you reach for yet another chocolate glazes donut, you'll have support from others who will hold you accountable.

Take Tiny Steps
Track your progress. Small, bite-sized goals are easier to digest. And don't forget to celebrate each milestone.

Be Nice to Yourself
If you go off your diet on a particular day, that's okay. Simply re-evaluate your goals and get on track the next day.

What's your resolution?

• Work Harder
• Play More
• Lose Weight
• Eat Right
• Learn Something New
• Walk for 30 minutes every day
• Be On Time
• Watch More Sunsets
• Consider a New Career
• Say "thank you" often
• Quit Drinking Soda
• Call a long-lost friend
• Organize the Garage
• Stop Smoking
• Get rid of clutter
• Spend More Time with Family
• Improve Time Management
• Volunteer

The top four resolutions

• Increase Exercise
• Work Harder at School or at Work
• Adopt better eating habits
• Stop drinking / smoking

• 63% of people are faithful to their resolutions
• It's easier to start a new habit than break an old one
• 67% of people make three or four resolutions

Resolution: Stop Procrastinating
To rid yourself of this pesky problem and get you on your way, consider the following:

What's the Reason?
Are you afraid of failing? Are you distracted? Are you bored? Is it really that important to you?

Taskmaster.
If a large project overwhelms you, break it up into smaller steps.

Short Attention Span?
It's easier to commit to working hard for an hour than all day. Take breaks.

Turn off the TV.
Eliminate any possible distractions by turning off the radio or computer and shutting down your Internet browser - whatever it takes to allow you to focus on the task at hand.