9 Ways to Save Money at the Grocery Store

No. 1: Stick to Groceries
Many supermarkets are expanding their product offerings beyond food products, but they tend to carry a heftier price tag than a drug or wholesale store.
No. 2: Don’t Get Sucked in By Displays
Manufacturers often pay to have their items on display, which means they aren’t necessarily on sale, according to Nelson.
You will have to pay attention, there can be a lot of signs on a display, but they might not actually say ‘sale.
No. 3: Bigger Isn’t Always Better
It’s important to pay attention to the unit costs, not the list prices. Convert the unit cost by dividing the price by the number of units -- and then compare to find out which product is cheaper.
Also be mindful of what you are buying in bulk. Sometimes when you buy produce in bulk you end up throwing half of it away because it couldn’t be used in time.
No. 4: Stock Up on Sales
Track the prices of the top ten items you most often buy, so you know when it hits its lowest price and you stock up.
No. 5: Three’s a Crowd
Stores will often pair sale items with non-sale items to entice you to buy more.
No. 6: Skip Special Sections
If you need bagels, go to the actual bread aisle, don’t just grab them off the table in the bakery aisle.
No. 7: Scan Above Eye Level
Many of the sales aren’t on eye-level, the experts said. Look at the top and bottom of the shelves to make sure you are snagging the best deal.
No. 8: Early Bird Gets the Discount
Be sure to ask the manager when the mark-downs are done in the produce and meat prices.
No. 9: Shop Alone and on a Full Stomach
While they can be helpful at times, kids and spouses can often lead to impulse buys, so leave them at home, Jones suggested. It’s also a good idea to eat before heading to the store.

Market Recovery...Could it Really be Here?!

Flex 97 Product M.I. Return
When the Mortgage Insurance companies decide that the market has stabilized enough to offer a product like this, it proves we are on the way back up. M.I. companies spend millions on market research, they don’t make changes like this unless that very expensive data says the rewards outweighs the risk!

Modified Guidelines
On top of returning the Fannie Flex 97, they also modified the guidelines and added a few new features that are completely in line with credit “loosening”. You can call me for further details but they are called “boarder income” & “second job or O.T. history”. Exciting stuff.

The Jumbo Market Makes a Comeback
First Jumbo bulk is a purchased by Redwood Trust Inc. for $238 Million. There has not been a Jumbo bulk sold in the private sector for several years. Redwood then announced they will buy Jumbo loans on a “flow” basis, shortly after they purchased this bulk. That means, the Jumbo market is finally making comeback.


85% Cash-Out Returns
This says two things, credit is loosening, and that investors are confident the Real Estate market is nearing recovery with regard to value. Otherwise the cash-out offering stays below 80% as investors anticipate values declining further. This is excellent news

Condo Purchase to 90% Allowed Again
The condo market has probably been beaten down worse than any other sector. For a short time, there was virtually no financing available to purchase a condo. Now, the LTV restrictions have been lifted up to 90% again. Further proof that the credit curve is loosening and the values are stabilizing.

Overlays Removed
Two of our major investors have made guideline changes to loosen the credit curve just this week. They are removing what are called “overlays” that are put in place to lower risk, tighten the credit curve and essentially they eliminate certain segments of the population from obtaining credit due to fear of default. When those are removed, it is proof that there is an appetite for mortgages and that risk is being managed properly.

Riddles for The Week

#1
What gets wetter and wetter the more it dries?



#2

You throw away the outside and cook the inside. Then you eat the outside and throw away the inside. What did you eat?


#3

What goes up and down the stairs without moving?


#4

What can you catch but not throw?


#5

I can run but not walk. Wherever I go, thought follows close behind. What am I?


#6
What's black and white and red all over?



#7

What goes around the world but stays in a corner?


#8

I have holes in my top and bottom, my left and right, and in the middle. But I still hold water. What am I?


#9

Give me food, and I will live; give me water, and I will die. What am I?


#10

The man who invented it doesn't want it. The man who bought it doesn't need it. The man who needs it doesn't know it. What is it?


Go here for the answers...........http://www.rinkworks.com/brainfood/p/riddles1.shtml

Paul McCulley noted that the debt crisis (the shadow banking system, subprime mortgages, SIVs, etc.) was the equivalent of an under-age drinking party with the rating agencies handing out fake IDs.


That about sums it up!

Riddle of The Day

The more you take, the more you leave behind. What are they?

Go here for the Answer. Good luck!
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/The_more_of_them_you_take_the_more_you_leave_behind_what_am_I

Credit Score

Credit scores are made up of 5 components. Below is a breakdown of what makes up your credit score. It is estimated that 80% of credit reports contain errors. When applying for a loan, it is important to work with someone that has the ability to utilize programs that can detect errors and enhance scores before accepting loan terms. The interest rate you are offered for a mortgage loan is based off of your credit score, loan to value, type of loan, type of property and other factors.

1. Paying on time (35 percent)

2. Amount and type of debt (30 percent)

3. Length of time you have been using credit (15 percent)

4. Variety of accounts (10 percent)

5. Number and types of recent inquiries (10 percent)

Your referrals are always appreciated. I count on them to continue my business. If you know of anyone who needs a mortgage review, is looking to purchase or has questions on current mortgage guidelines, please put me into contact with them.

A few tips for PAYING IT FORWARD!


1. Donate unwanted clothing items to a local shelter.

2. Volunteer for community service or with your local church.

3. Sponsor a child.

4. Volunteer at Doernbeckers or at a nearby hospice.

5. Donate blood.

6. Take a minute to stop & pick up a piece of trash while taking a stroll through the park.

7. Stop to lend a helping hand.

8. Offer a hug when you see someone who needs one.

9. Smile at people when you pass them by.

10. Offer to pay for someone's bread when their credit card is declined at the grocery store.

11. Before you get off the bus or train, leave an inspiring book on a seat with a Smile Card.