Drink Straws
Tired of knotted-up necklaces? Simply Thread each chain through a straw and hoof the clasp. This is also a smart way to keep necklaces tangle-free when you travel.
Air Fresheners
How safe are they? Chemicals found in air fresheners have been linked to neurological problems, migraines, respiratory difficulties" says Anne Steinmann, Ph.D., The University of Washington. Manufacturers of air fresheners aren't required to disclose the ingredients used, and products with essential oils and "natural" or "organic" fragrances can emit as many toxic chemicals as regular ones says Steinmann. A less risky-and more effective-solution? Use truly natural sources like coffee beans or lemons or orange peels.
Savings Account
Savings account interest rates continue to drop. Some big banks pay as little as 0.01 percent, tax-exempt credit unions typically offer a quarter-to-half point more than traditional banks. The best rates- recently hovering around or above one percent- tend to be with online banks such as Ally, Ever Bank, Barclays and CIT, which have less overhead. Check rates at MoneyRates.com or at Bankrate.com. Before switching banks, go to "Bank Find" at fdic.gov/deposit to ensure the institution is FDIC-insured.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Evolution of Appliance Colors
Did you ever wonder about the chronology of color for kitchen appliances?
The kitchen was a simple place consisting of a fireplace or wood stove, a table and chairs - and little else.
Then came electricity. Electricity made the kitchen a place to cook food, keep it cold, wash the dishes, grill, toast, and so on.
Always the place for gathering, the idea of making it more aesthetically pleasing was a natural evolution from its fireplace beginnings.
Initially, white was it as far as appliances were concerned. In the 1950s other colors were introduced: Stratford Yellow, Sherwood Green, Turquoise Green, Cadet Blue, Woodtone Brown, Petal Pink and Canary Yellow.
By the 1960s, a few new shades were added - and quickly canceled, too. Charcoal Gray was not so well received Yellow, pink and turquoise were the survivors. A new color, called Coppertone, emerged, and it was popular until the 1980s. Coppertone and turquoise were on the top of the list of favorite colors for appliances for many years.
Back to the '60s. turquoise was replaced by avocado and Harvest Gold. They stayed through the '60s, '70s, and into the early '80s.
Poppy Red appeared in the '70s for a short time, but by the end of the decade, New Naturals - Harvest Wheat, Onyx Black, Coffee, Fresh Avocado and Almond took over.
Whites returned in the '80s and '90s. With the new century came a new color called Stainless Steel. That one and black are the appliance finishes of choice lately.
Slate is the newest color on the scene, but white has always remained the most purchased color in kitchen appliances.
The kitchen was a simple place consisting of a fireplace or wood stove, a table and chairs - and little else.
Then came electricity. Electricity made the kitchen a place to cook food, keep it cold, wash the dishes, grill, toast, and so on.
Always the place for gathering, the idea of making it more aesthetically pleasing was a natural evolution from its fireplace beginnings.
Initially, white was it as far as appliances were concerned. In the 1950s other colors were introduced: Stratford Yellow, Sherwood Green, Turquoise Green, Cadet Blue, Woodtone Brown, Petal Pink and Canary Yellow.
By the 1960s, a few new shades were added - and quickly canceled, too. Charcoal Gray was not so well received Yellow, pink and turquoise were the survivors. A new color, called Coppertone, emerged, and it was popular until the 1980s. Coppertone and turquoise were on the top of the list of favorite colors for appliances for many years.
Back to the '60s. turquoise was replaced by avocado and Harvest Gold. They stayed through the '60s, '70s, and into the early '80s.
Poppy Red appeared in the '70s for a short time, but by the end of the decade, New Naturals - Harvest Wheat, Onyx Black, Coffee, Fresh Avocado and Almond took over.
Whites returned in the '80s and '90s. With the new century came a new color called Stainless Steel. That one and black are the appliance finishes of choice lately.
Slate is the newest color on the scene, but white has always remained the most purchased color in kitchen appliances.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
New Social Security Features
SOCIAL SECURITY STATEMENTS GO ONLINE
Your Social Security information is now at your fingertips. The Social Security Administration website has added a new feature, My Social Security, which allows you to set up your personal page and access it at any time. It includes an online version of the statement that used to be mailed every year, plus estimates of your future retirement benefits, lifetime earnings to date and the total Social Security and Medicare taxes you've paid. To open an account, go to socialsecurity.gov/mystatement and answer a series of questions to verify your identity, then create a username and password.
BENEFITS TO INCREASE STARTING IN JANUARY
Social Security beneficiaries will see a slight bump in their checks beginning in January. That's when the 1.7 percent cost-of-living adjustment takes effect. The same percentage raise will apply to pensions for federal government retirees, and most military retirees and disabled veterans.
Your Social Security information is now at your fingertips. The Social Security Administration website has added a new feature, My Social Security, which allows you to set up your personal page and access it at any time. It includes an online version of the statement that used to be mailed every year, plus estimates of your future retirement benefits, lifetime earnings to date and the total Social Security and Medicare taxes you've paid. To open an account, go to socialsecurity.gov/mystatement and answer a series of questions to verify your identity, then create a username and password.
BENEFITS TO INCREASE STARTING IN JANUARY
Social Security beneficiaries will see a slight bump in their checks beginning in January. That's when the 1.7 percent cost-of-living adjustment takes effect. The same percentage raise will apply to pensions for federal government retirees, and most military retirees and disabled veterans.
How Well Do You Know Chicago?
Take
this quiz to see how much you know about The Windy City!
1. Which of these
1920s factories is still in operation today?
A. Ford assembly
plant on Torrence & 126th
B. Jays potato chip
factory at 99th & Cottage Grove
C. Brach's candy
plant on Kinzie & Cicero
D.
Florsheim shoe factory at Belmont & Pulaski
2. Which of these famous
Chicagoans doesn’t have a statue in his likeness in the city?
A. Irv Kupcinet
B. Michael Jordan
C. Jerry Springer
D. Jack Brickhouse
3. What’s so special about the
city’s fire hydrants?
A. They were the first in the
country to be painted red.
B. Their two-outlet design is
patented and cannot be used outside city limits.
C. They were specially ordered
from Ohio after the Great Chicago Fire in 1871.
D. An 1872 law says they must be
placed every 200 feet along city blocks.
4. Which famous Chicagoan
attended the 1932 game where Babe Ruth allegedly called his home run?
A. John Paul Stevens
B. Adlai Stevenson II
C. Frank Lloyd Wright
D. Milton Friedman
5. How many Billy Goat Taverns
currently exist in the city and/or suburbs?
A. 1 (the Lower Hubbard hole in
the wall)
B. 2 (the original and one at Navy
Pier)
C. 3 (Navy Pier, downtown, and
near the United Center)
D. 7 (including spots in the
South Loop and O’Hare)
6. How many operable drawbridges
are there along the Chicago River?
A. 10
B. 18
C. 29
D. 37
7. Bruce Graham designed the
Willis Tower and which other Chicago landmark?
A. John Hancock Center
B. Aon Center
C. Smurfit-Stone Building
D. Two Prudential Plaza
8. Why, according to Philip K.
Wrigley, does the Wrigley building have a sky bridge?
A. So William Wrigley could
inspect shipments of gum as they came in by boat on the river.
B. To provide structural support
C. Because William Wrigley wanted
an easier way to go to the other tower
D. To create a single building, thereby
skirting a law banning branch banking.
9. The Hilton Chicago served as a
backdrop to which of these movies?
A. The Fugitive (1993), starring
Harrison Ford
B. Primal Fear (1996(, starring
Richard Gere
C. Road to Perdition (2002),
starring Tom Hanks
D. All of the above
10. The Berghoff was the last
men-only tavern in the city. In what year did it change its rules and why?
A. 1957, when Eleanor Daley told
the Tribune that the policy “was not very nice”
B. 1961, when Rosemary Clooney
promised to sing “Chicago (That Toddlin’ Town)” if the bar lifted its ban
C. 1969, when members of the
National Organization for Women barged in and demanded bourbon
D. 1972, when family matriarch Caroline
Berghoff insisted on having a beer at the bar before her death
11. What was the first film shot
in Chicago after the city’s disastrous portrayal in 1969’s Medium Cool?
A. Risky Business
B. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
C. The Color of Money
D. The Blues Brothers
12. Russian president Vladimir
Putin said he was excited to visit Chicago because who once lived here?
A. Barack Obama
B. Rahm Emanuel
C. Al Capone
D. Oprah Winfrey
13. Artist Steve Musgrave created
which famous poster?
A. The 1980 response to Saul
Steinberg’s View of the World from 9th Avenue
B. The 1998 ad for the first Crosstown
Classic
C. The Obama Hope image in 2008
D. None of the above
14. Which Gold Coast street was
almost renamed Boxwood after World War i?
A. Schiller Street
B. Goethe Street
C. Astor Street
D. Sutton Place
15. Why was Chicago’s first gay
pride parade held in June 1970?
A. To commemorate the anniversary
of the Stonewall riots
B. To protest the recently passed
housing discrimination law
C. To piggyback on other protests
sweeping the city after the Kent State shootings and the Chicago Seven trial
D. To capitalize on the growing
LGBT movement after Carl Wittman published A Gay Manifesto
ANSWERS – Now, no cheating!
1. A 2. C 3. C 4. A 5.
D 6. D 7.
A 8. D 9. D 10. C 11. D 12.
C 13. B
14.
B 15. A
Monday, December 10, 2012
10 MOST GERM-INFESTED AREAS IN A RESTAURANT
The dirtiest parts of the average restaurant are the seats. The 10 most germ-infested parts of the restaurants, according to the '20/20' investigation.
1. Seats
2. Menus
3. Lemon Wedges
4. Salt and Pepper Shakers
5. Tables
6. Rims of Glasses
7. Bathroom Door Knobs
8. Bathroom Faucets
9. Ketchup Bottles
10. Salad Bar Tongs
1. Seats
2. Menus
3. Lemon Wedges
4. Salt and Pepper Shakers
5. Tables
6. Rims of Glasses
7. Bathroom Door Knobs
8. Bathroom Faucets
9. Ketchup Bottles
10. Salad Bar Tongs
RECENTLY FOUND SAVINGS TIPS!!
SWITCH TO NATURAL CLEANERS YOU ALREADY OWN:
For bathroom and grout stains - remove mold and mildew stains with Hydrogen peroxide. Just put it in a spray bottle and spritz. Wait about an hour then wipe the area with a clean cloth. Hydrogen peroxide is an effective disinfectant that kills 99% of germs and wipes out stains. It is safe and gentle you can even gargle with it!
Make wood shine - squeeze fresh lemon juice and strain it. Then, mix two to three tablespoons of the lemon juice into a small bowl with a few drops of olive oil and rub it gently into the wood. The lemon juice breaks up dirt, and then pulls it out of the wood, while the oil lubricates the wood so it doesn't dry out.
Make your oven sparkle - make a paste with baking soda and water, and it'll grab hold of food and grease particles and lift them up and away. Let it sit for an hour on small spills, overnight for baked-on ones. Wipe away the grime with a wet sponge. Bonus: Baking soda absorbs and neutralizes odors!
Soften your clothes - Replace fabric softener with 3/4 cup of white distilled vinegar (added to your washing machine during the final rinse cycle) and your clothes and linens will come out soft and clean. The vinegar works by removing residues left behind on the clothes, as well as relaxing fibers. Once the clothes have dried, the smell will be long gone! Also, your clothes will dry faster using vinegar.
Wipe away tarnish with toothpaste - regular cream toothpaste (without whitening agents of fluoride) makes a great silver polisher. Rub gently on your silver item, rinse and then dry and buff with a clean soft cloth. Your jewelry, stainless steel and flatware will be tarnish-free, without any damaging chemicals.
KEEP IT COOL
Set your fridge between 36 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Any lower and you'll needlessly use up to 25 percent more energy.
FOR SENIORS:
Members can save up to 45% on Angie's List and find reviews of local contractors and more! Go to AARPDiscounts.com/AngiesList.
For bathroom and grout stains - remove mold and mildew stains with Hydrogen peroxide. Just put it in a spray bottle and spritz. Wait about an hour then wipe the area with a clean cloth. Hydrogen peroxide is an effective disinfectant that kills 99% of germs and wipes out stains. It is safe and gentle you can even gargle with it!
Make wood shine - squeeze fresh lemon juice and strain it. Then, mix two to three tablespoons of the lemon juice into a small bowl with a few drops of olive oil and rub it gently into the wood. The lemon juice breaks up dirt, and then pulls it out of the wood, while the oil lubricates the wood so it doesn't dry out.
Make your oven sparkle - make a paste with baking soda and water, and it'll grab hold of food and grease particles and lift them up and away. Let it sit for an hour on small spills, overnight for baked-on ones. Wipe away the grime with a wet sponge. Bonus: Baking soda absorbs and neutralizes odors!
Soften your clothes - Replace fabric softener with 3/4 cup of white distilled vinegar (added to your washing machine during the final rinse cycle) and your clothes and linens will come out soft and clean. The vinegar works by removing residues left behind on the clothes, as well as relaxing fibers. Once the clothes have dried, the smell will be long gone! Also, your clothes will dry faster using vinegar.
Wipe away tarnish with toothpaste - regular cream toothpaste (without whitening agents of fluoride) makes a great silver polisher. Rub gently on your silver item, rinse and then dry and buff with a clean soft cloth. Your jewelry, stainless steel and flatware will be tarnish-free, without any damaging chemicals.
KEEP IT COOL
Set your fridge between 36 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit. Any lower and you'll needlessly use up to 25 percent more energy.
FOR SENIORS:
Members can save up to 45% on Angie's List and find reviews of local contractors and more! Go to AARPDiscounts.com/AngiesList.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Holiday To-Do List
Try these memory-boosting tricks to remember everything you need to get done.
Write it all down.
Writing reinforces your memory by prompting you to store two different types of information: the name of the task and the physical act of writing the item down.
Get some exercise.
Any kind of exercise increases the flow of blood to your brain, which can help keep you sharper and prevent forgetfulness.
Learn holiday tunes.
Research shows that learning a new song works both your auditory and verbal memory functions: A benefit to your memory as a whole.
Stay Calm.
Give yourself more time. Start shopping sooner or break up household cleaning tasks.
Take your vitamins.
Daily multivitamins contain vitamins A, C, E, and B-complex and minerals like magnesium, calcium, zinc and selenium.
Catch some zzz's.
Getting seven to eight hours for most people helps you consolidate new memories.
Write it all down.
Writing reinforces your memory by prompting you to store two different types of information: the name of the task and the physical act of writing the item down.
Get some exercise.
Any kind of exercise increases the flow of blood to your brain, which can help keep you sharper and prevent forgetfulness.
Learn holiday tunes.
Research shows that learning a new song works both your auditory and verbal memory functions: A benefit to your memory as a whole.
Stay Calm.
Give yourself more time. Start shopping sooner or break up household cleaning tasks.
Take your vitamins.
Daily multivitamins contain vitamins A, C, E, and B-complex and minerals like magnesium, calcium, zinc and selenium.
Catch some zzz's.
Getting seven to eight hours for most people helps you consolidate new memories.
Keep It Clean
Disinfect unlikely areas for less disease!
Cellphones:
Mobile phones can harbor more bacteria than a toilet seat. Look for touch-screen-safe cleaners on the market, put a little on a clean, soft antimicrobial cloth and wipe down your phone's screen, buttons and back.
Sinks:
Your kitchen sink contains about 1,000 times more bacteria than the average toilet. Wipe kitchen and bathroom sinks regularly with disinfecting wipes to help kill bacteria and viruses. Open under-sink cabinet doors periodically. The light and air will help prevent mold growth.
Washing Machine:
In a study of 100 homes, 33 percent of washing machines tested positive for E. coli. Wash underwear separately using bleach. Allowing your machine to dry between cycles or rinsing the drum weekly with added bleach will also keep E. coli counts to a minimum.
Dishcloths:
10% of household dishcloths contain salmonella, 32% contained E. coli. During flu season, 60% are positive for influenza. Launder dishcloths after every use.
Cellphones:
Mobile phones can harbor more bacteria than a toilet seat. Look for touch-screen-safe cleaners on the market, put a little on a clean, soft antimicrobial cloth and wipe down your phone's screen, buttons and back.
Sinks:
Your kitchen sink contains about 1,000 times more bacteria than the average toilet. Wipe kitchen and bathroom sinks regularly with disinfecting wipes to help kill bacteria and viruses. Open under-sink cabinet doors periodically. The light and air will help prevent mold growth.
Washing Machine:
In a study of 100 homes, 33 percent of washing machines tested positive for E. coli. Wash underwear separately using bleach. Allowing your machine to dry between cycles or rinsing the drum weekly with added bleach will also keep E. coli counts to a minimum.
Dishcloths:
10% of household dishcloths contain salmonella, 32% contained E. coli. During flu season, 60% are positive for influenza. Launder dishcloths after every use.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Greater Enlightenment
Proper illumination makes a home feel warm, inviting, and even larger and more open. Changing the light bulbs can be like putting a fresh coat of paint on the walls. It can really freshen up the look and make a huge difference. Lightening and brightening a home can offer the second biggest return to sellers at resale (behind the cleaning and decluttering). Upgrading lighting fixtures and cleaning windows can potentially offer a nearly three-fold return on investment at the time of resale.
Use clear light bulbs. Place new incandescent light bulbs in all fixtures so they don't risk burning out in the middle of a showing. Choose clear light bulbs over opaque for a cleaner look.
Reconsider energy-efficient bulbs. To save the energy-saving compact fluorescent bulbs for after the move because they emit a harsh glare compared to standard incandescent bulbs. Use halogen flood bulbs, when possible, for best overhead lighting that brightens a space. They are more energy-efficient than incandescent flood light bulbs. If deciding between white and soft white, soft white is preferable.
Watch the wattage. Use the highest wattage possible for fixtures to brighten the home. 30-watt bulbs in wall sconces in the bathroom to create a softer light setting.
Clean light fixtures. Brush off dusty lamp shades, scoop up the dead flies lingering inside the fixtures, and remove any spiderwebs dangling from chandeliers.
Brighten the exterior windows. Take more advantage of natural light by removing window screens. Don't forget to wash those windows, too!
Replace dated light fixtures. Swap out dated models for a modern look featuring oil-rubbed bronze or brushed nickel.
Add a mirror. Mirrors can be used to bounce light and make a home look brighter and its walls higher. Place a mirror opposite a lighting fixture to project more light into a room or to catch light entering through a window.
Open the windows. Remove draperies that prevent natural light from flowing in.
Use clear light bulbs. Place new incandescent light bulbs in all fixtures so they don't risk burning out in the middle of a showing. Choose clear light bulbs over opaque for a cleaner look.
Reconsider energy-efficient bulbs. To save the energy-saving compact fluorescent bulbs for after the move because they emit a harsh glare compared to standard incandescent bulbs. Use halogen flood bulbs, when possible, for best overhead lighting that brightens a space. They are more energy-efficient than incandescent flood light bulbs. If deciding between white and soft white, soft white is preferable.
Watch the wattage. Use the highest wattage possible for fixtures to brighten the home. 30-watt bulbs in wall sconces in the bathroom to create a softer light setting.
Clean light fixtures. Brush off dusty lamp shades, scoop up the dead flies lingering inside the fixtures, and remove any spiderwebs dangling from chandeliers.
Brighten the exterior windows. Take more advantage of natural light by removing window screens. Don't forget to wash those windows, too!
Replace dated light fixtures. Swap out dated models for a modern look featuring oil-rubbed bronze or brushed nickel.
Add a mirror. Mirrors can be used to bounce light and make a home look brighter and its walls higher. Place a mirror opposite a lighting fixture to project more light into a room or to catch light entering through a window.
Open the windows. Remove draperies that prevent natural light from flowing in.
Spam in Your Hand
Fake text messages soar as email users wise up.
In 2012, cellphone spam - often called "smish-ing" - has tripled compared with 2011 levels. At least 70 % of cellphone text span attempts to defraud you.
Ignore instructions to text "STOP" or "NO" to prevent future texts. This is a common ploy by scammers to confirm they have a live, active contact for more cellphone spam. Never dial call-back numbers either. Forward the texts to 7726 (SPAM on most keyboards). This will alert your cellphone carrier to block future texts from those numbers.
In 2012, cellphone spam - often called "smish-ing" - has tripled compared with 2011 levels. At least 70 % of cellphone text span attempts to defraud you.
Ignore instructions to text "STOP" or "NO" to prevent future texts. This is a common ploy by scammers to confirm they have a live, active contact for more cellphone spam. Never dial call-back numbers either. Forward the texts to 7726 (SPAM on most keyboards). This will alert your cellphone carrier to block future texts from those numbers.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Curb Appeal
A property's curb appeal makes a critical first impression.
FRONT DOOR
A front door can be a home's focal point. Replacing an entryway door with a new steel door (which costs about $1,200) actually offers among the biggest bang for the buck at resale (an average of 73% of the cost may be recouped, according to Remodeling magazine's 2011-2012 Cost vs. Value Report). Sometimes a front door can be salvaged with a fresh coat of paint.
WINDOWS
Wash them - inside and out - and remove the screens for added sparkle. Also, consider a new color for shutters. The trend is a shift away from high-contrast green, red, or black to more monochromatic palettes that blend with the rest of the house.
GARAGEDoes the door need paint or repairs? Should it be replaced? A new steel garage door can cost about $1.500, but sellers, in average, recoup nearly 72 percent of that investment at resale, according to the Cost vs. Value Report.
FRONT PORCH
Don't overlook this key selling point. "Sell" your front porch as additional square footage by staging it with as much care as you would other rooms.
DRIVEWAY
Is the driveway covered with cracks and oil stains? If you can't afford a complete resurfacing (which may cost about $2,000 for concrete driveways), look into patching up cracks using premixed concrete materials.
AFTER DARK
Evening curb appeal also matters. Conceal a couple of portable outdoor lamps and aim them at the house or a beautiful tree for low-cost, high-value impact. Have outdoor lights on a timer so they're always on for nighttime showings. Interior lights, too, work to create a warm glow from the curb.
FRONT DOOR
A front door can be a home's focal point. Replacing an entryway door with a new steel door (which costs about $1,200) actually offers among the biggest bang for the buck at resale (an average of 73% of the cost may be recouped, according to Remodeling magazine's 2011-2012 Cost vs. Value Report). Sometimes a front door can be salvaged with a fresh coat of paint.
WINDOWS
Wash them - inside and out - and remove the screens for added sparkle. Also, consider a new color for shutters. The trend is a shift away from high-contrast green, red, or black to more monochromatic palettes that blend with the rest of the house.
GARAGEDoes the door need paint or repairs? Should it be replaced? A new steel garage door can cost about $1.500, but sellers, in average, recoup nearly 72 percent of that investment at resale, according to the Cost vs. Value Report.
FRONT PORCH
Don't overlook this key selling point. "Sell" your front porch as additional square footage by staging it with as much care as you would other rooms.
DRIVEWAY
Is the driveway covered with cracks and oil stains? If you can't afford a complete resurfacing (which may cost about $2,000 for concrete driveways), look into patching up cracks using premixed concrete materials.
AFTER DARK
Evening curb appeal also matters. Conceal a couple of portable outdoor lamps and aim them at the house or a beautiful tree for low-cost, high-value impact. Have outdoor lights on a timer so they're always on for nighttime showings. Interior lights, too, work to create a warm glow from the curb.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Fall Tips For The Home
FURNACES and HOT WATER
Having your furnace checked or serviced now, will give you peace of mind knowing that it works properly when the temperatures begin to drop. Also consider having your hot water heater checked if you have not done so recently.
BOX ELDER BUGS
To minimize their presence, an easy recipe is 1 tablespoon of Dawn detergent, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of Tabasco sauce in a quart of water. Spray this solution by windows and doors to keep the bugs away. This can also be sprayed right on plants to keep rabbits and other wildlife away without hurting either the plants or the ground.
DRYER VENT CLEANING
Lint build up is combustible, it can start a fire. The vent should be cleaned out from the wall connection behind the dryer all the way to the exterior end of the vent, at least every 6 months to a year.
FIREPLACES
If you have a wood burning fireplace, consider having your chimney cleaned before you light a fire this year especially if you have not cleaned your fireplace in the last year or two. Soot and creosote can collect in the flue and cause a fire. If you have a gas burning fireplace, check the deflector on the exterior wall to ensure that it is secure. If the deflector is missing, it may create enough heat to melt the siding.
Having your furnace checked or serviced now, will give you peace of mind knowing that it works properly when the temperatures begin to drop. Also consider having your hot water heater checked if you have not done so recently.
BOX ELDER BUGS
To minimize their presence, an easy recipe is 1 tablespoon of Dawn detergent, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of Tabasco sauce in a quart of water. Spray this solution by windows and doors to keep the bugs away. This can also be sprayed right on plants to keep rabbits and other wildlife away without hurting either the plants or the ground.
DRYER VENT CLEANING
Lint build up is combustible, it can start a fire. The vent should be cleaned out from the wall connection behind the dryer all the way to the exterior end of the vent, at least every 6 months to a year.
FIREPLACES
If you have a wood burning fireplace, consider having your chimney cleaned before you light a fire this year especially if you have not cleaned your fireplace in the last year or two. Soot and creosote can collect in the flue and cause a fire. If you have a gas burning fireplace, check the deflector on the exterior wall to ensure that it is secure. If the deflector is missing, it may create enough heat to melt the siding.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Top 10 Things You Need to Know About the Health Care Reform
Learn the most important takeaways when it comes to the 3.8% tax that's part of the health care reform:
1.When you add up all of your income from every possible source, and that total is less than $200,000 ($250,000 on a joint tax return), you will not be subject to this tax.
2.The 3.8% tax will never be collected as a transfer tax on real estate of any type, so you’ll never pay this tax at the time that you purchase a home or other investment property.
3.You’ll never pay this tax at settlement when you sell your home or investment property. Any capital gain you realize at settlement is just one component of that year’s gross income.
4.If you sell your principal residence, you will still receive the full benefit of the $250,000 (single tax return)/$500,000 (married filing joint tax return) exclusion on the sale of that home. If your capital gain is greater than these amounts, then you will include any gain above these amounts as income on your Form 1040 tax return. Even then, if your total income (including this taxable portion of gain on your residence) is less than the $200,000/$250,000 amounts, you will not pay this tax. If your total income is more than these amounts, a formula will protect some portion of your investment.
5.The tax applies to other types of investment income, not just real estate. If your income is more than the $200,000/$250,000 amount, then the tax formula will be applied to capital gains, interest income, dividend income and net rents (i.e., rents after expenses).
6.The tax goes into effect in 2013. If you have investment income in 2013, you won’t pay the 3.8% tax until you file your 2013 Form 1040 tax return in 2014. The 3.8% tax for any later year will be paid in the following calendar year when the tax returns are filed.
7.In any particular year, if you have no income from capital gains, rents, interest or dividends, you’ll never pay this tax, even if you have millions of dollars of other types of income.
8.The formula that determines the amount of 3.8% tax due will always protect $200,000 ($250,000 on a joint return) of your income from any burden of the 3.8% tax. For example, if you are single and have a total of $201,000 income, the 3.8% tax would never be imposed on more than $1,000.
9.It’s true that investment income from rents on an investment property could be subject to the 3.8% tax. But: The only rental income that would be included in your gross income and therefore possibly subject to the tax is net rental income: gross rents minus expenses like depreciation, interest, property tax, maintenance and utilities.
10.The tax was enacted along with the health care legislation in 2010. It was added to the package just hours before the final vote and without review. NAR strongly opposed the tax at the time, and remains hopeful that it will not go into effect. The tax will no doubt be debated during the upcoming tax reform debates in 2013.
This information can be found at and downloaded as a pdf. http://www.realtor.org/topics/health-care-reform/top-10-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-38-tax
1.When you add up all of your income from every possible source, and that total is less than $200,000 ($250,000 on a joint tax return), you will not be subject to this tax.
2.The 3.8% tax will never be collected as a transfer tax on real estate of any type, so you’ll never pay this tax at the time that you purchase a home or other investment property.
3.You’ll never pay this tax at settlement when you sell your home or investment property. Any capital gain you realize at settlement is just one component of that year’s gross income.
4.If you sell your principal residence, you will still receive the full benefit of the $250,000 (single tax return)/$500,000 (married filing joint tax return) exclusion on the sale of that home. If your capital gain is greater than these amounts, then you will include any gain above these amounts as income on your Form 1040 tax return. Even then, if your total income (including this taxable portion of gain on your residence) is less than the $200,000/$250,000 amounts, you will not pay this tax. If your total income is more than these amounts, a formula will protect some portion of your investment.
5.The tax applies to other types of investment income, not just real estate. If your income is more than the $200,000/$250,000 amount, then the tax formula will be applied to capital gains, interest income, dividend income and net rents (i.e., rents after expenses).
6.The tax goes into effect in 2013. If you have investment income in 2013, you won’t pay the 3.8% tax until you file your 2013 Form 1040 tax return in 2014. The 3.8% tax for any later year will be paid in the following calendar year when the tax returns are filed.
7.In any particular year, if you have no income from capital gains, rents, interest or dividends, you’ll never pay this tax, even if you have millions of dollars of other types of income.
8.The formula that determines the amount of 3.8% tax due will always protect $200,000 ($250,000 on a joint return) of your income from any burden of the 3.8% tax. For example, if you are single and have a total of $201,000 income, the 3.8% tax would never be imposed on more than $1,000.
9.It’s true that investment income from rents on an investment property could be subject to the 3.8% tax. But: The only rental income that would be included in your gross income and therefore possibly subject to the tax is net rental income: gross rents minus expenses like depreciation, interest, property tax, maintenance and utilities.
10.The tax was enacted along with the health care legislation in 2010. It was added to the package just hours before the final vote and without review. NAR strongly opposed the tax at the time, and remains hopeful that it will not go into effect. The tax will no doubt be debated during the upcoming tax reform debates in 2013.
This information can be found at and downloaded as a pdf. http://www.realtor.org/topics/health-care-reform/top-10-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-38-tax
Amazing Untold Story of the Boatlift on 9/11
The 9/11 boat lift was the largest in history dwarfing the evacuation at Dunkirk. At Dunkirk 339,000 people were evacuated in 9 days. On 9/11 nearly 500,000 were evacuated in approximately 9 hours!
Click on the link to see the video and read more about it!
http://blogs.reuters.com/katharine-herrup/2011/09/09/boatlifters-the-unknown-story-of-911/
Click on the link to see the video and read more about it!
http://blogs.reuters.com/katharine-herrup/2011/09/09/boatlifters-the-unknown-story-of-911/
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Energy Efficient Windows
Installing energy-efficient windows can mean increased comfort as well as savings!
A typical home may lose up to 30% of its heat or cooling through windows
Factors that affect a window's energy efficiency are single or multiple-paned, gas filled, Low-Emittance (Low-E) coated and the material of the window frame. All these details contribute to a window's performance. An excellent resource is www.efficientwindows.org, which provides detailed information on these specifications and how to select windows appropriate for various climates.
A typical home may lose up to 30% of its heat or cooling through windows
Factors that affect a window's energy efficiency are single or multiple-paned, gas filled, Low-Emittance (Low-E) coated and the material of the window frame. All these details contribute to a window's performance. An excellent resource is www.efficientwindows.org, which provides detailed information on these specifications and how to select windows appropriate for various climates.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
2 Great Ways to Enrich Your Life!
FEEL GREAT: To strengthen your brain eat berries! Older women who consume at least a cup of strawberries or one-half cup of blueberries per week delay cognitive aging by up to two and a half years. Researchers even say berries likely provide similar benefits for men! The key ingredient is flavonoids: antioxidants also found in tea, red wine, apples, and oranges.
SAVE MONEY: Outsmart the hotel chains by letting them compete for your business. At BackBid.com, once you make a reservation, other hotels offer competing bids, often throwing in extras like free breakfast. Just pick the deal you like best. At LuxuryLink.com, you place bids on discounted rooms. Minimum buds are up to 65% lower than normal rates.
SAVE MONEY: Outsmart the hotel chains by letting them compete for your business. At BackBid.com, once you make a reservation, other hotels offer competing bids, often throwing in extras like free breakfast. Just pick the deal you like best. At LuxuryLink.com, you place bids on discounted rooms. Minimum buds are up to 65% lower than normal rates.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Top 10 Style & Makeup Essentials
Update your style with less, not more. It takes fewer items than you think to give your look a seasonal shake-up. Once you reduce the closet and makeup clutter to essential items, style is easy to find!
1. TRENCH COAT
You can wear this piece of outerwear through all four seasons. Outerwear separates those who really are fashionable and those who aren't.
2. JEANS
Everyone needs a pair of well-fitting jeans.
1. TRENCH COAT
You can wear this piece of outerwear through all four seasons. Outerwear separates those who really are fashionable and those who aren't.
2. JEANS
Everyone needs a pair of well-fitting jeans.
3. A NEUTRAL BLAZER
It makes everything look more pulled together, even with your worst work outfit you instantly regret leaving the house in.
4. JEWELRY
A statement necklace, ring, or bracelet.
5. BUSINESS DRESS
When searching for easy work wear, if in doubt, buy a dress. You can wear them different ways with a scarf or with a belt.
6.LBD
Little black (or white) party dress.
7. STYLISH RAIN BOOTS
No matter what the weather is, looking polished is important!
8. SUNGLASSES
A nice, face flattering pair.
9.SHOES
A pair of sexy heels.
10. MORE SHOES
A pair of flats. Make sure you can walk for miles in them.
When it comes to makeup, a small set of products with rich colors and basic makeup techniques are all that women need for year-round beauty. Drugstore products are great for looking polished on a budget.
ASPIRIN & HEART ATTACKS
Most heart attacks occur early in the day; generally between 6 A.M. and noon. Having one during the night, when the heart should be most at rest, means that something unusual happened. Researchers have been working for years to show that sleep apnea is to blame.
IF YOU TAKE AN ASPIRIN OR A BABY ASPIRIN ONCE A DAY, TAKE IT AT NIGHT.
Aspirin has a 24-hour 'half-life"; so, if most heart attacks happen in the earlier hours of the day, the Aspirin would be the strongest in your system.
Aspirin lasts a long time in your medicine chest; once it smells like vinegar it needs to be tossed.
SYMPTOMS
There are other side effects of a heart attack besides the pain on the left arm. There might be an intense pain on the chin, nausea, and lots of sweating. Sometimes there may not even be pain in the chest.
About 60% of people who had a heart attack during their sleep did not wake up. However, if chest pain occurs, it may wake you from a deep sleep.
IF YOU HAVE A HEART ATTACK
- Immediately dissolve two Aspirins in your mouth and swallow with water.
- Call 911
- Phone a neighbor or a family member who lives very close by.
- Say "heart attack!"
- Say that you have taken 2 Aspirins.
- Take a seat on a chair or sofa near the front door and wait for their arrival.
** REMEMBER: DO NOT LIE DOWN**
IF YOU TAKE AN ASPIRIN OR A BABY ASPIRIN ONCE A DAY, TAKE IT AT NIGHT.
Aspirin has a 24-hour 'half-life"; so, if most heart attacks happen in the earlier hours of the day, the Aspirin would be the strongest in your system.
Aspirin lasts a long time in your medicine chest; once it smells like vinegar it needs to be tossed.
SYMPTOMS
There are other side effects of a heart attack besides the pain on the left arm. There might be an intense pain on the chin, nausea, and lots of sweating. Sometimes there may not even be pain in the chest.
About 60% of people who had a heart attack during their sleep did not wake up. However, if chest pain occurs, it may wake you from a deep sleep.
IF YOU HAVE A HEART ATTACK
- Immediately dissolve two Aspirins in your mouth and swallow with water.
- Call 911
- Phone a neighbor or a family member who lives very close by.
- Say "heart attack!"
- Say that you have taken 2 Aspirins.
- Take a seat on a chair or sofa near the front door and wait for their arrival.
** REMEMBER: DO NOT LIE DOWN**
Monday, August 6, 2012
Discounts for those over age 50 are just a call away!
Over the age of 50, call 630-995-4444 and listen to a 24-7 free recorded message which reveals the No. 1 insurance discount. This discount saved them 10% on both their home and auto insurance. The free recorded message also reveals five costly misconceptions about homeowners insurance.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Senior Savings!!
METRA TICKETS
Apply at your Township Office for a free ID card.
LICENSE PLATES
Based on your income you're able to save on License Plates at your Township Office.
Apply at your Township Office for a free ID card.
LICENSE PLATES
Based on your income you're able to save on License Plates at your Township Office.
Help Save The Catlow Theater
Hollywood studios could force a historic Chicagoland movie theater to close! Movie lovers can help save The Catlow.
The Hollywood movie studios are committed to reducing their movie production and distribution costs by eliminating the use of film. Very soon, every movie theater in the country will either have converted their film projection systems to the new digital format or they will be out of business with no movies to show. The message from the movie companies to small theaters like ours is clear: "Go digital or go dark." Hollywood’s edict means the 85-year old Catlow Theater must upgrade its audio and visual equipment at a cost of at least $100,000. The multiplexes and large chains are getting substantial discounts for their digital conversions. They are not! They intend to stay in business, but well need a lot of support from those who love movies and who appreciate historic movie houses like The Catlow.
For more information & to donate go to http://kck.st/P3zsEG
The Hollywood movie studios are committed to reducing their movie production and distribution costs by eliminating the use of film. Very soon, every movie theater in the country will either have converted their film projection systems to the new digital format or they will be out of business with no movies to show. The message from the movie companies to small theaters like ours is clear: "Go digital or go dark." Hollywood’s edict means the 85-year old Catlow Theater must upgrade its audio and visual equipment at a cost of at least $100,000. The multiplexes and large chains are getting substantial discounts for their digital conversions. They are not! They intend to stay in business, but well need a lot of support from those who love movies and who appreciate historic movie houses like The Catlow.
For more information & to donate go to http://kck.st/P3zsEG
Monday, July 23, 2012
Cell Phone Numbers Go Public!!
All cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies. You will be charged for these calls!
To Prevent This
Call the following number from your cell phone: 888-382-1222. It is the National DO NOT CALL list. It blocks your number for 5 years.
http://www.donotcall.gov/default.aspx
To Prevent This
Call the following number from your cell phone: 888-382-1222. It is the National DO NOT CALL list. It blocks your number for 5 years.
http://www.donotcall.gov/default.aspx
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Facebook Makes it Easier to Become An Organ Donor
Facebook wants to help you share your organs.
Users in the United States can enroll as organ donors via links to official registries on the world's biggest social networking site.
Facebook users who are already organ donors can add that information to their profile page, now known as their timeline.
More than 112,000 Americans are waiting for organs and 18 people die everyday from the lack of available organs.
Users in the United States can enroll as organ donors via links to official registries on the world's biggest social networking site.
Facebook users who are already organ donors can add that information to their profile page, now known as their timeline.
More than 112,000 Americans are waiting for organs and 18 people die everyday from the lack of available organs.
Fun Things To Do!
A Few Ways to Enjoy Illinois This Season
- Springfield The Illinois State Museum boasts one of the country's largest archaeological collections - more than 7.5 million artifacts from over 2.000 archaeological sites. museum.state.il.us
- Kane County Flea Market St. Charles' legendary attraction reopened March 3 and is open the first weekend of every month through December. kanecountyfleamarket.com
- Don't Miss... "Mythbusters: The Explosive Exhibition," the new Museum of Science and Industry show, which started its six-month run March 15. msichicago.org
- On Course... Put your oversize shoes and red rubber nose to use during The Second City's Clown and Physical Comedy courses held throughout the year. Learn the basics of theatrical clowning while mastering the emotional and physical skills to make even grumps laugh. secondcity.com/training
Thursday, July 5, 2012
A Few Credit and Debt Tips
What is it's not your debt?
Collectors often contact the wrong person, since old debts tend to be poorly documented. That won't stop them from suing you. Send a letter by certified mail, return receipt requested, telling the collection agency that you don't owe the debt and to stop contacting you. If the collector files a lawsuit, don't ignore it. You'll get the case dismissed if you can prove it's not your debt. The National Association of Consumer Advocates (at naca.net) can help you find an attorney.
Be a better borrower!
Monitor your credit reports to ensure collectors don't post old debts there. File complaints about debt collectors by calling 877-382-4357 or visiting the FTC website (ftc.gov) and contact your state attorney general's office. Search for your state's statute of limitations on debt at bankrate.com
Collectors often contact the wrong person, since old debts tend to be poorly documented. That won't stop them from suing you. Send a letter by certified mail, return receipt requested, telling the collection agency that you don't owe the debt and to stop contacting you. If the collector files a lawsuit, don't ignore it. You'll get the case dismissed if you can prove it's not your debt. The National Association of Consumer Advocates (at naca.net) can help you find an attorney.
Be a better borrower!
Monitor your credit reports to ensure collectors don't post old debts there. File complaints about debt collectors by calling 877-382-4357 or visiting the FTC website (ftc.gov) and contact your state attorney general's office. Search for your state's statute of limitations on debt at bankrate.com
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Living Smaller
Owners are cleverly doing more with the decreased square footage they have.
Although the average square footage of a new house is still double what it was in 1960, in the last year, it decreased slightly to 2,215 square feet from a high of 2,277.
Storage Smarts
They're coming out with wonderful furniture with storage built right in. There are storage ottomans, end tables - even chairs with places to store your remote. Don't forget "found" storage, or space that isn't obvious. Home owners can install bed risers, which safely lift a bed five or six inches to create storage underneath. Another example: spice risers for kitchen cupboards. The bleacher- like devices create three times the space of a single cabinet. Many companies now offer heavy-duty shelving that attaches to the ceiling in garages, basements, and laundry rooms.
Stashed Away
Small closets call for big ideas when it comes to maximizing space. Some are simple and relatively inexpensive, such as adding a second hanging rod, storing off-season clothes under the bed, adding a shelf or two above the rods, hooks on the back of doors and bedside tables with lots of drawers.
Although the average square footage of a new house is still double what it was in 1960, in the last year, it decreased slightly to 2,215 square feet from a high of 2,277.
Storage Smarts
They're coming out with wonderful furniture with storage built right in. There are storage ottomans, end tables - even chairs with places to store your remote. Don't forget "found" storage, or space that isn't obvious. Home owners can install bed risers, which safely lift a bed five or six inches to create storage underneath. Another example: spice risers for kitchen cupboards. The bleacher- like devices create three times the space of a single cabinet. Many companies now offer heavy-duty shelving that attaches to the ceiling in garages, basements, and laundry rooms.
Stashed Away
Small closets call for big ideas when it comes to maximizing space. Some are simple and relatively inexpensive, such as adding a second hanging rod, storing off-season clothes under the bed, adding a shelf or two above the rods, hooks on the back of doors and bedside tables with lots of drawers.
10 Big-Impact, Low-Cost Remodeling Projects
1. Tidy up kitchen cabinets. Home owners can add rollout organizing trays so when buyers peek in, they fell like there's lots of room for their stuff.
2. Add or replace tile. By retiling very inexpensively, you make a room look way cleaner than it was.
3. Add a breakfast bar. When a wall seperates a kitchen from a family room, suggest cutting out an opening to create a breakfast bar.
4. Install granite tile instead of a slab. Everybody is hot for granite kitchen counter-tops, but that can be a $5,000 upgrade. Instead, home owners can put in 12-inch granite tiles for about $200 in materials and get very high impact for little money.
5. Freshen up a bathroom without retiling. I recommend putting in a new medicine cabinet for $100 to $150, light fixtures for about $100, a faucet for $50 to $75, and a vanity for $200 to $300. Also, install glass shower doors. A french door adds a lot of panache and elegance for $250.
6. Freshen up the basement. Have a contractor fill in cracks with hydraulic cement and then paint with waterproofing paint. Then add a top coat to add color. They can also paint the basement floor with a good floor paint, which spiffs it up.
7. Add a room. Look for large spaces that can be enclosed to create a new bedroom for just the price of creating a wall.
8. Spruce up cabinet fronts. Update tired-looking kitchen cabinets. Reconditinoing is the least expensive. For $1,500 to $4,000, owners can replace the cabinet doors and drawer fronts, and for $4,000 to $12,000, they can have all the cabinets refaced.
9. Replace light fixtures. In a foyer and in bathrooms and kitchens replacing overhead light fixtures provides a lot of pop for a little money.
10. Tech-up the garage. Replace the garage door opener with a remote touch-pad entry system.
Want to check out an electric copy of the chart in the Cost Vs. Value Report that appeared in the January issue of REALTOR Magazine.The chart was featured in "Help Clients Stretch Their Remodeling Dollars". REALTOR Magazine helped collect the data, Remodeling magazine owns the copyright. To access the full report online, visit www.costvsvalue.com. You can view data for each project and download a city report.
2. Add or replace tile. By retiling very inexpensively, you make a room look way cleaner than it was.
3. Add a breakfast bar. When a wall seperates a kitchen from a family room, suggest cutting out an opening to create a breakfast bar.
4. Install granite tile instead of a slab. Everybody is hot for granite kitchen counter-tops, but that can be a $5,000 upgrade. Instead, home owners can put in 12-inch granite tiles for about $200 in materials and get very high impact for little money.
5. Freshen up a bathroom without retiling. I recommend putting in a new medicine cabinet for $100 to $150, light fixtures for about $100, a faucet for $50 to $75, and a vanity for $200 to $300. Also, install glass shower doors. A french door adds a lot of panache and elegance for $250.
6. Freshen up the basement. Have a contractor fill in cracks with hydraulic cement and then paint with waterproofing paint. Then add a top coat to add color. They can also paint the basement floor with a good floor paint, which spiffs it up.
7. Add a room. Look for large spaces that can be enclosed to create a new bedroom for just the price of creating a wall.
8. Spruce up cabinet fronts. Update tired-looking kitchen cabinets. Reconditinoing is the least expensive. For $1,500 to $4,000, owners can replace the cabinet doors and drawer fronts, and for $4,000 to $12,000, they can have all the cabinets refaced.
9. Replace light fixtures. In a foyer and in bathrooms and kitchens replacing overhead light fixtures provides a lot of pop for a little money.
10. Tech-up the garage. Replace the garage door opener with a remote touch-pad entry system.
Want to check out an electric copy of the chart in the Cost Vs. Value Report that appeared in the January issue of REALTOR Magazine.The chart was featured in "Help Clients Stretch Their Remodeling Dollars". REALTOR Magazine helped collect the data, Remodeling magazine owns the copyright. To access the full report online, visit www.costvsvalue.com. You can view data for each project and download a city report.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Keep Trees Watered During Dry Spell
We have had a relatively dry growing season, and it might stay that way for awhile. So until it begins to rain again, our plants are depending upon us to keep them alive.
- WATER WEEKLY. Tree leaves are "transpiring" or "exhaling" moisture which needs to be replenished, especially in times of high heat and little rainfall. Large, established trees should be watered every 2 to 3 weeks in dry periods.
- Check new plants frequently. Water into the rood ball area. Plants should receive up to one-inch of water weekly.
Monday, June 18, 2012
Summer Energy Efficiency Tips...
FOR YOUR REFRIGERATOR!!
Because your refrigerator runs continuously to keep food and beverages cold, it can be a major consumer of energy. To reduce the amount of electricity your refrigerator uses, and lower your electricity bill, consider these simple and smart ideas:
Check out ComEd.com/ApplianceRecycling
HOW CAN YOU DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF ELECTRICITY AN APPLIANCE USES?
ComEd's Smart Ideas, "An Energy Usage Guide" can help you identify how much electricity your individual appliances use each month. To download a copy, visit Customer Service > Brochures & Forms at ComEd.com
Because your refrigerator runs continuously to keep food and beverages cold, it can be a major consumer of energy. To reduce the amount of electricity your refrigerator uses, and lower your electricity bill, consider these simple and smart ideas:
- Clean your refrigerator coils on a regular basis.
- Maintain your refrigerator temperature at 35 degrees to 38 degrees.
Check out ComEd.com/ApplianceRecycling
HOW CAN YOU DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF ELECTRICITY AN APPLIANCE USES?
ComEd's Smart Ideas, "An Energy Usage Guide" can help you identify how much electricity your individual appliances use each month. To download a copy, visit Customer Service > Brochures & Forms at ComEd.com
Tax Law Maintains Real Estate Status Quo
The massive tax-extension law that President Obama signed at the end of 2010 keeps tax brackets and the capital gains rate at existing levels for two more years and maintains other key real estate provisions such as the 15-year cost recovery period for leasehold improvements, 25 percent depreciation recapture rate, and the deductibility of expenses related to brownfields remediation, The law also extends some energy efficiency tax benefits.
Cook County Real Estate Taxes
Cook County reassessments are done at the Cook County level by Cook County Assessor Joseph Berrios every three years. The real estate taxes collected in your community is determined by ALL LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, such as municipality, school, park, and library districts.
Residential properties are assessed as of Jan. 1 of the current year, using three to five years of prior sales information with similar characteristics. Homeowners are encouraged to review their property's assessment in comparison to similar properties.
Check the Cook County Assessor's website schedule for residents appeal date period at http://www.cookcountyassessor.com/. Taxpayers can also appeal their assessments with The Board of Review at http://www.cookcountyboardofreview.com/.
Senior exemptions
Last year was the first time that seniors had to apply for the senior exemption. There are three exemptions that seniors may be eligible for: Homeowner Exemption, Senior Exemption, and Senior Freeze. If any of these exemptions are missing on your second installment of your property tax bill, it can be corrected by filing a Certificate of Error.
Residential properties are assessed as of Jan. 1 of the current year, using three to five years of prior sales information with similar characteristics. Homeowners are encouraged to review their property's assessment in comparison to similar properties.
Check the Cook County Assessor's website schedule for residents appeal date period at http://www.cookcountyassessor.com/. Taxpayers can also appeal their assessments with The Board of Review at http://www.cookcountyboardofreview.com/.
Senior exemptions
Last year was the first time that seniors had to apply for the senior exemption. There are three exemptions that seniors may be eligible for: Homeowner Exemption, Senior Exemption, and Senior Freeze. If any of these exemptions are missing on your second installment of your property tax bill, it can be corrected by filing a Certificate of Error.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Annual Roof Inspections
Owners should inspect their roof annually for signs of wear.
Early signs of trouble include:
Early signs of trouble include:
- Dark areas on ceilings
- Peeling paint on the underside of roof overhangs
- Damp spots alongside fireplaces
- Water stains on pipes venting the water heater or furnace
Don't Let Food-Borne Illness Spoil Your Summer Fun!
Following some simple steps can help keep you from becoming sick due to contaminated or undercooked food.
Harmful bacteria such as E.coli and salmonella can lurk in undercooked meat.
- Wash your hands before, while and after preparing food.
- Keep coolers cool. Food should stay 40 degrees or below.
- Keep raw meat away from ready-to-eat foods.
Harmful bacteria such as E.coli and salmonella can lurk in undercooked meat.
- Use hot, soapy water to scrub the grill and rinse it well before and after cooking.
- Marinate food in a refrigerator or cooler.
- Use a thermometer to check temperatures inside meat as you cook. Hamburgers should be up to 160 degrees and chicken breasts to 165 degrees. Cuts of meat such as steaks and lamb or pork chops should be cooked to 145 degrees.
- Don't place cooked meat on platters that held raw meat.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Tips for working with an inspector
Review the contract up front.
The majority of contracts contain similar terms describing services and limiting liability. Mainly the price of the inspector's fee.
Study the report with your buyer clients.
Inspectors should put their observations in writing. Sit down with the report and adjust with the sellers' disclosure statement. If needed, suggest a second opinion.
Be ready to recommend specialists.
When an inspector finds a red flag, the buyers might want to bring in another expert, such as an HVAC contractor, plumber, or civil engineer, to inspect the issue. Buyers should get estimates for repairs and decide what they would like the seller to fix or offer as credit.
Discourage seller participation.
Inspectors may not feel comfortable pointing out problems with the sellers are in the room.
Shadow the inspector.
Thorough inspections cover electrical, plumbing, roofing, HVAC, and more. Inspectors will look for things that represent deficiencies but are in view. They won't pull up carpet or look for hidden defects. Besides exposing problems, inspectors will point out systems and provide buyers with guidance on how to maintain them.
Understand options if the inspector misses a major visible defect.
Many inspectors carry insurance, but their contracts often limit their liability to a refund of the fee. They typically won't pay for needed repairs unless the defect is so obvious they will be penalized for missing it.
The majority of contracts contain similar terms describing services and limiting liability. Mainly the price of the inspector's fee.
Study the report with your buyer clients.
Inspectors should put their observations in writing. Sit down with the report and adjust with the sellers' disclosure statement. If needed, suggest a second opinion.
Be ready to recommend specialists.
When an inspector finds a red flag, the buyers might want to bring in another expert, such as an HVAC contractor, plumber, or civil engineer, to inspect the issue. Buyers should get estimates for repairs and decide what they would like the seller to fix or offer as credit.
Discourage seller participation.
Inspectors may not feel comfortable pointing out problems with the sellers are in the room.
Shadow the inspector.
Thorough inspections cover electrical, plumbing, roofing, HVAC, and more. Inspectors will look for things that represent deficiencies but are in view. They won't pull up carpet or look for hidden defects. Besides exposing problems, inspectors will point out systems and provide buyers with guidance on how to maintain them.
Understand options if the inspector misses a major visible defect.
Many inspectors carry insurance, but their contracts often limit their liability to a refund of the fee. They typically won't pay for needed repairs unless the defect is so obvious they will be penalized for missing it.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
6 Ways to Recycle!
Books
If you have old book-club picks to get rid of, consider taking them to a used book store!
Unused Gift Cards
Score up to 92% of the value of unused cards and 25% of the value of expired cards. For the best deal, go to the aggregated site GiftCardGranny.com, which searches all buy-back sites and lists their offering prices.
Electronics
Radio Shack, Target and Sprint have started teaming up with reselling sites like NextWorth.com and Gazzelle.com to buy back old cell phones, cameras and laptops in stores. Just bring in items for an appraisal. Most stores offer store credit only. If you prefer cash, go directly through sites like BuyMyTronics.com and SellCell.com for an estimate.
CDs and DVDs
SecondSpin.com, CashforCDs.com and AbundaTrade.com offer the best prices for CDs, DVDs, video games and records. These sites usually offer free shipping and send a check upon receipt of the items.
Old Appliances
Working appliances can earn you quick cash when you put them up for sale on craigslist.org
Recyclables
Recycle and ear rewards in the process. Log on to RecycleBank.com or call 888-727-2978 to sign up for the organization's free Home Recycling program. The nationwide program teams up with local governments and waste haulers to gibe eligible households a recycling bun wuth a computer chip that monitors weight. Each time the bin is picked up, you're allotted points based on the bin's weight. Those points can then be used toward rewards like $10 gift cards to The Home Depot, Best Buy or Panera Bread, coupons off groceries or discounts at various online sites.
If you have old book-club picks to get rid of, consider taking them to a used book store!
Unused Gift Cards
Score up to 92% of the value of unused cards and 25% of the value of expired cards. For the best deal, go to the aggregated site GiftCardGranny.com, which searches all buy-back sites and lists their offering prices.
Electronics
Radio Shack, Target and Sprint have started teaming up with reselling sites like NextWorth.com and Gazzelle.com to buy back old cell phones, cameras and laptops in stores. Just bring in items for an appraisal. Most stores offer store credit only. If you prefer cash, go directly through sites like BuyMyTronics.com and SellCell.com for an estimate.
CDs and DVDs
SecondSpin.com, CashforCDs.com and AbundaTrade.com offer the best prices for CDs, DVDs, video games and records. These sites usually offer free shipping and send a check upon receipt of the items.
Old Appliances
Working appliances can earn you quick cash when you put them up for sale on craigslist.org
Recyclables
Recycle and ear rewards in the process. Log on to RecycleBank.com or call 888-727-2978 to sign up for the organization's free Home Recycling program. The nationwide program teams up with local governments and waste haulers to gibe eligible households a recycling bun wuth a computer chip that monitors weight. Each time the bin is picked up, you're allotted points based on the bin's weight. Those points can then be used toward rewards like $10 gift cards to The Home Depot, Best Buy or Panera Bread, coupons off groceries or discounts at various online sites.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Emergency Contact Database
Join Today at www.cyberdriveillinois.com!
This database lets Illinois driver's license and ID cardholders to enter emergency contact information for a voluntary, secure database. In case of a motor vehicle crash or other emergency situation, law enforcement can access the database to help them reach the person's designated contacts!
Another helpful service from the state:
If your license plates have air pockets forming around the digits or the clear protective coating is peeling, please call 800-252-8980 or 217-785-3000 and your plates will be replaced at no charge.
This database lets Illinois driver's license and ID cardholders to enter emergency contact information for a voluntary, secure database. In case of a motor vehicle crash or other emergency situation, law enforcement can access the database to help them reach the person's designated contacts!
Another helpful service from the state:
If your license plates have air pockets forming around the digits or the clear protective coating is peeling, please call 800-252-8980 or 217-785-3000 and your plates will be replaced at no charge.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Social Consciousness
License Law, the REALTOR Code of Ethics and other regulations will apply to your business related communications whether you are saying it with your real voice to another person, talking on the telephone, texting, "tweeting," chatting on Facebook or "You-tubing" - anything you type or video is creating a record. Expect to see more lawsuits involving such subjects as copyright infringement, invasion of privacy, defamation, libel, and slander.
As a licensee it is important for you to check your office policy with regard to the use of social media. If your company foes not have one it should. Some Companies will not allow its licensees to use social media within the office at all. If you are allowed to use social media within your office, check to see if there is a person to whom you should go with any questions or concerns.
As a licensee it is important for you to check your office policy with regard to the use of social media. If your company foes not have one it should. Some Companies will not allow its licensees to use social media within the office at all. If you are allowed to use social media within your office, check to see if there is a person to whom you should go with any questions or concerns.
Property Taxes can be appealed!
Here are some Web Sites to get you started:
Cook County: www.cookcountyassessor.com
Lake County: www.co.lake.il.us/services/category.asp?parm=Property%20Taxes
McHenry County: www.co.mchenry.il.us/countydpt/assess/assessforms.asp
DuPage County: www.co.dupage.il.us/soa
(Click on "Forms & Documents") (Click on "Board of Review Appeal Form")
Will County: www.willcountyillinois.com
Good Luck!
Cook County: www.cookcountyassessor.com
Lake County: www.co.lake.il.us/services/category.asp?parm=Property%20Taxes
McHenry County: www.co.mchenry.il.us/countydpt/assess/assessforms.asp
DuPage County: www.co.dupage.il.us/soa
(Click on "Forms & Documents") (Click on "Board of Review Appeal Form")
Will County: www.willcountyillinois.com
Good Luck!
Monday, February 6, 2012
Paper Clutter
- A paper shopping bag is perfect for shreddings and other paper recycling.
- Register on the Direct Marketing Association's dmachoice.org and the Consumer Credit Reporting Industry's optoutprescreen.com to remove your name from lists for mailings and credit card offers. Call your card issuers and ask them to stop sending superfluous stuff, like balance transfer checks (you can always request them later). When shopping online, uncheck the prechecked boxes authorizing merchants to mail you catalogs.
- Set up a shredding station. Choose a binned shredder that crosscuts (to protect your privacy) and has a higher sheet capacity than you may need - say 10 sheets at a time.
- Speed up the recycling process. There is no need to pull out staples or remove those little plastic windows from business envelopes - all can go into the recycling bin.
- Stop the printing. Make PDFs of online-purchase confirmation pages and save the files in a folder called Receipts until your shipment arrives. On both PCs and Macs, tell your browser to print, then select the Print to PDF or the Print to File option.
- Switch to online bill pay. Manilla.com imports all your bills to one spot (saving them as long as you want), then sends you reminders when payment comes due.
- Toss out most receipts after checking them online against your bank activity (software like Quicken simplifies this). Or, try a smartphone app like Expensify to scan and save receipts digitally (keep originals for tax, warranty, insurance, or rebate reasons).
- To save kids' art projects without overwhelming your fridge, take pictures and make keepsake books on a photo site.
Spam isn't just a nuisance - it can let in viruses or identity thieves (major time-wasting hassles). Its less nefarious cousin, cleverly called "bacn" (sounds like "bacon"), is the e-mail you signed up for, yet seldom read. to rein it all in:
- Limit what you receive. Check that spam blockers are on, or set your inbox security to the highest level. This moves suspicious messages directly to the junk or spam folder (or deletes them entirely) and directs only messages form senders in your address book into your inbox. Review the junk folder weekly to rescue e-mail that lands there in error. For bacn that you might read later, create an e-mail filter (consult the Help menu) that diverts messages into a separate folder.
- Get them to stop sending it. Set your e-mail to block messages' images or "content," which can contain hidden tracking software that lets spammers know they've hit an active account. Never click anywhere in a spam e-mail. Instead, mark junk mail as spam so it'll be blocked for you. If you're certain messages are bacn, it's fine to click on the Unsubscribe link to take your name off the list.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Trends heat up today's kitchen
Kitchens are no longer rooms unto themselves. They are part of a larger multipurpose room, which allows families and friends to gather, entertain, cook, confer over homework and watch television. The kitchen is the heart of the home and people have finally realized that you are not going to get everyone out of the kitchen.
Kitchen layouts and cabinetry have changed to meet these needs. The advent of dual-chef households also changed the way in which kitchens are used. Husband and wife often want their own prep sinks and other food preparation areas so that they are not tripping over each other.
Islands are becoming more important. Effective storage is also necessary
Aesthetically, homeowners are gravitating toward contrasting cabinets within the kitchen with the island cabinets looking totally different from the perimeter cabinets as a focal point to accent stained wood cabinets elsewhere are very popular now. Islands and stove cabinets are the areas most commonly chosen to be painted accents.
Kitchen layouts and cabinetry have changed to meet these needs. The advent of dual-chef households also changed the way in which kitchens are used. Husband and wife often want their own prep sinks and other food preparation areas so that they are not tripping over each other.
Islands are becoming more important. Effective storage is also necessary
Aesthetically, homeowners are gravitating toward contrasting cabinets within the kitchen with the island cabinets looking totally different from the perimeter cabinets as a focal point to accent stained wood cabinets elsewhere are very popular now. Islands and stove cabinets are the areas most commonly chosen to be painted accents.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Point, Click, and Cut Remodel Bills
For high-end appliances
A new Viking, SubZero, or other commercial-grade appliance can run $10,000. Greendemolitions.com sells used units with years of life left in them. Some well-off homebuyers tear out two- and three-year-old, high-end kitchens. 50% to 90% below the cost of buying new.
For remodeling
Diggerslist.com is a Craigslist for do-it-yourselfers, selling all sorts of renovation castoffs from other weekend warriors' projects. Pick up bricks, door, tiles, lumber,and cabinet hardware for 50% to 70% discounts. Everything is sold as is; go see it and make sure it's in good shape before you buy.
For stone counters
When you need only a small stone countertop - for a kitchen island say - you can save about 50% by buying a remnant instead of a full slab. Thestonebroker.com lets you search local yards' remnants. The site tacks on $200 for any stone you end up buying. But you save $500 or more on the $1,000- to $2,000-and-way-up cost of using a full slab.
For Luxe lighting
High-end light fixtures make your home distinctive, a single chandelier can cost $800 to $1,500 or more. Buy factory direct from one of the finest manufacturers at rejuvenation.com. It offers dozens of lighting styles, made to order in your finish and size needs, for 20% to 30% less than what you'd pay for a similar fixture at a specialty shop.
A new Viking, SubZero, or other commercial-grade appliance can run $10,000. Greendemolitions.com sells used units with years of life left in them. Some well-off homebuyers tear out two- and three-year-old, high-end kitchens. 50% to 90% below the cost of buying new.
For remodeling
Diggerslist.com is a Craigslist for do-it-yourselfers, selling all sorts of renovation castoffs from other weekend warriors' projects. Pick up bricks, door, tiles, lumber,and cabinet hardware for 50% to 70% discounts. Everything is sold as is; go see it and make sure it's in good shape before you buy.
For stone counters
When you need only a small stone countertop - for a kitchen island say - you can save about 50% by buying a remnant instead of a full slab. Thestonebroker.com lets you search local yards' remnants. The site tacks on $200 for any stone you end up buying. But you save $500 or more on the $1,000- to $2,000-and-way-up cost of using a full slab.
For Luxe lighting
High-end light fixtures make your home distinctive, a single chandelier can cost $800 to $1,500 or more. Buy factory direct from one of the finest manufacturers at rejuvenation.com. It offers dozens of lighting styles, made to order in your finish and size needs, for 20% to 30% less than what you'd pay for a similar fixture at a specialty shop.
Insulation choices to consider when what's in the walls isn't up to par
If you're looking to take advantage of a renovation to add or replace insulation, you've got a lot of choices - fiberglass, shredded paper, even plastics, denim scraps, and wool - in several forms. Which material is best for you?
Things to consider: site conditions, your budget, the material's efficiency (expressed as an R-value that measures resistance to heat transfer), and the skill level needed for the installation; insulating with rolls or batts, for example, can be a do-it-yourself project, while filling walls with spray foam is a job for the pros. To get a handle on some of the options that may best suit your renovation, read on.
Rolls or batts
They are fluffy blankets in long strips or precut pads that fit between studs. These are most commonly made of fiberglass, but you can also find ones made from cotton, mineral wool, and real sheep's wool. It is best used in walls gutted down to the studs or in attics. This is a job you can handle
Loose fill
These are dry bits of insulation that get blown into attics. The material is also injected into wall cavities through holes about 2 inches wide. It goes in either from the exterior, which requires prying up siding and drilling through the sheathing - adding to the cost of professional installation - or from the interior walls, which require patching holes. There are three main types: fiberglass, either treated with formaldehyde or untreated; cellulose, which is about 80 percent ground-up newsprint and 20 percent borate, a mineral added as a fire retardant; and mineral wool. It is best used to beef up attic-floor insulation, or inside existing walls when the budget is tight. If you decide to do it yourself, you can rent a blower from a home center.
Expanding foam
This is made of either open-cell or closed-cell polyurethane, or a special cement, this insulation goes on as a soft foam or foaming liquids, filling all spaces, then stiffening in place. Applied only by professionals, it's more costly than other options but is the best at plugging air leaks. Open-cell polyurethane is a low-density, spongy foam. It's sprayed between exposed studs and expands to 100 times its volume in seconds. For finished walls, installers pour a tamer version through small holes; it expands over minutes to 60 times its volume. Closed-cell polyurethane foams to 30 times its volume and dries to a very hard shell. Cementitious foam, which goes on like shaving cream but hardens over days into a meringue-like consistency, requires mesh across the studs to contain it. This is best used when you can look beyond initial cost to long-term comfort. You should most likely let the professionals do it.
Things to consider: site conditions, your budget, the material's efficiency (expressed as an R-value that measures resistance to heat transfer), and the skill level needed for the installation; insulating with rolls or batts, for example, can be a do-it-yourself project, while filling walls with spray foam is a job for the pros. To get a handle on some of the options that may best suit your renovation, read on.
Rolls or batts
They are fluffy blankets in long strips or precut pads that fit between studs. These are most commonly made of fiberglass, but you can also find ones made from cotton, mineral wool, and real sheep's wool. It is best used in walls gutted down to the studs or in attics. This is a job you can handle
Loose fill
These are dry bits of insulation that get blown into attics. The material is also injected into wall cavities through holes about 2 inches wide. It goes in either from the exterior, which requires prying up siding and drilling through the sheathing - adding to the cost of professional installation - or from the interior walls, which require patching holes. There are three main types: fiberglass, either treated with formaldehyde or untreated; cellulose, which is about 80 percent ground-up newsprint and 20 percent borate, a mineral added as a fire retardant; and mineral wool. It is best used to beef up attic-floor insulation, or inside existing walls when the budget is tight. If you decide to do it yourself, you can rent a blower from a home center.
Expanding foam
This is made of either open-cell or closed-cell polyurethane, or a special cement, this insulation goes on as a soft foam or foaming liquids, filling all spaces, then stiffening in place. Applied only by professionals, it's more costly than other options but is the best at plugging air leaks. Open-cell polyurethane is a low-density, spongy foam. It's sprayed between exposed studs and expands to 100 times its volume in seconds. For finished walls, installers pour a tamer version through small holes; it expands over minutes to 60 times its volume. Closed-cell polyurethane foams to 30 times its volume and dries to a very hard shell. Cementitious foam, which goes on like shaving cream but hardens over days into a meringue-like consistency, requires mesh across the studs to contain it. This is best used when you can look beyond initial cost to long-term comfort. You should most likely let the professionals do it.
Safety First - Protecting your devices from online attacks.
Those who own a computer, smart phone, or tablet likely understand the importance of protecting their favorite digital device - and perhaps more important, the information that resides on it - but only a third of us are actually taking the proper precautions to do so. Our PCs, Macs and mobile devices today house a larger number of valuable digital assets - everything from photos and music to personal and financial data. Losing these assets can be devastating, given the money and time we invest in acquiring them. Also, a growing abundance of cyber-criminal activity, perpetrated by people out to pilfer sensitive information like credit card, bank account and Social Security numbers, with the goal of stealing your identity for financial gain. Potentially damaging software is infecting mobile devices through websites or downloaded apps that might contain hidden files, on top of the many voice-, email- and text-based scams.
The following is a short checklist that should help you protect your devices, your information and your family.
Back up your data.
Back up your important files on a regular basis just in case they're compromised due to a malware attack, theft, fire or flood, or hardware malfunction. For your computer, pick up an external hard drive and make a backup of your irreplaceable digital photos and camcorder footage, documents, important emails, contacts, calender appointments, Web bookmarks and so forth. To back up info on your smartphone or tablet, synchronize your device with your computer via USB cable or back up data to an online "cloud" service where it can be easily retrieved, if needed.
Use anti-malware programs.
Invest in good anti-malware software, which includes antivirus and anti-spyware tools, and a two-way firewall. Updates are usually handled automatically and pushed to your device, which will protect you from the latest threats as soon as they're identified.
Be safe and sensible.
Along with regular backups, this includes using strong passwords, downloading only from trusted resources and not leaving your devices unattended. Also, don't be tempted to act on email or text messages that ask you to reveal personal or financial information - they are likely a "phishing" attempt from a scam artist. Rather than placing an Internet-connected computer in a child's room, keep it in a central location in the home, such as a kitchen, family room or any other highly trafficked area. Kids can feel independent while surfing online but not be "alone." Remind them to never give out their address, phone number or other personal information, such as where they go to school - or upload and photos that might reveal this info. This applies to social networking sites (such as Facebook), instant messaging programs, chat rooms, and emails.
Limit Tracking.
To limit tracking, enable your browser's privacy setting, which prevents websites from installing "cookies" that can monitor your movements. See the browser's "Help" menu for details. Use different passwords for sites that require them, and change them every few months.
The following is a short checklist that should help you protect your devices, your information and your family.
Back up your data.
Back up your important files on a regular basis just in case they're compromised due to a malware attack, theft, fire or flood, or hardware malfunction. For your computer, pick up an external hard drive and make a backup of your irreplaceable digital photos and camcorder footage, documents, important emails, contacts, calender appointments, Web bookmarks and so forth. To back up info on your smartphone or tablet, synchronize your device with your computer via USB cable or back up data to an online "cloud" service where it can be easily retrieved, if needed.
Use anti-malware programs.
Invest in good anti-malware software, which includes antivirus and anti-spyware tools, and a two-way firewall. Updates are usually handled automatically and pushed to your device, which will protect you from the latest threats as soon as they're identified.
Be safe and sensible.
Along with regular backups, this includes using strong passwords, downloading only from trusted resources and not leaving your devices unattended. Also, don't be tempted to act on email or text messages that ask you to reveal personal or financial information - they are likely a "phishing" attempt from a scam artist. Rather than placing an Internet-connected computer in a child's room, keep it in a central location in the home, such as a kitchen, family room or any other highly trafficked area. Kids can feel independent while surfing online but not be "alone." Remind them to never give out their address, phone number or other personal information, such as where they go to school - or upload and photos that might reveal this info. This applies to social networking sites (such as Facebook), instant messaging programs, chat rooms, and emails.
Limit Tracking.
To limit tracking, enable your browser's privacy setting, which prevents websites from installing "cookies" that can monitor your movements. See the browser's "Help" menu for details. Use different passwords for sites that require them, and change them every few months.
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