Classique Fingers

So you’re interested in getting started in real estate investing? You’ve heard pundit after pundit tell you things like “46% of American millionaires own investment real estate.” Maybe you’ve seen the late night infomercial pundits telling you how you can get rich on other people’s money with no credit, no assets, no job and no experience. If you believe those folks, you may be in trouble. Yes, you do need something going for you besides the $99.95 for their course if you want to succeed as a real estate investor, but with the right information, a drive to succeed and a willingness to be realistic about what it takes, real estate can help you build a nice nest egg for retirement or a business with a great cash flow now.

One of the things you need to have going for you is good information and the place to get that is from an experienced real estate agent. Yes, real estate agents cost money, but in the long run they more than pay for themselves. In 10 years in real estate, I’ve seen real estate investors who were hostile to agents come and go and I’ve seen dozens of investors who worked with a good agent retire wealthy. Picking an agent who is knowledgeable, experienced and willing to work for you like the money was his own is the most important single decision you’ll make as a real estate investor.

You may be thinking, “Real estate? Now?” Yes, now. “Isn’t it a down market?” Yes and no. First, you need to understand that there’s no such thing as “the real estate market” - there are many kinds of real estate and many local markets and they’re all different. Most US housing markets are down right now, but some are up and the commercial real estate market is doing very well in many places. Second, even in a down market there are opportunities. In fact, I know investors who’d say the best opportunities are in a down market, after all the slogan “buy low, sell high” applies in real estate the same as any investment.

One such opportunity is in foreclosed properties, known in the industry as bank and mortgage company “REO” which is short for “real estate owned.” If you do decide to get involved in REO investing, getting the right advice is really important as the typical rules of real estate simply don’t apply. You’ll need an experienced REO agent to give you the answers to real estate questions.

In this complex and rapidly changing part of the real estate industry, it’s even more important to work with an agent who keeps up with all the latest real estate news, from the basics like mortgage rates to new government regulations, the local market statistics and the latest technology. Picking an agent on the cutting edge can literally save you thousands.

There are so many types of credit cards out on the market offering balance transfer, low APR, rewards, points, air miles, cash back and who knows what else. Credit cards targeting college students is another area targeted heavily through marketing.

These cards focused on the financially uneducated appear to be full of special perks when in reality they are no different in the way the function when compared to any other type of credit card.

The biggest difference in a college or student credit card comes not in function but in their use. The magic plastic finds itself in the hands of someone with no or little prior experience with credit and who perhaps does not understand how credit cards work.

Card companies’ start early with branding. Why? Credit card companies like VISA, Mastercard, Discover and their participating banks understand the customer loyalty! Loyalty to a credit card? Absolutely! For many students heading off to college validates them as an adult. The company, which first grants the incoming freshman the opportunity to carry a credit card proclaiming to the world they’ve reached adult status, gets their loyalty.

It is amazing to see both young men and women develop an attachment to their first credit card.

To attract these new potential customers companies spend mega bucks to get them signed up. To entice new card candidates credit card companies will offer a card design with their school colors and logo on it. They may offer premiums from bike locks to discount vouchers.

Selling students on their need and to experience the benefits of credit cards much earlier can quickly push a student into debt as they learn first hand about credit cards and their use.

To balance such risks, card suppliers often require a parent to co-sign the application form as a guarantee. Another way companies limit risk is with the interest rate or APR. The APR on student credit cards is generally higher than on other credit cards. Always understand the Terms and Conditions before applying for any card offer.

Healthy eating starts with one key activity - healthy shopping. When you head to the grocery store, it is easy to pick up lots of foods that are bad for our bodies without even realizing it. Shopping for a healthy diet can be difficult if you do not know how to do so, but with these tips, you should find it easier to do so the next time you head to the grocery store.

First, have a plan before you ever leave your house. Use the sales flyers to check out the great products that are on sale and take an inventory of your pantry and refrigerator to see what foods you need to purchase. Make a list of all of the foods you’ll need and stick to that list. Allow yourself one or two compulsory buys, but otherwise stay to the ingredients you’ll need to cook healthy meals for yourself and your family for the rest of the week. Before you leave, review your list and take out any unnecessary junk food.

Another great shopping tip to go along with making a list is to shop for a week at a time, or even longer if you have a large freezer. When you have to run to the grocery store every day, you are more likely to pick up junk food items every time you make a trip, and before you know it, your snack supply will be overflowing. You can shop for a week or two in advance by taking a day to plan meals for the week and packaging fresh product to be frozen.

When you’re shopping, it is also important to read the label. Try to avoid purchasing brand name items simply because they are brand name or store brand items simply because they are less expensive. Actually look at the product’s nutritional value and try to get the most nutrients for your money. When you eat higher quality foods, you’ll feel more full and, in turn, eat less, so this really is the best way to bargain shop.

If you are just shopping for yourself, you should also consider picking up a basket at the door instead of getting a shopping cart. The biggest problem with health and grocery shopping is grabbing junk food items that you don’t really need. If you have a small basket, you simply won’t have room for chocolate brownies and ice cream with your load of other foods, so you’ll pass them by.

Lastly, don’t forget to consider drinks into your healthy shopping plan. Most people don’t realize it, but sodas, punches, and beers can have many empty calories and are generally bad drink choices. Instead, look at the labels and choose water or natural fruit juices, like apple juice. With these tips, healthy eating - and shopping - should be much easier!