Brought to you by

Filomena Thompson, CDPE

"I'm never too busy for your referrals."

Realtor
D 240-629-3105 / C 301-758-4617
FilomenaThompson@remax.net

www.FilomenaThompson.com

5300 Westview Drive, Suite 200

Frederick, MD  21703

JUNE 2010

Father's Day gift ideas for any dad

(ARA) - Don't let Father's Day shopping get you worked up. The dad in your life will be excited about any gift you give him. But to really blow him away, forget flipping through Sunday's ads, scouring online and spending sleepless nights debating your purchase - here are some great Father's Day gift ideas that are sure to please.

* Make your dad the envy of his friends with a beer brewing kit.

* Naturally high in protein, Jack Link's Beef Jerky is the perfect way to leave dad feeling satisfied between meals. Whether he's watching a game, hitting the gym, in the car or anywhere in between, nothing cures snack cravings like a bag of beef jerky.

* Does dad come home with fish stories and a smile on his face? If so, let him enjoy the new Flat Rap lure from Rapala. The Flat Rap is ideal for nearly all styles of fishing. It resembles the tried-and-true Rapala Original Floater, but features flat sides and a scooping triangular lip that generates a hard flashing side-to-side action that fish go crazy over.

* If the dad in your life considers himself a grill-master, a charcoal or gas grill is the perfect gift.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Women's finances: Embrace the power of the purse

(ARA) - Every woman should have a healthy relationship with money, but the reality is that many women still heavily rely on men to handle their finances. Now is the time for women to break out of the traditional role and take action to gain financial independence.

Personal finance expert Suze Orman shares advice on what every woman should carry in her purse, and the financial knowledge she should carry with her at all times.

Reading materials: Once a month, read a financial newspaper or magazine, such as the Wall Street Journal, Kiplinger's or Smart Money. No need to read cover to cover, just flip through to get a feel for current financial trends. You might be surprised by what catches your eye.

Debit card: These days it often makes more sense to pay your bills with a debit card online - a service that should be free. If you're worried about safety, don't be. Banks spend a lot of money to ensure that their networks are secure. In fact, paying your bills online may prove to be safer than mailing a check because the electronic payment is automatic. All your transactions are recorded and can be verified 24/7, allowing you to track debits and credits at your convenience. Remember, organization equals control.

"Milk money": Save a lot and indulge a little. Even in tough times, there will always be expenses that may be outside your budget. To cover these purchases, consider taking on a side job that can provide supplemental earnings opportunity. Direct selling opportunities, like Avon (www.avon.com), can provide additional income based on the amount of time you can commit. For as little as $10, you can get started with a company that works for women because you can choose when, where and how much you want to work, while having the flexibility to work a full-time job and care for your family.

Family photos: Keeping your family close in view - whether in your wallet photo flipbook or on your phone - serves as a daily reminder of your loved ones and what you can impart to them. Admittedly, sensible financial management is not something we are all born with, it must be learned. Feel confident that you can contribute to your family's financial success by educating your daughters and granddaughters about money and savings. Give them solid financial knowledge to stow in their purses for a lifetime.

For more action steps you can take in 2010, and information on Suze Orman's Action Plan, visit www.suzeorman.com.
 

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Cut college costs with 2010 tax breaks

(ARA) - Financing a college education in the 21st century is no small feat. According to the College Board, the average cost of tuition and fees at a four-year private college for the 2009-2010 academic year was $26,273 and $7,020 for a four-year public university. Add several thousands more for room, board, books and supplies. Fortunately, students, parents and graduates can get some of that money back on their 2010 federal tax return.

The American Opportunity, Hope and Lifetime Learning Credits are likely to yield the biggest tax savings. However, only one of these credits can be claimed per student per year according to Jessi Dolmage, spokeswoman for 2nd Story Software, makers of TaxACT. The American Opportunity and Hope Credits cannot both be claimed on the same return for any students in the same household. However, if the American Opportunity or Hope Credit is claimed for one student, the Lifetime Learning Credit can still be claimed on the same return for another student. Tax preparation software like TaxACT will select the best credit or deduction for you based on the information you've entered.

The following requirements apply to all three credits:

* Filing status on the return cannot be married filing separately.
* The student must be you, your spouse or dependent for whom you claim an exemption.
* A dependent cannot claim the credits if claimed on another person's (i.e. parents') return.
* If you do not claim the dependent exemption (even if entitled to the exemption), you cannot claim a credit based on that dependent's expenses.
* Claim credits on Form 8863 and file with your Federal 1040.

The American Opportunity Credit, scheduled to expire after 2010, is a modified version of the Hope Credit. It's worth up to $2,500 for tuition, fees and course materials per student for the first four years of postsecondary education. Even if you have zero tax liability, you can get up to 40 percent as a refund. It phases out at higher incomes and cannot be claimed with the Hope Credit on the same return.

The Hope Credit is worth up to $1,800 per student for the first two years of postsecondary education. Expenses may include tuition, fees and course-related materials (as long as the expense for those materials are required to be paid to the educational institution). It phases out at higher incomes, and a student or family claiming the Lifetime Learning Credit or Tuition and Fees Deduction for that same student is ineligible.

If you don't qualify for the American Opportunity or Hope Credits, consider the Lifetime Learning Credit. Up to 20 percent of the first $10,000 in higher education expenses per family can be claimed for an unlimited number of years. It phases out at higher incomes.

You may also qualify for the Tuition and Fees Deduction, given on a per-student, per-year basis. In other words, you cannot claim the deduction for Student A if you're claiming one of the above credits for that student, but you may still claim the deduction for Student B. You can deduct up to $4,000 for tuition and fees on Form 8917, regardless of whether you itemize or take the standard deduction. The deduction phases out at higher incomes, and cannot be claimed if you're married filing separately or claimed as a dependant on another return.

In addition to these credits or deductions, up to $2,500 in student loan interest paid each year for qualified higher education expenses can be deducted on your Federal 1040, even if you don't itemize. This deduction phases out at higher incomes, and is reduced by non-taxable distributions from a Coverdell Education Savings Account, savings bond interest used for education expenses and scholarships or veteran's education benefits. Married taxpayers filing separately and people claimed as a dependent on another return don't qualify.

2010 is also the last year costs paid or incurred for computer technology, equipment and Internet service for students living at home count as a qualified expense for Qualified Tuition Programs (aka 529 Savings Plans). Items must be used by the beneficiary and beneficiary's family during the years enrolled at an eligible institution.

Additional exceptions may apply to the aforementioned tax breaks, and other educational tax benefits exist for student loan cancellations and repayment assistance, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, education savings bonds, employer-provided educational assistance and work-related education. Learn more about all education tax benefits in Publication 970 at www.irs.gov.

Come tax time in Spring 2011, TaxACT Free Federal Edition can walk you through all education credits and deductions. Answer simple questions and TaxACT will complete the forms for you. TaxACT also includes free tax help via e-mail and accuracy and maximum refund guarantees. Best of all, you can prepare, print and e-file your federal return free at www.taxact.com.
 

Courtesy of ARAcontent

What you need to know to avoid - and treat - insect stings this summer

(ARA) - Stinging insects - they're as much a part of summer as pool parties and picnics. But beware, stings from insects - including honey bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and fire ants - send more than half a million people each year to hospitals and cause at least 50 deaths, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).

To stay safe, be aware of the signs of an allergic reaction and take steps to prevent stings. An allergist - a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating allergies and asthma - can help you recognize an allergic reaction to a sting and recommend treatment.

Normal reaction versus allergic reaction

A normal reaction to an insect sting will include pain, swelling and redness at the sting site, but an allergic reaction to an insect sting requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms include:

* Hives, itching and swelling in areas other than the sting site
* Tightness in the chest and difficulty breathing
* Swelling of the tongue, throat, nose and lips
* Dizziness and fainting or loss of consciousness, which can lead to shock and heart failure

"If you have an allergic reaction to an insect sting, you are at high risk for a similar or more severe reaction if stung again," says Dr. James Sublett, an allergist and chair of the ACAAI "Find an Allergist, Find Relief" public education campaign. "So even if the first time you just had mild symptoms, like a rash, next time you could experience more severe or life-threatening symptoms. It's important to talk with an allergist and get treatment."

Stay safe: avoid stings

The best strategy for avoiding a reaction is to steer clear of stings in the first place:

* Be cautious when eating outdoors and consider keeping food covered.
* If you can, avoid drinking beverages outside. Stinging insects are attracted to beverages and may crawl inside drink cans or other containers.
* Cover garbage cans with tight lids.
* Avoid sweet-smelling perfumes, hair sprays, colognes and deodorants.
* Avoid wearing bright-colored clothing.
* Don't walk barefoot in the grass.
* Watch for signs of stinging insects when gardening, mowing the yard or doing outside house maintenance. Hornets, for example, can build huge nests in shrubs.
* In the South, be cautious around fire ant hills and don't disturb them.

Immediate and long-term treatment

An allergist can help you determine what kind of insect you are allergic to and take steps to make sure you stay safe if you are stung again. An allergist may recommend two kinds of treatment:

* If an allergic reaction develops at the time of a sting, an epinephrine injection is the most immediate way to treat it. An allergist can prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector and teach you and your family members how to use it.

* In addition to carrying epinephrine, an allergist also can discuss whether you're a candidate for venom immunotherapy. These are allergy shots that treat insect sting allergy and may prevent future allergic reactions. Studies show these shots are 97 percent effective in preventing potentially life-threatening reactions to insect stings.

If your child is allergic to insect stings, be sure to alert teachers, coaches and camp counselors and teach them how to use epinephrine. Also talk to your child about how to avoid situations where stinging insects may be encountered. To learn more about insect sting allergies or to find an allergist, visit AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org.
 

Courtesy of ARAcontent

In this issue

  - Father's Day gift ideas for any dad

  - Women's finances: Embrace the power of the purse

  - Cut college costs with 2010 tax breaks

  - What you need to know to avoid - and treat - insect stings this summer
 

  - Sticking to a budget? Tips for affordable and easy home upgrades

  - Escape 'Mud Season' and experience less crowded, less expensive travel
 

  - RECIPE OF THE MONTH - Spaghetti with Pinot Grigio and Seafood

  - Mega Multi-Family Yard Sale!

  - Women In Bio to participate in the Global Race for the Cure^®

RESOURCE CENTER

LENDERS

Dawn R. Cameron
Home Mortgage Consultant
Renovation Specialist
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage

O: 631-382-2248

C: 631-860-4845

dawn.r.cameron@wellsfargo.com

dferlisi@mlend.com 

O: 301-694-7235

Mega Multi-Family Yard Sale!

Saturday, June 5, 2010

7:00 am to 3:00 pm (rain or shine)

This multi-family event features plenty of bargains, clothing, toys, furniture, elect equip, you name it, it’s here!

Dir: Ballenger Creek Pike to Wellington Trace entrance at Lambert Drive or New Design Road to Community entrance at English Muffin Way.

Sticking to a budget? Tips for affordable and easy home upgrades

(ARA) -- Living on a budget is the norm, rather than the exception, in the current economy. Whether you're trying to entice potential homebuyers or just want to give your living space a quick spruce up, here are a few tips for making a big impact in the look of your home without breaking the bank:

* Start small. Small improvements - like a fresh coat of paint or an attractive new floor - truly update a home because people's eyes tend to notice surface areas first. Experts agree that these upgrades make all the difference to prospective buyers as well. According to the International Association of Home Stagers, investing in small upgrades can increase a home's value as much as 7 percent - and a new floor has been proven to return nearly twice the value for every dollar spent.

* Shop around. From mattresses and dining room sets to LCD televisions and sofas, you might be surprised to find the home decor items on your shopping list at budget-friendly spots like thrift stores, boutiques and warehouse clubs.

For example, quality flooring is available at Sam's Club. Traditional Living laminate flooring combines low-maintenance and authentic good looks with the outstanding value pricing for which Sam's Club is known. Its glueless click installation makes Traditional Living flooring an ideal weekend do-it-yourself project - saving additional money on installation. The superior protective surface provides durability and scratch-resistance to stand up to years of heavy foot traffic from kids and pets.

"More consumers are on the hunt for retail locations that offer premium home products at bargain prices," says Sherrie Towne, assistant marketing manager of SimpleSolutions, LLC, which distributes Traditional Living. "For example, the cost of a Sam's Club membership plus the cost of Traditional Living laminate floors is approximately 30 percent less than the price of premium laminate purchased at another retailer."

* Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize. If a new sofa or coffee table isn't in the budget, infuse a room with energy and color by adding simple finishing touches like pillows, artwork and rugs. Flea markets, estate auctions and garage sales are unexpected sources of one-of-a-kind - and often inexpensive - accessories that add color and personality. In the bathroom or kitchen, swap out existing hardware on cabinets and drawers to quickly create a more up-to-date look.

* Clear the clutter. Piles of papers, toys and books can detract attention from the unique items that make a house a home. If your space - and your budget - is tight, organize everyday items with furniture that pulls double duty such as a storage ottoman or a bookshelf with built-in compartments. And if you're putting your home on the market, professional home stagers suggest removing one-third of furniture from public areas like living and family rooms to create the illusion of extra space.

For more information on the Traditional Living collection, visit www.traditionalliving.com or www.samsclub.com.
 

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Escape 'Mud Season' and experience less crowded, less expensive travel

(ARA) - Those who live in America's mountainous regions call it "mud season" - that time of year between April and June when the ground doesn't have enough snow on it to ski but is still too soupy to hike, camp, fish, or get out and enjoy nature. It's a time when those in winter climates look to get away, and this year, you should, too.

Spring is a perfect time to travel thanks to warming temperatures and decreased demand. According to the U.S. Office of Travel and Tourism Industries (OTTI), air traffic from the U.S. to the Caribbean, Central America and Mexico cools in April after spring break before climbing to a peak in August. In some regions, the shoulder season brings travel deals and room rates 45 percent lower than the holiday high seasons.

Still, there are plenty of challenges to traveling south this time of year. Use these hints to enjoy a prime summer vacation before summer even starts:

Leave no child behind
It may not be an option for high school kids or those struggling with their workloads, but for some children a vacation can help reinforce their education through hands-on experience.

"Without question, the kind of life experiences that kids gain from traveling - from experiencing new places to meeting new people to spending more time with your own family - can be as enriching as a week in the classroom," says Alistair Wearmouth, family travel specialist for travel guide Web site Away.com. "Talk to your kids' teachers and make the case that it'll be educational as well as fun."

To make the most of family travel, try to pick a location that overlaps with one of your child's classes, and ask the teacher for an assignment packet ahead of time, setting aside a few hours each day for homework.

Get the jump on summer hot spots
Anyone who's ever hiked the Grand Canyon or visited Martha's Vineyard in August can tell you that Mother Nature and the madding crowds can make these prime destinations too hot to handle. Not so in April and May. In the Northeast, the water may still be too cold to swim, but average highs in the 60s and low 70s are plenty warm to enjoy the outdoors, and even the beach, on warm days.

In the Southwest, places like Moab, Utah, and its excellent national parks (Arches and Canyonlands) are oppressively hot mid-summer, making spring the best time to camp, canyoneer and explore these destinations. Mud season is also the best time to visit Mexico and the Caribbean, since the holiday crowds are largely gone but hurricane season (June through November) hasn't started yet.

Can't get away? Be a tourist in your backyard
For those who just can't get away, the end of spring and early summer also tend to be low seasons at regional attractions and theme parks. So for those in New York, for example, it's a good time to head out to places like Six Flags Great Adventure that get mobbed in the summers. And the best part? No need to book a hotel.

Courtesy of ARAcontent
 

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

Spaghetti with Pinot Grigio and Seafood

cook time: 15 min.  Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1 pound spaghetti pasta

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 3 shallots, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 3/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes

• 1 1/2 cup Pinot Grigio (or other white wine)

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 pounds clams, washed

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 2 cups arugula

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain pasta.

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and the garlic and cook for 3 minutes, until tender but not brown. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute. Add the wine, shrimp, and clams. Bring the liquid to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the shrimp are pink and the clams have opened, about 7 minutes.

Add the spaghetti to the seafood mixture. Add the salt and pepper and stir to combine. Add the arugula. Stir gently and place on a serving platter. Serve immediately.

Courtesy of http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/spaghetti-with-pinot-grigio-and-seafood-recipe/index.html

If you or someone you know needs help with a property, I am a distressed property expert and I’d be happy to help your friends and family.  I'm never too busy for your referrals!