Title Loan: A car title loan, or simply title loan, is a loan where the borrower provides their car title as collateral for a loan.
GET THE CASH YOU NEED AND KEEP YOUR CAR!
At UTAH MONEY STORE you can borrow the cash you need and keep your car. Your car’s title is the only collateral, not your vehicle. With UTAH MONEY STORE’s affordable Car Title Loans, YOU choose your payment plan. Your payments can include Principal and Interest so you will know exactly how long you will have the loan,
* Bad Credit – No problem
* Lost title – No problem
* Payment options – Interest Only or Principal and Interest payments.
* We will beat ANY competitors interest rates GUARANTEED.
* Free GIFT ($ 1,000 or more 1st time loan and 60 day term.)
BAD CREDIT IS OKAY
You can borrow money at UTAH MONEY STORE even if you have bad crediteven a prior bankruptcy.
ATV’s, MOTORCYCLES, & TRAILERS
We also provide ATV loans, motorcycle loans, recreational vehicle loans, etc. However, we ask that they are to be left with us along with your title for the duration of the loan.
How The Car Title Loan Process Works
Getting a vehicle title loan is easy! We have streamlined the process to ensure that your title loan experience is quick and enjoyable. The entire process includes only three easy steps and you can have money in your hands as fast as today! It’s easy to qualify for a title loan because you are using the equity you have already in your vehicle to secure a loan now. You are not selling your car to us, you’re simply using the vehicle’s value as security for a loan. A title loan is much more afforadable than a pay day loan. Typically interest will be Half of what a pay day loan is.
STEP ONE – APPLY
Fill out an application. In just a few minutes you will have the information finished so that we can make a decision on how much we can lend you today. Dont worry about your past credit. We understand and offer personal loans to people with bad credit every day.
STEP TWO – EASY PAPERWORK
Nothing hard–only simple things like a copy of your drivers license. The list is short and you can finish this step in under 30 minutes. Just bring or fax us what we need and we’ll get to work immediately for you!
STEP THREE – RECEIVING YOUR MONEY!
After arriving at one of our convenient locations you will be greeted by a professional auto title loan processor. They will be ready and waiting to help you in finalizing your loan. One of our staff will take a look at your vehicle, explain your loan documents, and hand you money. It all takes only about 15 minutes and then you’re on your way. Its just that easy.
Why not get started immediately? Call now to get your car title loan started and get your loan fast! It is that simple. What are you waiting for? Call now!
SANDY, UT (801) 748-1175
PROVO, UT (801) 373-2274
SPANISH FORK, UT (801) 798-1300
DO I QUALIFY?
UTAH MONEY STORE will tailor a loan to meet your induvidual needs. You may qualify to borrow up to 50% of the wholesale value of your vehicle if you answer yes to the following questions even with bad credit…
* Are you employed and/or have a stable income?
* Are you at least 21 years old
* Do you have a valid Utah Drivers License?
* Is the title in your name?
* Is your vehicle paid off?
* Is your vehicle in good running condition?
* Is it free of major body damage?
If you answered YES? Then you may qualify for a loan from UTAH MONEY STORE!
Utah Money Store: We are a local Utah grown company helping people with their finances since 2005. It didn’t take long for us to realize that many people are stranded with bad credit, and no where to turn for help with their finances. Sometimes through no fault of their own they find themselves turned up side down financially. Divorce or the
changing economy to name a few reasons.
Boiler Insurance
Modern plumbing may be an amazing thing that we take for granted, but that doesn’t mean that things don’t go wrong, or even that they only go wrong rarely. In fact, at this time of year when people go to switch their central heating back on after nearly half a year of not being operated, there’s that constant chance that something will go wrong. Whether it’s a burst pipe, broken timer or pump or blocked radiator, your central heating system will one day fail, and you won’t be able to fix the problem yourself.
Obviously, the typical solution it to call out a plumber, but this is can be a very expensive home call, with prices rising up to 300 for a problem with a typical boiler repair job in London. Instead, getting boiler insurance can be a much wiser choice, with the typical price for cover costing around 200 a year, including a single yearly check-up of the system which can prevent future breakdowns.
Of course, boiler insurance like all forms of insurance is simply an exercise in risk. The money you ‘save’ is only going to work for you if your boiler does actually break down, so whether or not you need boiler insurance is going to be a personal decision based on how likely it is for your boiler to breakdown, the current state and age of your central heating system and how much you value your piece of mind when it comes to household problems and emergencies.
You also may not need boiler insurance at all. Most people who rent properties are not responsible for the heating system or the boiler, which means responsibility falls on the landlord or estate agent to make and pay for repairs. This isn’t always the case though, so make sure you find out exactly who is responsible for the boiler before considering getting everything insured.
There are a number of different boiler providers in the UK. The biggest is Homeserve, which currently serves around three million customers with different types of heating and plumbing policies. These policies range from the most basic which only cover specific problems with the boiler to all-round central heating cover which can even extend to covering things like electrical wiring. Cover like this is usually unnecessary for most home owners.
However, it’s vital that you find out exactly what your policy does cover, as there are a large number of things that can go wrong with a heating system and there’s nothing worse than paying into a monthly policy only for something to go wrong outside of your cover and having to pay out again just to get it fixed. Also make sure that you aren’t double insuring various items – some things covered as extras by boiler insurance companies may already be covered in your home insurance policy.
The website www.EnergyChoices.co.uk is one which has accurate and impartial advice and information on many aspects of the world of energy consumption and contracts. For those in search of energy prices you will be able to see up to date gas and electricity prices. The fact that the advice is impartial is very important if one is to trust that advice to base decisions on.
Obviously, the typical solution it to call out a plumber, but this is can be a very expensive home call, with prices rising up to 300 for a problem with a typical boiler repair job in London. Instead, getting boiler insurance can be a much wiser choice, with the typical price for cover costing around 200 a year, including a single yearly check-up of the system which can prevent future breakdowns.
Of course, boiler insurance like all forms of insurance is simply an exercise in risk. The money you ‘save’ is only going to work for you if your boiler does actually break down, so whether or not you need boiler insurance is going to be a personal decision based on how likely it is for your boiler to breakdown, the current state and age of your central heating system and how much you value your piece of mind when it comes to household problems and emergencies.
You also may not need boiler insurance at all. Most people who rent properties are not responsible for the heating system or the boiler, which means responsibility falls on the landlord or estate agent to make and pay for repairs. This isn’t always the case though, so make sure you find out exactly who is responsible for the boiler before considering getting everything insured.
There are a number of different boiler providers in the UK. The biggest is Homeserve, which currently serves around three million customers with different types of heating and plumbing policies. These policies range from the most basic which only cover specific problems with the boiler to all-round central heating cover which can even extend to covering things like electrical wiring. Cover like this is usually unnecessary for most home owners.
However, it’s vital that you find out exactly what your policy does cover, as there are a large number of things that can go wrong with a heating system and there’s nothing worse than paying into a monthly policy only for something to go wrong outside of your cover and having to pay out again just to get it fixed. Also make sure that you aren’t double insuring various items – some things covered as extras by boiler insurance companies may already be covered in your home insurance policy.
The website www.EnergyChoices.co.uk is one which has accurate and impartial advice and information on many aspects of the world of energy consumption and contracts. For those in search of energy prices you will be able to see up to date gas and electricity prices. The fact that the advice is impartial is very important if one is to trust that advice to base decisions on.
Instant Payday Loans
Do you need instant cash to overcome those unexpected crisis? Are you running short of cash as your monthly salary is already over? Is your next day far away? If you are going through similar situation then relax. Yes, with instant payday loans you can eliminate all your temporary needs within a record time without seeking any help from friends and family. This loan facility is exclusively introduced for the residents of the United Kingdom. This amazing financial aid is a sure shot way to eradicate all types middle month crisis. Apply for this loan now if you are suffering from fiscal deficit.
A borrower can easily apply and procure this loan amount. With the online approach of application, you can have an easy and quick access to fast cash.
There are various online money-lenders who offer this loan to the people living in the United Kingdom. This technique of applying is faster and easier. Just fill the online loan application and enjoy the benefits of instant funds in your account in the nick of time. Carefully surf the internet to find the lender who offers this loan on the terms and conditions that goes well with your pocket as well as needs.
These loans are easily accessible to borrowers suffering with bad credit history. Money-lenders offering this loan facility are neither bothered about credit record nor the reason to acquire this loan. No matter how bad or blemished credit report is you are entitled to enjoy its benefits.
Make sure that fill the loan application form carefully with all the necessary details asked. Two main pre-requisites asked in the application form are employment status and bank account details.
Instant payday loans hails from the family of unsecured loans and can be availed anyone who is a citizen of the United Kingdom. Tenants, non home owners and those who do not wish to place any collateral with the money lender can apply for this loan.
A borrower can easily apply and procure this loan amount. With the online approach of application, you can have an easy and quick access to fast cash.
There are various online money-lenders who offer this loan to the people living in the United Kingdom. This technique of applying is faster and easier. Just fill the online loan application and enjoy the benefits of instant funds in your account in the nick of time. Carefully surf the internet to find the lender who offers this loan on the terms and conditions that goes well with your pocket as well as needs.
These loans are easily accessible to borrowers suffering with bad credit history. Money-lenders offering this loan facility are neither bothered about credit record nor the reason to acquire this loan. No matter how bad or blemished credit report is you are entitled to enjoy its benefits.
Make sure that fill the loan application form carefully with all the necessary details asked. Two main pre-requisites asked in the application form are employment status and bank account details.
Instant payday loans hails from the family of unsecured loans and can be availed anyone who is a citizen of the United Kingdom. Tenants, non home owners and those who do not wish to place any collateral with the money lender can apply for this loan.
Car Loans Can Help You Finance Your Next Car
Car loans are a useful way in which you could finance your next car. Car loans are widely available and as long as you have a good credit rating you should have no trouble getting this kind of financial product. This can help you to get the money you need to buy the car you want and there are many different options available.
Personal Loans vs. Dealer Finance
You can get car loans from a number of different types of lenders. Banks and other financial providers offer personal loans which can be used to fund your new car. You do need to shop around and compare interest rates to make sure you get the best deal possible. APRs can significantly affect how much money you will have to pay back on the loan you take out. Dealer finance is also available and this is generally a very quick way to take out a car loan. If you see a car you like in a showroom, then the dealer will be able to offer you a finance product on the spot.
This means you can arrange your car loan and pick up your vehicle in no time at all. You will have to pay a deposit on a dealer car loan in most cases. To speed the process up, make sure you have at least 10% of the loan amount you want to borrow ready before you start looking at cars and take your driving licence with you. Also make sure you keep in mind exactly how much you are able to repay on your car loan, so you know how much to borrow.
Car Loan Advice
Taking out a loan for your next car is no different than getting any other credit product. It will be a big financial responsibility and you will need to make sure you can cover the repayments every month without having to struggle. Car loans can help you to get the car you need but you do not want them to push you into debt. Don’t forget, in extreme cases with some car loan options, if you fail to meet the monthly repayments the car could be repossessed. This will mean that not only will you still owe the lender money but you will no longer have a car to show for it. It is a good idea to get some practical car loan advice before you take out any new products and you can find this at Carloanadviser.co.uk. This website contains lots of helpful information on the types of car finance options on offer and how these could benefit you. By using resources such as Carloanadviser.co.uk you can compare the different car loans and finance deals on offer and make sure you get the right option to suit your own individual circumstances.
It is important to get some advice on a car loan before you sign any agreements. Not all types of loans will suit your individual circumstances so you will need to compare the products available. A car loan adviser service can talk you through the various car loan options available and make sure you choose the right deal for you.
Personal Loans vs. Dealer Finance
You can get car loans from a number of different types of lenders. Banks and other financial providers offer personal loans which can be used to fund your new car. You do need to shop around and compare interest rates to make sure you get the best deal possible. APRs can significantly affect how much money you will have to pay back on the loan you take out. Dealer finance is also available and this is generally a very quick way to take out a car loan. If you see a car you like in a showroom, then the dealer will be able to offer you a finance product on the spot.
This means you can arrange your car loan and pick up your vehicle in no time at all. You will have to pay a deposit on a dealer car loan in most cases. To speed the process up, make sure you have at least 10% of the loan amount you want to borrow ready before you start looking at cars and take your driving licence with you. Also make sure you keep in mind exactly how much you are able to repay on your car loan, so you know how much to borrow.
Car Loan Advice
Taking out a loan for your next car is no different than getting any other credit product. It will be a big financial responsibility and you will need to make sure you can cover the repayments every month without having to struggle. Car loans can help you to get the car you need but you do not want them to push you into debt. Don’t forget, in extreme cases with some car loan options, if you fail to meet the monthly repayments the car could be repossessed. This will mean that not only will you still owe the lender money but you will no longer have a car to show for it. It is a good idea to get some practical car loan advice before you take out any new products and you can find this at Carloanadviser.co.uk. This website contains lots of helpful information on the types of car finance options on offer and how these could benefit you. By using resources such as Carloanadviser.co.uk you can compare the different car loans and finance deals on offer and make sure you get the right option to suit your own individual circumstances.
It is important to get some advice on a car loan before you sign any agreements. Not all types of loans will suit your individual circumstances so you will need to compare the products available. A car loan adviser service can talk you through the various car loan options available and make sure you choose the right deal for you.
Toastmasters International
Toastmasters International (TI) is a nonprofit educational organization that operates clubs worldwide for the purpose of helping members improve their communication, public speaking and leadership skills. Through its thousands of member clubs, Toastmasters International offers a program of communication and leadership projects designed to help men and women learn the arts of speaking, listening, and thinking.
The organization grew out of a single club, Smedley Club Number 1, which would become the first Toastmasters club. It was founded by Ralph C. Smedley on October 22, 1924, at the YMCA in Santa Ana, California, United States. Toastmasters International was incorporated under California law on December 19, 1932. Throughout its history, Toastmasters has served over four million people, and today the organization serves over 250,000 members in 108 countries, through its over 12,500 member clubs.
Contents
1 Membership
2 Educational program
2.1 Communication training
2.2 Leadership training
2.3 Distinguished Toastmaster
3 Club meetings and meeting roles
4 Conferences and officer training
5 Additional programs
6 Organization
6.1 Clubs
6.2 Districts
6.3 International
7 Contests
7.1 International Speech Contest
8 History
8.1 The beginning of Toastmasters clubs
8.2 1924-1927: First permanent clubs formed
8.3 Founding of Toastmasters International
8.4 Toastmasters after Smedley
9 Notes
10 References
11 See also
12 External links
//
Membership
As of 2009, there are more than 250,000 members and over 12,500 clubs located across the United States, Canada and in 104 other countries. Membership in the US grew by 3% in 2007 and continues to grow rapidly in many foreign nations. Toastmasters members belong to local clubs, which generally have between six and 40 members, with 20 members being a typical size. The local clubs meet on a regular basis for members to practice various skills useful in public speaking, including giving speeches, speaking extemporaneously, listening, and providing each other with feedback and evaluation. Some clubs meet monthly, some meet twice a month, and some meet weekly.
Membership is open to all people ages 18 and above wishing to improve their communications skills. In certain rare cases, where previous links to Toastmasters can be found, people under 18 are allowed to participate, even though they are not allowed to join officially until their 18th birthday. Any speeches toward an official award completed before their 18th birthday are accepted retroactively.
Toastmasters International has a policy of non-discrimination (including based on ethnicity, nationality, and gender). Although Toastmasters was initially formed as a male-only organization, membership was opened to women in August 1973. Certain clubs (referred to as “closed clubs” or “in-house clubs”) organized within businesses restrict membership to people in the organization; this is the only restriction on membership permitted by the international organization. From time to time, advanced clubs form and it is preferable that one has completed a certain number of speeches (e.g. 10) before joining these clubs.
Gavel Clubs (Toastmasters-sponsored groups for teenagers or other groups who may be ineligible for membership in Toastmasters International) may be set up upon request at schools and institutions to provide them with the Toastmasters experience. Other than the mix of membership and that no official Toastmasters titles such as CC, CL, AC, etc., will be awarded, the benefit received from a Gavel Club is essentially the same as that of a Toastmasters club. Toastmasters also has a Youth Leadership program, which is an eight-session program that introduces school-aged children to the art of public speaking. These Youth Leadership programs are conducted by members of Toastmaster Clubs in the local area. They allow active members who put in effort to gain confidence and expertise in the art of public speaking.
Educational program
Toastmasters International curriculum, tracks, and awards. Arrows are used to demonstrate awards required.
A Toastmasters club adopts a “learn-by-doing” philosophy, wherein each member learns at a pace suitable to his or her developmental needs. The Toastmasters program is divided into two separate tracks, Communication and Leadership, with members progressing along each track by presenting speeches and taking on roles within their club, district, and Toastmasters International itself.
Toastmasters has grown from being an English-only organization to one that develops communication skills in several languages. There are now clubs in many languages, including Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), French, German, Japanese, Spanish, and Tamil, among others. The basic manual (the Competent Communication manual described below) can be purchased in Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), French, German, Japanese and Spanish as well as in English.
Communication training
The heart of the Toastmasters curriculum is the communication track, defined by the Competent Communication manual (formerly called Communication and Leadership Program) and a series of fifteen advanced manuals. The Competent Communication manual consists of ten speech projects, each building upon the other in skills and difficulty. The advanced manuals have five projects each, and each manual focuses on a particular aspect of communication (such as technical presentations, storytelling, or interpersonal communication).
For each project, the member prepares and delivers a speech in front of the club. Speakers are expected to keep their presentations within prescribed time limits. For most Competent Communication speeches, the limit is five to seven minutes. Advanced communication projects are generally ten to fifteen minutes, although some can be as long as half an hour. After the member has given the presentation, another Toastmaster will evaluate the presenter based on certain criteria for each project. The distinctive feature of Toastmasters is this continual evaluation. Each activity at a club is evaluated: speeches are evaluated both orally at the meeting and in the member’s manual. In some clubs, even the evaluators are themselves evaluated at the end of the meeting by a “General Evaluator”, also a club member. This near-immediate feedback provides the member with information on how he or she can improve his or her presentation skills for the next speech, and is intended to provide a positive experience for the speaker.
The oral evaluations are intended to also help the evaluator improve his or her ability to give constructive feedback to other Toastmasters. Learning to give feedback develops many skills, some of which include: effective listening; how to motivate, encourage and support other members; and how to develop and present a short evaluation with minimal preparation. Language is an important element of effective evaluation and so too is the structure. The structure of a Toastmaster Evaluation might be referred to as the “feedback sandwich,” the “PIP” (praise, improve, praise) method, or the “CRC” (commend, recommend, commend) method.
After completing the ten Competent Communication projects, a member is entitled to the Competent Communicator award, and may add the post-nominal CC to their name for Toastmasters purposes. Prior to July 2008, Toastmasters awarded the designation Competent Toastmaster (post-nominal CTM) for this achievement to members who joined Toastmasters prior to January 1, 2006.
After achieving their CC, the Toastmaster then can go on to more advanced projects. There are 15 advanced manuals in the Toastmasters program, each consisting of five projects. These include projects on sales presentations, speaking to inform, speeches by management, interpretative reading, speaking on television, entertaining dinner speaking, communicating with news media, interpersonal communication, and others. The Advanced Communicator awards are given to members who complete two manuals per level, as well as performing various other duties. There are three levels of Advanced Communicator, being Bronze, Silver and Gold, with the respective post-nominals ACB, ACS and ACG. Prior to July 2008, Toastmasters awarded the identical Advanced Toastmaster Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards (with post-nominals ATM-B, ATM-S, and ATM-G) to members who joined Toastmasters prior to January 1, 2006. These in turn were originally expanded from the Able Toastmaster award (post-nominal ATM).
In addition to the various project manuals, Toastmasters provides a number of educational programs and seminar packages which members can present. The Better Speaker Series is a collection of educational modules that teach certain aspects of creating and giving presentations. There is also the Success/Communication seminar programs, such as the Speechcraft program, which members can present inside or outside of the club over a number of meetings.
Leadership training
Toastmasters also teaches leadership skills. This is motivated in part by the fact that Toastmasters International is staffed completely by volunteers (except for a staff of about 60 paid personnel at the World Headquarters). Even the board of directors is composed of volunteers, who still hold memberships in local clubs, and are not paid.
When a person joins a Toastmasters club, they are given a copy of the Competent Leadership manual, which contains
The organization grew out of a single club, Smedley Club Number 1, which would become the first Toastmasters club. It was founded by Ralph C. Smedley on October 22, 1924, at the YMCA in Santa Ana, California, United States. Toastmasters International was incorporated under California law on December 19, 1932. Throughout its history, Toastmasters has served over four million people, and today the organization serves over 250,000 members in 108 countries, through its over 12,500 member clubs.
Contents
1 Membership
2 Educational program
2.1 Communication training
2.2 Leadership training
2.3 Distinguished Toastmaster
3 Club meetings and meeting roles
4 Conferences and officer training
5 Additional programs
6 Organization
6.1 Clubs
6.2 Districts
6.3 International
7 Contests
7.1 International Speech Contest
8 History
8.1 The beginning of Toastmasters clubs
8.2 1924-1927: First permanent clubs formed
8.3 Founding of Toastmasters International
8.4 Toastmasters after Smedley
9 Notes
10 References
11 See also
12 External links
//
Membership
As of 2009, there are more than 250,000 members and over 12,500 clubs located across the United States, Canada and in 104 other countries. Membership in the US grew by 3% in 2007 and continues to grow rapidly in many foreign nations. Toastmasters members belong to local clubs, which generally have between six and 40 members, with 20 members being a typical size. The local clubs meet on a regular basis for members to practice various skills useful in public speaking, including giving speeches, speaking extemporaneously, listening, and providing each other with feedback and evaluation. Some clubs meet monthly, some meet twice a month, and some meet weekly.
Membership is open to all people ages 18 and above wishing to improve their communications skills. In certain rare cases, where previous links to Toastmasters can be found, people under 18 are allowed to participate, even though they are not allowed to join officially until their 18th birthday. Any speeches toward an official award completed before their 18th birthday are accepted retroactively.
Toastmasters International has a policy of non-discrimination (including based on ethnicity, nationality, and gender). Although Toastmasters was initially formed as a male-only organization, membership was opened to women in August 1973. Certain clubs (referred to as “closed clubs” or “in-house clubs”) organized within businesses restrict membership to people in the organization; this is the only restriction on membership permitted by the international organization. From time to time, advanced clubs form and it is preferable that one has completed a certain number of speeches (e.g. 10) before joining these clubs.
Gavel Clubs (Toastmasters-sponsored groups for teenagers or other groups who may be ineligible for membership in Toastmasters International) may be set up upon request at schools and institutions to provide them with the Toastmasters experience. Other than the mix of membership and that no official Toastmasters titles such as CC, CL, AC, etc., will be awarded, the benefit received from a Gavel Club is essentially the same as that of a Toastmasters club. Toastmasters also has a Youth Leadership program, which is an eight-session program that introduces school-aged children to the art of public speaking. These Youth Leadership programs are conducted by members of Toastmaster Clubs in the local area. They allow active members who put in effort to gain confidence and expertise in the art of public speaking.
Educational program
Toastmasters International curriculum, tracks, and awards. Arrows are used to demonstrate awards required.
A Toastmasters club adopts a “learn-by-doing” philosophy, wherein each member learns at a pace suitable to his or her developmental needs. The Toastmasters program is divided into two separate tracks, Communication and Leadership, with members progressing along each track by presenting speeches and taking on roles within their club, district, and Toastmasters International itself.
Toastmasters has grown from being an English-only organization to one that develops communication skills in several languages. There are now clubs in many languages, including Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), French, German, Japanese, Spanish, and Tamil, among others. The basic manual (the Competent Communication manual described below) can be purchased in Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), French, German, Japanese and Spanish as well as in English.
Communication training
The heart of the Toastmasters curriculum is the communication track, defined by the Competent Communication manual (formerly called Communication and Leadership Program) and a series of fifteen advanced manuals. The Competent Communication manual consists of ten speech projects, each building upon the other in skills and difficulty. The advanced manuals have five projects each, and each manual focuses on a particular aspect of communication (such as technical presentations, storytelling, or interpersonal communication).
For each project, the member prepares and delivers a speech in front of the club. Speakers are expected to keep their presentations within prescribed time limits. For most Competent Communication speeches, the limit is five to seven minutes. Advanced communication projects are generally ten to fifteen minutes, although some can be as long as half an hour. After the member has given the presentation, another Toastmaster will evaluate the presenter based on certain criteria for each project. The distinctive feature of Toastmasters is this continual evaluation. Each activity at a club is evaluated: speeches are evaluated both orally at the meeting and in the member’s manual. In some clubs, even the evaluators are themselves evaluated at the end of the meeting by a “General Evaluator”, also a club member. This near-immediate feedback provides the member with information on how he or she can improve his or her presentation skills for the next speech, and is intended to provide a positive experience for the speaker.
The oral evaluations are intended to also help the evaluator improve his or her ability to give constructive feedback to other Toastmasters. Learning to give feedback develops many skills, some of which include: effective listening; how to motivate, encourage and support other members; and how to develop and present a short evaluation with minimal preparation. Language is an important element of effective evaluation and so too is the structure. The structure of a Toastmaster Evaluation might be referred to as the “feedback sandwich,” the “PIP” (praise, improve, praise) method, or the “CRC” (commend, recommend, commend) method.
After completing the ten Competent Communication projects, a member is entitled to the Competent Communicator award, and may add the post-nominal CC to their name for Toastmasters purposes. Prior to July 2008, Toastmasters awarded the designation Competent Toastmaster (post-nominal CTM) for this achievement to members who joined Toastmasters prior to January 1, 2006.
After achieving their CC, the Toastmaster then can go on to more advanced projects. There are 15 advanced manuals in the Toastmasters program, each consisting of five projects. These include projects on sales presentations, speaking to inform, speeches by management, interpretative reading, speaking on television, entertaining dinner speaking, communicating with news media, interpersonal communication, and others. The Advanced Communicator awards are given to members who complete two manuals per level, as well as performing various other duties. There are three levels of Advanced Communicator, being Bronze, Silver and Gold, with the respective post-nominals ACB, ACS and ACG. Prior to July 2008, Toastmasters awarded the identical Advanced Toastmaster Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards (with post-nominals ATM-B, ATM-S, and ATM-G) to members who joined Toastmasters prior to January 1, 2006. These in turn were originally expanded from the Able Toastmaster award (post-nominal ATM).
In addition to the various project manuals, Toastmasters provides a number of educational programs and seminar packages which members can present. The Better Speaker Series is a collection of educational modules that teach certain aspects of creating and giving presentations. There is also the Success/Communication seminar programs, such as the Speechcraft program, which members can present inside or outside of the club over a number of meetings.
Leadership training
Toastmasters also teaches leadership skills. This is motivated in part by the fact that Toastmasters International is staffed completely by volunteers (except for a staff of about 60 paid personnel at the World Headquarters). Even the board of directors is composed of volunteers, who still hold memberships in local clubs, and are not paid.
When a person joins a Toastmasters club, they are given a copy of the Competent Leadership manual, which contains
Are you in default on your home mortgage with Chase Bank? Is foreclosure seeming more likely with every passing day? Did you know that Chase Bank does not want to foreclose on your home? You might possibly qualify for a Chase Loan Modification.
Are you in default on your home mortgage with Chase Bank? Is foreclosure seeming more likely with every passing day? Did you know that Chase Bank does not want to foreclose on your home? You might possibly qualify for a Chase Loan Modification.
Under the Housing Stimulus Program, there is an approved list of lenders who receive financial incentives to rewrite mortgages that are in default. Luckily, Chase Bank is on that list. Qualified homeowners receive a lower monthly payment when their loan is actually restructured with any or all of the following: lower interest rates, longer loan terms, forgiven late fees, and reduced principal.
Only loans on a primary home written on or before January 1, 2009 for no more than $ 729,750 qualify. These loans must be backed by The Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac.)
The foreclosure process consumes a lot of labor hours and can be very expensive since homes may sit vacant for extended periods of time in this economy and current housing market.
And, with the $ 1000.00 that Chase receives for every mortgage that they modify, they are even more motivated to help you avoid foreclosure and stay in your home.
Is your financial situation bleak due to events or circumstances beyond your control? Has a job loss, divorce, medical bills, etc… caused you to struggle each month with your mortgage payment? If so, this is Financial Hardship, which is a primary consideration in your being able to obtain one of these stimulus bill loan modifications on your Chase mortgage. You must be able to document this situation, and also document the financial ability to pay a modified payment.
Under the Housing Stimulus Program, there is an approved list of lenders who receive financial incentives to rewrite mortgages that are in default. Luckily, Chase Bank is on that list. Qualified homeowners receive a lower monthly payment when their loan is actually restructured with any or all of the following: lower interest rates, longer loan terms, forgiven late fees, and reduced principal.
Only loans on a primary home written on or before January 1, 2009 for no more than $ 729,750 qualify. These loans must be backed by The Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac.)
The foreclosure process consumes a lot of labor hours and can be very expensive since homes may sit vacant for extended periods of time in this economy and current housing market.
And, with the $ 1000.00 that Chase receives for every mortgage that they modify, they are even more motivated to help you avoid foreclosure and stay in your home.
Is your financial situation bleak due to events or circumstances beyond your control? Has a job loss, divorce, medical bills, etc… caused you to struggle each month with your mortgage payment? If so, this is Financial Hardship, which is a primary consideration in your being able to obtain one of these stimulus bill loan modifications on your Chase mortgage. You must be able to document this situation, and also document the financial ability to pay a modified payment.
Student Auto Loans – Buying A Car With An Ease
Cars have become an integral part of every individual’s life. The possession of cars cannot be restricted to office employees and other business men. Even a student would want it for his personal needs. This saves much time in traveling and one does not have to wait to go to the place he thinks. Student car loans are widely available in the market. A rendezvous meeting with the lenders is all required to drive the dream car off the road. The process is very easy and requires minimum level of paper works. However, students might also get some concession to buy cars. The process of arranging finance is made easy for the student car loans.
Depending upon the student’s down payment, the loan can be obtained. The banks and other lenders are ready to offer the loan with an adjustable repayment period. It can be got in 2 forms. Secured loan would demand a collateral security. However, in this kind of loan, the cars can be placed as collateral. The rate of interest will be less as there is collateral placed. The students have to be careful in repaying the loan amount promptly. If not, the property pledged may come under scanner and if this continues, the lenders may seize the property. Students with no documents to be shown as property can opt for unsecured loans where in the interest rates would be higher. They do not risk any of their property here.
All credit holders are welcomed by the bankers and lenders for the student car loans. The borrower can very well improve the credit rating by repaying the loan amount gradually. This is a best way to build up the credibility. The most important aspect is to give emphasis on the interest rates. Students must prefer lower interest rates and a longer tenure for the repayment as this may reduce the burden on them. They should give much importance to the terms and conditions which include the fee details and other hidden charges. The chosen lender must have his web presence to make things simpler. Most students would not have any credit report when they enter their college level. However, there are many lending companies interested in offering car loan to such students at convenient terms.
Student car loan can also be obtained with the help of a co-signer who can give the guarantee that the loan will be repaid on time. The co-signer will be held responsible if the student fails to repay the loan. The U.S Law agrees to give loans to U.S citizens studying in any of the college or university accredited by the government. Under these circumstances, the papers of the car will be vested with the lenders and once when the loan amount if fully paid, it will be given back. Student car loans do not involve hectic process and the rules favor to obtain easy loans with lower interest rates.
Obtaining instant car loans online is the easy way for student with low paying jobs to buy an automobile. With student car loan program you can get low rates and easy installment even if you have no credit or bad credit and also without a cosigner.
Depending upon the student’s down payment, the loan can be obtained. The banks and other lenders are ready to offer the loan with an adjustable repayment period. It can be got in 2 forms. Secured loan would demand a collateral security. However, in this kind of loan, the cars can be placed as collateral. The rate of interest will be less as there is collateral placed. The students have to be careful in repaying the loan amount promptly. If not, the property pledged may come under scanner and if this continues, the lenders may seize the property. Students with no documents to be shown as property can opt for unsecured loans where in the interest rates would be higher. They do not risk any of their property here.
All credit holders are welcomed by the bankers and lenders for the student car loans. The borrower can very well improve the credit rating by repaying the loan amount gradually. This is a best way to build up the credibility. The most important aspect is to give emphasis on the interest rates. Students must prefer lower interest rates and a longer tenure for the repayment as this may reduce the burden on them. They should give much importance to the terms and conditions which include the fee details and other hidden charges. The chosen lender must have his web presence to make things simpler. Most students would not have any credit report when they enter their college level. However, there are many lending companies interested in offering car loan to such students at convenient terms.
Student car loan can also be obtained with the help of a co-signer who can give the guarantee that the loan will be repaid on time. The co-signer will be held responsible if the student fails to repay the loan. The U.S Law agrees to give loans to U.S citizens studying in any of the college or university accredited by the government. Under these circumstances, the papers of the car will be vested with the lenders and once when the loan amount if fully paid, it will be given back. Student car loans do not involve hectic process and the rules favor to obtain easy loans with lower interest rates.
Obtaining instant car loans online is the easy way for student with low paying jobs to buy an automobile. With student car loan program you can get low rates and easy installment even if you have no credit or bad credit and also without a cosigner.
Some Business Financing Ideas
People usually think that having a business is the only way to becoming financially free. Yes, this can be true as having a business allows the person to be in total control of his time. However, before he can do this, he should know that in starting a business, there would be a lot of things to consider.
Before a business becomes successful, a person should know that there are a lot of things to be done first. He should know that to be able to become financially free, he should work really hard especially when he is just starting up his business.
Business is a world that is quite risky and when one does not know what he is doing, his business can fail and that can spell catastrophe. All his work and life-savings can be lost when he is not careful.
With starting small businesses, an important thing to be considered is about the proper business financing methods that would be done. There are different kinds of steps that can be done in order to have the finance that is needed in starting a business or purchasing an existing one.
Some of these steps that people can consider in business financing are: self financing, financing from family and friends, banks, private investors, leasing companies, and even insurance companies. With these numerous ways of getting enough money for an investment, it should not be that hard to come up with the enough resource needed to start a small business or purchase an existing one.
In getting these options, people starting their own business should carefully consider about the options that each method brings. With regards to business financing through family and friends, people should be very careful with this as mostly people who finance someone think that they would share some control over the business they are financing. There should be a clear contract to the limits of the things that family and friends can have with the business. Other things that are needed to be considered are the availability, the rate of return, the kind of risks to be accepted, and the time allotted in returning the money that was borrowed.
Carefully planned steps in starting a business can give the businessman a better chance in succeeding and getting his financial freedom. A good business plan should be carefully laid, studied, and prepared in starting ones own small business.
Before a business becomes successful, a person should know that there are a lot of things to be done first. He should know that to be able to become financially free, he should work really hard especially when he is just starting up his business.
Business is a world that is quite risky and when one does not know what he is doing, his business can fail and that can spell catastrophe. All his work and life-savings can be lost when he is not careful.
With starting small businesses, an important thing to be considered is about the proper business financing methods that would be done. There are different kinds of steps that can be done in order to have the finance that is needed in starting a business or purchasing an existing one.
Some of these steps that people can consider in business financing are: self financing, financing from family and friends, banks, private investors, leasing companies, and even insurance companies. With these numerous ways of getting enough money for an investment, it should not be that hard to come up with the enough resource needed to start a small business or purchase an existing one.
In getting these options, people starting their own business should carefully consider about the options that each method brings. With regards to business financing through family and friends, people should be very careful with this as mostly people who finance someone think that they would share some control over the business they are financing. There should be a clear contract to the limits of the things that family and friends can have with the business. Other things that are needed to be considered are the availability, the rate of return, the kind of risks to be accepted, and the time allotted in returning the money that was borrowed.
Carefully planned steps in starting a business can give the businessman a better chance in succeeding and getting his financial freedom. A good business plan should be carefully laid, studied, and prepared in starting ones own small business.
Yes, You Can Dump Your Bank
Does "ditch my bank" make your list of resolutions for 2012? Join the club.
Americans' simmering resentment toward big banks seems to have finally bubbled over: In the month after Bank of America threatened a monthly fee on debit cards, 221,000 folks joined more consumer-friendly credit unions -- equal to about a third of the new members for the entire previous year.
In addition, customers of the 10 largest retail banks are so fed up with rising fees and dismal rates that the institutions stand to lose a combined $185 billion in deposits over the next year, says consulting firm cg42.
Simply switching banks, however, might result in a frustrating game of whack-a-mole; a different institution could adopt the same miserable practices a few months from now. On the other hand, stuffing your dough in the mattress isn't practical, let alone comfortable.
How about a third way? Today "you can conduct most of your banking with institutions that aren't banks," says Alex Matjanec of My BankTracker.com.
While going bank-free isn't for everyone, the truly incensed might try these alternatives for managing cash, growing savings, even borrowing.
Best checking alternative: Brokerage cash account
Most major brokerages offer cash-management accounts that function exactly like bank checking: You can set up direct deposit, get an ATM/debit card, write checks, even pay bills online.
"Brokerages are competing with banks to build a relationship with you," says McLean, Va., financial planner Gordon Bernhardt. Since the firms hope you'll use money you store to buy investments, they don't nickel-and-dime the cash accounts.
[Also see: How to Find a Cheap Gym]
In fact, the options at five of the six brokerages MONEY surveyed (e*Trade, Fidelity, Schwab, Scottrade, TD Ameritrade, and Vanguard) were virtually fee-free. No monthly charges or minimums; no fees for bill payments; gratis withdrawals from any ATM, including reimbursements for surcharges applied by banks. A brokerage account was typically required, so look first to the firm where you already keep investments.
Vanguard was the anomaly among those that MONEY looked at. It alone required a certain threshold of assets -- $500,000 for access, $1 million to avoid fees. And it's the only one that didn't offer FDIC insurance; the rest hold uninvested funds with a partner bank or their own bank entity.
Best savings alternative: SmartyPig.com
Savings motivation site SmartyPig.com offers 0.7% on balances up to $50,000, 0.5% for amounts over that -- pretty decent compared with the average bank savings yield of 0.14%. And while the site isn't itself a bank, it stores your cash with one, so your money is insured.
Of course, you can do a bit better, around 1%, at a handful of online banks, but SmartyPig serves up other benefits banks don't -- like helping you save.
Rather than offering traditional accounts, SmartyPig makes you create goals, such as "vacation," which you fund by direct deposit or transfers from a bank or brokerage.
You can track progress graphically, and share the info with others. (Or set one generic goal, like "emergency fund," to simply take advantage of the rates.)
Saving for a purchase? Once you've met your target, you can choose a retailer gift card worth up to 11% more than your balance.
Best borrowing alternative: A credit union
While credit unions offer similar services to banks, these not-for-profit cooperatives aren't beholden to shareholders or the bottom line.
[Also see: Best Cars for the Money]
"That unique structure typically translates into more favorable terms for borrowers," says Greg McBride of Bankrate.com.
A five-year new-car loan averages 4.9% at banks, vs. 3.5% at credit unions, reports Informa Research Services.
For home-equity lines of credit, banks are offering 4.7%, credit unions 4.4%. Rates on fixed mortgages come up about equal, though you'll probably save a few hundred in fees and get more direct access to decision-makers at a credit union.
Search options at findacreditunion.com. And don't assume you won't qualify for one. Many have relaxed their membership policies, says Matjanec.
Americans' simmering resentment toward big banks seems to have finally bubbled over: In the month after Bank of America threatened a monthly fee on debit cards, 221,000 folks joined more consumer-friendly credit unions -- equal to about a third of the new members for the entire previous year.
In addition, customers of the 10 largest retail banks are so fed up with rising fees and dismal rates that the institutions stand to lose a combined $185 billion in deposits over the next year, says consulting firm cg42.
Simply switching banks, however, might result in a frustrating game of whack-a-mole; a different institution could adopt the same miserable practices a few months from now. On the other hand, stuffing your dough in the mattress isn't practical, let alone comfortable.
How about a third way? Today "you can conduct most of your banking with institutions that aren't banks," says Alex Matjanec of My BankTracker.com.
While going bank-free isn't for everyone, the truly incensed might try these alternatives for managing cash, growing savings, even borrowing.
Best checking alternative: Brokerage cash account
Most major brokerages offer cash-management accounts that function exactly like bank checking: You can set up direct deposit, get an ATM/debit card, write checks, even pay bills online.
"Brokerages are competing with banks to build a relationship with you," says McLean, Va., financial planner Gordon Bernhardt. Since the firms hope you'll use money you store to buy investments, they don't nickel-and-dime the cash accounts.
[Also see: How to Find a Cheap Gym]
In fact, the options at five of the six brokerages MONEY surveyed (e*Trade, Fidelity, Schwab, Scottrade, TD Ameritrade, and Vanguard) were virtually fee-free. No monthly charges or minimums; no fees for bill payments; gratis withdrawals from any ATM, including reimbursements for surcharges applied by banks. A brokerage account was typically required, so look first to the firm where you already keep investments.
Vanguard was the anomaly among those that MONEY looked at. It alone required a certain threshold of assets -- $500,000 for access, $1 million to avoid fees. And it's the only one that didn't offer FDIC insurance; the rest hold uninvested funds with a partner bank or their own bank entity.
Best savings alternative: SmartyPig.com
Savings motivation site SmartyPig.com offers 0.7% on balances up to $50,000, 0.5% for amounts over that -- pretty decent compared with the average bank savings yield of 0.14%. And while the site isn't itself a bank, it stores your cash with one, so your money is insured.
Of course, you can do a bit better, around 1%, at a handful of online banks, but SmartyPig serves up other benefits banks don't -- like helping you save.
Rather than offering traditional accounts, SmartyPig makes you create goals, such as "vacation," which you fund by direct deposit or transfers from a bank or brokerage.
You can track progress graphically, and share the info with others. (Or set one generic goal, like "emergency fund," to simply take advantage of the rates.)
Saving for a purchase? Once you've met your target, you can choose a retailer gift card worth up to 11% more than your balance.
Best borrowing alternative: A credit union
While credit unions offer similar services to banks, these not-for-profit cooperatives aren't beholden to shareholders or the bottom line.
[Also see: Best Cars for the Money]
"That unique structure typically translates into more favorable terms for borrowers," says Greg McBride of Bankrate.com.
A five-year new-car loan averages 4.9% at banks, vs. 3.5% at credit unions, reports Informa Research Services.
For home-equity lines of credit, banks are offering 4.7%, credit unions 4.4%. Rates on fixed mortgages come up about equal, though you'll probably save a few hundred in fees and get more direct access to decision-makers at a credit union.
Search options at findacreditunion.com. And don't assume you won't qualify for one. Many have relaxed their membership policies, says Matjanec.
Blessings of Gridlock — Few Changes in Taxes
You may not be in the same financial league as Mitt Romney, but look on the bright side: Your tax return this year probably is much simpler than his.
Thanks to political gridlock in Washington last year, taxpayers will have to grapple with relatively few tax-law changes on their federal income-tax returns for 2011.
"There are a few new forms to contend with, but in general the tax return will look very similar to the past," says Brittney Saks, a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers and head of the firm's U.S. personal financial services practice.
Wesley Bedrosian
Even so, don't feel too sorry for professional tax preparers. Some of the changes can be tricky—and there are plenty of complexities left over from prior years to keep most tax professionals from having to worry about joining the ranks of the unemployed.
"Although Congress keeps talking about simplicity, they've really done very little" to simplify the tax system, says Mark Luscombe, principal federal tax analyst at CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business. "So, every year, it gets a little more complex."
Here are some of the major changes affecting this year's federal income-tax returns and a few tips from tax pros:
April 17 is the deadline this year to file your federal return and pay what you owe. The reason: April 15, the usual deadline, falls on a Sunday, and April 16 is a holiday in the District of Columbia.
TK
April 17 also is the deadline for making contributions for 2011 to your individual retirement account.
If you need more time to file your federal returns, you can get an additional six months—until Monday, Oct. 15—by filing Form 4868, available on the IRS site (www.irs.gov). But it won't give you any more time to pay any amount you might owe.
Taxpayers can choose to take the standard deduction, or they can itemize deductions on Schedule A. For 2011, the basic standard deduction amount is $11,600 for married couples filing jointly. For most singles, or for a married person filing separately, it's $5,800.
There are additional amounts for older taxpayers (those born before Jan. 2, 1947), or those who are blind or both.
Don't automatically choose the standard deduction without checking to see whether you might be better off itemizing.
Teachers, counselors, principals or school aides who worked at least 900 hours during the school year in a school that provides elementary or secondary education can deduct up to $250 of school supplies that they purchased out of their own pockets for use in their classroom, says Greg Rosica, a partner at Ernst & Young. This includes books, supplies and computer equipment. They are eligible for this deduction even if they take the standard deduction.
Watch out for an important new twist, known as cost-basis reporting. This new system is required under a law meant to improve the accuracy of what taxpayers report for capital gains and losses.
Suppose you paid $1,000 for a stock in January of last year for a taxable account (not a 401(k) or IRA). Then you sold all those shares for $3,000 in June. Because of the new law, you should receive Form 1099-B this year from your broker showing both your cost ($1,000) and the gross proceeds ($3,000). Previously, the cost wasn't required to be reported on that form.
The law is being phased in. The rules for this year's forms apply to "only a relatively limited class of securities"—namely corporate stock that was both purchased and sold during 2011, says Timothy L. Hanford, a former tax staffer at the House Ways and Means Committee and now a consultant at ADC Strategies in Bethesda, Md.
The new rules don't apply to stock sold in 2011 but acquired before 2011. They also don't apply to mutual-fund transactions during 2011 or stock acquired in connection with a dividend reinvestment plan.
In most cases, investors should use the new Form 8949 to report capital gains and losses for 2011, the IRS says. Use Schedule D, which long has been used for reporting transactions, as a summary sheet to report amounts for total sales price, basis and other adjustments—and to figure how much tax you may owe. See instructions for Form 8949 and for Schedule D.
Taxpayers who take deductions for business use of a car, van, pickup or panel truck can either deduct certain actual costs or use the IRS's standard optional mileage rate.
For 2011, there are two different IRS rates: 51 cents a mile for the first six months and 55.5 cents for the second six months. The IRS changed the rates for the second half of the year to reflect higher gasoline prices.
The rate for computing deductible medical or moving expenses was 19 cents a mile for the first half of last year and 23.5 cents for the second half.
The rate for using a car to provide services to charitable organizations was unchanged at 14 cents a mile. It's set by law.
This year, many taxpayers who have financial assets in other countries are required to file a new form (Form 8938) if the total exceeds certain amounts. This new form is supposed to be attached to the taxpayers' income-tax return.
The new filing requirement "applies to U.S. citizens and resident aliens, nonresident aliens who elect to file a joint income-tax return, and certain nonresidents who live in a U.S. territory," the IRS says. Individuals who don't have to file an income-tax return need not file the new form.
For more details, see instructions for Form 8938.
For 2011, the exemption levels increased for the alternative minimum tax, or AMT, a parallel tax system where certain deductions disappear, resulting in higher tax tabs for some people. The new levels are:
$74,450 for a married couple filing a joint return and qualifying widows and widowers, up from $72,450 in 2010. $37,225 for a married person filing separately, up from $36,225. $48,450 for singles and heads of household, up from $47,450.
Thanks to political gridlock in Washington last year, taxpayers will have to grapple with relatively few tax-law changes on their federal income-tax returns for 2011.
"There are a few new forms to contend with, but in general the tax return will look very similar to the past," says Brittney Saks, a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers and head of the firm's U.S. personal financial services practice.
Wesley Bedrosian
Even so, don't feel too sorry for professional tax preparers. Some of the changes can be tricky—and there are plenty of complexities left over from prior years to keep most tax professionals from having to worry about joining the ranks of the unemployed.
"Although Congress keeps talking about simplicity, they've really done very little" to simplify the tax system, says Mark Luscombe, principal federal tax analyst at CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business. "So, every year, it gets a little more complex."
Here are some of the major changes affecting this year's federal income-tax returns and a few tips from tax pros:
April 17 is the deadline this year to file your federal return and pay what you owe. The reason: April 15, the usual deadline, falls on a Sunday, and April 16 is a holiday in the District of Columbia.
TK
April 17 also is the deadline for making contributions for 2011 to your individual retirement account.
If you need more time to file your federal returns, you can get an additional six months—until Monday, Oct. 15—by filing Form 4868, available on the IRS site (www.irs.gov). But it won't give you any more time to pay any amount you might owe.
Taxpayers can choose to take the standard deduction, or they can itemize deductions on Schedule A. For 2011, the basic standard deduction amount is $11,600 for married couples filing jointly. For most singles, or for a married person filing separately, it's $5,800.
There are additional amounts for older taxpayers (those born before Jan. 2, 1947), or those who are blind or both.
Don't automatically choose the standard deduction without checking to see whether you might be better off itemizing.
Teachers, counselors, principals or school aides who worked at least 900 hours during the school year in a school that provides elementary or secondary education can deduct up to $250 of school supplies that they purchased out of their own pockets for use in their classroom, says Greg Rosica, a partner at Ernst & Young. This includes books, supplies and computer equipment. They are eligible for this deduction even if they take the standard deduction.
Watch out for an important new twist, known as cost-basis reporting. This new system is required under a law meant to improve the accuracy of what taxpayers report for capital gains and losses.
Suppose you paid $1,000 for a stock in January of last year for a taxable account (not a 401(k) or IRA). Then you sold all those shares for $3,000 in June. Because of the new law, you should receive Form 1099-B this year from your broker showing both your cost ($1,000) and the gross proceeds ($3,000). Previously, the cost wasn't required to be reported on that form.
The law is being phased in. The rules for this year's forms apply to "only a relatively limited class of securities"—namely corporate stock that was both purchased and sold during 2011, says Timothy L. Hanford, a former tax staffer at the House Ways and Means Committee and now a consultant at ADC Strategies in Bethesda, Md.
The new rules don't apply to stock sold in 2011 but acquired before 2011. They also don't apply to mutual-fund transactions during 2011 or stock acquired in connection with a dividend reinvestment plan.
In most cases, investors should use the new Form 8949 to report capital gains and losses for 2011, the IRS says. Use Schedule D, which long has been used for reporting transactions, as a summary sheet to report amounts for total sales price, basis and other adjustments—and to figure how much tax you may owe. See instructions for Form 8949 and for Schedule D.
Taxpayers who take deductions for business use of a car, van, pickup or panel truck can either deduct certain actual costs or use the IRS's standard optional mileage rate.
For 2011, there are two different IRS rates: 51 cents a mile for the first six months and 55.5 cents for the second six months. The IRS changed the rates for the second half of the year to reflect higher gasoline prices.
The rate for computing deductible medical or moving expenses was 19 cents a mile for the first half of last year and 23.5 cents for the second half.
The rate for using a car to provide services to charitable organizations was unchanged at 14 cents a mile. It's set by law.
This year, many taxpayers who have financial assets in other countries are required to file a new form (Form 8938) if the total exceeds certain amounts. This new form is supposed to be attached to the taxpayers' income-tax return.
The new filing requirement "applies to U.S. citizens and resident aliens, nonresident aliens who elect to file a joint income-tax return, and certain nonresidents who live in a U.S. territory," the IRS says. Individuals who don't have to file an income-tax return need not file the new form.
For more details, see instructions for Form 8938.
For 2011, the exemption levels increased for the alternative minimum tax, or AMT, a parallel tax system where certain deductions disappear, resulting in higher tax tabs for some people. The new levels are:
$74,450 for a married couple filing a joint return and qualifying widows and widowers, up from $72,450 in 2010. $37,225 for a married person filing separately, up from $36,225. $48,450 for singles and heads of household, up from $47,450.
10 Things You Should Rent Instead of Buy
may be a buyer's market when it comes to real estate, but there are still many things you're often better off renting.
Of course, there's no substitute for ownership if you truly need an item for repeated use, but if you're only going to use something once in a while, why pay full price when you can borrow it for a lot less?
For Americans on a budget, here are 10 examples of when renting might be the more cost-effective choice.
Designer Dresses
Designer gowns and dresses were once out of reach to most of us, affordable only to glitzy celebrities and those with a healthy cushion of disposable income. Now thanks to some hip rental companies, women with more modest means can wear red-carpet-worthy pieces for a fraction of the retail price.
Wear Today Gone Tomorrow rents out dresses and accessories by top designers, many for 90% off the retail price, such as this Kay Unger strapless silk ruched dress for $57 for a seven-day rental (retails for $570). Just keep in mind that the company tacks on a $10 cleaning fee for all dresses.
Rent the Runway also lends out dresses by more than 100 designers, including Vera Wang, Missoni and Diane von Furstenberg, plus accessories such as jewelry and shawls.
Both companies send the rental dress of your choice by mail, and Rent the Runway throws in a second size for free just in case the first one doesn't fit.
Tools
While everyone should probably own a basic toolbox, when it comes to bigger power tools that you may only need for a special project, you can save money by renting.
The Home Depot rents out a variety of tools for the occasional home repair or maintenance project. For instance, I can rent a 20-inch gas chainsaw from my local Home Depot for $63 a day — a good value, considering that buying one from the store can cost from about $200 to $570, according to HomeDepot.com.
[See also: Turn your passion into your career ]
You can also rent a carpet cleaner from most Home Depot locations for $18 for four hours, or $24.97 for the day. According to HomeDepot.com, most carpet cleaners at the store cost $150 or more to purchase.
Handbags
Like dresses, you can rent designer handbags for a considerable amount less than the retail price.
If you're wondering when it makes more sense to borrow a bag than buy one, consider these situations: You have a special event, such as a wedding, that may call for a specific color or style to match your dress, but you don't want to spend a bundle on something you may not wear again (how many "lilac" colored outfits do you normally wear?). Or say you're looking to dress to impress for a job interview, date or charity function. Or you want a new handbag for this season, but don't want to spend too much and get stuck with a bag that may end up in your closet when the season changes.
Bag Borrow or Steal rents out handbags by hot designers like Tory Burch, Prada, Michael Kors and Fendi on a weekly, monthly or seasonal basis. Another service is Handbag Envy, which rents bags for the week or month by designers such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Gucci.
Caskets
The only thing spookier than a funeral is the price tag that comes along with it. Purchasing a casket alone can cost an arm and a leg, with the average metal casket priced at $2,295 and the average wooden casket costing $2,865, according to the National Funeral Directors Association.
Believe it or not, though, buying a casket isn't your only option — many funeral homes actually offer casket rentals for the funeral services, which can save you a good amount of money. Rental caskets look like any other to the casual observer, but inside they contain an insert where the body is placed that is removed after the services.
"You normally don't see rentals used with burials — they're typically used for cremation," says funeral director Michael Krill, spokesperson for the NFDA and owner of three funeral homes in northwest Ohio. Krill adds that rentals at his funeral home, which are included in package deals, can save customers about $800-$900.
[See also: Secrets Customer Service Reps Don't Want You to Know]
Textbooks
As if college tuition fees aren't high enough these days, the cost of books can also make a dent in your savings. According to the College Board, books and other course materials at a four-year public college cost students $1,168 on average for the 2011-2012 academic year.
One way to save money is by borrowing textbooks by services such as CampusBookRentals.com, which rents new and gently used textbooks for a good amount less than the cost of buying the book new and, in many cases, used. For instance, the Longman Anthology of British Literature, Volumes 1A, 1B and 1C rents for $23.13 for the semester — about a third of its list price of $66.67.
Other sites that offer book rentals include Half.com and Chegg.com.
Camping Gear
Ahh, the great outdoors. Many of us daydream about spending more time with Mother Nature, but few of us get around to actually going on regular camping trips. For those who can only go camping once or twice a year, it's probably best to rent your equipment.
The popular sporting goods store REI offers rentals for a variety of camping essentials, including tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, paddling gear and camping stoves. At my local REI, for instance, you can rent a four-person tent for $45 the first day and $10 for every additional day — which equals $55 for a weekend. Meanwhile, most four-person tents on REI.com cost in the $200 and $300 range.
Trucks
When it comes to that occasional home improvement project that requires you to transport a heavy load, it's probably not worth it to buy your own pickup truck — and you certainly don't want to risk damaging the car you already own.
The Home Depot lets you rent a pickup truck for $19 for the first 75 minutes, or $69 for a day, which is available at most of its retail locations. All you'll need is a driver's license, a valid vehicle insurance card and a major credit card.
Parking Spots
One of the most frustrating things about driving is finding a place to park, especially in a busy city or a congested town square. Luckily, there are a variety of services out there that allow you to rent spots, often at a rate significantly lower than commercial car parks or on-street meters.
You can book a spot with the click of a mouse through sites such as ParkatmyHouse and Craigslist — whether you need a spot on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
Bikes
If you only go biking once in a while, or are an avid cyclist but don't feel like transporting your bike every time you travel, renting could be a good option.
You can rent bikes at low rates from services such as RentaBikeNow.com, which partners with more than 250 bike shops around the country to help people find a bike near their current location. Just head to the site and choose your state from the drop-down menu, and a list of bike shops that offer rentals will appear on a map, allowing you to find the nearest one. Simply click the bike shop you're interested in, choose the date(s) you want to rent, and make your reservation. Your thighs will thank you.
Furniture
If you're decorating a house you plan on living in for years to come, we won't argue with you if you choose to buy your furniture. But if you are hosting a special event at your home that requires some additional seating and tables, are living somewhere temporarily or are selling and want to stage your home with fresh pieces, renting might make the most sense.
Cort provides a host of stylish choices, including sofas, accent chairs, dining tables and rugs, as well as complete sets for your living room, bedroom and dining room. This living room set, for instance, includes a sofa, accent chair, cocktail table, end table and silver tear-drop table lamp for $265 per month.
Of course, there's no substitute for ownership if you truly need an item for repeated use, but if you're only going to use something once in a while, why pay full price when you can borrow it for a lot less?
For Americans on a budget, here are 10 examples of when renting might be the more cost-effective choice.
Designer Dresses
Designer gowns and dresses were once out of reach to most of us, affordable only to glitzy celebrities and those with a healthy cushion of disposable income. Now thanks to some hip rental companies, women with more modest means can wear red-carpet-worthy pieces for a fraction of the retail price.
Wear Today Gone Tomorrow rents out dresses and accessories by top designers, many for 90% off the retail price, such as this Kay Unger strapless silk ruched dress for $57 for a seven-day rental (retails for $570). Just keep in mind that the company tacks on a $10 cleaning fee for all dresses.
Rent the Runway also lends out dresses by more than 100 designers, including Vera Wang, Missoni and Diane von Furstenberg, plus accessories such as jewelry and shawls.
Both companies send the rental dress of your choice by mail, and Rent the Runway throws in a second size for free just in case the first one doesn't fit.
Tools
While everyone should probably own a basic toolbox, when it comes to bigger power tools that you may only need for a special project, you can save money by renting.
The Home Depot rents out a variety of tools for the occasional home repair or maintenance project. For instance, I can rent a 20-inch gas chainsaw from my local Home Depot for $63 a day — a good value, considering that buying one from the store can cost from about $200 to $570, according to HomeDepot.com.
[See also: Turn your passion into your career ]
You can also rent a carpet cleaner from most Home Depot locations for $18 for four hours, or $24.97 for the day. According to HomeDepot.com, most carpet cleaners at the store cost $150 or more to purchase.
Handbags
Like dresses, you can rent designer handbags for a considerable amount less than the retail price.
If you're wondering when it makes more sense to borrow a bag than buy one, consider these situations: You have a special event, such as a wedding, that may call for a specific color or style to match your dress, but you don't want to spend a bundle on something you may not wear again (how many "lilac" colored outfits do you normally wear?). Or say you're looking to dress to impress for a job interview, date or charity function. Or you want a new handbag for this season, but don't want to spend too much and get stuck with a bag that may end up in your closet when the season changes.
Bag Borrow or Steal rents out handbags by hot designers like Tory Burch, Prada, Michael Kors and Fendi on a weekly, monthly or seasonal basis. Another service is Handbag Envy, which rents bags for the week or month by designers such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Gucci.
Caskets
The only thing spookier than a funeral is the price tag that comes along with it. Purchasing a casket alone can cost an arm and a leg, with the average metal casket priced at $2,295 and the average wooden casket costing $2,865, according to the National Funeral Directors Association.
Believe it or not, though, buying a casket isn't your only option — many funeral homes actually offer casket rentals for the funeral services, which can save you a good amount of money. Rental caskets look like any other to the casual observer, but inside they contain an insert where the body is placed that is removed after the services.
"You normally don't see rentals used with burials — they're typically used for cremation," says funeral director Michael Krill, spokesperson for the NFDA and owner of three funeral homes in northwest Ohio. Krill adds that rentals at his funeral home, which are included in package deals, can save customers about $800-$900.
[See also: Secrets Customer Service Reps Don't Want You to Know]
Textbooks
As if college tuition fees aren't high enough these days, the cost of books can also make a dent in your savings. According to the College Board, books and other course materials at a four-year public college cost students $1,168 on average for the 2011-2012 academic year.
One way to save money is by borrowing textbooks by services such as CampusBookRentals.com, which rents new and gently used textbooks for a good amount less than the cost of buying the book new and, in many cases, used. For instance, the Longman Anthology of British Literature, Volumes 1A, 1B and 1C rents for $23.13 for the semester — about a third of its list price of $66.67.
Other sites that offer book rentals include Half.com and Chegg.com.
Camping Gear
Ahh, the great outdoors. Many of us daydream about spending more time with Mother Nature, but few of us get around to actually going on regular camping trips. For those who can only go camping once or twice a year, it's probably best to rent your equipment.
The popular sporting goods store REI offers rentals for a variety of camping essentials, including tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, paddling gear and camping stoves. At my local REI, for instance, you can rent a four-person tent for $45 the first day and $10 for every additional day — which equals $55 for a weekend. Meanwhile, most four-person tents on REI.com cost in the $200 and $300 range.
Trucks
When it comes to that occasional home improvement project that requires you to transport a heavy load, it's probably not worth it to buy your own pickup truck — and you certainly don't want to risk damaging the car you already own.
The Home Depot lets you rent a pickup truck for $19 for the first 75 minutes, or $69 for a day, which is available at most of its retail locations. All you'll need is a driver's license, a valid vehicle insurance card and a major credit card.
Parking Spots
One of the most frustrating things about driving is finding a place to park, especially in a busy city or a congested town square. Luckily, there are a variety of services out there that allow you to rent spots, often at a rate significantly lower than commercial car parks or on-street meters.
You can book a spot with the click of a mouse through sites such as ParkatmyHouse and Craigslist — whether you need a spot on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
Bikes
If you only go biking once in a while, or are an avid cyclist but don't feel like transporting your bike every time you travel, renting could be a good option.
You can rent bikes at low rates from services such as RentaBikeNow.com, which partners with more than 250 bike shops around the country to help people find a bike near their current location. Just head to the site and choose your state from the drop-down menu, and a list of bike shops that offer rentals will appear on a map, allowing you to find the nearest one. Simply click the bike shop you're interested in, choose the date(s) you want to rent, and make your reservation. Your thighs will thank you.
Furniture
If you're decorating a house you plan on living in for years to come, we won't argue with you if you choose to buy your furniture. But if you are hosting a special event at your home that requires some additional seating and tables, are living somewhere temporarily or are selling and want to stage your home with fresh pieces, renting might make the most sense.
Cort provides a host of stylish choices, including sofas, accent chairs, dining tables and rugs, as well as complete sets for your living room, bedroom and dining room. This living room set, for instance, includes a sofa, accent chair, cocktail table, end table and silver tear-drop table lamp for $265 per month.
5 best and 5 worst U.S. housing markets, long term
CHICAGO (MarketWatch) — If you’re in the market for a home these days, you’re likely looking for a place you can live in for a long time, rather than a house you plan to sell a few short years later. But after deep price drops over the past several years, home buyers want to feel comfortable that the value of the house they buy has a good outlook ahead of it.
In your particular market, that often means taking a close look at the employment picture, population growth and housing inventory before making a purchase.
Unlike traditional forecasts that look a year into the future, Local Market Monitor, a firm that analyzes markets for the banking industry, also puts together a three-year forecast. What follows are the highlights of its longer-term forecast: The top five and bottom five housing markets for the three years ahead, taken from a ranking of the largest 100 markets it covers.
Top 5, No. 1. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, Texas
A strong recovery in jobs is one reason this housing market is looking good right now. Plus, population growth is triple the national average, according to Local Market Monitor. Home prices rose 19% between 2002 and 2007, followed by a 4% drop between 2007 and today, said Ingo Winzer, president of Local Market Monitor. The number of jobs in the area increased 4% over the past 12 months. “McAllen is a border area and the growth in jobs in the past year is mainly in health services and government services [including schools] because of the rapid growth of the Hispanic population. These are lower-paying jobs that mainly affect the rental market and lower housing market,” Winzer said. Michael/Wikimedia
Top 5, No. 2. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, Calif.
Photo: Michael/Wikimedia
Home prices are close to a bottom in this area and there’s already a good recovery underway in the job market, driven by high-tech manufacturing and technology services, according to Local Market Monitor. Income levels are high, and population growth is slightly above average. During the housing boom (between 2002 and 2007), home prices rose a steep 43%; that was followed by a 21% drop. “The San Jose recovery is clearly connected to the high-tech sector, which is very much a boom-and-bust situation. During the recession, 30,000 tech jobs were lost, but 16,000 have been regained since 2009. These are high-paying jobs that affect the housing market,” Winzer said. Rdikeman/Wikimedia
Top 5, No. 3. Akron, Ohio
Photo: Rdikeman/Wikimedia
Home prices were down in Akron over the past year, but a strong recovery in jobs is one reason the market is looking up. Manufacturing, particularly of rubber, is a large component of the economy. This is an area that never saw large home-price increases during the housing boom; without a bubble, prices didn’t have far to fall. At left, Canal Park is the home of the Akron Aeros of the Eastern League.
Top 5, No. 4: Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, Texas
Photo: NASA
A strong jobs recovery is working in this market’s favor, where the oil drilling and services sector rules. It’s also an area with high population growth — almost triple the national average, according to Local Market Monitor. “The housing boom was all one way, with prices up 21%. The recession was almost non-existent, with jobs down just 1% [over the past year],” Winzer said. At left, the shuttle flight control room at Johnson Space Center. When NASA’s shuttle program ended, jobs were cut at the Johnson Space Center, but it continues to be one of Houston’s most popular family attractions. Ronald C. Yochum Jr.
Top 5, No. 5: Pittsburgh, Pa.
Photo: Ronald C. Yochum Jr.
Home prices are close to a bottom in Pittsburgh. In fact, the housing boom boosted prices in this market by 16%, but they really haven’t fallen. There’s also a good recovery underway in jobs here, with an economy featuring a large health and education sector, according to Local Market Monitor. At left, the skyline from the West End overlook.
Bottom 5, No. 1: Wilmington, Del.
Photo: Nolabob/Wikimedia
Continuing job losses and falling home prices plague this market. The finance sector, including credit-card operations, is big in Wilmington. Home prices got a huge boost during the boom, with a 47% rise in prices, followed by a 16% drop. “To a large extent, the housing boom here was similar to that in many other markets, not caused by any local economic circumstances, but by the wider national picture,” Winzer said. At left, a sign in Wilmington says “Welcome to Wilmington — A Place to be Somebody.” Green Street Properties
Bottom 5, No. 2: Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, Ga.
Photo: Green Street Properties
Home prices in this area experienced a large drop in the past year, according to Local Market Monitor. It’s also a market that overcorrected in the housing crash: During the boom (between 2002 and 2007), prices rose 15%, followed by a 21% drop, according to the firm’s data. Atlanta has a diversified local economy, and high population growth — almost triple the national average. But income is below average, and the number of jobs fell 8% over the past year. “Atlanta is a more difficult story, with 200,000 jobs lost since 2007, spread fairly evenly over the manufacturing, retail, finance, business services and government sectors, but a very large 55,000 of those jobs were lost in construction. There was no home-price boom in Atlanta, very possibly because far too many new homes were built,” Winzer said. At left, Hedgewood EarthCraft home in Glenwood Park, a green development in Atlanta.
Bottom 5, No. 3: Tucson, Ariz.
Photo: Zereshk/Wikimedia
A large drop in home prices over the past year signals that this is a dangerous market for investors — even though Tucson is having a decent recovery in jobs, according to Local Market Monitor. This is also an area that has been greatly affected by the housing boom and bust: Prices rose 60% during the boom, followed by a 34% drop. And while the University of Arizona normally provides stability in this area, the school is vulnerable to state budget cuts. At left, the entrance garden at Arizona State Museum on the campus of the University of Arizona at Tucson.
Bottom 5, No. 4: Jacksonville, Fla.
Photo: Ebyabe/Wikimedia
Home prices have fallen dramatically in the past year and the housing boom and bust was felt severely in Jacksonville — where prices rose 58% during the boom, followed by a 33% drop. Even though the city has a diversified economy, the recession hit Jacksonville hard, with the number of jobs down about 8% over the year. At left, the John S. Sammis House (also known as the Arlington Bluff House) is a historic home in Jacksonville. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
Bottom 5, No. 5: Sacramento-Arden-Arcade-Roseville, Calif.
Photo: Michael Grindstaff
The Sacramento area also suffered big home-price drops in the past year. During the housing boom, prices rose 35%, but plummeted 38% during the bust. While the government sector often provides stability to the local economy, it’s always vulnerable to state budget cuts. The number of jobs is down 11% over the year. At left, the tower bridge from the east side of the Sacramento River as it flows through Sacramento.
In your particular market, that often means taking a close look at the employment picture, population growth and housing inventory before making a purchase.
Unlike traditional forecasts that look a year into the future, Local Market Monitor, a firm that analyzes markets for the banking industry, also puts together a three-year forecast. What follows are the highlights of its longer-term forecast: The top five and bottom five housing markets for the three years ahead, taken from a ranking of the largest 100 markets it covers.
Top 5, No. 1. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, Texas
A strong recovery in jobs is one reason this housing market is looking good right now. Plus, population growth is triple the national average, according to Local Market Monitor. Home prices rose 19% between 2002 and 2007, followed by a 4% drop between 2007 and today, said Ingo Winzer, president of Local Market Monitor. The number of jobs in the area increased 4% over the past 12 months. “McAllen is a border area and the growth in jobs in the past year is mainly in health services and government services [including schools] because of the rapid growth of the Hispanic population. These are lower-paying jobs that mainly affect the rental market and lower housing market,” Winzer said. Michael/Wikimedia
Top 5, No. 2. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, Calif.
Photo: Michael/Wikimedia
Home prices are close to a bottom in this area and there’s already a good recovery underway in the job market, driven by high-tech manufacturing and technology services, according to Local Market Monitor. Income levels are high, and population growth is slightly above average. During the housing boom (between 2002 and 2007), home prices rose a steep 43%; that was followed by a 21% drop. “The San Jose recovery is clearly connected to the high-tech sector, which is very much a boom-and-bust situation. During the recession, 30,000 tech jobs were lost, but 16,000 have been regained since 2009. These are high-paying jobs that affect the housing market,” Winzer said. Rdikeman/Wikimedia
Top 5, No. 3. Akron, Ohio
Photo: Rdikeman/Wikimedia
Home prices were down in Akron over the past year, but a strong recovery in jobs is one reason the market is looking up. Manufacturing, particularly of rubber, is a large component of the economy. This is an area that never saw large home-price increases during the housing boom; without a bubble, prices didn’t have far to fall. At left, Canal Park is the home of the Akron Aeros of the Eastern League.
Top 5, No. 4: Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, Texas
Photo: NASA
A strong jobs recovery is working in this market’s favor, where the oil drilling and services sector rules. It’s also an area with high population growth — almost triple the national average, according to Local Market Monitor. “The housing boom was all one way, with prices up 21%. The recession was almost non-existent, with jobs down just 1% [over the past year],” Winzer said. At left, the shuttle flight control room at Johnson Space Center. When NASA’s shuttle program ended, jobs were cut at the Johnson Space Center, but it continues to be one of Houston’s most popular family attractions. Ronald C. Yochum Jr.
Top 5, No. 5: Pittsburgh, Pa.
Photo: Ronald C. Yochum Jr.
Home prices are close to a bottom in Pittsburgh. In fact, the housing boom boosted prices in this market by 16%, but they really haven’t fallen. There’s also a good recovery underway in jobs here, with an economy featuring a large health and education sector, according to Local Market Monitor. At left, the skyline from the West End overlook.
Bottom 5, No. 1: Wilmington, Del.
Photo: Nolabob/Wikimedia
Continuing job losses and falling home prices plague this market. The finance sector, including credit-card operations, is big in Wilmington. Home prices got a huge boost during the boom, with a 47% rise in prices, followed by a 16% drop. “To a large extent, the housing boom here was similar to that in many other markets, not caused by any local economic circumstances, but by the wider national picture,” Winzer said. At left, a sign in Wilmington says “Welcome to Wilmington — A Place to be Somebody.” Green Street Properties
Bottom 5, No. 2: Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, Ga.
Photo: Green Street Properties
Home prices in this area experienced a large drop in the past year, according to Local Market Monitor. It’s also a market that overcorrected in the housing crash: During the boom (between 2002 and 2007), prices rose 15%, followed by a 21% drop, according to the firm’s data. Atlanta has a diversified local economy, and high population growth — almost triple the national average. But income is below average, and the number of jobs fell 8% over the past year. “Atlanta is a more difficult story, with 200,000 jobs lost since 2007, spread fairly evenly over the manufacturing, retail, finance, business services and government sectors, but a very large 55,000 of those jobs were lost in construction. There was no home-price boom in Atlanta, very possibly because far too many new homes were built,” Winzer said. At left, Hedgewood EarthCraft home in Glenwood Park, a green development in Atlanta.
Bottom 5, No. 3: Tucson, Ariz.
Photo: Zereshk/Wikimedia
A large drop in home prices over the past year signals that this is a dangerous market for investors — even though Tucson is having a decent recovery in jobs, according to Local Market Monitor. This is also an area that has been greatly affected by the housing boom and bust: Prices rose 60% during the boom, followed by a 34% drop. And while the University of Arizona normally provides stability in this area, the school is vulnerable to state budget cuts. At left, the entrance garden at Arizona State Museum on the campus of the University of Arizona at Tucson.
Bottom 5, No. 4: Jacksonville, Fla.
Photo: Ebyabe/Wikimedia
Home prices have fallen dramatically in the past year and the housing boom and bust was felt severely in Jacksonville — where prices rose 58% during the boom, followed by a 33% drop. Even though the city has a diversified economy, the recession hit Jacksonville hard, with the number of jobs down about 8% over the year. At left, the John S. Sammis House (also known as the Arlington Bluff House) is a historic home in Jacksonville. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
Bottom 5, No. 5: Sacramento-Arden-Arcade-Roseville, Calif.
Photo: Michael Grindstaff
The Sacramento area also suffered big home-price drops in the past year. During the housing boom, prices rose 35%, but plummeted 38% during the bust. While the government sector often provides stability to the local economy, it’s always vulnerable to state budget cuts. The number of jobs is down 11% over the year. At left, the tower bridge from the east side of the Sacramento River as it flows through Sacramento.
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