Knee Deep In Dept

Almost everyone faces financial hardship at some point in their life but depending on the circumstances, it can almost always be overcome. That said, planning your way out of debt can be overwhelming so we've included some strategies to help make it easier. Developing a Budget - First you'll need to realistically assess how much money comes in and goes out. Start by listing all sources of income and then list your fixed expenses such as your mortgage payments. Next, list any expenses that vary such as entertainment and then prioritize the expenses to see what you can cut back on. Contacting Your Creditors - If you're having trouble making the payments, contact the creditor before they contact you and work out a plan that will reduce your monthly payments to a more manageable level. It's important to take this step before your account gets turned over to a debt collector as your credit rating may be affected by that point. Credit Counseling Services - Your creditors may be willing to accept reduced payments if you enter a debt repayment plan with a reputable organization. You deposit money each month with the credit counseling agency which is used to pay your creditors according to a pre-determined payment schedule. Mortgage Lenders - Most mortgage lenders are willing to temporarily work with you if they believe you're acting in good faith. Some lenders may even reduce or suspend your payments for a short time; however, when you resume regular payments you'll of course have to make up the difference. To speak to a Diane Turton, Realtors Signature Mortgage representative call toll-free 1.877.207.3321 or visit the Diane Turton, Realtors Signature Mortgage Website. Debt Consolidation - You'll likely be able to lower your monthly payments by consolidating your debt through a home equity loan as the interest rate will be much lower. Think carefully though before taking this on as the lending institution will require your home as collateral. If you can't make the payments on time, you could lose your home. Managing your debt may seem like a daunting task, but thoroughly investigating all your options and utilizing free resources will help you avoid a financial crisis which could devastate your credit rating and thus your ability to borrow money at attractive rates. Deciding which option works for you depends on your level of debt, your level of discipline and your future prospects.

Buy Local - It's Miles Better

Buying local produce doesn't just mean buying domestically but rather buying food that's produced and grown as close to home as possible. Here are just a few of the many advantages of buying locally grown produce: Going Green - Transporting food long distances is bad for the environment as the immense amounts of fossil fuels contribute towards global warming and air pollution. There's also a huge amount of packaging involved when transporting produce that can be eliminated when buying locally. Loaded with Taste - Locally bought produce is much fresher because its vitality isn't affected by the long distance travel that most supermarket produce has to endure. Produce picked within the last day or so will be much tastier and more nutritious. Supporting Your Local Economy - Buying local means supporting your local farmers and helping to build and preserve your local community. It also helps preserve farmland and the surrounding wildlife from urban development. Convenience - Some communities have agricultural groups set up where you're able to pay a certain amount each season for a weekly box of fresh, locally grown produce. Some are pre-boxed and delivered to your door while others allow you to go and choose your own. There are so many advantages to buying local produce; most notably - it's fresher, tastier and more nutritious than the supermarket variety. For a fun day out with the kids, why not go to a "pick your own" fruit farm. Not only are you cutting down on packaging and eating the tastiest fruit around, you'll also enjoy an educational family activity!

Today's Tip For a Greener Life

In 2007, Diane Turton, Realtors became the first residential real estate company in New Jersey to join the national U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), putting into practice several processes and policies that make the firm a more environmentally sustainable company. In 1950, the global population was 2.6 billion people. We had 53 million cars - which works out to be one car for every 50 persons. Today, there are 6 billion people and 500 million cars - more than one car for every dozen inhabitants. Get some exercise and protect our environment by sharing a ride, riding your bike or taking a walk. You'll save one pound of CO2 for every mile you don't drive.