This month we observed the eighth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on our country. This brings our attention to how fragile our lives are and how quickly and unexpectedly they can end.  

You're not being morbid to face the fact that someday you will pass from this life; you're being realistic. 

If the only life insurance you have is owned by your employer, you're at risk of losing both your job and your insurance in this Great Recession. Own your own insurance.

Unfamiliar with my Start-With-The-House Mortgage philosophy?  Life insurance is a key piece in any sound financial plan and I never advocate buying a house if you can't also afford to protect the mortgage. I advise you to protect BOTH your assets AND your family's lifestyle should something happen to you while your earning power is still needed.

Click through the resources to the right for help in making the best insurance choices for your circumstances. 

Need a referral to a life insurance agent?  Give me a call.

Start-With-The-House mortgage planning says minimize the money you spend on interest and taxes so that you can spend it on more important things -- like paying down debt and building your nest egg. Here are a few important programs to help you pay yourself.

You've heard about the $8,000 First Time home Buyer tax credit, but you might not know that you don't have to be buying your first house to qualify.  If you are thinking about buying a home, now's a great time, with low interest rates, low home prices and the possibility you'll qualify for a sizeable tax credit.  But hurry, it expires on Nov 30th, which means you have until October 31to close. Don’t pass up the free money!

If you know that you need replacement windows or more efficient appliances, check out the $1,500 energy tax credit. The tax credit runs through Dec 31 of 2010, and will allow up to 30% of parts and equipment (not labor) to qualify. The site offers a long list of what qualifies.

Not sure what energy saving measure you should start with?  This summer my wife and I engaged a professional to conduct an energy audit, which produced a cost-benefit analysis of the various projects that would decrease our energy usage.  We decided to start with our 20-year-old a/c unit.  When we did the math, we figured that with lower power bills and the tax credit, we'll pay off the unit in five years. Right now, we are saving money on the electric bill, have a cooler house, and maybe did something for the environment, too.

Caveat: An internet search will often take you to results of someone selling something, so recognize the difference between information and marketing!

Yes, that’s me, getting ready for a flight in the AT-38C in USAF reserves in 2004. I started my professional life as a Fighter Pilot and ended up a Financial Feedom Fighter.  With 21 years of combined active duty and Air National Guard service to my country, I know the needs of veterans AND the loan programs that best meet their needs.

I'm proud of what our country has done for vets through the VA loan program. If you meet program criteria -- which you can do with active duty, National Guard or Reserve service -- you might be able to finance more than a starter home.  Most people think of VA loans for first time buyers spending only $130,000 or so, but the program has been expanded to include homes valued at up to $1,000,000. 

The VA is one of the only ways to get 100% financing today. 

Just last month I helped a 1970's Vietnam Vet consolidate some debts he and his family accumulated after his wife's illness. The new mortgage saved them $800 a month.

I also helped a National Guardsman buy a home with no money down because the VA loaned 100% of the home's appraised value and the seller paid the closing costs.  This is much, much better than any conventional or FHA programs for those who qualify. (We also offer FHA, conventional and Jumbo loans, but this month, I wanted to take a moment to highlight the VA Loan Program).

Realtors, home owners and home buyers, be sure you work with someone who knows how to maximize the VA loan programs.  As an experienced mortgage planner and veteran, I'll be your wingman.

Not sure if you qualify?  I'm just a phone call away.