Green Cleaning—Uses for Lemons Around the House

Frugal Friday

So many cleaning products on the market are full of dangerous chemicals that can harm both the environment and your health.  They are also expensive.  So why not look to the past for both inexpensive and healthier alternatives?  Over the next few weeks, we're going to look at ways to use common household products to clean your home.  This week, we'll look at using lemons around the house.

·         Use as an air freshener.  Slice a lemon in half and place it cut side up on a plate near an open window.  Or boil lemon slices in water.

·         Make a paste of lemon juice and salt to clean brass, copper or stainless steel.  Let sit for five minutes before rinsing with warm water.

·         Put lemon juice on a rag and dust your ceiling fan blades.  This will kill the invisible microbes and spores.

·         Shine chrome with lemon rind, then polish with a soft cloth.

·         If your fireplace fumes are unpleasant, throw some lemon rinds into the fire to burn.

·         Mix the juice of one lemon with one teaspoon olive oil and one teaspoon water, then use it as furniture polish.  Use immediately after mixing.

·         Dip a sliced lemon in salt, then rub on marble to treat stains.  Rinse thoroughly to get rid of the acid.

·         Place a few drops of lemon juice into your vacuum cleaner bag before vacuuming to freshen the air.

·         Mix lemon juice and water to clean wood floors that haven't been varnished. 

How to Choose a Reverse Mortgage Company

Senior Thursday

These last two weeks we discussed the basics of a reverse mortgage and the steps in obtaining one.  This week, we'll look at how to select a reverse mortgage company that you can trust, and the qualities you should look for in a company.

First, look for a company that will educate you on the products and help you make the decision that is best for you.  Everyone's situation is different, so it is important to choose a product that will benefit you.

Second, find a company that offers a wide variety of products.  From jumbo loans for high-value properties to smaller products for modest homes, the company you select should be able to handle the size loan you need.

Third, what sort of service and support do they offer?  Are they available by phone or email when you need them?  Or is it difficult to get through to someone when you need them?  Your company rep should be accessible.

Fourth, how quickly can they close the loan?  Will you have to wait several months?  Or can they close it in four to six weeks?

Finally, how do they treat you as a customer?  Are they committed to helping you improve your life?  Or are they just after your business?   Find a company that wants to help you improve your financial security and well-being. 

Consult Ken Dellutri, Reverse Morgtage Specialist with American Portfolio Mortgage to see how a reverse mortgage can help you.  888-302-2762

Preparing and Packing the Car

Tips for Tuesday

Now that summer is in full swing, you’re probably ready to hit the road, whether it’s a family reunion weekend, a trip to the beach, or a road trip in the van with the kids.  Plan ahead, you will avoid the stresses associated with missing or forgotten items.

PREPARING YOUR CAR

·         Take car in for servicing—check fluid levels

·         Have oil changed in car

·         Check tire pressure, and condition of tires

·         Make sure all lights are working properly

·         Clean out unnecessary items from trunk

PACKING THE CAR

·         Extra water for the car only

·         Toolkit for roadside emergencies

·         Owner’s manual

·         Insurance card, vehicle registration, auto club membership info

·         Duct tape

·         Jumper cables

·         Extra fuses

·         Air pressure gauge

·         First aid supplies

·         Flashlight and batteries

·         Fire extinguisher

·         Extra car keys

·         Pillows and blankets

·         Travel games

·      Chargers for phones and MP3 players

·         Plastic bags for refuse

·         Pack items you will need during the trip (cooler, games, snacks, etc.) separately from suitcases

·         Snacks and drinks in a cooler

·         Moist towelettes for washing hands

·         Paper towels or napkins

·         Roll of toilet paper

Moving Cross-Country

Moving on Monday

Moving from one town to another can be difficult.  But moving cross-country is even more difficult.  Neighborhoods are unfamiliar, climates are different, restaurants and stores are all new.  So what can you do to make the move easier on everyone?

·         Research your new neighborhood.  What are the schools like?  Would your place of worship be nearby?  What stores are in the area? What is the demographic—young, old, children?

·         What is the cost of living in your new neighborhood?  Can you afford gas, utilities, food and clothing in addition to housing?

·         Hire a relocation expert to assist in the process.   They can help you find your way around your new neighborhood.  The cost will be worth it in the end.

·         Find the right movers.  Make sure they are insured.  Negotiate their terms if you can.  Also, check your homeowner's insurance to see what they cover that the movers may not.

·         Negotiate with your employer to purchase your home if it doesn't sell before you have to move.

Here's to a smooth move!

Green Cleaning – Using Lemons in the Laundry Room

Frugal Friday

So many cleaning products on the market are full of dangerous chemicals that can harm both the environment and your health.  They are also expensive.  So why not look to the past for both inexpensive and healthier alternatives?  Over the next few weeks, we're going to look at ways to use common household products to clean your home.  This week, we'll look at using lemons in the laundry room.

·         Lemons are a natural bleaching agent.  For white garments or linens, squeeze lemon juice on the stain, then let it dry in the sun.  Do not use on silk!

·         Add one cup lemon juice to the washing machine for tee shirts and underpants to get rid of stains and deodorize.

·         For whites that can't be bleached, add a small amount of lemon juice to the start of the wash cycle.

·         Squeeze lemon juice on raspberry or red currant stains, then launder as usual.

·         Mix lemon juice and salt, and rub on mildew stains.  Dry the garments in the sun.  Repeat until the stain is gone.

·         Make a paste of lemon juice and salt to get rid of rust stains on clothes.

·         For stubborn stains, mix vinegar and lemon juice, then soak the stain for 30-60 minutes.

·         For really white socks, boil them in water with a sliced lemon.

Fundamental Steps in Obtaining a Reverse Mortgage

Senior Thursday

Last week we talked about reverse mortgages, and how they can help ease financial struggles for seniors.  This week, we'll cover the fundamental steps in obtaining a reverse mortgage. 

The first step is to consult with a reverse mortgage specialist who will answer any questions and tell the senior how much money is available.  The next step is to meet with a representative to talk about the different products and help them choose the one that is right for them.  Seniors may want a family member to sit in on this discussion so everyone is aware of the process and benefits.

Next, the government requires an independent counseling session, at which time an objective party will answer all questions and dispel any confusions. 

After the consultation, a home appraisal is done to determine the value of the home.  Once the value is determined, all the paperwork is completed and signed.  At that time, the senior can decide whether they want monthly installments on their loan, or a lump sum payment.  The money is theirs to spend however they wish.

Consult Ken Dellutri, Reverse Morgtage Specialist with American Portfolio Mortgage to see how a reverse mortgage can help you.  888-302-2762

Keeping Your House Safe While On Vacation

Tips for Tuesday

Summer is upon us, and that means many of us will be going on vacation.  Whether it's for a long weekend or several weeks, your house will be empty.  July and August are prime months for thieves, as they know many houses are unoccupied while their owners are out of town.  There are ways to protect your home and belongings, though, so you don't become a victim.

·         Put your lights on timers, both inside and outside.   Put your television on a timer also.

·         Have your house well-lit, and trim shrubs and trees away from windows and doors. 

·         Inform your local police department that you will be out of town so they can watch for activity.

·         Ask a neighbor or family member to check on your house.  Give them a key.  This is especially important if there is a power outage.

·         Keep all doors and windows locked.

·         Cancel mail and newspaper delivery.  Papers piled up on the driveway are evidence you are not at home.

·         Adjust your thermostat.  Don't turn off the air conditioning, but rather keep the setting warmer than if you were home. 

·         If you have a swimming pool, secure the yard so nobody can access the pool.

·         Collect loose items from the yard and patio, including lawn chairs, so they don't blow around in a storm.

·         Unplug appliances and computers in the event of a power outage or power surge.

·         Don't publicize your vacation on Facebook or other social media.  You're announcing to the world that your house will be empty.

·         Place valuables in a safe deposit box at the bank.

·         Install an alarm system.

Don't Wait Until the Last Minute

Moving on Monday

These last few days I've been working with a client who is moving out of state this week.  The client is a single male who has no family in the area.  Working full time, he doesn't have time to pack on his own.  His company is paying for the packing and moving.  However, he needs to de-clutter and throw out the trash he's been accumulating over the years.  Who wants to move garbage to their new apartment/life?

So I've been helping him sort through his belongings and make decisions on what to keep and what to donate or trash. 

We started in the garage, filling one half with donations, one quarter with garbage, and one quarter with things he's keeping.  Inside, we designated a room on each floor for donations.  The room will be marked as "Do Not Pack". 

While the process is working well, we are running out of time. We still have to find a charity to pick up his furniture and other donations.  We're still not sure if we can put all his garbage out on the curb this week.  Packing will be the easiest part of the job.  Except for all his paperwork.  We won't have time to sort through it before he moves.  So the packers will just tape up the boxes and ship them to storage in his new location.  The problem will be if he needs something important.  How will he find it?

This is why I encourage people to start as soon as possible before the move.  In this client's case, he is taking a new job.  He didn't have much notice.  However, when he started looking for a new job, he knew the possibility of moving out of state.  So he easily could have started sorting when he started his job hunt. 

We are hoping for the best with all of my connections that everything will turn out okay.  But just think of the stress we could have been spared if the client hadn't waited until the last minute.

Green Cleaning—Uses for Lemons in the Bathroom

Frugal Friday

So many cleaning products on the market are full of dangerous chemicals that can harm both the environment and your health.  They are also expensive.  So why not look to the past for both inexpensive and healthier alternatives?  Over the next few weeks, we're going to look at ways to use common household products to clean your home.  This week, we'll look at using lemons in the bathroom.

·         Cut a lemon in half and place it cut-side up in a bowl in the bathroom for a natural, fresh smell.

·         Squeeze lemon juice on bathtub rings for easy cleaning.

·         Squeeze lemon juice onto grout and scrub with a toothbrush to brighten it.

·         Spray a solution of water and lemon on your mirror, then wipe with newspaper for a streak-free shine.

·         Spray a mixture of water and lemon juice on your shower doors, scrub with newspaper and rinse.

·         Soak a paper towel in lemon juice, wrap the towel around your faucet and let it sit for an hour to loosen the build-up.  Scrub with a stiff toothbrush.

·         Make a paste of lemon juice and borax, apply to the stains in your toilet bowl, let sit for a few hours, then scrub clean. 

Overview of Reverse Mortgages

Senior Thursday

What is a Reverse Mortgage, and how does it help seniors?  A reverse mortgage allows seniors to tap into the equity they've built into their home.  It's a loan against the home, and it doesn't have to be paid back for as long as the senior lives in the home.  The money is generally tax-free because it's not considered income. Nor do the funds affect Social Security income.

Homeowners over the age of 62 who have equity in their home, and that home is their primary residence, qualify for a reverse mortgage.  The amount of the loan is determined by the homeowner's age, the total value of the home, and the amount of equity in the home. 

Monies can be distributed as a lump sum, or in monthly payments.  Homeowners can use the money any way they wish, whether it's to purchase a vacation home, help pay bills, or put a child through college. 

It's important to remember that the senior will still retain ownership of the home, and can never owe more than the home is worth. 

Consult Ken Dellutri, Reverse Morgtage Specialist with American Portfolio Mortgage to see how a reverse mortgage can help you.  888-302-2762

Preparing for a Summer Vacation

Tips for Tuesday

Now that summer is in full swing, you’re probably ready to hit the road, whether it’s a family reunion weekend, a trip to the beach, or a road trip in the van with the kids.  Here are some checklists to help make your vacation a relaxing and memorable time.  By planning ahead, you will avoid the stresses associated with missing or forgotten items.

Before you set out on the road, you should take care of things around the house.

·         Notify the post office that you will be out of town—complete a Hold Mail form (this can be done online at http://www.usps.com/).

·         Notify the newspapers to hold delivery.

·         Arrange for someone to watch your house, pets and plants.

·         Notify your local police department that you will be out of town—many towns offer a vacation watch service.

·         Put your house in order, change the bed linens and do the laundry—you’ll appreciate returning to a clean house and clean clothes.

·         Print out driving directions (www.randmcnally.com or mapquest.com).

·         Buy snacks and drinks for the road.

·         Give your itinerary to at least one family member and friend/neighbor.

·         Ask a neighbor to check on your house if the power goes out.

·         Place some lights on timers.

·         Unplug small appliances.

·         Set air conditioner to higher temperature, or turn off.

·         Make sure the freezer door is closed!

Discard and Donate Before Moving

Moving on Monday

If you are planning to move soon, that means you are busy packing boxes and making last-minute arrangements.  You've called the moving company and made your reservation.  Like most movers, they charge by the hour.  So that means every box they take out, every piece of furniture, is on the clock.  So I ask you, do you want to pay them to move boxes you haven't opened for 20 years?  Do you want to pay them to move a bookcase that will probably end up in the garage? 

So doesn't it make sense to go through your belongings BEFORE you move? 

Start with big items.  Take a serious look at all your furniture.  Does it have a place in the new home?  Is it in good condition?  Will you have to replace it soon?  If you can do without it, then donate it.

As you pack for the move, do a quick evaluation of what you are putting in the boxes.  How many sets of sheets do you have?  How many do you need?  How many towels are you packing?  How about coffee mugs?  Do you really need every can cooler you received as giveaways at fairs or parades?  Think before packing everything.  Get rid of doubles, and throw away items that are broken or missing parts/pieces. 

Finally, open those boxes that have been sitting for years!  Chances are, if you haven't opened them in a while, you don't need what's inside them.  Donate it all for a tax deduction.

Move lighter!  Move cheaper!

Maintaining a Healthy Medicine Cabinet

Senior Thursday

As we age, it is a fact of life that our health changes.  Some of us have more illnesses than others.  Some suffer from illnesses such as diabetes and arthritis earlier than others.  But by the time we reach our 70s, we are probably going to be on some sort of medication. 

Being on medication brings its own problems.  One of these is your medicine cabinet.  It contains health hazards if you aren't careful.  Here are some tips for keeping you and your medicine cabinet, and YOU, healthy.

·         Never take any prescription medication that is not yours.

·         Never take a new medication (prescription or over the counter) without consulting your physician.  There could be serious interactions with medications you are already taking.

·         Never take expired medication.  While some are still good for a few months after the expiration date, others can cause serious illness, or even death.  Also, they may not be as effective as they were when fresh.

·         Never double up on medication if you miss a dose unless your physician okays it.

·         Have the basics on hand at all times—first aid supplies and pain relievers.

·         Keep a paper and pen handy to write down when you run out of something and need to replenish.

·         Stock up on seasonal items (like sunscreen or flu medication) before the season so you have it when you need it.

·         Keep your medications within easy reach—especially those you take daily.  Daily meds should be within arm's reach.  Other less-used items can be stored higher.

·         If a medication falls out of its container and you find it later on the floor, don't take it.  It may be something other than you think, or it may be expired.

What Can You Do With Spare Buttons?

Tips for Tuesday

Do you have a lot of spare buttons around the house?  Maybe they are from your grandmother's sewing basket.  Perhaps they are from your mother's dresses and coats.  Or maybe they are strays from your own clothing. 

Whether they are from a blouse or a pair of slacks, what can you do with them?  If they are in good condition, it's silly to throw them away.  So what do you do?  Here are some ideas.

·         Give them to a seamstress who might need just one or two of a kind for a project.

·         Give them to a crafter—single or multiples, they can be used in a variety of projects.

·         Use them to hold pairs of post earrings.

·         Put a magnet on the back and use them on your refrigerator to hold notes.

·         Put a thumbtack on the back and use them on your bulletin board.

·         Dump a colorful collection into a glass mason jar and use as a decoration.

·         String them into a bracelet or necklace.

·         Glue them to frames for a personalized look.

·         Sell vintage collections on eBay.

What have you done with spare buttons?

Useful Moving and Packing Tips

Moving on Monday

When moving, we're pretty familiar with the basics—pack heavy items in small boxes, light items in large boxes, notify everyone of your new address, etc.  But there are tips we don't know without having experienced them.  Here are a few things to keep in mind for your move this summer.

·         Pack a full set of linens and blankets in a dresser drawer so you don't have to look for that box to unpack upon your arrival.

·         Bring your old phone book with you in case you have to contact someone from your old neighborhood.

·         If moving a refrigerator, place a sock or nylon filled with baking soda or charcoal inside so it smells fresh upon arrival.

·         Bring irreplaceable valuables with you in the car.  Don't leave them in the hands of the movers.  And never leave them in the car if you stay at a hotel.

·         Have your children write their name and address on their boxes of belongings so they can practice writing their new address.

·         Let your electronics sit and acclimate to room temperature before plugging them in.

Green Cleaning—Using Lemons in Your Kitchen

Frugal Friday

 

So many cleaning products on the market are full of dangerous chemicals that can harm both the environment and your health.  They are also expensive.  So why not look to the past for both inexpensive and healthier alternatives?  Over the next few weeks, we're going to look at ways to use common household products to clean your home.  This week, we'll look at using lemons in the kitchen.

• Rub cut side of lemon on aluminum pots and pans, then buff with soft cloth to brighten.
• Squeeze lemon juice over door thresholds and other cracks where ants could come in.  Also scatter lemon slices around the outdoor entrance.
• Simmer a lemon slice in water for 15 minutes to loosen burned-on food.
• Add a tablespoon of lemon juice to one cup of milk to make buttermilk.
• Rub the cut side of a lemon on your cutting board to sanitize.
• Place lemon juice in the soap compartment of your EMPTY dishwasher and run as usual to sanitize.
• Dab lemon juice onto a cotton ball or rag, and let sit in your refrigerator overnight to deodorize.
• Mix three tablespoons of lemon juice to 1¾ cups water, microwave on high for five to ten minutes, allowing the steam to condense.  Food particles will wipe away.
• Pour lemon juice and alum powder onto your porcelain sink and scrub to remove stains.
• Mix lemon juice and baking soda to scrub stained plastic food containers.  Let sit overnight if stains are stubborn.
• Toss lemon peels into your garbage disposal to deodorize.
• Squeeze lemon juice onto your countertops to remove stains.  Don't leave on for too long, as lemons have a bleaching agent.