What do Financially responsible people do?

We often assist people in cleaning up their credit.  Sometimes it is so rewarding to see someone that was in a mess get out of the mess and then get in a new home.  We love that opportunity.  

Sometimes we help them clean it up only to have them call a few years later and find out they are loosing their home.  We have Solutions for that, but avoidance is better than solutions.  That's why we are including a fabulous article from Mary Hunt here from her excellent daily email, the Cheapskate daily.   She has excellent advice and we thought you would enjoy this article.  We notice that bad habits don't go away without a Lot of attention, and replacing them with good ones. 

                    7 Habits of Financially Responsible People 

August 08, 2011

Funny thing about habits. Bad ones just seem to happen, while good ones are usually the result of considerable effort.

Habits are what personal character is made of, and basically they come in just two varieties: good and bad.

Some people act as if their habits were issued at birth and are not likely to ever change. There are a select few, however, who know and live by the truth: It is possible to learn good habits and unlearn bad ones, no matter how ingrained or deep-seated. It’s all a matter of choice.

The secret of learning good habits or breaking bad ones is found in conscious repetition—fueled by knowledge, skill and motivation. One must repeat an action over and over and over again until it becomes a natural response, a habit.

To become more financially responsible, consciously focus and follow these seven habits, repeating them over and over until they become natural responses:

HABIT 1. Financially responsible people regularly balance their checkbook. They calculate a current balance after every transaction. Yes, after every transaction!

HABIT 2. Financially responsible people think first and spend later. Thinking first means determining ahead of time whether the purchase is necessary or prudent. It means waiting. It means seeking out the best deal and being willing to walk away if necessary.

Habit 3. Financially responsible people save money consistently. They simply do not spend all the money they have. Financially responsible people save money first, before they pay everyone else. Saving is a long-term process, and, if necessary, sacrifices are made to achieve their savings goals.

Habit 4. Financially responsible people don’t see the monthly payment, but focus instead on the total price tag. These folks see through the marketing tactics and zero in on the true cost and bottom line.

Habit 5. Financially responsible people know precisely their financial condition. They usually know within a few bucks the current balance on their mortgage or other secured loans. They are keenly aware of and regularly update their net worth, and they habitually make each financial move in light of the effect it will have on their net worth.

Habit 6. Financially responsible people refuse to live under the fantasy of entitlement. They are not driven to keep up with their family, friends and neighbors. They are content to live joyfully within the limitations of their means.

Habit 7. Financially responsible people’s actions are based upon principles, not feelings. This compels them to pay their bills on time; to deal fairly and honestly with people; to give generously; and to restrain their compelling desires and find contentment in the things which really matter.

Becoming financially responsible is a process. In my case, it was a long process. I sabotaged myself for many years, convinced that I could never change. But I was wrong. I have changed and continue to make new progress every single day. And you can, too. I would consider it a privilege to walk the path of financial responsibility with you.

©Copyright 2011 Mary Hunt

Everyday Cheapskate is a Registered Trademark

Expanding my horizons

Well you all know how I love to solve problems.... especially someone elses! Well I am going to do some business consulting. If you need Solutions NOW come and play! I will give 2 sessions for the price of one.
Brainstorming and assisting YOU to find the ideas that are already locked inside your head:
Business ideas
Advertising & Marketing
Relationship problems
Money &; Financing problems
What to do, which direction to go
Credit help

I have learned some fantastic new skills that have worked fabulously.
Two  heads are better than one.... Get excited about your life again!

Fixer upper's

Love to buy a fixer upper but don't have the cash to do it. Check out this great video, it will let you buy one AND fix it up for only 3.5% down. Call me I can help! 801 694 5232
203(k) Video Its a Great Deal!

Hi, I wanted to share with you my experience with Financial Peace University. It is an amazing course by Dave Ramsey that will change the way you think. That is exactly what we all need to change our circumstances. (Don't forget that the definition of insanity is to keep doing the same thing and expecting different results.)

As you have been working on your credit clean up, we have been also. I started Financial Peace University course about 9 weeks ago, and I have been amazed at the difference it has made. We have cut our debt in half, and have an emergency fund. This was done with the same situation we had before. I am telling you this class will inspire you to make drastic changes in the way you handle your money.

Email or call me & I will find out where a class near you is. I will be hosting one in Grantsville in February, but if that isn't near you we can find one near you. If you are serious about getting on top of your finances, you can't afford NOT to take it. I have nothing invested in this class, I am just very impressed with this course and would love for each of you to have this assistance.

What will you learn in Financial Peace University?

In 13 action-packed lessons, you'll learn how to beat debt, build wealth, find bargains, invest for the future, give like never before, and much more! This information will change your life. Here is a small sample of each week's subject:

· Lesson 1

Super Saving

Dave explains the Seven Baby Steps that will guide you throughout Financial Peace University. You will also learn the three key reasons why you should save money—and why you must start now!

· Lesson 2

Relating With Money

Learn why it's important for spouses to communicate and work together toward success. Also, singles will learn the importance of teamwork, and parents will find out how to teach their kids about money.

· Lesson 3

Cash Flow Planning

Unlock the secret of developing a monthly spending plan that really works.

· Lesson 4

Dumping Debt

It's time to debunk some common debt myths! Dave reveals the truth about credit lies and gives you a plan to walk out of debt with confidence.

· Lesson 5

Credit Sharks In Suits

What is a credit score, anyway? Join Dave as he unpacks your credit rating and shows you how to handle collectors when they call.

· Lesson 6

Buyer Beware

Dave Ramsey draws on decades of experience to reveal the power and influence that marketing has on your everyday buying decisions. Let the buyer beware!

· Lesson 7

Clause and Effect

In this lesson, Dave walks you through the world of insurance, carefully explaining what you need—and what you need to avoid.

· Lesson 8

That's Not Good Enough!

Discover the seldom-used secrets of buying only big, big bargains—every time! Before you know it, you’ll be saying, "That’s not good enough!"

· Lesson 9

Of Mice and Mutual Funds

Dave breaks through the jargon surrounding long-term investing and empowers you to make your own decisions about your investments!

· Lesson 10

From Fruition To Tuition

Dave walks you through the maze of retirement options and helps you figure out the right path for you. You will also learn how to plan for college so your kids can graduate debt free!

· Lesson 11

Working In Your Strengths

This lesson will show you how to avoid dead-end or mind-numbing jobs and provide tips for job hunting, writing a résumé, and acing an interview. Plus, you’ll learn tips for finding extra jobs if you need cash to attack your debt snowball.

· Lesson 12

Real Estate and Mortgages

Dave draws on over 20 years of real estate experience to teach you how to win when buying or selling your home. Plus, he’ll dissect all of the common mortgage options available today, showing you what to choose—and what to avoid.

· Lesson 13

The Great Misunderstanding

Warning! This lesson will challenge the way you think about money. Dave will show you how generous giving can completely revolutionize your attitude and improve your finances, business and relationships.

Lets do this together!

Bottoms up

Where will the bottom be?

Things I have learned

• Its ok to trust an unknown future to a KNOWN God!
• The ears you tell something to today are attached to the tongue telling someone else something tomorrow!
• How I think creates how I act! What I am thinking today, becomes my tomorrow!
• It is better to under promise and over deliver!
• In a 100 years most things are unimportant!

When does refinancing make CENTS!

When does refinancing make sense to you? A rule of thumb is 1% below your current interest rate IF you are not planning on selling for the next 3 years. If you are save your money.
I am really excited to be able to assist my clients in achieving their financial goals by helping them with their refinancing options. One thing you will ALWAYS be able to count on with me is that I will be honest with you. If it only makes cents for me, it isn't right for you. I will help you evaluate your situation so you can determine if it would be good for you!

Credit less than perfect? I can help you clean your credit up so you can take advantage of these amazing interest rates great buys. Call Barb  or Bryan at 435 884 9449. Honest answers guaranteed.

Clean it up, haul it out

Whether you are thinking of selling your home or just want a peaceful place to call home it is imperative to declutter. We all have a lot of things in our home that do not add to the quality of life but detract. Take a look around you as though you were a visitor and decide if your " Things" are contributing or detracting.
Sharing your things with others will free up your life and bless someone else!

Jump on the band wagon

Just a few months are left to take advantage of the 8K government rebate. This is NOT just for 1st time home buyers, this is for anyone who hasn't owned a home in the last 3 years. You don't even have to wait until you file your taxes to receive the money... call us and ask us how. There are also a lot of community grants out there. Houses can still be purchased for -0- down payment. Buy now while prices are low, interest in low and inventory is high. You may be able to make your payment less than your rent! You have to have your transaction closed by December 1st 2009! This Grantsville Beauty is on 10 acres. Beautiful Cherrywood kitchen and private well! Can you believe it is only $329,000? Hurry and take advantage of this exciting program! The home of your dreams is waiting for you! Call today Barb 435 884 9449

Last Frontier

Living in Tooele County has really made me appreciate our opportunity of seeing the beautiful wilderness. As urban sprawl effects so many areas in our state, our beautiful county seems to be less touched by it . A few days ago my husband and I got in our side by side 4 wheeler and drove down the road.... yes, you heard right, we didn't have to trailer our 4 wheeler! We simply drove to the mountains. We ran across a little settlement in the Stansbury mountain range. Oh how I wished the homes could talk and tell us their stories. Bryan thought at first it was a mining camp, but after wandering around we could tell it wasn't. What miner would plant a lilac bush and persistent tulips? These small little homes definitely had a woman's touch. There was a sign on one of the little homes that said 1913. Was it really built in 1913? I have no way of finding out.
We ran across an old truck while we were exploring? How in the world did they get it up there? It was pretty rough terrain. I'm sure it would have some stories to tell also. Did I mention the amazing wild flowers? They were so beautiful. I truly felt blessed to see such beauty.

We never seem to run out of places to explore here in 'Tooele County, Utah. What a great place to live! Serenity and convenience!

New appraisal guidelines could affect market

New appraisal guidelines that could further affect the Real Esatate Market. Some banks & mortgage companies have already implemented some of these restraints. The new rules are formally announced. Check out the final version of the Home Valuation Code of Conduct with implementation required by May 1. Clearly, this will have a major impact on all facets of the mortgage industry... Specifically, the code prohibits:

• Direct contact between a loan originator and an appraiser.
• Passing an expected or desired value.
• Requesting estimated values or sales comparables prior to completion of an appraisal report.
• Direct payment for appraisals to appraiser by origination-related personnel

"The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has formally announced the final version of the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC) to be implemented by May 1, 2009. As expected, the code specifically addresses appraiser independence, pre-valuation requests and the passing of any expected value by a loan originator."

In the past appraisers not familiar with an area could look at comparables suggested to him by a realtor, is this going to still be allowed? Anyone's guess. We'll have to see how this is going to affect a market that is just showing signs of rejuvenation!

Deal of the Day!

My deal for the day is to remind you to go outside and really see the amazing nature that is surrounding you. The weeds are even green! What a deal! Spectacular beauty and it is free! It will uplift your mood, enhance your spirit and make you grateful.
This is my pet dove, he even adds to my joy to my life with his cooing... telling me to come out and feed him. He was hawked about 2 weeks ago

and we had to doctor him back to health.

Mountain Property with year round access

Today's deal of the day is 3.5 acres of gorgeous mountain property right next to forest service property. Wooded, year round access! Only $58,000. Purchase by next month and get some free property thrown in! Property is located in South Willow Canyon in The Stansbury Mountain range in Grantsville, Utah. Last lot on the south side before forest service gate!

What is a deal?

As I have been perusing property lists looking for a the deal for the day, I wanted you to know that a deal for a homeowner isn't necessarily a deal for an investor.

If you are an investor you want make sure your property has at least 10K profit. It is not worth it for any less. The risk out weighs the return. This must be after all of your costs including the cost for YOUR labor.

On the other hand if you are looking for a home, a deal could be the worst home at the best price in a neighborhood that you would love. One that has potential for future equity.

At the Solutions Team we try to take the guesswork out of that for you by doing before and after market analysis' & market research to let you know who is your potential future buyer and what WOW's they will be looking for. What is a Wow? It is something that when you see a property you unexpectedly say " Wow"!

Every home should have a WOW! Now I want to tell you about the deal of the day & it's Wow!

It is on 10 acres of prime property in a neighborhood of larger homes. It is a small custom 1 bedroom home with lots of extras. The Wow for this home is not only the gorgeous land with it's future development possibilities, but the Fabulous Gourmet kitchen with cherrywood cabinets and granite countertops. The property comes with a free flowing artesian well. Priced at only $329,900 and is located at 450 N Cooley St. in Grantsville UT.

Deal of the Day

Todays "Deal of the Day" is an approved short sale in Tooele County. This home has the most amazing mountain and lake views with a park like back yard. It is on a little over 1/2 acre. It was first listed it was $281,000. The sellers were going to walk away with a couple of thousand dollars at that price! Nearly 2 years later the bank has approved the short sale at $200K. This is less than the seller bought the home for 5 years ago. It is located in a beautiful area of larger homes. It has an amazing deck and a large covered patio. Perfect for entertaining. The home needs a little cosmetic updating. The potential is great! It is located at 491 Gordon Circle in Tooele, Utah. This home is a classic example of how overpricing can shoot you in the foot. If it had been priced right in the 2 years ago, my opinion is it would have sold for around $260K.

Real Estate Deal of the Day

As we go about our regular work day we see all kinds of people. Like the couple who were getting so excited to see the fabulous view from the living room. As the curtains were opened, the husband very disappointedly says, "Oh, what is a shame, that huge mountain is blocking the view"! Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder!

For this purpose we are going to show you some of the Fabulous deals that are out there from OUR eyes! Check back daily to see if any of these Deals of the Day are what you are looking for.
Todays DEAL is located in Herriman, Utah. It is on 5.92 acres of seclusion. It is only $370,000. The original loan on it was $700,000! 6,037 finished sq ft. It is located at 84 W High Country Road. Hurry and check it out, this fabulous deal won't last long!

$6000 First time Utah Homebuyers grant!

The pot just keeps getting sweeter! Low interest- lots of homes to pick from- $8000 rebate if you haven't owned a home in 3 years, and now for the residents of Utah a $6000 grant from the state! It doesn't get much better! Take this beautiful rambler on a huge .45 acre lot with the basement completely finished! Already a super bargain at only $229K. Real wood floors throughout! 5 bedroom + a big office, 2 family rooms, 3 baths, auto sprinklers, fenced and even a large shed! This home is located on a private cul-de-sac in Grantsville Utah. Located at 357 Plaza Circle.

You will love the town of Grantsville! It is where we have lived for the last 10 years. It is a small town with all of the city convenience. SLC is only a 30 min drive. Tooele is 15 min away and has all of the big town shopping available. This lovely town of about 8500 has beautiful mountains 7 min. from my front door! A reservoir for fishing and secondary irrigation. We also have the most fantastic 4 wheeling nearby also. My husband Bryan & I love to take the grandkids up a canyon that we can drive right out of the driveway to. We take a few shortcuts going on some back roads and we are right in this beautiful canyon. At the top of the trail is an old abandoned mine. We always stop there for a snack and beautiful vistas. The grandkids love swinging over a little stream on a rope. It makes them feel very adventurous and the pictures give their moms a heart attack. It looks much scarier than it is.

We feel very blessed to live in this oasis of peace and tranquility with wonderful neighbors and friends around us. The only thing that we are missing is all of our kids. I am trying to talk them into the move!

There are some income limits on the grant, but they are quite high and on a sliding scale according to family size. The grant needs to be used for a new home that has never been lived in. We have lots of those out here!

Call the Sherrif, someones about to steal!

It is a buyers market right now as you all KNOW! Foreclosures are everywhere. A great example of this is the pictured gorgeous brick rambler that is a foreclosure steal! It is on the market with a $30K discount for a fast sale! This gorgeous all brick home is in Grantsville, Utah at 167 Harris, MLS # 861782 This beautiful home is just waiting for a new family to enjoy all of the fabulous amenities like organizational closet in the family room! Pellet stove in the Spacious family room. Built in entertainment center! It is within walking distance of all 3 schools!

Two years ago it was hard to find a good buy! Now they are everywhere you look! Put 4.75% interest on top of that and how can a buyer loose? Not to mention the FREE no strings attached government money you will get as a rebate if you are a First time home buyer! You can get up to $8,000. Here is a chart that will help you understand the government rebate program!

Out with the old!

Would you love to have a new home? The first step to having one is getting your current home ready to sell!

It takes longer to sell a home than to buy one. We can get you in a new home in less than 3 weeks! That is not the problem!

The problem is getting your home sold. How do you get it noticed among the 1000's of homes out there! STAGING!

This is a free service that The Solutions Team offers to their clients. We have helped get a home staged and ready to go, and all of a sudden the sellers realized what a jewel their home was, and decided Not to move.

Above is a picture I took of a home that was perfectly staged. The old closet doors were put over an unattractive old corner window to give the room a fresh new look. A few plants, a table cloth over an old table, and a couple of placemats and the room looked inviting!

Most of us have too much stuff! Load it up, haul it out! This one step alone can make your home look more inviting and much more spacious.

Decluttering is one of the best things you can do to get your home sold. It is also one of the best things you can do to make your home more attractive for you.

When you go into a room look at it as though you were seeing it for the first time. What is adding to the feel of clutter? What things do you love? Asking yourself these and other questions can make your home look like a showplace. Call for your free staging! We'll do it for buyers when they move in also, so take advantage of a service that will make you feel at home. Out with the old, in with the new... or the not so new, just different!

I'm asking the face in the mirror.....

As I watch our economy slowly go into a tail spin I ask myself, what am I doing to contribute to this economy.

I think the biggest factor in the decline in the real estate market is all of the press. People are afraid to buy! Prices are fabulous, lowest in 3 years. Interest is even better! Can people get loans! Absolutely. Perhaps they will have to do a bit of credit clean-up, but you are talking weeks, not months. This is a great time. The thing that is creating this whole mess is our thinking.

I just read a fantastic article in the Readers digest about these trying times. Perhaps we ( Me included) are focusing on the 1/2 empty glass rather than the 1/2 full one.

Some of the points that I loved in the article are:

• Free Time- we have so much more than people in other ages and in other countries. The typical American spends only 20% of our waking time earning a living. If you feel too busy it is because you are putting a lot of extra activities into your life. Your choice!


• Unemployment- Yes we are short on jobs, but it isn't near what the depression had. They had 44% unemployment, we aren't even close. We also have creative ways to make money that wasn't available to the people then.


• Roomier homes- We have more space than ever. Consider the home you grew up in. We had 5 kids and 1 bathroom. Most shared bedrooms. In 1950 Nearly 1/2 of Americans didn't own their own home. Today more than 2/3 's do.


• More wilderness. Once you travel beyond the spraw, you will find open space and peaceful forests. In recent decades, America has gained 70 million acres of wilderness, which is more than all of the land currently occupied by cities, suburbs. More people can get to this wilderness to enjoy it because of technology. We love 4 wheeling. We see country we never would on foot or in a car.


• Our cars, they last longer, are less expensive to drive and the fatality rate for accidents is down drastically. It's a reare site to come upon a broken down car. One we used to see all of the time.


• Memories. The gift of longer life has usually been accompanied by loss of memories. We have so many fabulous ways to enjoy those memories, digital photos, scrapbooking, journaling has never been easier. In the past only nobles and scribes could hire someone to write their life story. Now everyone has option at their fingertip.


• The Reading revolution- in 1970 barely 1/2 the people of the world were literate, and only a few could afford a book. Middle class people needed payment plans to afford an encyclopedia. Now we have free books at our fingertips, ie libraries and the web. Today more than 80% of the world can READ!!


• Horn of Plenty, Never before have a people been able to eat like kings for as little money. You can buy a kiwi from New Zealand, gelato from Italy, fresh fish in the desert. These wonderful treats aren't only for royalty.

It's a wonderful life, and I am tired of spreading the gloom and doom. I am going to ask that face in the mirror what I am doing to be thankful and count my blessings instead of looking at that 1/2 empty glass. I do have all the food I want to eat! I do have a roof over my head! I do have so much! It is a wonderful life.