According to a new survey from Apartments.com, an increasing number of consumers continue to look toward renting as a viable option in today’s market, considering it to be an affordable, flexible lifestyle choice. This higher demand for apartment housing means increased renting costs across the nation. In response to this news, Apartments.com conducted a national survey to more than 3,000 of its January website visitors to find out about their 2012 moving plans, including reasons they are moving, why they are opting to rent versus own property, when they plan to move and which tools they value most during their apartment search. 

Supporting a growing trend, 33.6 percent of respondents looking for an apartment this year said they are previous homeowners (up from 20.5 percent in 2011). From the survey respondents who said they are homeowners looking to rent in 2012, 26.3 percent are doing so because they believe renting is a more affordable option and 21.2 percent prefer the flexibility renting offers in choosing where to live. 

Apartments.com provides the five most popular responses why their website visitors are choosing to rent versus own in 2012: 

- Renting is a more affordable option: (26.3 percent)
- Flexibility to live where I choose: (21.2 percent)
- To relocate for employment: (20.5 percent)
- Cannot afford to keep up with homeownership expenses: (10.5 percent)
- Lost home due to foreclosure and change in marital status: (less than 4 percent each) 

More than 35 percent of respondents indicated they are moving out on their own – whether for the first time or back into their own place – which may be a sign of an improving economy and job market, especially in the rental demographic. Reinforcing that idea is the fact that 23 percent of renters surveyed reported they are relocating for employment opportunities – making that the number one reason for moving in 2012, as it was in 2011. However, the desire to have more space, to save money and to live in a more desirable neighborhood also topped the list. Apartments.com provides the five most popular responses why their website visitors are moving in 2012: 

- Relocating for employment opportunities: (23 percent)
- Looking for a bigger apartment: (11.9 percent)
- Shopping for a less expensive apartment: (11.3 percent)
- Wanting to live in a more desirable neighborhood: (10.6 percent)
- Change in marital status: (8.8 percent)

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Only 54 percent of Americans have more emergency savings than credit card debt, according to a recent poll from Bankrate.com. One in four Americans (25 percent) has more credit card debt than emergency savings and 16 percent have neither credit card debt nor emergency savings. 

Bankrate's monthly Financial Security Index held at 97.3, unchanged from January and tied for the highest level since June 2011. Any reading below 100 indicates a lower level of financial security compared with 12 months earlier. 

Despite four straight months of improving sentiment, consumers' overall financial situation is still seen as negative. Twenty-seven percent of Americans report a lower level of financial security now versus one year ago and 24 percent report a higher level. Thirty-eight percent of Americans are less comfortable with their savings now compared with one year ago; only 14 percent are more comfortable. 

Additional survey findings included:
Job Security: Consumers are slightly positive, with 20 percent feeling more secure than one year ago and 19 percent feeling less secure (up from 17 percent in January). 

Savings: Consumers have reported less negativity about their savings in each of the past three months, with fewer feeling less comfortable and more feeling about the same as 12 months ago. 

Debt and Net Worth: Both were little changed from January and maintain essentially neutral readings. 

Credit Card Debt vs. Emergency Savings
- Households with income of $75,000 or more per year, college graduates and retirees are the most likely to have more in emergency savings than credit card debt.
- Parents are the most likely to have more credit card debt than emergency savings.
- Those most likely to have neither credit card debt nor emergency savings are households with income of less than $30,000 per year, those with a high school education or less and the unemployed.
- In a similar Bankrate poll conducted in February 2011, 52 percent of Americans had more emergency savings than credit card debt. Twenty-three percent had more credit card debt than emergency savings and 19 percent had neither credit card debt nor emergency savings. 

The new study was conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International (PSRAI).

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• Together, baby boomers and Gen Y comprise 50 percent of the population and will soon be part of the largest U.S. wealth transfer ever
• 60 percent of Gen Y goes to college
• More than 38 million U.S. residents (12 percent of the population) are foreign born
• 33 percent of all PhDs and 57 percent of all post-doctorates in science and engineering were awarded by U.S. universities to foreign students
• About 4.3 million Gen Y residents reached age 22 in 2010

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1. How much would it cost to rebuild my home in its current location in the event of a total loss? Your homeowners insurance policy should cover the cost of building a new home from scratch. Your insurance agent or insurance company representative will have knowledge of your neighborhood, and familiarity with the construction materials used when your home was originally built and can accurately calculate this cost. In general, homeowners policies cover partial or total damages caused by fire, hurricane, hail, lightning or any other disaster listed in your policy. Flood and earthquake-related losses must be insured separately because both perils are excluded in standard homeowners insurance policies.
2. How much is the personal property in my home worth in the event of a total loss? Your homeowners insurance policy should cover the cost of replacing all personal property (furniture, appliances, clothing) should it be stolen or destroyed by fire, hurricane or another insured disaster. Most companies provide personal property coverage equal to about 50 to 70 percent of the amount of insurance you have on the structure of your dwelling. So if you have $100,000 worth of dwelling protection, most insurers would recommend $50,000 to $70,000 worth of personal property coverage. The best way to determine if this recommendation is appropriate for your specific situation is to conduct a home inventory. Consider using the I.I.I.’s Know Your Stuff® - Home Inventory app in the iTunes App Store.
3. How much liability protection do I need? Liability covers you against lawsuits for bodily injury or property damage that you, or your family members, cause to other people. It also pays for damage caused by your pets. The liability portion of your policy pays for both the cost of defending you in court and any court awards—up to the limit of your policy. You are also covered not just in your home, but anywhere in the world. Liability limits generally start at about $100,000. Most insurance agents and company representatives recommend that you purchase at least $300,000 worth of liability protection. If you have significant assets and need more liability protection than is offered under the standard homeowners policy limits, ask your agent about umbrella liability.
4. What level of additional living expense coverage do I need? The Additional Living Expenses (ALE) provision is found in standard homeowners insurance policies. It pays for the costs of living away from home if you cannot reside there due to damage from an insured disaster. ALE covers hotel bills, meals and other expenses over and above your customary living expenses. ALE coverage differs from company to company. Many policies provide coverage equal to about 20 percent of your dwelling protection. For example, if the structure of your home is insured for $100,000, you would have $20,000 of ALE coverage. Some companies impose a time limitation, such as 12 to 24 months.
5. Should I buy a separate flood and/or earthquake insurance policy? There were numerous flooding events and earthquakes in the U.S. in 2011, but relatively few Americans had coverage for either type of natural disaster because these perils are excluded from standard homeowners insurance policies. Check with your insurance agent or insurance company representative to see whether you might need specialized coverage beyond your standard homeowners insurance policy.
6. Do I qualify for any discounts? If you have smoke detectors, burglar alarms and/or dead-bolt locks in your home, you can often get a premium rate discount. Sophisticated sprinkler systems and alarms that ring at monitoring stations often reduce your homeowners insurance premium, too. Ask your agent or company representative about discounts available to you. If you are at least 55 years old and retired, for instance, you may qualify for a discount of up to 10 percent at some companies. If you have completely modernized your plumbing or electrical system recently, a few companies may provide a price break.

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• What is your gross and net income, and what are your expenses?
• What do you have in terms of financial assets (savings and investment accounts, real estate, retirement plans, etc.)?
• What are your debts, both in terms of amounts outstanding as well as what you pay each month?
• What workplace benefits do you receive?
• What insurance coverage do you have to protect your health, income, life, property, or need for physical assistance?
• How are your assets titled and who gets them when you are no longer here?

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1. Ensure you know what your employer’s expectations are: See to it that there are no unanswered questions about work hours, breaks, company equipment, and so forth.
2. Ensure that your results are communicated to your employer: Working long hours will not matter if your boss is not aware of what you accomplish.
3. Set up an effective work space: Make sure you have a work area that is free of distractions and is also comfortable and separate from the rest of your house.
4. Establish boundaries with your family and friends: Make sure they are aware of the demands of working from home.
5. Assess your progress on a regular basis: Record your achievements and mark your progress along the way, and make regular evaluations to your work habits.

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• Make the open house a community event. Invite the neighborhood to talk about the school system or other current events affecting the community. By opening your doors to invite people in for another reason than just to view your home, you can raise awareness about your listing while helping to unite the community on important issues. Be careful to stay away from political issues, however. There are many neutral issues such as neighborhood watch or a nonprofit organization that can be highlighted instead.
• Invite a speaker. A great way to stand out from other open houses is to offer a guest speaker like a home stager or general contractor. If people are looking to buy, they’re usually in the process of selling, so hiring a home stager to talk about DIY staging techniques is a great way to get serious buyers through your door.
• Don’t forget to properly market your open house. A mainstay for my company is the use of social media and email blasts to get the word out about any of the events we sponsor. Ask your agent what he or she is doing to get the word out about your home. It’s good advice to plan a marketing strategy with your agent before you hire them so that expectations are clear from the beginning.
• Always provide refreshments. A hot cup of coffee and fresh baked goods can go a long way when it comes to developing a following to your open houses. On top of that, goodies will help keep prospective buyers at your showing longer. Some local restaurants will give you a discount if you help them get the word out about their business. If they have a menu, maybe you can offer a stack on your refreshment table.
• Always add to your database. Raffle off a gift certificate to attendees that will share their business card or contact information with you. Keep a running mailing list of the folks that attend so you can easily keep them in the loop if there’s an offer or a price change.

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• Among the breeds known for intelligence: Shetland sheepdogs, golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, poodles, Australian cattle dogs, Papillons and Doberman pinschers.
• Bulldogs, beagles and Basset hounds all start with ‘B’ but get much lower grades for smarts.
• It’s a myth that mutts have fewer health issues than purebred dogs. Because some breeds have tendencies toward problems such as deafness, blindness or hip dysplasia, remember, these are genetic issues that are inherited. So if you’re mixed-breed includes some German shepherd, it may also have hip dysplasia (a problem with the joint’s bone structure).
• If you’re in the market for a purebred dog, you have a 25 percent chance of finding one – although maybe not the breed you want – at a shelter. If your heart is set on a specific breed, check your area for a rescue group specializing in that breed.

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1. What is your goal in establishing a banking relationship? Answers may include "to save money," "to have a checking account," "to get a loan," or all of the above.
2. How much money can you keep on deposit each month and how many checks will you write? This will help you figure out how complex or simple an account you might need. "Packaged" or "multi-service" accounts offer a variety of services for one fee, while "no frills" accounts offer a minimum number of services at an extra-low price. Other accounts might be designed cafeteria-style: you choose from a variety of services and pay as you go.
3. Will you be buying a home or car or making another large purchase in the near future? You'll want to find out about the variety of loan products offered.
4. If you hope to save for a big expense or toward your child's (or your own!) future education, you'll also want to find out how many savings products are offered. Many banks now offer uninsured investments, such as mutual funds, as well as the more traditional insured deposit accounts.
5. What time of day do you expect to do most of your banking? Some people prefer to visit the bank during their work hours, while others prefer a bank located close to home that they can visit over the weekend.
6. Do you like the convenience of automated teller machines and other types of electronic services—like banking through your personal computer, or do you prefer to deal directly with bank personnel? Answering this question will help you determine if you'd be happier at a bank with an extensive branch network emphasizing regular, evening, or weekend hours, or one that focuses more on electronic services like ATMs and PC banking.

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• Check the features. Look for a brush on/off switch to safeguard bare floors and prevent scattered debris. Another major feature to look for is a motorized brush, rather than suction alone. Manual pile-height adjustment is also a plus, as is suction control for drapes and edge tools for corners.
• Consider bagless carefully. Bagless vacuums eliminate the expense of buying bags but still require filters, which require maintenance and regular replacement. For those with asthma or allergies, the dust and mess of emptying their bins is an added concern.
• Try it out. Even shoppers who plan to buy their vacuum online should visit a store to push, pull, turn, and lift the models they are considering and check out the model's controls and features. Also, it's worth asking whether or not the store is willing to meet or beat the lowest online price.

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• Budget: Establishing a budget for certain monthly items like dining out, entertainment purchases, and grocery spending can help make future arguments disappear. At least once a month, there should be a regular "budget night" where you and your partner get together to discuss your joint financial status. You can review spending and savings activities, and then make financial adjustments and decisions together.
• Prior debt: Coming into a relationship, you or your partner may have student loans, a car loan, credit cards, overdraft lines of credit, etc. Cash flow can be greatly affected by previously accumulated debt. Additionally, a big influence on your financial health as a couple is the way you each handle your debt obligations. Knowing your partner's credit history can offer a glimpse into the future. If either or both of you have had problems making payments in the past, that can have a negative impact on your ability to rent an apartment, get a joint loan, and will result in higher rates charged by utility and insurance companies. Developing a plan to improve upon past mistakes can remove a lot of strain from your relationship.
• Savings goals: Whether you want to save for a trip around the world or want to put money in your 401(k), financial goals need to be established up front. For most, the top three financial goals include buying a home, saving for retirement and building up an education savings account. Making your wishes known to your partner can help the two of you establish a financial plan that incorporates what is important to both of you.
• Major purchases: Be open and honest about major purchases. Simply discussing a purchase beforehand can save you from a potential fight.

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• A payment calculator that helps consumers estimate what their monthly payment will look like for a particular home.
• An affordability calculator that helps shoppers narrow their home search to homes within a specific price range, based on income, down payment and monthly debt information.
• A refinance calculator that allows consumers to compare their current loan and new loan quote to estimate potential savings if they refinance.
• A mortgage shopping experience that enables users to request and receive personalized loan quotes, read lender reviews and connect with a lender.
• Sharing functionality that allows shoppers to share current mortgage rates, calculator results and loan requests via email, Twitter or text message.

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1. Talk money before the move. Discuss finances up front–even before you start looking at apartments. Before the apartment becomes something tangible, make sure you establish what each person is comfortable contributing financially. When you have this discussion, remember to include the cost for Internet, utilities, parking, and any other fees that may arise.
2. Respect personal space. When you move in, make sure you each give yourselves some space that is your own, especially if this is the first time you are moving in with a significant other. As crazy as you are about each other, spending every minute in the apartment together may drive you both a little batty. Ensure each person still has some alone time carved out for themselves.
3. Discuss décor. Hand in hand with respecting your significant other's personal space is respecting their personal decorating style—or lack thereof. Before either of you hang (or purge anything), sit down and talk about your decorating styles and how you can make them blend harmoniously.
4. Don't forget dates. Once you live together, it's easy to mistake seeing each other around the apartment for quality time. Be sure to make time for a night out on the town together or plan a special evening at home. Remember, this is your potential soul mate, not just a roommate you split the bills with.
5. Consider going halfsies on large purchases. Shared purchases are an interesting issue. To fill your apartment, you may need a new couch or dining room table—or you may just want that new big screen TV. So, who pays for this major expense? Consider splitting it 50/50 (or in whatever way makes financial sense for you as a couple). Making these purchases together shows your partner you're committed to the relationship and investing in your future together.

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Contractors across the country were recently surveyed by Angie’s List to determine the most common home aches and pains, and how to remedy them before you have to seek emergency care.

Angie's 7 Signs Your House Needs Professional Care 

1. Up on the Roof: If you notice loose shingles, have attic leaks, suspect chimney issues or see other signs of damage up high, call in a reputable roofing, gutter or chimney expert, or a handyman to give you great advice about what you need done.
2. Leaks don't fix themselves: Leaky faucets, running toilets and other small plumbing issues will just get worse, so do yourself a favor and get those fixed before major damage occurs. If you notice a jump in your water bill but haven't increased your usage, you likely have a hidden leak, which left undetected could lead to mold, wood rot and severe water damage.
3. Caulk it up: The caulking around your tub and shower prevents moisture penetration, which can lead to mold, tile and wall damage and warped cabinetry. Keeping everything watertight will save you a bundle, so be sure to repair any caulking failures. But don't stop there. All homes get cracks and voids in their outside walls over time. Look closely at where two boards come together, because cracks often start there. Also look for damage from animals that are looking for a way in. Caulk any cracks you see to avoid water penetration, subsequent wood rot and to keep the critters out.
4. Sparks fly: Lights that dim on their own schedule are a clear signal that you have an electrical problem. Experts say too many homeowners tolerate this situation for too long, which puts their homes at risk for electrical fire. Another often tolerated-too-long issue is when using one device causes another to switch off because you've blown a fuse. This is a sign you have a capacity or circuit box issue. Less dangerous but still signal-worthy are springy outlets that don't hold plugs. If you have any of these issues, call in a licensed, reputable electrician.
5. Drafty doors and windows: Improperly sealed windows and doors will bring cold air inside during the winter and let cooled air out in the summer, costing you big bucks on your energy bill. An energy audit can tell you where your leaks are and how to seal them.
6. Filter it out: HVAC experts say 60 percent of their service calls result from systems stressed by dirty air filters. Changing air filters regularly (every quarter or so; more if you have pets) can save you up to $100 each year on your energy bill, and will keep you from needing emergency repair. Many highly reputable heating and air conditioning companies offer maintenance plans that include an annual inspection. Doing this will give you an early alert to any issues you have with your entire HVAC system so you can stave off breakdowns.
7. Pump it up: Take a look at your sump pump from time to time. If it's in good shape and its batteries are good, it could save you thousands of dollars in flood damage. But you don't want to find out it needs repairs after the water starts rising. Get an annual inspection and check the batteries at least quarterly.

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Better Homes and Gardens magazine recently released proprietary research and insights into the ideas, inspirations, and strategies driving consumers as they consider the function, style and efficiency of their homes.

In a presentation given at the International Builders Show, Jill Waage, editorial director for Home Content for Better Homes and Gardens revealed survey results about consumer attitudes towards home ownership, upkeep and renovations, design and personalization, and more. A primary point revealed in the presentation shows that, despite continuing economic uncertainty, consumer thoughts toward homeownership remain strong with 8 in 10 saying home ownership is still a good investment and an important part of the American Dream. The BHG survey also found that consumers are more proactive in designing and curating their homes and, in fact, are spending more time planning design changes for the home (up to 38% from 33% the year prior).

Among the survey's key findings:
• Owning a home is still an important part of the American Dream (According to 8 in 10 surveyed).
• Consumers are taking more time to plan for home improvement projects (39% in 2011 compared to 33% in 2010) and are shopping around for more deals and bargains before committing to home improvement plans (42% in 2011 compared to 40% in 2010).

• Consumers find it more important than ever to get the most value out of every dollar (61% in 2011, up from 56% in 2010), and will spend more time looking for bargains and deals in order to get the most value for their money (Up to 54% in 2011, from 52% in 2010).
• Consumers are more willing to get rid of excess "stuff" and not willing to mortgage for more storage space. Multi-purpose rooms are a necessity in the home. Consumers aren't interested in "bonus rooms" or "media rooms" unless they have a multi-functional purpose.
• Style upgrades claim even greater prominence as being the most important feature in consumers' upcoming home improvement plans, followed by storage. For future projects, style upgrades on countertops, flooring, faucets and fixtures is up to 55% in 2011 from 50% in 2010. Expanded/improved storage space stayed flat at 39% in 2011, same as in 2010.
• In terms of remodeling priorities for consumers, baths are outpacing kitchens. Bathroom remodeling stayed constant in 2011 and 2010 (31%) and kitchen remodeling was stable at 25% in 2011, compared to 24% in 2010.

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• Family game night – One night a week, turn off everything electronic in favor of family game night. Even the youngest children can participate in simple board games. Once in a while, try Charades or Pictionary to keep the evenings lively.
• Family dinner night – Whether it’s pizza, pasta or simple sandwiches, plan weekly or monthly evenings when the whole family can work together in the kitchen to prepare a shared meal. Be sure someone is responsible for a simple dessert like cupcakes, cookies or brownies.
• Movie night – If board games bore you, choose a movie the family can watch at home together. Pop some popcorn and/or pack up individual “goodie bags” that everyone can enjoy.
• Wilderness walks – As weather permits, take a nature walk together. Identify plants and animals. Help the youngest kids collect pine cones or shells, or even leaves from which they can make collages.
• Craft night – Children can make tons of things out of simple things like beads, feathers, pasta, glue and string. Add some paints and colored paper and let everyone’s imaginations take hold.
• Check the library – Most public libraries schedule regular shows and special events, many of them free of charge. Check the program and choose one or two events the family can attend together.

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1. One of the first things a prospective buyer notices, a home's roof can represent 40 percent or more of your home's curb appeal, so make sure it is cleaned before putting your home on the market. Nothing turns a buyer away faster than a black or dirty looking roof. Get rid of any black staining or signs of debris on the roof.
2. Head into your attic and look for signs of a leaky roof. This is the best spot for noticing water damage. Have any leaks repaired right away. Even if leaks go unnoticed by a buyer, they will be discovered by the home inspector and cost you more money to fix quickly or could potentially lead to losing the sale all together.
3. Investigate your roof for missing granules on shingles, curling on the edges of shingles or shingles that have come loose. Again, it is best to make these repairs quickly before heading into the sales process.
4. Make sure to keep records of all repairs/enhancements made to your roof prior to your home’s sale. Have your real estate agent add these details to the listing information. A sound, attractive roof can be just the competitive differentiation your home needs.

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• Choosing the Right Supplies. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are harmful gases that can be emitted by some paints, solvents, cleaners, adhesives, furniture, and shelving. Try to find products with low or no VOC levels. When using products that contain high levels of VOCs, open windows or, better yet, turn on an air purifier that has a VOC pre-filter to help remove VOCs from the air that passes through the unit.
• Pay Attention to the Temperature. Set back your thermostat about 10 degrees when you’re away from home for eight hours or more. You could shave as much as 10 percent off your energy bill without sacrificing comfort. Many of today’s thermostats can be programmed to adjust during the day and at night while you’re sleeping. When you are at home, try turning down the thermostat a few degrees and use a portable heater in the rooms you are in the most.
• Watch Humidity Levels. A too-dry environment is not only bad for your family’s health, but for your home itself. Humidifiers offer solutions during dry winter months or in dry climates to help protect valuable wood furniture from drying out and cracking and prevent wood floors from buckling and separating.
• Fight Dust. Pollutants like dust and mold that settle in the home can be attributed to poor air circulation. A whole room fan should be used to ventilate the home properly. Look for models that have a wide ventilation range and are also quiet.

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1. Atlanta
2. Phoenix
3. Orlando, Fla.
4. Dallas/Fort Worth
5. Chicago
6. Houston
7. Denver
8. Seattle
9. Sarasota, Fla.
10. Charlotte, N.C.

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• Capital Advances. This is funding that covers the cost of developing, acquiring, or rehabilitating the development. Repayment is not required as long as the housing remains available for occupancy by very low-income elderly persons for at least 40 years.
• Project Rental Assistance Contracts. This is funding that goes to each development to cover the difference between the residents’ contributions toward rent and the cost of operating the project.

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• Create an exercise plan. This can include brisk walks, weather permitting, or activities like fetch modified for indoor play.
• If getting enough activity may prove troublesome, consider cutting back on calories. This can mean cutting back on treats or decreasing the amount of kibble doled out. If you're worried about your pet feeling deprived, add fresh vegetables into the mix. Carrots make a great treat substitute.
• Visit your veterinarian at the start of winter to get an accurate picture of your pet's current health. It is easier to maintain if you know what you're starting with.
• If your pet is on the heavier side, or has a history of weight issues, continue to see your veterinarian once a month for a check-up to make sure the weight is not creeping on.
• Learn the signs indicative of a pet being overweight or obese. The two areas it is easiest to spot weight gain in are the spine and the ribs.
• If weight gain still does occur, consult your veterinarian for a cat or dog weight loss plan. You do not want to cut back drastically on food without a veterinary opinion.

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• More than four out of five bankruptcy attorneys (81 percent) say that potential clients with student loan debt have increased "significantly" or "somewhat" in the last three-four years. Overall, about half (48 percent) of bankruptcy attorneys reported significant increases in such potential clients.
• Nearly two out of five bankruptcy attorneys (39 percent) have seen potential student loan client cases jump 25-50 percent in the last three-four years. An additional quarter (23 percent) of bankruptcy attorneys have seen such cases jump by 50 percent to more than 100 percent.
• Most bankruptcy attorneys (95 percent) report that few student loan debtors are seen as having any chance of obtaining a discharge as a result of undue hardship.
• More than four out of five bankruptcy attorneys (82 percent) see the limited availability of student loan discharge in bankruptcy as "a big problem" barring a fresh start for clients.
• Seven out of 10 bankruptcy attorneys see the lack of ability to separately classify student loan debts for debtors using chapter 13 as a "big problem."
• Nearly two out of three bankruptcy attorneys (65 percent) say that student loan provider debt collections have become "much more" or "somewhat more" aggressive in the last 18 months.
• More than three out of five bankruptcy attorneys (61 percent) dealing with potential student loan debtor clients have seen cases of debts more than 15 years old still being pursued.
• Titled "Student Loan 'Debt Bomb': America's Next Mortgage-Style Economic Crisis," the companion NACBA paper points out:
• College seniors who graduated with student loans in 2010 owed an average of $25,250, up five percent from the previous year. Borrowing has grown far more quickly for those in the 35-49 age group, with school debt burden increasing by a staggering 47 percent.
• Students are not alone in borrowing at record rates, so too are their parents. Loans to parents for the college education of children have jumped 75 percent since the 2005-2006 academic year. Parents have an average of $34,000 in student loans and that figure rises to about $50,000 over a standard 10-year loan repayment period. An estimated 17 percent of parents whose children graduated in 2010 took out loans, up from 5.6 percent in 1992-1993.
• Of the Class of 2005, borrowers who began repayments the year they graduated, one analysis found 25 percent became delinquent at some point and 15 percent defaulted. The Chronicle of Education puts the default rate on government loans at 20 percent.

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• On average, Americans expect home prices to increase by 1.0 percent over the next 12 months, continuing the upward trend started in October 2011.
• Twenty-eight percent of respondents expect home prices to increase over the next 12 months (up 2 percentage points since last month), while 16 percent say they expect home prices to decline (down 2 percentage points since last month). Fifty-one percent say prices will stay the same.
• Only 8 percent of Americans say that mortgage rates will go down in the next 12 months, down 2 percentage points from December.
• The percentage of respondents who say it is a good time to buy stayed at 71 percent this month, while the percentage who say it is a good time to sell dropped by 1 percentage point to 10 percent.
• On average, respondents expect home rental prices to increase by 3.2 percent over the next 12 months, down from 3.5 percent in December.
• The same percentage of respondents as last month say rental prices will go up (43 percent), go down (5 percent), and stay the same (46 percent).
• Sixty-four percent of respondents say they would buy their next home, while 30 percent say they would rent their next home, down 1 percentage point from last month.

• The percentage of respondents who say the economy is on the right track continued to rise this month, reaching 30 percent, an 8 percentage point increase since last month. The percentage who say the economy is on the wrong track dropped to 63 percent, a decline of 6 percentage points.
• A larger share of respondents (44 percent) say their personal financial situation will get better over the next 12 months than say it will stay the same (41 percent), continuing the gains seen last month.
• Seventeen percent of respondents say their income is significantly lower than it was 12 months ago (down 2 percentage points since November), while 62 percent say it has stayed the same (up 3 percentage points).
• Thirty-six percent say their expenses have increased significantly over the past 12 months, a 3 point decrease from last month and the lowest level in the past 12 months.

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• 54 percent now have some level of concern about using smartphones, up from 43 percent last year.
• 53 percent now have some level of concern about using desktop computers, versus 49 percent in 2011.
• 52 percent now have some level of concern about using their laptop computers, up from 44 percent last year.
• 41 percent now have some level of concern about using personal digital assistants, versus 32 percent in 2011.
• 41 percent now have some level of concern about using iPads, up from 31 percent last year.

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• Foreclosure mediation programs and conferences provide substantial community benefits at little or no cost. Mediation fees average from none to less than $1,000, typically paid by the homeowner and/or the mortgage lender. In comparison, investors lost an average $145,000 per home foreclosure in 2008, and foreclosures just in California have resulted in nearly $500 billion in aggregate direct and indirect costs.
• Effective mediation programs do not prolong foreclosures. Most mediation programs work within the time frames for existing state laws. In Philadelphia, for example, the typical foreclosure case spent 53 days in a foreclosure conference while the average time frame to complete an uncontested foreclosure was 10 months.
• Foreclosure mediation programs connect borrowers with housing counselors. Borrowers who receive housing counseling are much more likely to avoid foreclosure and obtain affordable as well as sustainable loan modifications. According to a recent study, 63 percent of borrowers who obtained modifications with counseling sustained the modifications, while only 8 percent of borrowers who obtained modifications without counseling sustained them.
• Not all foreclosure mediation programs are equal; all states should adopt foreclosure mediation programs with enforceable standards and robust outreach as permanent features of state foreclosure laws as quickly as possible.
• Strong foreclosure mediation programs can work hand-in-hand with other tools to rebuild the nation's broken mortgage market and should be used to maximize HAMP modifications. As documented in previous NCLC reports, servicers can make sustainable loan modifications yet many choose not to do so. The modified loans' default rate over one year dropped from 56.2 percent in 2008 to 25.7 percent in 2010. HAMP loan modifications were the most sustainable of all with a 19.4 percent (2010) and 17.3 percent (2011) redefault rate after one year.
• Policymakers can use mediation programs to help preserve minority homeownership; gains made over the last decade are vanishing. Many minority families were initially targeted for unaffordable subprime loans, and are denied loan modifications more often and steered into less affordable non-HAMP loan modifications more frequently than non-minority homeowners. Mediation programs provide needed oversight over practices that continue to disproportionately impact minorities.

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• The point of the leak on the water main.
• The time of day the water line break occurs.
• The severity of the water main break.
• The age and type of the existing water line.

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• Define the roles: It's important to identify all the household chores and discuss who will have ownership of each.
• Discuss expectations: The results showed that women don't trust men to meet their standards of clean. Gray recommends that women actually show men how they want the house cleaned and that couples discuss what clean means to each of them.
• Look for time-saving cleaning tools: Stock your home with cleaning products that are easy to use and efficient.
• Remember to say thank you: Whether or not the bathroom shines the way you want, don't forget to say thank you for making the effort.

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1. Register new appliances. It is critical that consumers register their products with manufacturers in order to be promptly notified in the event of a recall. Consumers concerned about their privacy or junk mail need only provide manufacturers with their name, contact information and the appliance's model number.
2. Check for recalls. Consumers can sign up for alerts at www.recalls.gov. Those who move into a home with existing appliances should record their make and model and check company websites for any recalls or review customers' experiences with those products at www.SaferProducts.gov.
3. Install fire-prevention equipment. Each level of a home and every bedroom should have a working smoke alarm. Consumer Reports recommends smoke alarms have both photoelectric and ionization sensors to provide the fastest response to any type of fire. Also, keep one full-floor fire extinguisher (rated 2-A:10-B:C or greater) on every level, plus a smaller supplemental unit in the kitchen.
4. Inspect power cords. Check for frayed power cords and never route electric cords (including extension cords) under carpeting, where they can overheat or be damaged by furniture.
5. Check home wiring. The electrical wiring in older homes cannot always handle the demands of modern appliances. Systems should be inspected by a qualified electrician. An upgrade to wiring may cost several hundred dollars, but is likely worth the added expense.
6. Practice kitchen safety. Unattended cooking is a common fire-starter, whether using a range or microwave oven. If small children are home, maintain a kids-free-zone of at least 3 feet and use back burners when possible. Consumers should unplug their small appliances, including toasters and coffeemakers, when not in use and or when planning to be away for long periods.
7. Clear range hoods. Grease buildup in range hoods is another fire hazard, so be sure to clean the vents regularly.
8. Keep dryer vents clear. Clean the lint screen in the dryer regularly to avoid buildup, which has been listed as a factor in many fires. Use rigid metal dryer ducts instead of flexible ducts made of foil or plastic, which can sag and let lint build. Check ducts regularly and remove any lint buildup.

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While many may think the Super Bowl is a man’s domain, women have a lot to say about it, too. Online dating website Zoosk.com recently surveyed more than 1,000 single women in the U.S. to determine their thoughts on the Big Game. Here, some highlights from the survey findings:

• 91 percent of single women view being taken to the Super Bowl in Indianapolis as a “dream date.”
• 51 percent of women think the New England Patriots will win.
• 49 percent of women think the New York Giants will win.
• 66 percent of females think that the game is the best part.
• 20 percent are only watching for the commercial entertainment.
• 14 percent of women tune in for the halftime show.
• 60 percent of single women think that Quarterback, Tom Brady is the sexiest Patriot.
• 61 percent of single women think that Quarterback, Eli Manning is the sexiest Giant.
• 34 percent of single women plan to participate in a pool this year.

The Zoosk poll was conducted online in January 2012 and fielded 1,012 responses from single women in the United States who use Zoosk.

• Your home is your primary residence
• You owe less than $729,750 on your first mortgage
• You got your mortgage before January 1, 2009
• Your payment on your first mortgage (including principal, interest, taxes, insurance and homeowner’s association dues, if applicable) is more than 31 percent of your current gross income
• You can’t afford your mortgage payment because of a financial hardship, like a job loss or medical bills

• Information about the monthly gross (before tax) income of your household, including recent pay stubs
• Your most recent income tax return
• Information about your savings and other assets
• Your monthly mortgage statement
• Information about any second mortgage or home equity line of credit on your home
• Account balances and minimum monthly payments due on your credit cards
• Account balances and monthly payments on your other debts, like student loans or car loans
• A completed Hardship Affidavit describing the circumstances responsible for the decrease in your income or the increase in your expenses

• Medical Expenses. Nearly 100 medical costs can be deducted, related to the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of disease or costs for treating any part of the body. Those include equipment, services and supplies, ranging from glasses to eye surgery to acupuncture to prescriptions.
• Long-term health care costs. An often-missed expense is the amount paid for long-term care services and long-term care insurance (that's a more limited deduction, depending on age). Rehabilitation, therapeutic, preventative and personal care services are among those that qualify as long-term care services, if your family member is chronically ill and if it's part of a plan set by a health care practitioner. Someone is considered chronically ill if they can't perform at least two activities of daily living (such as eating, toileting, bathing and dressing) without substantial assistance from someone else.
• Mileage. From weekly doctor's appointments to out-of-town visits with a specialist or for a procedure, the miles you log for your parents' medical needs can be deducted. You can qualify for this deduction if your parent is considered a dependent. You can take 19 cents a mile for 2011, for medical mileage. If you're staying overnight for a medical purpose, deduct $50 per night, for each person, for lodging.
• Home improvements for aging adults. Investing in ramps for a wheelchair-bound parent, handrails and grab bars in the bathroom or a stepless shower can be part of a deduction. It doesn't matter if the improvements are in your home or your parent’s home, as long as it doesn't add value to the house. According to the IRS, the cost of the improvement is reduced by the increase in your property value. Other changes, such as widening doorways and hallways, lowering kitchen cabinets and installing lifts, also typically do not add value to houses.
• Mortgage interest. If you are paying interest on your or your parents' home loans, construction loans or home equity lines of credit, it's deductible. There are some limitations, though, so you need to discuss with your accountant.
• Estate tax on an inherited IRA. This is not as easy as deducting medical expenses or charitable contributions, but it is worth checking out. If you inherited an IRA from your parents, you could take a deduction for the federal estate tax paid on IRA income.

• 28 percent of men have delayed a break-up with someone they were living with because they didn’t want to look for a new place to live, while in comparison, 21 percent of women have done the same.
• While 39 percent of respondents aged 18-34 have delayed a break-up with someone they were living with because they didn’t want to look for a new place to live, only 22 percent of respondents aged 35-54 and 17 percent of respondents aged 55+ have done the same.
• 37 percent of those who delayed a break-up waited one year or more to end ties with their significant other, while 35 percent waited six months and 28 percent waited 3 months.
• 40 percent of females who delayed a break-up waited one year or more to end ties with their significant other, while 32 percent of males waited one year or more.
• 29 percent of females would choose their dream home over their dream significant other, while 32 percent of males would choose their dream home over their dream significant other.
• 25 percent of respondents aged 55+ would choose their dream home over their dream significant other, while 44 percent of respondents aged 18-34 would choose their dream home over their dream significant other.

• Know what to get rid of. Discard the records you no longer need, including: tax returns older than seven years; bank records and credit card statements that are not related to the tax returns you’re keeping; brokerage statements that aren’t related to purchases of current holdings. Of course, make sure such private documents are shredded before throwing them out.
• Create digital files. Convert the documents you plan to save into digital images that are stored on your hard drive. Invest in a good scanner and scan as you go through your paperwork, shredding and tossing the hard copies. On your computer, file by tax year, so your 2011 folder will contain your tax return for 2011 and all pertinent bank records and receipts. Organize the previous six years the same way. Next year, you can delete the oldest folder when you add the 2012 folder.
• Go paperless. Stop receiving paper statements from your financial institutions—they’d prefer to send you documents electronically, anyway. Instead, download your statements electronically and store them in your new filing system. Most banks and credit card companies keep at least a year’s worth of statements available. You need to download these files only once a year to complete the year’s file.
• Back-up your files. Make backup copies of your files on CD. Choose a CD-R (recordable) as opposed to a CD-RW (rewriteable), because CD-R cannot accidentally be overwritten. Depending on your computer operating system, you may be able to continue adding data to a CD-R each year, until the CD is full. However, some operating systems won’t allow that, so you’ll need a new CD for each year.
• Apply your new system to all critical documents. Your new electronic filing system can be expanded to include all your financial records, from car maintenance receipts to pay stubs. Wills and insurance policies can also be scanned and stored but, of course, keep the originals in a safe deposit box or fireproof safe.

• Teal and burnt orange were strong color contenders, closely followed by apple green and bright lemon.
• The neutral grays are morphing into driftwood or raffia tones.
• Botanicals are back, particularly in silhouetted prints of trees, ferns, or gingko leaves. Figurative florals are also key.
• Prevalent patterns included paisleys, cabana stripes, suzanis (a type of embroidered and decorative tribal textile made in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries), toiles, lace, and Florentine tiles.
• Menswear designs inspired leather looks, including a houndstooth pattern on a hair-on-hide.
• Crocodile featured strongly on fashion runways this fall, and it’s back in a very big way for leather suppliers.
• Novelty patterns included folk-art birds, postcards, scientific equations, china plates, round chickens, and hamsa (a palm-shaped design).
• In trims, look for tassels to start appearing again, particularly Deco-inspired designs that step away from the traditional shapes.

• Length: The industry average for a credit card agreement is currently about 5,000 words; the CFPB’s prototype comes in at a substantially reduced 1,100 words.
• Language: The draft credit card agreement has an easy-to-read layout and is written in plain language. It is organized into three simple sections: costs, changes, and additional information.
• Consumer Appeal: The simplified agreement explains the prices, risks, and features of the credit card upfront, as opposed to burying it in fine print.
• Consistency: The prototype establishes standard definitions for legal terms like “card” and “balance transfer” that are contractually necessary but largely uninformative to consumers. These definitions are based on standard industry usage and practices and will be housed online where consumers can readily access them. For consumers who do not have Internet access, the definitions will be available from their issuer in printed form. According to the CFPB, doing this allows for a plain language document that clearly explains to consumers how the credit card works.

• Better food and coffee in the office might help cut back personal spending. Perhaps because of how much they're spending outside the office, American workers would like companies to invest in better food and drinks in the office. One-quarter (25 percent) of Americans wish their company would invest in better vending machine snacks and 22 percent of American workers would like their company to invest in better coffee in the office.
• Employers should focus on the "simple pleasures" to keep employees happy. Although better food and drinks would be a plus, employees most want to see their companies invest in better office equipment (46 percent) and more comfortable office chairs (32 percent) in 2012.
• Corporate discounts do not factor into employees' purchase decisions. Companies looking to attract new candidates shouldn't focus on corporate discounts as a selling point. The majority (82 percent) of employees say corporate discounts matter little or not at all when buying a new product or service.

• Use color creatively. Add warmth and excitement to your life by accessorizing your home with red, yellow and orange, says Duneier. These colors have a stimulating Chi (energy vibration) and have the energy of summer. This invigorates our environment, making us feel more optimistic and energized.
• Bake something. Turn on the oven to fight off the wintery chill. After all, who doesn’t feel better by the smell of chocolate chip cookies baking? Try a variety of ingredients like vanilla or cinnamon and experiment with baking an old family recipe, advises Duneier. Winter provides the perfect opportunity to slow down and reconnect to your home and family through baking.
• Use fragrance to bring the outdoors in. Scented candles can be especially helpful in the winter when we spend so much time indoors. Home fragrance can reconnect us to the natural world through our sense of smell. The scents of flowers, fresh rain, the forest, or ocean air are all essential to our well-being. Choose candles made of soy or bees wax with 100 percent cotton wick to ensure a toxic-free experience.

• 47 percent of HR professionals noticed employees' struggle with their "ability to focus on work."
• 46 percent noticed issues with "overall employee stress."
• 26 percent observed a negative impact on "overall employee productivity."
• 24 percent said money woes are leading to "employee absenteeism and tardiness."
• 20 percent are concerned about "overall employee morale."
• 12 percent noticed a negative impact on "overall employee health."
• 7 percent said "working relationships with other employees" are the least impacted.

1. Don't buy if you can't stay put. Given today’s challenging marketplace, don’t buy a home unless you can commit to staying there for at least a few years. The days of flipping for profit are long gone and you stand to lose money if you sell too soon after buying.
2. Shore up your credit. Securing a mortgage in today’s market requires excellent credit so take the time to clean up your credit report well before you begin looking for a home.
3. Be honest about what you can really afford. The rule of thumb is that you can buy housing that runs about two-and-one-half times your annual salary. But CNNMoney recommends using one of the many calculators available online to get a better handle on how your income, debts, and expenses affect what you can afford.
4. If you can't put down the usual 20 percent, you may still qualify for a loan. There are a variety of public and private lenders who, if you qualify, can provide options in terms of interest rates and down payments.
5. Schools affect home values. Even if children aren’t a part of your life now or in the near future, look at homes in areas supported by a good school system. Good schools are paramount for many homebuyers and have a direct impact on the value of your home.
6. Work with a real estate professional. Even though the Internet gives buyers unprecedented access to home listings, most new buyers (and many more experienced ones) are better off using a professional agent. Today’s market requires expert guidance through every stage of the home-buying process.
7. Choose carefully between points and rate. When picking a mortgage, you usually have the option of paying additional points - a portion of the interest that you pay at closing - in exchange for a lower interest rate. If you stay in the house for a long time - say three to five years or more - it's usually a better deal to take the points, says CNNMoney. The lower interest rate will save you more in the long run.
8. Get pre-approved. This will help you avoid the emotional rollercoaster of falling in love with houses you can’t afford. Not to be confused with pre-qualification, which is based on a cursory review of your finances, pre-approval from a lender is based on your actual income, debt and credit history.
9. Make an educated bid. Work with your real estate professional to make the right opening bid. Bids should be based on the sales trend of similar homes in the neighborhood, so review with your agent sales of similar homes in the last three months.
10. Hire a home inspector. In addition to the appraiser your lender hires, you should also hire your own home inspector, preferably an engineer with experience in doing home surveys in the area where you are buying. His or her job will be to point out potential problems that could require costly repairs down the road.

• Stay vigilant and conduct your own "reputation report" from time to time. Search all variations of your name in popular search engines, and evaluate if the results reflect the reputation you'd like to share with the world, including current or future employers, colleagues, friends and family members. Research found that 37 percent of adults rarely or never do this.
• Consider separating your professional and personal profiles. When you are job hunting, applying to school or looking for new insurance or a loan, remember that your online profile can be a determining factor for hiring managers and application reviewers. Be sure to use different email addresses, screen names, referring blogs and websites for each profile, and avoid cross-referencing personal sites. Fifty-seven percent of adults think about taking steps to keep their work and personal profiles private; however, 17 percent of people have inadvertently shared information online that was intended to remain private. Most commonly shared are details about one's personal life (56 percent) and personal photos (38 percent).
• Adjust your privacy settings. Review and use the privacy settings on the Web browsers, social networking sites, and personal blogs you use. Privacy settings help manage who can see your information, how people can search for you, and who can comment, along with giving you the opportunity to block unwanted access. According to the survey, 49 percent of adults do not use privacy settings on social networking sites.
• Think before you share. Think about what you are posting (particularly personal photos and videos), who you are sharing the information with, and how it will impact your reputation. Talk with friends and family about what you do and do not want shared about you, and ask them to remove anything you don't want disclosed. Fourteen percent of people have been negatively impacted by the online activities of others. Of those, 21 percent believe it led to being fired from a job, 16 percent to being refused health care, 16 percent to being turned down for a job they were applying for, and 15 percent to being turned down for a mortgage.
• Be a good digital citizen. The Web has a long memory. Conduct yourself in a civil manner, showing respect for those with whom you engage.

1. Appraisals directly affect your mortgage. Lenders order appraisals to get a stronger understanding of risk relating to the underlying collateral offered in a mortgage. Lenders want to know how much the property could sell for so that they can make sure the loan has the right collateral to back it.
2. Make sure your appraiser is licensed/qualified. Encourage your lender to look for appraisers with the MAI, SRPA or SRA designation and/or those who are members of the Appraisal Institute. Many of today’s financially pinched lenders are utilizing third-party firms to outsource administrative functions, which can result in the hiring of a low-cost appraiser that lacks the proper market knowledge. Make sure your appraiser has field experience in your market. According to the Appraisal Institute, a qualified appraiser knows how to conduct a thorough market analysis and make appropriate adjustments if/when distressed sales are used as comparables.
3. Follow your appraiser. While you may have heard that the appraisal needs to happen independently, the truth is that most appraisers welcome your presence and the detailed information you can provide about your home. Ask your lender for permission to do so, and confirm the appointment. This will also give you an opportunity to ensure that an adequate appraisal is performed. Make sure the appraiser spends a reasonable amount of time assessing the home and takes note of the details.
4. Get a copy of the appraisal report. According to the Appraisal Institute, federal law requires lenders provide consumers with the appraisal report, regardless of whether credit is granted, denied, or the application is withdrawn. A mortgage appraisal should not be used for any other purpose.
5. Know how to review the report. While a professional appraiser is needed to accurately interpret the report, there are some red flags you can keep an eye out for. Common errors in appraisals include: misuse of adjustments to comparables; disregarding special financing and concessions; or miscalculation of gross living area. Ask yourself how your home compares to other properties in your area to help determine if the appraiser’s review is accurate.
6. Appeal the appraisal. Most lenders have appraisal appeal procedures, known as “Reconsiderations of Value.” If you are aware of recent, comparable sales information or items that may not have been available or considered by the appraiser, provide those to your lender.
7. Ask for a second appraisal. If problems were found with the first appraisal, you can and should obtain a second appraisal. Once again, make sure a qualified appraiser is used the second time around.
8. File a complaint. If you have a legitimate beef, file a complaint with the appropriate state appraisal board or professional appraisal organizations. Lenders are required under federal law to report legitimate complaints with appropriate regulatory authorities.

• Pole saws or pruners can help clear away dead or damaged limbs near your home or on your driveway. Make sure you always keep a firm footing on the ground when using such equipment. Do not use a ladder, and stay away from electrical conductors.
• A chain saw can help clear away trees and more massive limbs, but first read and understand the instruction manual and ensure equipment is in good condition. Do not work around power lines, since they can be the biggest threat to safety.
• Power generators can keep the lights on, refrigerators running and water flowing in an emergency. Do not operate power generators, however, in enclosed areas. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can become concentrated in enclosed areas and cause serious injury or death.
• Snow throwers/snow blowers come in handy for significant snow events and are easier than shoveling for those who have medical conditions. Be sure to read your operator's manual and dress warmly to guard against exposure.
• Chippers and shredders help ease the physical hardship of post-storm cleanup. Keep bystanders, pets, and children at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop the machine if anyone enters the area.
• Utility vehicles can be an important piece of equipment to help move branches, haul sandbags or maneuver through areas inaccessible to other vehicles.

• Go bigger. A big game deserves a big screen, especially when watching it with a crowd. The good news is that price drops have been greatest on larger screen sizes.
• Get 1080p resolution. Unlike smaller sets, a TV with a big screen will benefit from "full-HD" 1080p resolution. Viewers will not only be able to see the difference in fine details—say, the textures in players' uniforms or individual blades of grass—they'll also avoid the "screen-door effect" that comes when you sit close to a TV, especially a very big TV.
• Go wide when it comes to viewing angles. While plasma TVs offer virtually unlimited viewing angles, the picture quality of many LCD sets starts to suffer if viewers move off-angle—something to consider for those who will have the gang over to watch the game,
• Don't blur the action. Some LCD TVs can blur during fast-moving scenes, such as those in many sports games. Sets with 120Hz or 240Hz technologies, which speed up the TV's frame rate, can help. Motion blur typically isn't an issue with plasma TVs.

According to a report earlier this month from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the Appraisal Subcommittee, which oversees the appraiser regulatory programs established by each state, needs to improve its monitoring procedures. A faulty appraisal process is believed to be hurting home values and hampering a full housing recovery.

The GAO report found the Appraisal Subcommittee’s “enforcement tools and procedures for reporting compliance levels have been limited.” The GAO cited “several weaknesses” that have potentially limited the subcommittee’s ability to monitor state appraiser regulatory agencies, the federal financial institution regulators and the Appraisal Foundation, a private, non-profit corporation that sets criteria for appraisals and appraisers.

Under the Dodd-Frank Act, the Appraisal Subcommittee was granted the authority to establish a national hotline to receive complaints over noncompliance with appraisal independence standards and grievances from appraisers, individuals or other entities over attempts to improperly influence appraisers or the appraisal process. Currently, no such hotline exists and the GAO report states that the creation of a national hotline could strain the Appraisal Subcommittee’s resources.

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) believes that an effective oversight system needs to be put in place to ensure that appraisals accurately reflect market values. How homes are valued can have a dramatic effect on homeowners’ mortgages, foreclosure rates, the health of banks and, ultimately, the condition of the U.S. financial system, says NAHB.

A recent NAHB survey shows that one out of three builders have lost signed sales contracts because of flawed appraisals and a fall survey conducted by the National Association of REALTORS® shows that 18 percent of REALTORS® reported a recent contract cancellation or delay as a result of a low appraisal.

Numerous flaws in the appraisal system have been causing inaccurate home valuations, both in times of housing weakness and strength, says NAHB. NAHB has been actively seeking improvements in appraiser education and training, particularly for appraisals of new homes, as well as more rigorous oversight so appraisal guidelines are enforced and errors can be corrected as they occur.

• Place feeders near cover to shield songbirds from avian predators, but at least 15 feet away from windows and groundcover that roaming cats can hide in or behind. Most people who feed songbirds aren't in it to set the table for hawks and cats. So give some thought to feeder placement. Wild birds are counting on you!
• Windows can be as deadly to songbirds as predators because birds don't see glass. Therefore, it is important to move feeders away from windows.
• Identify which species you want to attract and then select the feeder and seeds/food you'll use to attract them. The three easiest ways to attract the greatest number of birds involve using cylindrical feeders – filled with black-oil sunflower seeds and/or thistle seeds – suet feeders, and ground feeding with corn, millet and black-oil sunflower seeds. This three-way approach will make just about any yard a food court for birds.
• Although some birds may become dependent on feeders, it likely won't be the only stop on their daily foraging route. Still, if you commit to feeding birds in the winter, it's best not to stop in the middle of the season. Those foods you've begun to provide help balance birds’ intense daily demands for energy to endure frigid winter nights and chilly winds.
• Keep your feeders clean so birds don't risk contracting diseases from contaminated seeds and fungus. The Game Commission recommends first cleaning bird feeders with soap and water followed by a solution that is one part household bleach and nine parts warm water. If you're not seeing sick-looking birds at your feeder, cleaning it once or twice a month is sufficient. Increase the frequency to once a week if trouble shows.
• Whenever you feed songbirds, there's always the potential to lure into your yard – and sometimes your house – critters you'd rather stay away, so keep a careful eye out for unwanted intruders. This includes black bears, deer, raccoons, squirrels and field mice. Black bears had a rough fall – acorn crop failure – and some may be more active this winter than usual. Suet and black-oil sunflower seeds would be very appealing to them. Raccoons also are partial to suet. Deer, on the other hand, can be drawn by shelled corn. So can field mice. Squirrels come to just about everything you offer.

• Run a simple keyword or category search and view a map detailing where the most and fewest opportunities are for their line of work.
• View actual relocation opportunities in different cities.
• Learn what they would need to earn in order to maintain their current standard of living in another city.
• Research homes, property values, mortgage quotes, moving and storage costs.
• Tap into articles and advice on relocating and hiring trends.

• Engineering – 30 percent of employers
• Information Technology – 23 percent
• Business Development – 21 percent
• Sales – 21 percent
• Financial – 16 percent
• Marketing – 13 percent
• Legal – 11 percent

• Made a fresh start – 30 percent
• Made new friends – 31 percent
• Had new experiences we wouldn't have had anywhere else – 29 percent
• Earning at a higher level gave the family more spending options – 27 percent
• Better long-term career opportunities – 22 percent
• Area is nicer and schools are better – 19 percent

• Cost of living is higher – 26 percent
• More stress on the family unit – 24 percent
• Difficult to make new friends – 18 percent
• Feeling homesick – 16 percent

1. Is your property currently on the market? Is it listed with an agent?
2. Is this your primary residence?
3. When was the property purchased?
4. What was the original purchase price?
5. Who holds the mortgage?
6. What kind of loan do you have? (FHA, VA, Conventional)
7. Do you have any other liens against your property?
8. Who is on the title (or deed) for the property?
9. Who is on the mortgage?
10. Do you have mortgage insurance?
11. Are you current with your payments? If not, how far in arrears are you?
12. How much do you owe?
13. Why do you need/want to sell?
14. What caused you or will be causing you to miss your mortgage payment obligation?
15. Do you have funds in accounts that could be used to satisfy the deficiency?
16. Are you currently living in the property? If not, where are you living and is the property being maintained?
17. How soon do you need to move?
18. Are you up to date on your condo or HOA payments (where applicable)?
19. Do you owe any back taxes?
20. Are you considering filing for bankruptcy protection?
21. Are you currently pursuing a loan modification with your lender?
22. Who is occupying the property?
23. Do you hold or are you subject to any type of security clearance related to your job?
24. What are your plans after you sell?
25. Are you looking to receive any money from the sale of your home?
26. How much income are you currently making from all sources?
27. Do you anticipate any income change up or down in the not-too-distant future?

• Gen Y: Only 40 percent are worried about meeting financial obligations. Still, 31 percent of 18-29 year olds say their personal savings and investments were the hardest hit.
• Gen X: Half (50 percent) of 30-39 year olds and 31 percent of 40-49 year olds say they could not go any amount of time between jobs and still pay their bills.
• Baby Boomers: Thirty-seven percent of those nearing retirement age (50-64) say their retirement savings have suffered most.
• Retirees: For those most likely in retirement (65 or older), 41 percent claim their personal savings and investments suffered most. However, they are the least worried about fulfilling their fiscal obligations (38 percent).

• Warm it up. A large room with high ceilings can feel impersonal or unbalanced when furnishings, floor coverings and accessories visually occupy the bottom half of a room, leaving the top bare. Experiment with a ceiling color in a deeper shade. For example, a rich cocoa in a soft sheen, such as eggshell or pearl, will cozy up and balance a large open space.
• Dress it up. Consider experimenting with glazes on your ceiling, including metallic and pearlescent effects. Or try a specialty plaster, which can add texture, color and dimension.
• Open it up. Make a small room or room with a low ceiling feel larger by keeping the color contrast between the walls and ceilings to a minimum. For example, a pale yellow ceiling over wheat-colored walls allows the eye to gently travel upward without the stark demarcation created by a bright white ceiling. For the best effect, choose ceiling colors in a flat sheen, which will absorb light and hide imperfections.

• Be clear and specific. Dissect general resolutions, such as “I want to be more successful,” to come up with the specific steps to reach that goal. For example, define what success means to you: More money? More time to spend with family? More notoriety? This will help clarify the necessary steps for reaching your goal, says Bailey.
• Confront your mental blocks. Ask yourself what blocks and obstacles you will have to overcome to reach your goals, advises Bailey, and take inventory of your own self-limiting beliefs. Uncover the beliefs that have historically blocked you from moving forward and replace these with new, positive thoughts right away.
• Determine where you need improvement. Once you’ve conquered your self-limiting beliefs, figure out which areas of weakness tend to hold you back from reaching your goals: Disorganization? Avoiding people? Lack of consistency? Sometimes our bad habits derail us from reaching our goals, so seek to strengthen such areas, says Bailey.
• Have a timeline and a plan. Declaring a resolution is a great first step but if you don’t put some parameters around it, such as a deadline, chances are high that it might never happen. A plan and a timeline build in necessary accountability to your resolution, Bailey explains. Consider enlisting a colleague, spouse or coach to help in the accountability department.
• Keep the prize in mind. Did you know that most top athletes mentally rehearse and visualize themselves performing at their best? If you're really serious about manifesting what you want this year, take advantage of this important strategy, says Bailey. Picture yourself a year from now having achieved all your resolutions for 2012, ready to take on the challenges of yet another year. This positive mental image will serve as an important motivator throughout the year.

• Don’t obsess over the news. Negative economic news, such as the debt-ceiling debacle and the Eurozone crisis, created substantial market volatility, which plays with our emotions and makes us act impulsively, says Chatzky. Remember, she advises, the market rewards those who stick around for the long-term. A recent study by Fidelity revealed that 401(k) accounts are almost back to pre-recession levels—but only for those who didn’t back down and stop contributing. If the headlines are bad, turn off the TV, says Chatzky, and avoid the temptation to tinker with your portfolio.
• Take control of your finances. While negative news and the financial market are out of our control, we always have control over our own finances, including how much we spend, and more importantly, how much we save. If you haven’t already, says Chatzky, automate your savings and watch your money grow. This is the ultimate sense of control.
• Limit what you borrow for college. Student loan debt will reach $1 trillion for the first time ever and college tuition is soaring faster than inflation, so Chatzky advises college-bound students and their families to be careful about what—and how—they borrow to avoid ending up in a default situation.
• It’s never too late to get on track. Chatzky stresses that it doesn’t matter how old or young you are—if you’ve made financial mistakes this year, pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and make a plan that will put you back on track, whether it’s saving $10 a day or finding a better-paying job. Options are always out there for the taking.

• Brighten it up: Counter the cloudy days of winter by making your home stand out. Keep the lights on in the front of the house even if no showings are scheduled. You never know who will be driving by to take a peek.
• Don't overlook a place for shoes: Prospective buyers and guests will likely be schlepping through your home with muddy shoes and boots. Make sure you have a designated spot for wet footwear, like a festive rug or area in the breezeway. You want to ensure that your home stays just as clean for whoever will be touring the home next.
• Keep it fresh: Homes, especially ones not currently being lived in, have a tendency to get stuffy in the winter time. Air out the home on warmer days or have a nice room fragrance available, like a candle or spray. As always, keep pets hidden or away from the main quarters to make sure no additional smells enter the home.
• Keep a steady temperature: Don't cook your prospective buyers. Keep the home at a steady 65 degrees during showings. Those touring will likely not be taking off their jackets, so there's no reason to make them sweat.
• Don't ignore the exterior: Just because it's winter doesn't mean you should neglect the yard. Be sure to keep walkways clear of ice and debris to ensure everyone's safety. Always shovel the driveway and walks promptly after a snowfall or ice storm.

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