Here are some great ideas while planning your wedding and for after your marriage: 

• Never go grocery shopping without a list.
• Avoid buying non-food items such as laundry detergent, shampoo, napkins, and tissues at the grocery store. Usually you can get these items much cheaper at warehouse or discount stores.
• To save money on mileage as well as your time, pick one day a week to do all of your shopping and errands.
• If you have the storage space, stock up on staples when they are on sale.
• See movies in the afternoon when prices are often cheaper.
• Go out to eat for lunch instead of dinner.
• Visit the library and borrow books and videos for free.
• Plan a picnic in a scenic areas for a low cost outing.
• Look for coupons in the paper each week for restaurants and save them in a folder for future use.
• Develop inexpensive hobbies such as bike riding or hiking that allow you to get exercise and fresh air.
• For vacations, go camping instead of staying at hotels.
• If possible, travel off season when the rates are lower.
• Buy airlines tickets in advance and pay for them right away.
• If you delay, the price will usually increase the closer it gets to your trip time.

Article Provided by: 
Deanna E Diaz 
deannadiaz@envisionlending.com
801-564-7456

1. Before you start looking for a home, get pre-qualified for a loan. Banks, credit unions, and mortgage bankers make home loans; mortgage brokers process loans through a variety of lenders. The lenders will take an application, process the loan documents, and see the loan through to the funding stage.  

2. If you have marginal or bad credit, consult your lender. You may be able to qualify for a loan depending on how long ago and what reason(s) caused the bad credit. 

3. You will need a down-payment. Down-payment requirements vary depending on the type of loan. Many down-payment assistance programs exist. These programs may loan or grant you the funds necessary for the down-payment. Consult with a lender about programs available in your area.  

4. You will need funds for closing costs. Closing costs are charges for services related to the closing of your real estate transaction. They include, but are not limited to: Escrow fees, title policy issuance fees, mortgage insurance fees, fire, flood, and homeowners insurance, county recorder fees, & loan origination fees. Consult your lender for an actual estimate of these costs.  

5. Some loans have “points” and some do not. A point is a loan origination fee equivalent to 1% of the loan amount. Together with the interest rate, they constitute the yield on your loan for the lender.  

6. Mortgage rates can be fixed or adjustable. Which one is right for you depends on whether mortgage rates are at a high or a low point when you purchase, and on how long you plan to live in the home. 

7. There are two main types of loan categories.
Conventional Loans. Conventional mortgage loans are available with fixed or adjustable interest rates.
Government Loans. These include FHA fixed and adjustable rate mortgage loans, and VA fixed rate mortgage loans. 

8. If you are a low-to-moderate-income homebuyer, there are special programs designed to help you. These loans are available through private lenders, as well as local and state housing agencies. 

9. You may have to pay mortgage insurance. Mortgage insurance protects the lender from potential loss if you should default on your mortgage loan payment. Mortgage insurance is always required on FHA mortgage loans.  

10. Many organizations offer home loan counseling to prospective homebuyers. They will cover home selection, realtor services, lenders, loan programs, homeownership responsibilities, saving for a down-payment, and other important pieces of information.  

Article Provided by: 
Deanna E Diaz 
deannadiaz@envisionlending.com
801-564-7456

When trying to win over your true love it is essential to plan that “special” date. Whether single, engaged, or married there is always good reason to think ahead at how you can stay center of your true love’s mind. Throughout time, dates have been proven to be the number one way to accomplish this.
 So, what makes for the perfect date? Is it getting flowers or going to that new hotspot in town? Is it sharing a sentimental moment or your favorite song that just happens to play? Yes, these are all great ways to make for a memorable evening however the solution to this mystery is to combine memorable with meaningful.
When planning your dates, remember these key components and you’re sure to experience the “perfect date”:

Every bride should have these “necessities” handy on her wedding day. Because you will never know what you might need, this kit should be easily accessible all day long - from the wedding to the reception. 
Hint:  You might want someone else to be in charge of it.
Here are some basics to include:
Beauty Items

• Facial Powder (Use before pictures)
  
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
  
• Deodorant
  
• Hairspray
  
• Perfume
  
• Hand lotion
  
• Makeup
  
• Makeup remover
  
• Contact lens solution and case
  
• Clear nail polish for runs in pantyhose
  
• Nail polish to match your color
  
• Nail polish remover
  
• Nail file
  
• Tissues
  
• Wet antibacterial wipes
  
• Lint remover
  
• Bobby pins and/or barrettes
  
• Safety Pins
  
• Curling iron
  
• Brush and/or comb
  
• Earring backs
  

Health Items

• Antacid
  
• Pain Reliever
  
• Any prescription medication
  
• Cold medicine
  
• Band-Aids
  
• Tampons, pads
  

Miscellaneous

• Safety pins
  
• Small scissors
  
• Extra buttons
  
• Sewing kit with thread the color of bridesmaids’ dresses, wedding dress, and tuxedos
  
• Extra hat pins (in case florist forgets them for corsages)
  
• Masking tape (smaller version of duct tape)
  
• Iron
  
• Flashlight
  
• Cell phone or change for pay phone
  
• Phone numbers of all service providers (i.e. cake, photographer, etc.)
• Copies of directions (to reception and/or luncheon) to give out

First-time home buyers
Whether you have spent years saving and preparing to buy a home, or you still aren’t sure if it is something you can even dream of, the questions surrounding a first-time home purchase can feel endless.
Here are some tips to help you with the process of becoming your own landlord.

Pre-qualify for a loan
Being pre-qualified for a loan determines how much house you can afford. It also allows you to move more swiftly when you find the right house, especially when you aren’t the only interested buyer.

Shop for mortgage rates and terms
A difference of even half a percentage point can make a huge difference in how much you pay over the life of a loan. For example, the difference in the monthly payment on a
$100,000 mortgage at 8 percent vs. 7.5 percent is about $35 per month. Over 30 years,
that’s $12,600.

Using a buyer agent
A buyer agent is legally responsible for representing the buyer’s interest in a real estate transaction. Generally, the buyer agent is compensated by the seller at the time you purchase a new home. There are some limitations to using a buyer agent, however. Before you decide, have a Realtor explain the advantages and disadvantages of using a buyer agent. Read the rest of this entry »

If you’re looking for ideas- here they are. Fifty different ideas in total- all divided into categories that you can pick from.   Seasonal/Holiday Favors 

• Candy canes 
  

• Mini Easter baskets filled with foil-wrapped chocolate eggs 
  

• Little plastic pumpkins filled with candy corn 
  

• Simple Christmas ornaments 
  

• Blow-up beach balls with your names and/or your wedding colors 
  

• Miniature heart-shaped boxes of Valentine’s chocolates 
  

• Miniature watering cans filled with spring blooms 
  

• Chocolate coins in gold foil 
  

• Sparklers 
  

• Easter eggs (that you’ve colored yourselves) 
  

• Miniature pots of clover (four-leaf?) for St. Patty’s Day 
  

Keepsake Favors 

• A copy of a memorable photo you have of you (or both of you) with each guest 
  

• A pretty picture frame  Read the rest of this entry »

This is by far the most common pre-wedding party- make sure you don’t miss out!   One of the most fun parts about being a bride is being the center of attention at the bridal shower. The bridal shower is a great place to hang out with your female family and friends (as well as future family). Everyone brings a gift at this party- which makes it even more fun because you can open all the gifts in front of everyone. The party is usually held at the most two months from the wedding. This means you can have it any time between the day before and two months before the wedding.

The bridal shower is typically hosted by the maid of honor. Of course, it can also be hosted by your mom, sister, aunt, or whoever else you (or your maid of honor) would like. Generally, whoever hosts the party pays for the party. However, it is not uncommon for all of the bridesmaids to pitch in if it is going to be a particularly expensive occasion. Remember, the shower can be anything from a picnic at the park, to a day at a beauty spa, to a formal dinner at a banquet hall.

One of the best things about the bridal shower is that it typically has a theme, and hence the presents you get will have a theme. This theme will usually coordinate with wherever you decided to hold the party, and is usually associated with the brides personality and tastes. As for the gifts- it is etiquette-ly okay to describe on the invitation what the guest should bring. For example, if you were to have a garden theme, you may ask the guests to give gardening tools, seeds, or garden decorations as gifts.

Typically, you’ll want to invite only those people who you are really close with (and who your fiancé is really close with). If the shower is going to be a surprise, you can always consult with your maid of honor (or alternative hostess) as to who you want invited. Make sure you give them a list of addresses as well so that they don’t have to track them down. Some people think it is good to send invitations to those who you know will not be able to make it (because of distance), however, it is completely up to you who to invite, and if you think those out-of-towners will feel bad getting an invitation to something they can’t go to- don’t send it.

Some people are starting to get into having couple showers instead of a bridal shower. This is where the fiancé is invited and the guests list consists of both male and female friends and family. No matter which way you choose to do it, make sure you have fun and enjoy the attention you’ll be getting!

One of the best ways for you to add a special touch to your wedding is personalizing.    Many couples choose to personalize an item of their wedding so that people will have a more memorable time. Personalization ranges from initials to the wedding date, to your full names, and everything in between. Here are the most common ways/items to personalize.

Ribbon- This is probably the least expensive and the most used way to personalize your wedding. The ribbon comes with your names and/or wedding date printed on 12” lengths. There will usually be a minimum order amount, so if you are having less than 100 guests, you may want to find something else. These ribbons are typically used to tie up the tulle that you put Jordan almonds in. They can, of course, be used for other things as well.

Napkins- This is a very easy way to personalize your wedding, and everyone is sure to see it. Most companies will be able to print several lines on the napkin, which means you can include more information that on ribbon. You could have your names, date, place, and even a cute saying (ex: “Our love is forever.”). Plus, you can be sure that you’ll be able to find your wedding colors.

Candy or Chocolate- This is one of the most fun ways to personalize your wedding. There are many candy companies out there that will personalize the wrappers of the candy to have your names, wedding date, or anything else on them. So if you’re not on of those lucky few whose initials spell M & M, you’re still in luck. This kind of personalizing can be cheap, but you may sacrifice quality for price.

Gifts- This is by far the most expensive way to personalize, mostly because of the cost of what’s being personalized. However, these items can range anywhere from golf tees to jewelry. The more simple gifts, like golf tees, matchbooks, or magnets can be used as favors. Generally, the more expensive gifts are used as thank-you’s for the bridal party and any close relatives that helped in the wedding planning. Many gifts that you choose can be personalized, from teddy bears to golf clubs; even if you don’t buy it at a place that does personalization, you can find a place that will do personalize outside purchases. This will really give a special touch to the gifts that you give your loved ones.

Whether you choose to personalize your favors or not, they may still be quite personal. For example, if you and your fiancé are gardeners, you may choose to give seeds or potted plants and those would be just as personal as almonds tied with personalized ribbon.

A consultant’s job is to help a couple determine, execute, and direct all of the many tasks that are required to successfully host a wedding. The consultant takes on the roles of facilitator, mediator, money manager, planner, organizer, creative resource person, and advocate of the bride and groom in their relationships with wedding service providers. The wedding consultant is responsible for seeing that every detail is taken care of and that the process runs smoothly and flawlessly. It is the consultant’s role to reduce the inevitable stress and glitches that are a natural part of every celebration.

If you do decide to use a wedding consultant keep these points in mind:

·         Be very clear with your consultant about what you wish done and what areas of the event you wish to control and/or implement on your own. A written, legal agreement will serve both you and the consultant well.

·         Be clear as to what it is you are paying for. Discuss and decide on the number of hours you expect your consultant to provide and for what tasks he or she will be responsible. The more details of the relationship you discuss and agree upon up front, the better.

·         The consultant needs to work with all the principals, so as soon as it’s feasible, introduce the consultant you hire to your fiancé.

Your bridesmaids are your best friends. These tips will help you keep them like that. Many brides go all out with the bridesmaids’ attire, making everyone where the same color, same style, and the same accessories. In these modern times, it is no longer appropriate to do that. Follow these ideas to ensure your bridesmaids will love their dresses.

First of all, no one said they didn’t have to match. In fact, if you tell your bridesmaids to wear whatever they want, you are in for a disaster. The only problem is the extent of matching. For example, there are three different ways to match your bridesmaid dresses in a way that they will have individuality. First, you can have them all wear the same style and let them choose one of your wedding colors (give them swatches so they don’t go overboard). Second, you can choose one or two colors and let them choose the style they want (from the same manufacturer so the colors match). Third, you can let them choose their own style and their own color from a list that you have compiled of “acceptable” dresses.

Second of all, keep your bridesmaids in mind when looking at dresses. Would your tall red-head look as good in that dress as your stocky blond? What about your preppy college friend and your high school “concert buddy”? Different people all have different styles, not to mention different colors and shades that look good with their coloring. Make sure you keep all these ideas in mind when picking out colors and/or styles. The best way to go is to do the third option and let them choose from a designated list. This gives you control over-all, but lets them feel truly independent. You can even let them get their dresses from different designers if you choose a color scheme (like various colors of green) and a style idea (like only dresses with halter tops). This way, they don’t have to buy their dress from the salon down the street from you and have more chance of being able to buy a dress from a store accessible to them.

Third of all, remember their financial situations. If your best friend is still paying her way through college, don’t make her buy a $400 dress- that would just be cruel. Generally, it’s a good idea to keep your dress budget around $200. Definitely try to keep it under $200 so that your bridesmaids will be happy with your decision. Another consideration with money is- will they wear it again? If you don’t think they would ever wear the dress you pick out again, try to keep the price as low as possible. This doesn’t mean if they will wear it that it’s okay to have them spend $350- just be cautious about your decision. If you happen to follow one of the three options for matching the dresses, your bridesmaids are likely to wear them again since they had a say in it. However, it might be better still if you find inexpensive two piece that they can wear separately for every-day occasions. If you do choose an expensive dress that they won’t wear again (ex: if it’s too formal), then it is a good idea if you pitch in with their costs.

One of the main things to remember is that these bridesmaids are in fact your friends and you do not want to sabotage them by making them wear something hideous just to make yourself look better. Make sure all of your bridesmaids are happy with their dress before making them purchase it. This way, you will all be able to have a great day.