Aaagghh, trying to come up with brilliant ideas for a marriage proposal is enough to drive you crazy. Not only that, but after all that planning, you’re still nervously waiting to see if he says “Yes!” And to top it all off, after all is said and done, not only will everyone be looking at his engagement ring, they’ll also be asking… “so how did he ask the question?”

Joel asked me to marry him on Valentine’s Day. I had no idea that he was going to propose to me, so it was a total surprise. However, he called my parents several weeks before to ask their permission for my hand in marriage. Then he made them swear total secrecy. He also called his parents several days before proposing to me, to alert them to what was going on. He cooked me a 7-course meal at his apartment. Then we watched an episode of “24,” his favorite TV show. Therefore, it had the feeling of a very typical evening. After he finished “24”, he handed me my Valentine’s gift… which surprised me. He “re-gifted” a stuffed animal that he had given her during our first Valentine’s Day together. The stuffed animal was a running joke in our relationship… as he admitted to me years after the fact that it was probably the worst gift he had ever given her and that most grown men don’t want fluffy green frogs like gift. gifts. Still, he reveled in my puzzled expression for a while as he simultaneously pretended to appreciate the gifted frog. Several minutes passed and then he said matter-of-factly that he actually had one more gift for me. He took me by the hand and led me into his bedroom. He had candles lit all over the room and rose petals scattered on the bed. In the center of the bed, there was a small box. He took me to the box, knelt down and asked me to be his wife. He opened the box, and then, forgetting tradition and overwhelmed with emotion, I took out the ring myself and put it on my finger. So I started kissing him. He stopped me because I never answered his question. After I responded with an emphatic “Yes!” the rest is history……

————————————————– ——-

Do not be afraid. Here are some marriage proposal ideas that you can take full credit for and present as your own:

– Marriage Proposal Ideas: #1 Do it outdoors… the proposal that it is… pack a 5-star signature picnic with champagne, chocolate covered strawberries and other such gourmet treats. If you have one, go to one of your favorite natural picnic spots. Give him a list of 100: unique things you’ve done together, inside jokes, favorite moments, etc. After she has eaten the delicious food and read the list, she will be like putty on your hand… Take out the ring and ask her if she will be your ancestor.

– Ideas for marriage proposals: # 2 Do something special to a memory you have of one of your dates. I mean, frame a movie ticket stub from the first movie you went to together. Go back to where you had your first date. Remember all the good times you’ve had together since you started dating. Present the memory to him and talk about how you’ve had so many adventures together and how you never want that to end. After he’s screeched about the memory and how thoughtful you are, pull out the ring and ask the question. This will be a night that she will remember forever and you will look like a romantic stud.

– Marriage Proposal Ideas: #3 Print a t-shirt that says “Next Mrs. _______ (insert your last name)”. Cook a romantic dinner at home for her. When it’s time right after dinner, tell him you bought him something. Present the t-shirt (which must be elegantly wrapped in a gift box). As her eyes bug out as she reads the shirt, I pull out the ring and ask.

– Ideas for marriage proposals: #4 Take her to the neighborhood of your childhood. Show him some of the special places you loved growing up. At the last place, kneel down and propose. Have a fabulous evening planned following the proposal.

“Why would I pay for something when I can do it myself, for free?” That’s the question most people ask when someone suggests hiring a real estate attorney. Here are five compelling reasons to rethink this research.

1. Contracts are complex

There is absolutely nothing stopping buyers and sellers from negotiating the terms of a deal on their own. But for it to be legally binding, they must memorialize their agreement in writing. In addition to transcribing the actual content of the contract, an experienced attorney will also ensure that it complies with all state laws. While real estate agents can help with standard contracts, they may not have the legal knowledge or experience to spot serious errors before a deal is finalized. As such, it is often a good idea to have an attorney review the contract before either party signs it.

2. It can be a problem Links

Anyone can put up a “for sale” sign, but not all owners have the right to sell. Because it’s often a family’s largest asset, the home is an obvious target when creditors are owed money they can’t collect. Whether the creditor is a bank or the IRS, property liens and judgments can get in the way of a sale. Since they are a matter of public record, anyone can search for them. But because they work closely with title search companies, attorneys are able to provide this vital service much faster and at much lower cost.

3. Paperwork must be submitted

Even the simplest land deal requires both parties to file documents at the state and/or county level. An experienced real estate attorney will ensure that all legal documents are filed quickly and efficiently. Most importantly, he or she will ensure that the real estate deed is filed with the appropriate state agency and properly recorded. Failure to complete this crucial step could prevent a new owner from selling the property, obtaining a home equity line of credit, or refinancing the mortgage.

4. Government bureaucracy

When the transaction involves commercial property, there are several additional steps a new owner must take. An experienced real estate attorney can help you establish a valid business entity, obtain a tax identification number, and obtain a real business license through the local municipality. All of these important actions can help the new owner focus on the grand opening, rather than wasting time with government red tape.

5. Emotion clouds judgment

Unlike the real estate agent who is motivated by commission to make a deal happen, a reputable attorney has no such conflict of interest. He or she simply gives advice based on the law, not individual wants and needs. That kind of level-headed, dispassionate presence is often badly needed during negotiations.

An experienced real estate attorney can help buyers and sellers save time and money on property transactions.

You have learned a lot about alpacas. You’ve done your financial homework. Maybe you’ve found breeders you can trust and work with, and picked your starter herd, or maybe that’s still going on. Before your herd arrives, it’s time to prepare. Here, we will talk about grass, shelter, water, and hay.

Planning your pastures: To think Fencing first. Alpacas won’t normally challenge a reasonable fence, so a 48-inch horse fence that doesn’t climb on T-posts is excellent for the job. A small tractor, a fence stretcher, a post digger, and a good pair of fencing gloves and pliers, and you’ll have the job under control. Work with breeders you’ve met to develop a pasture plan based on your herd composition and pasture health. Pets only? One pasture might be enough, but having more will allow you to rotate your herd to replenish pastures. Player? You’ll want separate pastures for boys and girls, and possibly another for mothers with nursing calves. You will need access to shelter, water, and hay at each pasture. You’ll also need a convenient way to move your herds from pasture to barns or pens for toe clippings, injections, vet visits, etc. exercise in mind. They should be shaped so your alpacas can run well – great for body conditioning!

Planning your shelters: Yes, sometimes you can accuse the alpacas of not getting out of the rain.. But that doesn’t mean shelter is optional. Think of a summer shelter and a winter shelter in each pasture. What are you doing shelter to mean? A roof and enough walls to protect you from wind and sun, rain and snow. A floor that will remain dry, with a surface suitable for cooking. Coarse gravel is not a good idea, and neither is the concrete slab. Horse stall mats (3/4″ recycled rubber) are great. Compacted earth works well, as long as it’s thoroughly dry. Make sure there’s enough room for the number of animals that will have to share the shelter. Alpacas don’t tend to line up nice and parallel, all in a group. The most important thing is to make sure that all of your animals can stay cool enough in hot weather and stay dry. Good air circulation is key. It’s also important to make sure that the very young animals can stay warm in very cold weather (although coats can help with this).

Water planning: Alpacas must have a ready supply of clean, fresh water. Automatic filling equipment is not needed, as long as someone reliably keeps the tanks or buckets full. One thing we have found helpful is keeping the water supply off the ground. Our buckets are suspended at about shoulder height for our younger animals (26″ to 30″), and we use the 24″ tall version of the metal storage tanks. This prevents the animals from kicking up the water and If someone spills a bucket or your storage tank leaks, it’s a good idea to have a second water supply in place.In winter?Ice water is a problem for your alpacas and their tanks and buckets. Alpacas also tend to drink very little if the water is too cold. Consider hot buckets (about $50 each) or storage tank heaters (about $90 each) in cold climates. Finally, it’s a good idea to be able to control access to all the water in your herd Sometimes medications such as coccidiastats they are delivered through drinking water, so you’ll want to make sure your alpacas are using the proper supply.

Planning for hay: Hay must be available all day, every day. Here in the Pacific Northwest we see an annual consumption of 700 to 800 pounds per alpaca, about 1 ton of hay for every 2.5 to 3 alpacas. What kind of hay? Alpacas do best on a diet of 8% to 12% protein. what it does garden herb an ideal choice. The second or third cut of garden grass avoids seeds and stalks, and we’ve found that this creates less waste. Cost? In 2007, prices here in the Northwest for the second or third cut of orchard grass were $260/ton. At the end of 2008, prices stood at $300/ton. Driving? We recommend what many hay providers call two-string bales. These weigh about 80 to 90 pounds each. Larger three-string bales (110-130 pounds each) are more difficult for one person to move. A garden cart can be your friend when it comes to moving hay! Storage? Hay should be stored dry, preferably not directly on a concrete slab. We use recycled wooden pallets for hay storage and keep the hay a few inches away from the barn walls. This improves air circulation, helping to prevent mold.

There are many opinions about which hay feeding stations work best. Tub-style feeders, where alpacas graze hay in tubs below head level, can help keep hay out of that spot just above shoulder level where it tends to collect and get dirty. On the other hand, wall feeders don’t take up as much floor space in your barn and allow animals to graze with their heads and necks in a more upright position. If you’re handy, you can build your own. We did, and you can see an example in our video section on our ranch website.

Nutritionally, orchard grass is not enough for breeding animals and young animals. Supplements in the form of grains and mineral salts can make up the difference. For pregnant and lactating mothers, and for young calves, you may also want to keep a few bales of alfalfa on hand. We will talk about cereals and salt in another article. Good luck! We hope this helps you prepare!

Have you ever thought about investing? Do you have a family you would like to take care of? Are you interested in the idea of ​​making money with stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and real estate?

Investing is essential to earn money. Be it investing in stocks, investing online, investing in real estate, investing in finance, investing in bonds, investing in mutual funds. All are essential to help secure your finances and financial stability for you and your family. If you are interested in investing, continue reading about ways to earn money. We will briefly discuss the concepts of investing with stocks and mutual funds, investing with real estate, and investing online.

Investing in stocks and mutual funds

The stock market is a great place to make money. If you intend to invest with stocks and mutual funds, we suggest that you first research the companies in which you wish to invest. Although the stock market is a great place to make money, it also involves a degree of risk.

Investment in Real Estate

Investing in real estate is safer than the stock market. Many people buy houses that need remodeling and can make a lot of money fixing them up and selling them. Keep in mind that it’s not as simple as buying a house, painting it, and then selling it. There are many factors to consider before you try to invest in real estate.

invest online

Another fast growing form of investment is through online trading. Traders have the ability to research, buy and sell, and make money on their investments, all with the simplicity of sitting in front of a computer. It’s amazing how easily you can manage your finances online and earn money without even leaving home!

If you plan to invest, make sure you educate yourself on the market or medium you want to trade in. Whether you’re investing in stocks, investing in mutual funds, investing in real estate, or investing online, do your research and earn some money! If you are looking for a resource to help you invest, you can visit our website and you will find extensive information on investing and how to make money.

In many areas of the country, real estate markets have experienced inventory shortages, especially in major metropolitan areas. The seller will, in many cases, have several competing offers to choose from, and it can be difficult for the veteran buyer to find an owner who will accept an offer using VA financing. Based on past numbers from veteran buyers, several strategies on how to make your VA offer as competitive as other types of financing, such as a conventional or FHA offer, will be illustrated. You may want to discuss your options with your loan officer to increase your chances of your offer being accepted.

There are usually 5 main areas of concern:

1) Closing costs

2) Misunderstanding of mandatory fees

3) VA evaluation vs. Conventional Appraisal or FHA Appraisal

4) An offer with more money seems more attractive to a seller

5) VA offer requires a termite clearance

These 5 topics will be further elaborated in this article. Understanding these 5 common areas of misconception will likely increase your chances of getting an accepted offer.

Many veterans need help with closing costs. In a seller’s market, instead of asking a seller to help you pay closing costs, you may want your lender to raise your interest rate and apply for lender credit to cover closing costs. With regards to additional fees, many agents are under the misconception that a seller would be responsible for the mandatory fees.

This group of fees includes: escrow, processing and subscription. VA guidelines state that these fees are the seller’s responsibility when the lender charges a 1-point loan origination (which is rare in today’s credit environment).

This concern needs to be addressed so that all parties have an accurate understanding of the VA guidelines. The most significant misconception is that a VA adjuster can request further repairs on the subject property. In today’s lending world, due to more stringent federal guidelines, conventional, FHA, or VA loan appraisals use similar standards.

Many sellers believe that a conventional offer with a 20% down payment appears to be a stronger offer than a VA loan with no down payment. The offer with the highest down payment is believed to have a higher probability of closing. If both buyers have been pre-approved by an experienced loan officer and the borrower’s information has been pre-approved by Fannie Mae’s underwriting software called Desktop Underwriting, then both buyers have an equal chance of closing.

The only area where the VA loan may have a slight disadvantage is that the VA requires a termite report and clearance, but conventional and FHA loans do not. VA guidelines allow you to pay for repairs, but not the report itself. You can offer to pay for the repairs if the report is available and you know the costs. If the repairs are expensive and the seller decides to reject the repairs, it may be a house that needs to be transferred.

A foundation that is not properly waterproofed can lead to a number of problems throughout the house. Aside from having a sticky, rotten and smelly basement, a damp basement can lead to wood decay, mold and mildew, and poor indoor air quality inside the home, as moisture and radon from the basement can leach into the dwellings. A dry basement can also be guaranteed as usable space, while a wet basement is a waste only. However, how could you waterproof your basement without trenching around the outside?

For basement waterproofing, the main thing you need to do is fix cracks in the basement walls and floors. For various types of breaks, there are unique solutions to repair the problem. Hydraulic cement can be used to fill the gaps in the bonding posts.

Settlement walls are often powered by fortified mooring posts. These mooring posts often protrude from the establishment, and no matter how much they are fixed externally, sometimes the seals wear or are not done well. Hydraulic cement is a simple solution for this. However, you mix it yourself, a small amount at a time, as it dries quickly, and then trowel it over any cracks or breaks. It dries very quickly, so make sure you have everything set and ready before you start.

For cracks in the floor and where the floor meets the walls, concrete repair is a decent decision for these. Clean the crack completely, get a concrete repair tube, and embed the substance into the crack. There are several types of concrete repair, however, a polyurethane fix will last longer and work better than a silicone or other mix. Be that as it may, polyurethane is more expensive than other mixtures. For large cracks or other types of cracks or dangerous cracks, for example, those in areas where the reinforcement axes meet the building wall, it is best to hire a professional organization to solve the problem.

When all the cracks settle into the foundation studs or walls, there are paints, coatings, and sealants that can help waterproof. Waterproofing paint is an acrylic formulation that doesn’t actually waterproof, but it prevents minor leaks and provides a moisture barrier by anticipating water dispersing through walls. It opposes the settlement of mold and mildew in view of this moisture barrier. To apply it, you actually paint it, the same way you would a regular paint.

Today we will tell you more about how you can simply keep your home healthy with perfect basement waterproofing!

Home is the place where we feel safest. When you return home, everything seems fine. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that you maintain a healthy home.

Mold and mildew are pests that often thrive in homes when conditions are right. Parasites thrive where there is moisture and little or no light. Therefore, they are usually found on damp or poorly ventilated bases.

Mold and mildew can cause genuine medical problems for the occupants of your home. Some medical problems attributed to mold include respiratory problems such as asthma, hypersensitivity, brain aches, blocked sinuses, throat irritation, and eye disorders.

Ensuring your home is free of mold and mildew is essential. The attached tips will help you keep your home healthy:

Secure your bathroom: A lot of moisture in the house originates from the bathroom. Hot shower water is an important source of moisture. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the bathroom is kept dry and ventilated. You can introduce a smoke extractor to circulate the air and evacuate the air with humidity. Be sure to spread the towels out or hang them up to dry. Choose a shower window trim that dries effectively.

Use fresh fabrics: Mold spores spread noticeably everywhere and around the house. When they touch natural material, they can begin to develop and grow in the right conditions. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure that these spores are expelled from the texture and upholstery. Fabric should be washed frequently in hot water when possible. Upholstery should be vacuumed before cleaning.

Clean carpets or rugs: Carpets are ideal breeding grounds for mold and mildew. Make sure your floor coverings are vacuumed frequently. This will drive the spores out of the ground coverings.

If your cover is already stained with mildew, clean it with a laundry cleaner and water solution. Use a soaked material that absorbs these cleaning responses to touch the gamut that is recolored. Make sure the cover is placed in a dry area where the wind blows openly to ensure it dries completely.

Ventilate your house: Ensure that your house is properly ventilated. Opening windows and using fans was important to boost airflow inside the house, especially in sweltering, humid climates.

Moisture control for your basement is critical. Moisture in your basement can cause real medical problems for the inhabitants of your home. It can also cause real basic problems, making your home unsafe.

People often misunderstand moisture problems. The result is that they are often not treated legitimately. Seeing how moisture can get into your basement, in any case, will allow you to better control it. If you are facing any water seepage problem, you should contact a professional waterproofing company like ours and have your house completely waterproofed.

If you are in danger of facing foreclosure because you have missed your monthly mortgage payments, you need to act quickly before it is too late to negotiate a loan modification and your home is sold at foreclosure auction. You may feel desperate now, but there is still hope until the auction date arrives. Here are some tips to help save your home from foreclosure.

1. During foreclosure proceedings, do not move out of your home so that you can still claim benefits such as one-time FHA mortgage insurance, etc.
2. Mark your mortgage due date in red and prioritize your most important financial obligations accordingly.
3. Make a list of all your monthly payments. Your monthly mortgage payment should be at the top of the list. Credit card bills, personal loans, and other unsecured debt will have to suffer and slip down the list as you catch up on your mortgage payments. Aside from hurting your credit score, these debts won’t carry any major consequences compared to losing your home to foreclosure. The effects of foreclosure on your credit score are MUCH more severe anyway.
4. Do not ignore or wait for the foreclosure notice from your bank. Let them know in advance that you are in a financial crisis due to a hardship. This act of good faith could earn you a little mercy from your lender. Provide the necessary loan modification documents for your evaluation. In all likelihood, your lender could extend the grace period or consider a forbearance agreement as long as you make an effort to catch up on your mortgage payments.
5. Seek help from the credit counseling and debt management program. You can repair your own credit by downloading our free credit repair kit. Take advantage of lenders and local housing agencies or extension services that offer these programs, especially if it’s free. The best place to look for free financial and foreclosure help is the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), as there are lists of credit counseling and debt management agencies approved to work with HUD loans and possibly with your lender. In cases involving predatory notes or loans, contact your bank directly.
6. Consider options for affordable mortgage payments. It could be restructuring or refinancing your mortgage loan. With the new Obama loan modification programs now available, deciding which to choose would be easy depending on your financial ability. Keep in mind that mortgage refinance costs can be high due to processing fees, such as closing costs and points.
7. If you are successful in negotiating a lower monthly mortgage payment, get the resolution in writing. In fact, save all loan modification documents that legally represent any agreement or arrangement with your lender.
8. If not, it sells unnecessary assets. You can raise money by doing this and pay off your mortgage until you recover from your financial difficulties. It is also a good time to reduce your monthly expenses. But doing both will not be enough in the long run if your financial situation remains the same.
9. You can sell your house to a third party as an alternative. This could be called a short sale. Sometimes creditors accept this as a full settlement of the debt. Usually, however, the home’s sale value can’t cover the outstanding loan balance, so some banks would rob you for foreclosure deficiency if you have too many assets. Get help from a housing counselor, real estate agent, or loan modification attorney. You can also buy back your property after the foreclosure auction.
10. Negotiate a leniency agreement. As long as you want to keep your home, that’s as long as lenders want to be paid. In the case of forbearance, your lender will temporarily stop foreclosure proceedings until another payment option can be executed.
11. Declare bankruptcy. This could put your credit history in a bad position. Remember that you may or may not keep your home with this option. If you seriously believe this is your only way out, call your attorney to discuss what to do.
12. Give your house over to your lender. This is called a “deed-in-lieu of foreclosure.” This option will not affect your credit score, but you will be homeless. Since you are making things easier for the lender, this act can be recognized by the elimination of your loan balance, even if the house sells less. Again, get the help of a mortgage attorney.

Be realistic when choosing your options because once an agreement is reached you must comply, otherwise you will surely face another foreclosure.

Most mortgages are guaranteed or financed by government programs like HUD, FHA, or VA. If your mortgage belongs to one of these agencies, ask what options they offer to save your home. But first, you must approach your lender to negotiate in person in an open and honest manner. Doing so will save you from paying attorneys or credit counseling agencies.

Many older clients arrive at their first modified yoga class with weak legs and balance issues. On average, older people deal with many leg and foot problems, including hip and knee replacements, spider veins, sciatica, and ankle and foot problems. By consistently participating in a modified mat or modified chair yoga class, most begin to build leg muscles, which immediately help with balance, agility, gait, and circulation. It’s not just older people who can benefit. An inactive person who sits too long will have leg problems. An overweight person may also have some leg problems. Others who have a leg or knee injury. A person with diabetes may have leg problems.

Everyone who takes a modified yoga class will feel their legs get stronger. In a modified yoga class, we also implement the use of straps, to help with flexibility challenges and isometric exercises. By using a strap, we are using the force of the body against itself and it causes leverage. In my experience, the hamstrings are one of the tightest areas for most clients. Once the hamstrings begin to loosen, participants can generally do more weight-bearing and lunge poses, and begin to develop more strength, agility, and flexibility. By working against a wall, we can also create isometric poses, which help build strength and flexibility.

It takes some discipline and practice to work your legs and protect your knees at the same time. The quad muscles are also tight for many clients. Think that everything is connected. From the lower back, hips, hamstrings and quads to the knees. If you have tight hamstrings and thighs, your knees and hips may also have problems. If you have a knee problem, you tend not to move much because you are in pain. The quad muscles actually start to atrophy from lack of use. You can’t actually straighten your knee. Your bone and cartilage. To heal your knee, a person will work on strengthening the thigh muscle and the small muscles and ligaments on the outside or inside of the knee and the hamstrings.

Leg raises, done one leg at a time, with the knee slightly bent, while seated, is just one exercise that will strengthen the quadriceps muscles. A lateral movement of the leg to the side will strengthen the muscle group on the side. Deep, low lunges, like modified push-ups or side planks, also strengthen your legs. The warrior or triangle pose is another great power builder. And these poses just don’t strengthen the legs, but rather the glutes and release the hip connectors.

I smile when beginners come to me with the idea that yoga is just breathing, meditation, and arm stretching. I listened politely and then asked, “What about push-ups? Have you ever tried yoga? It will feel like exercise.” Even a modified yoga class; it will create endurance, strength and looser muscles. You won’t feel the pain of exercising with weights. But your own body becomes your weight. We do exercises with weights, such as push-ups that strengthen the arms and legs.

Modified means you can use straps and you can do alternative poses, or a less strenuous version of a pose. But most clients feel a modified yoga class like a workout. It is a practice, it is a discipline. But modified yoga is very misleading. You are not really aware that your body is getting stronger, until one day you realize that you can do more, that you have better endurance, that your legs are stronger. Maybe it’s when you took that long walk. Or after you lifted weights and realized you had better concentration or breath control.

One client, aged eighty-two, was on a tour of Asia when she realized how strong her legacy had become. She said that she sometimes climbed over or under fences, crossed walls and climbed huge stairs to temples, in very remote areas. All the travelers were about the same age, but she passed some of them resting along the way. She stopped and noticed how strong her legs had gotten from our yoga classes.

The madness of power yoga is like the fascination of an extreme sport. I advocate yoga as a strength building, calming and healing mind and body. Yoga for me, ALREADY is powerful. I don’t think it is necessary to emphasize POWER YOGA. So if you don’t want a Power yoga class, and want something more modified. Modified yoga will work on your physical, mental and well-being. You’ll build your overall strength, including your legs, ankles, and hips, and just about every other part as well. You can do it at your own pace, and modifying the poses as you can. Are you ready to strengthen your legs and do some modified yoga?

To keep your hardwood floors looking their best, regular care is key. With proper care and maintenance, you can keep your hardwood floors looking like new for many years and they will last a lifetime.

The best way to clean hardwood floors

The best way to clean a hardwood floor depends on the type of finish. Surface finishes are found on prefinished floors and are mostly polyurethane. They usually have a shiny appearance. They are easy to care for and maintain; just sweep, vacuum and mop. Penetrating sealants like oils and waxes have a satin or matte finish. Remove the wax and apply a fresh coat once or twice a year. This type of hardwood flooring should not be wet mopped because the water will soak into the wood.

Sweep high-traffic areas daily, and vacuum and mop weekly. When sweeping, use a broom with fine, busted tips to catch dust and sand effectively. To minimize the amount of dirt that gets in, place mats at each entrance.

Vacuum your hardwood floor regularly to remove dirt, as this will scratch and dull the surface. Use a light vacuum with a soft brush head so it doesn’t scratch the floor. Follow up with a microfiber mop to catch fine dust particles.

Next, use a damp, not wet, mop with a pH-neutral floor cleaner formulated specifically for hardwood floors to remove dust and grime. Vinegar is also an effective and safe floor cleaner (see the section on using vinegar below). Wring out the mop completely and mop in the direction of the wood grain. When the water gets dirty, replace it with a fresh batch of cleaning solution. When you’re done, rinse again with clean water. Do not use straight ammonia, liquid detergents or abrasive cleaners as they can dull or strip the finish and discolor the wood. Do not wet mop waxed floors. Simply sweep and vacuum regularly.

Wipe up any spilled food or liquid immediately with a damp cloth, then dry with a clean towel. Water and other liquids are one of flooring’s worst enemies, as they can damage the finish and seep between the floorboards causing warping. Consider placing throw rugs in areas where water can get splashed, like in the kitchen sink.

Wood Floor Care

Hardwood floors are easy to scuff and scratch, so take preventative steps to protect your hardwood floor. Use felt pads under furniture legs and feet and be careful when moving furniture. Take off your shoes before walking on the floor to avoid heel marks and scuffs.

Regular vacuuming will keep the floor free of dirt and grit that can scratch the surface. Sunlight can cause excessive fading, so protect the floor from sunlight by closing blinds or curtains. Some fading may be unavoidable, so rotating furniture and rugs will also help ensure any UV exposure is even across the floor.

When laying rugs on your hardwood floor, be careful. Carpet dyes are known to stain floors, and plastic backings can affect the wood finish.

Cleaning hardwood floors with vinegar

Using vinegar to clean hardwood floors is an economical and environmentally friendly solution to keep your hardwood floor looking good. Mix ½ cup of vinegar with 1 gallon of warm water. Dip a cotton cloth in the solution and wring it out well. Work on one small area at a time, immediately buffing dry with a clean cloth.

Vinegar is great for cutting through grease, removing odors, mildew, most stains, and wax buildup. It will also neutralize alkaline stains like those from hard water.

Identity theft has become the fastest growing crime in the world. It tops the list as the number one consumer complaint in the United States, with 19 people becoming victims of identity theft every minute. Unfortunately, with the increased use of the Internet, the problem is expected to grow.

So what is identity theft and how could it affect you? Identity theft is a form of fraud that occurs when an individual or group of people steals your personal information for financial or social gain. It happens in various ways. Thieves steal credit card payments and other outgoing mail from private curbside mailboxes. They file a change of address form in the victim’s name to redirect mail and collect personal and financial data. They search through trash cans or dumpsters for canceled checks, credit card and bank statements, and pre-approved credit card offers. They use malicious software to steal your information over the Internet. They also use email phishing to get you to provide them with your personal information. Of course, these are just some of the common ways this crime occurs. There are new tactics being introduced all the time.

While most of these crimes involve theft for financial gain, there are many different types of identity theft, ranging from driver’s license identity theft to social security number theft. Statistics tell us that 19% of identity theft involves credit cards or bank accounts. Here are the four most common types of identity theft complaints as reported to the Federal Trade Commission:

1. Government document and benefits fraud: This represents 46%*. This crime includes things like stealing your social security number or driver’s license, your Veterans Administration benefits, or your tax refund check. Complaints in this category are up 27 percentage points from 2010. The FTC said tax or wage fraud accounted for the growth in this area. Tax returns, especially those where a refund is expected, are new targets for criminals. Another scheme uses your social security number so illegal immigrants can get jobs.

A June 2006 CBS News report indicated that 81 people were using a woman’s social security number. The woman, who lived in San Francisco, California, only found out about this when she received a tax return from the IRS stating that she owed $15,813 in back taxes, even though she hadn’t worked in years. Ironically, the taxes were for work done in Texas.

2. Credit card fraud: accounts for 13% of identity theft*. It can happen in several ways. Every time you give your card to a waiter, or swipe it at a gas station, or use it online to buy something, you expose yourself to this type of fraud.

A reported problem occurs at service stations. Thieves install a type of skimmer at the pump that reads your credit or debit card information when you swipe your card for gas. They then sell this information.

In January 2014, ABC News reported that two Mexicans were arrested at the Texas border after using information stolen from a Target credit and debit card security breach to purchase several thousand dollars. The Target security breach is believed to have involved 40 million credit and debit card accounts and the personal information of 70 million customers.

3. Telephone and utility fraud: This represents 10%*. Someone steals your personal information to use your name and credit to set up an account with your water, phone, electric, or gas company. These people will steal your good name and credit for profit, even selling your information to a third party, where it could be used by hundreds of people.

This crime also occurs with cell phones – wireless phone accounts – and is expected to become the number one complaint in this category.

4. Bank account fraud: this represents 6%*. This ranges from forgery to bad check writing to the electronic transfer of large sums of money.

An LA Times article from January 2014 shared a story about a woman who had five compromised accounts, at three different banks.

A January 2014 report from the Wet Paint website claims that an ex-convict was charged with bank fraud after he opened a company account and funneled bad checks, stolen airline retirement checks and auto loan proceeds to the bill. It was reported that he used his new company to gain access to certain people’s information to commit this fraud.

5. Others – this represents 25%*. Includes all other categories, including Medical Fraud and Attempted Fraud.

A news article published in 2008 reported that a young Marine had lost his wallet while at boot camp in South Carolina. After training camp, he was stationed in California. It was almost a year later, when his mother called him and informed him that he was wanted for carjacking. He also owed more than $20,000 in medical bills. It turned out that a man in South Carolina had used his driver’s license to test drive and steal new cars. This same man also received medical treatment for kidney stones and an injured hand. Before the Marine could clear up the whole mess, his state tax return check was garnished and his credit was ruined. He also faced possible problems with his medical records. If he were visiting his family in South Carolina and needed medical attention, his current medical records could influence the type of medical treatment he could receive.

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, identity theft cost Americans $24.7 billion in 2012. For many victims, the financial and psychological effects can be damaging and can last a long time. So what can you do to help protect yourself against identity theft? Here are some tips to help reduce the chance of you becoming a victim:

– To protect yourself against identity theft, never provide your Social Security number, credit or debit card numbers, unless you know the organization or person requesting this information. Treat it as confidential information.

– Avoid carrying your Social Security card and passport unless they are necessary.

– Keep these and all important government and insurance documents in a safe place

– Never print your Social Security number on your checks.

– Carry as few debit and credit cards as possible and check regularly to make sure you still have them.

– Confirm all passwords in memory. Never write them down or carry them with you.

– Make your PIN and passwords difficult for someone else to guess. Don’t use your date of birth, phone number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.

– When using an ATM, make sure no one is hanging over you and can see you enter your password.

– Keep a list of your credit card and financial account numbers with phone numbers in a safe place. Do not provide financial information (account numbers, credit card numbers) unless you know the organization or person requesting this information. Notify your bank or credit card company of any suspicious phone inquiries, such as those asking for account information.

– Always review your monthly financial and credit card statements. If you see unknown transactions, notify your bank or credit card company immediately.

– Report lost credit and debit cards and lost checks immediately. Your bank can immediately block the funds in the account.

– Instead of signing the back of your credit card, write “See Photo ID” so if a thief takes your car, they won’t be able to use it to make a large purchase in person without your ID.

– Shred bank statements and financial applications before disposing of them. To avoid waste of paper statements, sign up to receive statements and bill payments through Online Banking.

– Place outgoing mail in a secure, official Postal Service collection box.

– Install anti-virus and anti-spam software on your computer. Don’t open email attachments from people you don’t know. Beware of pop-up windows on your computer. Sometimes you think you’re clicking your way out of them, when you’re passively accepting a form of malware.

– Periodically review your credit file and make sure the information is correct. You are entitled to one free credit report per year from each of the three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion). All three national consumer reporting companies have established a central website, toll-free phone number, and mailing address through which you can request your free annual report. To get a free report, visit http://www.annualcreditreport.com or call 877-322-8228.

When used, these tips provide proactive measures that can help avoid the financial and time hardships that accompany an identity theft incident. However, there is no complete proof system that guarantees that you will never be a victim. And that’s why the best advice one could offer is to suggest that you purchase an identity theft protection plan. There are many companies that offer these plans, so it would be wise to make a comparison before signing a contract. Most plans include credit monitoring, public records monitoring, and incident alerts that help with preventative measures. Where most plans differ is when your identity is compromised. Some companies send you a DIY kit, while others will provide some type of phone consultation. However, the best plans provide a comprehensive identity restoration package that includes licensed investigators or stepping-in agents to assist you and do the heavy lifting for you. In a time of crisis, it would be a great benefit to have a professional to jumpstart your identity restoration efforts.

Unfortunately, identity theft will be with us for the unforeseeable future. While the fear factor is high, the good part of all of this is that there are steps we can take to provide protection for ourselves and our families.

*United States Federal Trade Commission, 2013