One of the largest investments we will ever make is the home we buy for our families. We take out huge loans that take 15 to 30 years to pay off. What a huge responsibility that is and even compounding the situation, what do you do if your bread winning spouse dies. That’s where mortgage life insurance comes in. NAA life is a great company I found that a great focus, our dream our homes. This is a tough economy where we may not get back all we thought we would when we sell our homes. Now, pretend your spouse has died and not only do you not have the money to pay the mortgage, you cant even sell the house. Hence, mortgage protection will pay off the debt upon your death. Unfortunately, the bills do not end at the mortgage company. They seem to keep coming and coming. Your spouse is gone so now how do you pay for the funeral, college tuition, medical bills? That is where term life insurance comes in to help pay those bills. What piece of mind there is in these insurance products and from such a reputable company like NAA. Their term life product is very competitive and will meet your needs. Plus, their site is very easy to use. On the right side of home page you can fill in your information and get a quote right away. They even sell disability insurance and annuities. I just know that in this economy you really have no choice but to look into these insurance policies.

I really thought that the outgoing president did a very fine job of outlining how he took his administration over the last 8 years from beginning to end. Little did he know that within 9 months of his Presidency, that 9/11 would could to pass and alter any strategy or public policies he was looking to move forward. No, all things had to change and tough decisions had to be made. How do you fight an enemy you cannot see, that does not wear an uniform and does not live within the domain of one country. It lurks around every corner, various websites, chat rooms and may even wear a suit and work inside an established company. Its an unsettling issue to say the least. We tried our best and at least our borders remained safe over 8 years but a very high price of the death of so many soldiers. We may never know what victory looks like, because there will be no formal peace treaty signed on the deck of a battleship. No, we will not have that luxury this time. Even when we rest and years go by they may be plotting. Our next president will be tested just like President Bush did. Stay tuned.

I just found one very cool website and that is www.magnalight.com. My kids love all flashlights and spotlights as they run around the yard and after a few searches I found this one. What I found were some great things to buy within a very easy site to use. You will find magnalight is a division of Larsen Electric. They sell boat lights, rechargeable handheld lights but also explosion proof lights. You will see their products on the site mounted to a military Humvee! What is more is that explosion proof lights are safe. They are are UL listed Class 1 or Division 1 so for example they could be used around marine vehicles, fuel cells and paint booths. They have a great article on finding the right light titled, “Better Know your Light”. Further, I found a great light for the garage what I call a Trouble light that I can hook to the hood of the car while I fix it. Finally, the help links are endless to find information on the lights they sell!

I just found that forclosure are now up over 80% from last year with Nevada leading the way. I still struggle with what to say in this manner. I just mentioned that no one made anyone sign for their mortgage but perhaps the sway or lure of homes coupled with easy credit and the consistent drive to keep with the Jones lead to the national disaster; the Second Great Depression. What to do? Again, let the market take its course. Newspapers and online news seem only to find the latest bankruptcy or the latest real estate failure. Not to fear, we are just going through a tremendous cleansing of the system and hopefully your soul! Move forward with the resolve this year to live within your means and on budget. It can happen. These companies could not do either and hence the closing of so many and a great variety of stores. Next…the farewell address of President Bush. Stay tuned.

I, like everyone else in the world, uses a credit card when ever needed for purchases that may take a while to pay off. I have 3 and they are all 0% balance transfer cards with the same on purchases.  I find these through the mail and really had no idea that a website existed to point out where the best deals are. Then I found 0% balance transfers at www.zeronet.com. I really like this site. It is clean and well laid out. I like the calculator on the right hand side where you put in your current balance, percentage and your total payments and click. They found great 0% deals from Citi, Discover and Capital One cards. If you own a business, then this site is great because they have busines credit cards too. I found offers on mileage plans, double miles, no limit on miles, no annual fee for the first year. Perhaps the point is obvious, but why pay hundreds in interest payments when there are credit cards out there now who want your business? I see no need, plus you may earn some bonus miles along the way. Finally, there is a great resources page. Here I found links to credit help sites and a Life Event Management Center. How great that this site wants you save money on interest and then help you get help so that one can get control of there credit. I applaud them for this!

Now the time has come to begin the tradition of bashing the president via Monday morning quarterback methods just before they leave office for good. Say what you will, but US ground has not been touched by a foreign army or terrorist group since 9/11. What more is there to say. The economy is our problem not his. This is a worldwide correction and families reviewing the way we live and what we can afford and moreover what is important to life. So put that to rest. The president protects us and that is all. Less government the better. Did they really watch out for the SEC scandals, no did they watch out for mortgages no, so really it is up to us to review our lives and make it our responsibility where we put our money.

One activity that I miss most is in the area of martial arts. I love the work out, the discipline and personal success I can have that is only measured against myself and not others. Trying to find the time to do this though is the challenge. I learned about www.martialartstutor.com from a friend who thought this could help me learn on my own time. This site is a one stop shop with free videos from 18 different martial arts such as Aikido, Karate, Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and of my favorites is the jiu jitsu video because these guys are physical and disciplined. The videos take you to experts within the field your interested in and do a great job showing how moves are made usually with a front and side view. There are great history pages so you know where the specific art came from and how they have evolved over time. It an easy site to use with banner google ads on the top. My only criticism is that these ads run over the wording with the links to the videos and pictures so the page looks messy and random. It should be more clean so that a black belt would recommend this site. Appearance is everything and if a black-belt works so hard for his or her goal so should the site do so when laying out its homepage. Other than that, you are in for a real treat to watch expert instructors show you how to achieve your martial arts goal.

I noticed that there are some great opportunities these days in two areas that never go away. It appears that Lumber may have hit its real bottom and this year we will see a rebound in building as prices are more affordable for home builders. Yes, I realize I sound crazy but if you think about it all those homes going South were simply over inflated and not even close to what they were worth coupled with folks who had no business being approved for those loans. The chance now is to find that piece of property that you always wanted and build a simple affordable home that fits your practicle needs rather than your home theater needs. Plus, Sherwin Williams stock is up based on increase sales in paint. Yes, its rather boring but paint is a product we take for granted. It could also be a good barometer on the economy to show that we either building new or remodeling. Some sectors are dull but still great.

I found Burton snowboards at a christysports.com and was very impressed. It is a nice clean web site and easy to use. Right now they have a clearance on Burton Snowboards including their blunt, wide and bullet styles. My kids loved the graphics and I love the deals plus free shipping on orders over $50.

They know their market and christysports.com makes it fun and easy to shop.

It is so encouraging to know that one of the truest and most historical hunting around, that is Duck Hunting, still exists. There is plentiful game, with solid rules both from Federal and State levels and along with enjoyment for most of the family. Sure people still find it awful, in poor taste and a waste of time but I do not. Our family just enjoys being there, however hard it is to get up in the cold winter months and sit in a blind for hours on end. But at least there is game and you do not have to always have access to a farmers land to enjoy yourself. There is plenty of government land to use and in a way you are helping that very government with population control of these wildfowl. Hunters respect the rules with the right environmental ammo and at least keep the numbers of overrun ducks out of the city parks or at least under control. Enjoy yourself and pick up a new hobby.