Save money with an ‘enlightened’ roof – and decorate too

(ARA) – Enlightenment isn’t just a state of mind – it can also be an important energy-saving state of being for your home’s roof. By “enlightening” your roof, you can use less energy, save money, and dress up the interior of your home at the same time.

All roofs protect us, and the interiors of our homes, but they can do so much more. They can be the collection and distribution point for an inexhaustible supply of free natural light and energy.  

A roof that uses Energy Star qualified venting skylights, for instance, admits healthful natural light while providing passive ventilation through the natural “chimney effect” of rising air. This is not an insignificant consideration especially in kitchens and baths that have higher moisture and humidity levels than other areas of the home.  

Another kitchen- and bath-specific issue that skylights help address is the need for privacy. Many modern homes are built on small lots, in very close proximity to neighboring houses. “Light from windows is rarely enough, especially in places where lot sizes are small,” says Jennifer Powers of design firm Scott-Ulmann.

Areas of the home where traditional skylights with blinds might not work – such as hallways, closets and small, interior baths – can still admit natural light through less expensive Sun Tunnel tubular skylights. And optional light kits turn these units into 24-hour sources of light.  Low-profile flat glass models that blend unobtrusively with the roof, and domed models, all offer a fast, easy, less expensive way to transform a home with natural light.

In addition to light and ventilation from above, if you add an Energy Star-qualified solar water heating system your roof will work even harder for you. And, in addition to monthly power bill savings, these solar thermal systems qualify for tax credits and other savings that significantly reduce the payback time it takes to recover the initial cost.

Solar power attic fans are also a cost-effective roof addition that helps to reduce mechanical cooling costs while removing damaging moisture from the home.

In addition to the functional qualities these and other roof improvements offer, there are also aesthetic considerations.

Skylights offer room-changing drama and decorating flair while adding natural light from above.  And skylight blinds are now available in colors and pattern choices to mix and match with room decor giving homeowners another interior design tool. Blinds not only dress up a room but also provide light control while increasing the energy efficiency and usefulness of skylights.  

According to skylight manufacturer, Velux America, the addition of blinds can increase the overall energy efficiency of the units by 37 percent. They recommend closing the blinds on high heat/sun days in the summer to reduce potential solar heat gain and, on cold winter nights, closing them to provide an extra layer of thermal insulation to keep warm air indoors. Skylight blinds, as well as the units themselves, can be controlled manually or with a remote.

Modern, low profile skylights are unobtrusive and as dependable as vertical windows.  Information about units with a 10-year no-leak installation warranty, plus an installer locator, is available at veluxusa.com. There’s also a free mobile phone app there to help homeowners see how skylights and blinds would look in rooms in their own homes.

The Velux Skylight Planner App is available for iPhones, iPods, iPads and Android phones.

For government information on window and skylight energy efficiency visit energystar.gov, and for independent agency information visit nfrc.org or efficientwindows.org. For remodeling information visit nahb.org/remodel or greenhomeguide.org.

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Steps for catching up with old 401(k)s

(ARA) – The average American will hold 11 jobs between the ages of 18 and 42, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2010). When you start a new job, you probably remember to pack your personal items and update your contact information, but did you consider what to do with your 401(k) held at your previous employer? It’s easy to leave behind.

A recent Merrill Edge survey found that nearly half (46 percent) of mass affluent Americans plan to rely solely or heavily on retirement plans offered by their employer for their retirement savings, such as a 401(k) or 403(b). This makes it more important than ever to keep track of your retirement savings.

Having accounts in more than one place can make keeping tabs more difficult. Rolling over your balances into one account helps to ensure you can properly track and manage your savings to help you pursue your retirement goals. When it’s simpler to monitor your investments, you can make changes as needed.

“One of the biggest challenges facing Americans today is planning for their retirement,” says Dean Athanasia, mass affluent and small business executive at Bank of America. “Many people expect to retire later than they had planned a year ago. Rolling over old 401(k)s is one small step consumers can take to help make managing their retirement savings easier and their retirement goals more attainable.”

Rolling over your old 401(k)s isn’t as complicated as you might think. Merrill Edge, offering a wide array of investment solutions from Merrill Lynch and access to the banking services of Bank of America all in one place, has a three step process to help you keep things simple:

1. Locate your accounts: Collect statements and account numbers for all your 401(k)s. If you’re missing any account information, call your former employers or benefits providers for the information you need.

2. Consider your options: Review all of the rollover options available to you. There may be many options for retirement investing and saving, so consider the length of time you plan to invest and the level of risk that’s comfortable for you. You can use a retirement calculator, like the Retirement Evaluator available on merrilledge.com, to help you see where you stand today and help you determine whether you’re on track to meet your retirement goals.

3. Choose your investments: Finally, decide how you’d like to invest. IRAs typically offer more investing options than 401(k)s to help you reach your retirement goals. Many online tools, such as the Asset Allocator available on merrilledge.com, can help you make investment decisions. Or, consult your financial services provider to help you make investment choices for your unique situation.

Consolidating 401(k)s into a single IRA account can make it easier for you to track and manage your retirement assets now, as well as when you start to withdraw funds in retirement. The process doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you remember a few simple steps – collect your account information, evaluate the choices available to you, and select a roll over solution that is appropriate for you.

For more information on rolling over 401(k)s and retirement strategies visit merrilledge.com or speak with a Financial Solutions Advisor at the Merrill Edge Advisory center at (888) MER-EDGE (888-637-3343).

Investing in securities involves risks. Neither Merrill Edge nor its associates provide tax, accounting or legal advice. You should review any planned financial transactions or arrangements that may have tax, accounting or legal implications with your personal professional advisers. Withdrawals are subject to ordinary income tax. In addition, a 10 percent additional federal tax may apply to withdrawals taken prior to age 59 1/2.

Investment products:
* Are not FDIC insured
* Are not bank guaranteed
* May lose value

Merrill Edge is the marketing name for two businesses: Merrill Edge Advisory Center, which offers team-based advice and guidance brokerage services; and a self-directed online investing platform. Both are made available through Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (MLPF&S).

MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation.

Banking products are provided by Bank of America, N. A. and affiliated banks, members FDIC and wholly owned subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.

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ARA) – If you’re a recent college graduate or a professional looking for work, you already know you need every advantage to compete for work in a marketplace where there are more applicants than opportunities. It pays to be in control of every variable you can, from picking the right suit and honing your interview skills to making sure you know what’s on your credit report before a potential employer looks at it.

If you’re applying for a job, it’s very likely that your potential employer will want to check your credit. More employers than ever are checking job applicants’ credit history. Sixty percent of employers now check applicants’ credit reports, according to a report in the Washington Times. That percentage has climbed nearly 20 percent in the past five years, according to the report.

Employer credit checks can be problematic for many people in this economy. If you’ve been out of work for a while, you may have fallen behind on your bills. And if you’re a recent college graduate, you probably have little credit history – perhaps a few credit cards with a running balance, but probably not a car or home loan that can help add depth to a credit history.

Reviewing your credit report for inaccuracies before an employer sees it is an important step for job seekers, experts agree. It will also help prepare you to address any credit-related concerns a potential employer might have.

As you’re reading want ads and scouring job websites, keep this information in mind:

* Obtaining a report and score, such as the PLUS score offered by CreditReport.com, can help you understand your credit status before a potential employer asks to check your credit. While such a score and report are not necessarily the ones a potential employer will obtain, they can give you a snapshot of your credit status.

* The basics of credit management remain the same, no matter what your situation: pay bills on time, maintain a good ratio of credit used to available credit, show a long history of timely payment, and be smart about the types of credit you use (loans, credit cards, etc.).

* Employers will not be able to check your credit until you give your consent, in writing, for them to do so. While you may expect that an employer would check your credit if you’re applying for a job in the financial services industry or another industry in which you’ll be directly working with money, be aware that a broad spectrum of employers are now checking credit for applicants at all job levels – even some you may not expect.

* If your credit history has some blemishes, you may want to consider adding a personal statement of explanation to your credit report – the major credit bureaus all allow you to do this. While credit experts agree that such statements usually have little impact on potential lenders, an employer may view your explanation differently.

Finally, hold your head high regardless of what’s on your credit report. In this economy, many people are facing financial hardship through no fault of their own. If you’re one of them, be honest and open with a potential employer, explaining your challenges and what you are doing to ensure you’ll be able to meet your financial responsibilities. If your credit history is good, consider it one more tool to demonstrate to potential employers that you are organized, responsible and a desirable worker

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(NAPSI)—With more than 500 million active users spending over 700 billion minutes a month on its site, Facebook has become a premier platform for socializing, sharing, searching and, now, shopping online. The emerging trend of selling and buying merchandise through Facebook and other social media platforms is here and it’s exploding. Booz & Company estimates that the dollar volume of goods sold through social media overall could increase sixfold, from $5 billion in 2010 to $30 billion in 2015. Businesses and consumers alike refer to this paradigm as “Social Commerce,” a fusion of social media and e-commerce that enables consumers to shop directly through their social networks.

Many stores are leveraging social networks to allow consumers to execute transactions in the comfort of their own Facebook pages, where attention is high and the user’s likes and dislikes are clear. The Social Commerce premise is that the focus is on people instead of products. There is a treasure trove of data based on users’ interests on their Facebook pages, and businesses can finally tailor the presentation of merchandise to offer a truly customized shopping experience. Businesses can now sell consumers exactly what they want, and consumers are reaping the benefits.

Social Commerce helps businesses offer consumers exclusive deals and special promotions while enabling them to connect with, listen to, understand and engage with their customers to improve the overall shopping experience. Furthermore, the information and content on Facebook is “shared,” meaning that friends can update each other on their recent online shopping sprees.

But in addition to benefits and opportunities, emerging communications channels always come with some new potential risks, and Social Commerce is no exception. The main concerns for consumers are security and privacy. Especially when phishing scams, identity theft and hackers are constantly in the headlines, consumers are more aware than ever of the need for online security and identity protection. With Social Commerce, cybercriminals are more likely to exploit the inherent trust that social networking sites enjoy. So how can consumers gain confidence in Social Commerce?

To know if a website, link and transaction are safe, the first thing to look for is an SSL Certificate, a technology that enables encryption when users connect to a website. When the lock icon appears in an Internet browser, this means SSL is in place, encrypting the site visitor’s information.

Symantec, the provider of VeriSign® SSL, has been working with a number of social commerce platform providers to offer enhanced security to organizations with a fan store on Facebook. When fans visit a fan store protected by VeriSign SSL, they will see the familiar “VeriSign Trusted” seal that more than 100,000 online businesses choose to show that their transactions are secure.

When consumers buy directly on their Facebook pages and see SSL, they know they can trust the businesses they “like” and that their transactions are protected with the most advanced and proven security technology.

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(NAPSI)—Although you have a few extra days to file this year’s tax return, experts encourage you to file sooner rather than later. Whether you’re getting a refund or owe taxes, there’s incentive for everyone to file now.

“Taxes are an important part of your personal finances and rushing could cost you a lot of money this year and in the long run,” says Jessi Dolmage, spokesperson for TaxACT. “Luckily, you don’t have to go it alone and doing your taxes doesn’t have to be painful. Today’s solutions make tax preparation and filing easy for everyone.”

Dolmage shared her top tax tips:

1. Get organized. Put all your W-2s, 1099s and other tax documents in one place. Have last year’s return handy as well for comparison and your AGI that can be used for e-filing.

2. Double-check your data. The IRS rejects millions of returns each year because of very minor errors involving transposed characters and incorrect math or filing status. Verify names, addresses and birth dates. Be sure you’re using Social Security numbers as they appear on the cards. Using import features offered by software or an online solution can help decrease these errors.

3. Choose smart. Not all tax preparation solutions are created equal, especially free ones. Many free solutions exclude forms for complex returns with itemized deductions, investment income, and capital gains and losses. Others provide minimal help and tools. TaxACT Free Federal Edition includes all the forms you need to e-file, unlimited e-mail help, maximum refund and accuracy guarantees and the ability to import last year’s tax data from PDFs prepared by 11 solutions- all free.

4. E-file. Nearly 70 percent of taxpayers e-filed their federal returns last year. Unlike paper filers, you’ll know when the IRS accepted or rejected your return within 48 hours. Combined with direct deposit, you can have your refund in as few as eight days. If you owe, e-file now and pay later via credit or debit card or a scheduled automatic withdrawal any- time before or on April 18.

5. Save time on your state return. The solution you use for your federal return likely offers a state solution, so let the software transfer your information to state forms to save time and reduce possible data entry errors. Most state returns are due April 18 but a few states did not change their deadlines. Even if your state changed the filing date, it may not have changed estimated tax payment dates.

6. An extension to file does not mean more time to pay. Get an automatic six-month filing extension by filing Form 4868, free, with TaxACT Free Federal Edition and pay as much as possible by April 18 to minimize interest and penalties. When you’re ready to file, log back into TaxACT to prepare, print and e-file your federal return free before October 17, 2011.

7. Plan ahead. Adjust your withholding via Form W-4 if needed, and take advantage of the tips and tools your tax preparation solution offers for minimizing next year’s taxes. Finally, save a printed copy of your return with all of this year’s tax documents.

For more tax tips and information, visit www.IRS.gov and www.taxact.com. TaxACT Free Federal Edition allows everyone to prepare, print and e-file a federal return free.

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(NAPSI)—You may be able to save money on your taxes this year. According to the IRS, 60 percent of taxpayers are using a paid tax preparer but may qualify for other options.

If you earn less than $49,000 a year, you can get free tax preparation services from a volunteer tax preparer at any of the hundreds of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites around the country. These sites are run by nonprofit organizations, such as United Way, and supported in part by Bank of America.

Over the last several years, the bank has invested $4.5 million to support and expand these volunteer-assisted free tax preparation efforts. It also encourages its employees to volunteer at sites, preparing taxes or delivering financial education that aids consumers with issues that are a struggle today—like building emergency savings or understanding and managing credit. It’s part of the bank’s ongoing efforts to help working individuals, families and communities achieve greater financial stability.

Qualifying for Tax Credits

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable federal income tax credit for low- to moderate-income working individuals and families. When the credit exceeds the amount of taxes owed, it results in a tax refund to those who qualify for and claim the credit.

Multiplying Dollars in the Community

The tax credit not only benefits the families that claim it, but their communities as well. Research conducted by the Brookings Institution shows that EITC dollars stimulate state and local economies through a “multiplier” effect. Every $1 in returned taxes to taxpayers generates $1.50 locally.

To encourage that kind of economic improvement, the bank helped launch United Way’s national financial stability work, including its efforts to expand EITC outreach, free-tax preparation and One Stop Financial Stability Centers.

These programs have returned almost $2 billion in total tax refunds to lower-income working families, who use those dollars to purchase necessities such as food, clothing and utilities. These expenditures fuel the local economy, benefiting both the families that get the refunds and the communities in which they live.

More Help

If you earn more than $49,000 but less than $57,000 annually, you can still file your federal and state taxes free. Dial 2-1-1 to locate a VITA site near you or visit http://liveunited.org/FreeTaxPrep.

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What you should know about your business credit report

(ARA) – While you’re running through all the financial tasks small businesses do to close out one fiscal year and start the next, don’t forget to examine an often-overlooked key financial factor – your business credit.

Between closing your books on 2010 and preparing for 2011′s tax season, knowing how creditors and others perceive your business may not be top of mind. Yet, now is the perfect time to verify the information in your business credit report and update it with current and relevant facts about your growing business. It can help you better prepare your business for the coming year. The credit experts at Experian offer some insight into the factors that affect your small business credit report and business credit score, and why it’s important to your business.

Why it matters

Does your business credit report really matter? Absolutely. It paints a picture of your small business for the world to see. Outdated or incorrect information can give the wrong impression about your business, resulting in unfavorable decisions by potential lenders and creditors – which can negatively impact your bottom line. Plus, anyone, including partners and investors, can view your business credit report for any reason.

If your business has grown or changed over the last year, it’s important to update the data reflected in your report and know the score. There are several factors that make up a business credit score, including but not limited to previous payment history, industry type and business size.

An accurate business credit report and a good business credit score can:

* Save you money because lenders usually offer their best interest rates to businesses with good credit.

* Reduce your personal liability and protect your personal assets by enabling you to obtain business credit without the need for a personal guarantee.

* Help you offer your customers competitive prices by passing your interest savings on to them, while still keeping a larger margin of profit for yourself.

* Get you the money and capital you need to keep your business running.

What’s on your report?

Your business credit report provides an up-to-date, objective overview of your business and how it manages financial obligations. It can include information on your payment history, public records about your business, background on the company, collections information and comparative information that places your business payment history in context with your industry.

You can find out how your business compares to others like it across the nation in terms of business credit with an interactive map by visiting www.businesscreditfacts.com/map.

Managing and monitoring

Web-based services are a great way to monitor and manage your business credit report. Sites like SmartBusinessReports.com and Experian.com/SmallBusinessCredit not only allow you to view your own business credit report and score, but also provide useful information on how Experian arrives at your credit score and how your business practices affect your score and report. These sites also allow you to check the business credit of your suppliers, customers, prospects, partners and competitors.

Your business credit information is as important to your business’ financial health as your personal credit information is to your ability to borrow money privately. While you’re wrapping up last year’s financial matters and preparing for the coming year, now is a good time to think about your business credit and how you’ll manage it throughout the new year.

Free Appliance and Electronics pick-up for recycling, Stoves, Dryers, Heaters, Freezers, Refrigerators, Computers, Washers, Radios, TVs, Tools, Metal Furniture and other appliances that you are trashing or nedd recycling. We pick-up free and disasemble and properly recycle all parts.
We also have techs check for salvaging or repair, if repaired we give to persons free,or charge for repair cost and parts if needed only. We do not repair these appliances ourselves and not in the repair business, but we will try to salvage and donate appliances if repairs is not costly and is worth the effort and not just a delay to end up in landfills. Call 919-324-8905 OR 919-803-4425
If no answer, please leave voice mail and someone will contact you and set-up a time at your convenience.

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It 2011! Wow, how time fly, seems like 2010 only lasted a couple of months. I do remember most of the good, thanks to planning and getting things done on a schedule. As administrator here at City5nc I get to talk to lot of people from all over the world, and I get many thoughts and views, on how to make life better, as far as day to day living, some good and others not so good.

These are things we consider essential for most people, from low income to middle class trying to survive in this economy.

1. Try to pay your credit cards down or off, spend cash if possible, pay a few dollars more than the minimum, use only one card with low interest rate, and low balance for emergencies.
2. Eat healthy foods, buy local fruits and vegetables when you can, or grow your own when the seasons are in. buy food in bulk when appropriate, not just when it on sale.
3. If times are really tight, try turning your hobby or crafting idea into a money making venture. Do a search online for crafts and hobbies ideas, go to craft shows, take an online course from your local Community College, use what you already know as a starting point.
4. Remember that what goes around comes around, so don’t wait for someone to do something nice for you first, start by giving or helping someone along with an act of kindness, it just might come back to you when you really need it, or you just might feel good.
5. If you live in the City riding the bus a few days a week, could save you lots of money, gas, less traffic, and no headache.
6. Banking and Savings in the major banks is more expensive, with more fees and banking cost, using your debit card could cost you more at some banks, not just at the ATM but news fees. If you have a saving account and it’s been hard to keep the minimum balance that your bank have on that account, then you are paying the bank to save your own money. Find a bank that has a low minimum balance.
7. Make a plan to become debt free, it’s not impossible to do. Start paying a payment and a half each time you make a mortgage payment, credit card, car, medical bills and before you know it your bills are paid. Start small and test the waters, if you can do this without breaking your bank, then you’re on your way.
8. Down time, well it’s also important to get in your rest and relaxation, so budget enough for that special get away. Whether you are young, older, retired a break from the routine, same old same can can make Jack a dull boy and Jill too. Taking time off for that fishing trip, traveling, sight-seeing, visiting another Country or US State or just taking a break to pamper yourself is all good.
9. Small Businesses should try to invest in their companies, but don’t forget about the employees, before you pass out those lay-off or pink slips try working with your employees to maybe work out a salary or benefit compromise until the economy improves.
10. Don’t Complain about what you dis-like about your life, just add some things you do like, and the rest will fall in place.

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WAKE COUNTY, N.C.
Raleigh, NC—October 14, 2010—CESI Debt Solutions, a Raleigh-based, national nonprofit association helping Americans manage debt and buy and keep their homes, is hosting a VIP, invitation-only Open House Celebration on October 19, 2010 in their new headquarters.

The organization employs over 125 Triangle residents, and is hiring another 30 people this month alone. Due to this tremendous growth over the last three years, the organization relocated its headquarters to 3700 Barrett Drive in Raleigh.

Guests will paint a “Wall of Hope”, a mural that will adorn the new space. The mural symbolizes the hope that CESI has installed in the local economy, and hundreds of thousands of people nationwide who have been helped by the organization.

In attendance will be local residents, who with the help of CESI counselors, have dug themselves out of mounds of debt to start a new debt-free life and residents who have learned money management skills from local CESI counselors, enabling them to prevent foreclosures and buy houses. Local dignitaries, politicians, bankers, realtors, and other CESI partners will attend as well.

“It’s a great feeling for our employees to know that they have helped more than 120,000 people—300 of them Triangle residents—in dire straits turn it around, learn how to live debt free and keep their homes during this recession,” says founder and CEO of CESI Debt Solutions, Dr. Diane Chen.

Dr. Chen, will also announce a special partnership with the City of Durham and local nonprofit homebuilder, Builders of Hope, that is helping dozens Durham residents buy new homes.

She adds, “We’re excited to keep the momentum going and about the community joining us in our housewarming celebration.”

Event Schedule:

5:00—6:00 – Mural Painting and Private Tours6:00 – Speakers: Dr. Diane Chen, Founder and CEO of CESI Debt Solutions; Michelle Grant, City of Raleigh; Juanita Massenburg, City of Durham; Nancy Murray, Founder and CEO of Builders of Hope6:30—7:00—Mural Painting and Private Tours
October 19 is also the organization’s 12-year anniversary.

CESI Debt Solutions provides local and national debt management programs, homebuyer education workshops, revere mortgage counseling, budgeting education, foreclosure prevention and loan modification assistance, credit report review and analysis, and community outreach programs.

For more information on the event, please call 919-459-8158. For more information on CESI Debt Solutions, please visit www.cesidebtsolutions.org.
Source: MyNC

Local Resources And Helpful Links

(NAPSA)-Wells Fargo’s online Smarter Credit resource center has information, tips and tools to help you take charge and improve your credit, and its Retirement Center can help you plan and get on track for the future. Go to www.wellsfargo.com to learn more.

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The virtual hostess, Aimee, featured on the interactive video game “Sleepover Party” on Wii, can help you plan your party, choose your party theme, build your guest list, create shopping lists and more. Then, at the party, she’ll help you enjoy a variety of games and activities. For more information, visit www.amazon.com.

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Designers such as those at Lane Bryant are answering the demand for high-quality cotton fashion by expanding their Supima® cotton collection to include fresh new styles and colors for spring and beyond. All styles and colors are available in stores and online at lanebryant.com.

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Being aware of the dangers of texting on the road could keep you from being driven to distraction, say experts at MetLife Auto & Home. For free brochures-”Driving While Distracted: Be a Safer Driver” and “In the Driver’s Seat: About Driving Safely”-call (800) 608-0190. For more information, visit www.metlife.com.

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Ultrahydrating Vaseline Clinical Therapy is a prescription-strength body lotion available over the counter. It can be used every day, all over the body, to provide instant relief, long-lasting protection, and sustained recovery from dry skin.

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A leading provider of online technology services called Sup port.com recently announced that it is embarking on a campaign to hire more than 100 work-from-home online technology-solution engineers within the next 100 days. For more information, visit www.support.com.

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