Debt Free

To all of those out there trying to get debt free or otherwise improve your finances – Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah or Great Whateveritisyou'recelebrating. As we transition from 2006 to 2007, now is a great time to take care of those things that may need a little attention before they tun into something more serious and cost you money or just interrupt the smooth flow of daily life. You probably have plenty to do, what with the last minute pilgrimages to overcrowded malls and shopping centers to get those gifts that you didn't get online.

Here's a holiday tip; deep fry your turkey this year. If you marinate it first, it tastes fantastic and the biggest turkey will be done in about an hour. It's great for saving time when you've got guests on the horizon. Use olive or peanut oil for health reasons. If you'd like to choose your bird and live on the other side of the pond, there's even a farmer in England that will let you peruse turkeys on your cell phone and pick out the one you want!

No one says you've got to eat Ben Franklin's favorite bird for Christmas dinner either. There are plenty of other choices available. Some can even save you money, provide more meat, and give you that succulent taste you're looking for. One example is a leg of pork roast. It'll only set you back about $2.00/lb. If you shop at the warehouse food stores, you may even find it for less. While you're there, you may run across a pork loin, sans bone, for around the same price. If you've got such a choice, grab it. Pork loin's really great eatin'.

If you're trying to save a few dollars stay away from those pretty, wrapped hams. They're pricey and regular ham is the same meat. The spiral cut, lean hams can sometimes be found for a good price and are true culinary greatness. Check for bodyfat, just like when evaluating the success of your latest diet and exercise plan. Pigs tend not to exercise much, so some hams are laden with fat. If it is, choose one that spent more time in the gym.

Mortgages Will be Affected by Credit Policy Shift -

If you're shopping for a mortgage, it may be a great idea to find one before the start of the new year. A recent policy change announced by two of the three credit bureaus, Equifax and Experian, means that they can, and most likely will, charge mortgage brokers for pulling your credit report for each lender they're shopping your loan to. In the past, the credit bureaus would charge the credit report fee just once, when they pulled your report for the broker initially. That could raise the fees paid for prospective borrowers substantially, as much as a few hundred dollars.

Low income, credit challenged, and younger mortgage seekers could effectively be penalized more. This is because mortgage brokers have traditionally had to shop their loan to more lenders to get the best deal for the borrower. Now, every lender they shop your mortgage to (and pull your credit report for) will require a another fee be paid to the credit reporting agency. Because more established borrowers, and those with better credit typically require fewer lenders to get a good loan, they'll incur fewer fees.

So, if you're buying a new home, and have already found the one you want, act fast.

Once again, have a great holiday, drive carefully, and I hope you're not connecting through Denver.