2011 August | Table for Five

Things That Worry Me About Getting Kaitlyn Off To Kindergarten

August 22, 2011 By Elizabeth

Thanks to Michigan law, school here doesn't start until after Labor Day, because Labor Day is a huge tourism weekend here and the law makes student workers available to work their butts off peddling Mackinac Island Fudge and Traverse City Cherry Jam and commemorative plates bearing the image of the Mackinac Bridge for one last weekend. It also gives families more opportunity to go Up North, resulting in more sales tax revenue for the state, also resulting in massive headaches for the people dumb enough to go North that weekend, unless they just really enjoy massive traffic jams and hotel rates that are 30% higher and nowhere to park (exception - Mackinac Island, which you get to on a ferry, no cars allowed). ANYWAY... so school starts Tuesday September 6th, and Kaitlyn is going to KINDERGARTEN, and because I'm me, I have a bunch of things I'm worried about. First, she barely eats breakfast, because the kitchen here is always open, so her three bites of morning cereal … [Read more...]

Reverse Mortgage Calculator Info

August 21, 2011 By Elizabeth

A reverse mortgage is a product available to homeowners age 62 and older who have paid off their mortgage or have only a small balance. The reverse mortgage works by giving the homeowner the equity they have accumulated in the form of a lump sum payment, monthly installments, or as a line of credit. Homeowners pay only their homeowners insurance and property taxes, and the cash is tax-free. Loan eligibility is based on the age of the youngest borrower, and all borrowers must continue to live in the home. Upon their passing, the borrower's heirs can keep the home and repay the balance of the loan, or sell the home to a non-related third party. If the value of the home is less than the mortgage balance, heirs are not responsible for any shortfall. In other words, if you or someone you love is 62 or older, owns a home outright or has only a small balance, and needs cash, they should look into getting a reverse mortgage. To estimate reverse mortgage loan rates, visit … [Read more...]