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Letter from the Editor
MBO News
Real Estate Corner
Expert Corner
Military Life
Military Life II
Featured Home
Testimonial
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August 2011
Letter from the Editor

The shelves at local stores are stocked with back-to-school supplies and in some areas; this week marks the beginning of a new school year. If the temperatures don't signal that summer is slowing coming to an end, these clues will certainly help.

 

The close of summer also signals the end of the peak military move season, but the inventory and traffic on our site are high. If you are currently advertising with us, you will be encouraged to know that we had nearly 5 million page views during the month of July. And if a military relocation is still in your future, MilitaryByOwner.com is the perfect place to search for your next home.

 

News reports about the economic outlook have been rather bleak these days and managing your financial house seems to be more important now than ever before. With this in mind, we have included two great articles from USAA and Armed Forces Press Service that will offer you advice on financial planning as well as information on a new governmental agency that will offer you assistance in the event of financial hardship. 

 

Golf fans; be sure to act quickly on the special offer that is available to active duty service members for free tickets to the ongoing PGA Championship on Kiawah Island, SC. Find details in our Military Life II segment.

 

Thank you to all of you who continue to spread the word about our site. Word of mouth is still our number one form of advertising! It is clear that within the military network, it is important to provide service that is worth passing on, so please do not hesitate to contact us if there is ever anything we can do to make your advertising experience better.

 

And remember, we are available Monday - Friday, 9am - 9pm EST to assist you via our live chat.

 

We love to hear feedback, so if there is ever a subject that you would like to see us cover, please feel free to email me.  

 

Monica 2011

Monica Schaefer View our profile on LinkedIn    

Editor

Media Relations Manager

MilitaryByOwner Advertising, Inc.

 

 

 

 

MBO News


 

Are you in the Ft. Wainwright area? Sign up for the Army Wife Field Exercise, September 15-16. We will be there with Army Wife Network who will pass along valuable information concerning spouses and deployment.  To sign up, go to www.armywifenetwork.com. 

 

Don't forget to snap a photo of an MBO sign and post it on our Facebook page. Drawing will be held September 1st and the winner will be announced on our MilitaryByOwner blog. The winner will receive a $50 Home Depot gift card.  

 

Sharon Gran

Sales and Marketing

Office: 866 604 9126 9am-5pm EST
Online Live Chat: M-F 9am-9pm EST

 

Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter                                Inc 5000 
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Real Estate Corner
Home Warranty Woes 

Monica Schaefer

MilitaryByOwner Advertising, Inc.

 

As any parent can attest, we all wish that we could shield our kids from life's heartaches by having suffered them ourselves. Unfortunately, we soon realize that the only way to "learn" is to experience the pain first hand. 

 

Regardless of what conventional wisdom says, I am going to share a rather painful experience I had in the hopes that it will save you from the same agony.

 

Several years ago, our family was in the throws of yet another military relocation with a million different minute details that required my attention. My husband and I had decided that we would act as our own landlord on this property, so I started looking for the perfect safeguard for any maintenance issues that may arise. I wanted something that would protect us from large expenses, but I also desired to make it as easy as possible on our tenants. Alas, a home warranty policy appeared to be the perfect answer.

 

I had spoken with a neighbor who had inherited a policy from their seller and they were quite enthusiastic about it. I briefly looked into the company they were with and decided that the expense was just a bit more than we had wanted to commit. After all, we had new appliances and had done recent maintenance on our major systems, so I was feeling confident that this was nothing more than a safety net and I didn't want to spend more than I had to.

 

Low and behold, I found a company that was offering a great price with outstanding coverage. And not only that, but as an added bonus, they were going to give me a $50 Home Depot gift card for every year of coverage that I purchased. This was quite an appealing offer for someone who had just purchased a new home. I was SOLD and signed on the dotted line for a three year policy and I had already picked out the items I would purchase with my $150 gift card.

 

Like Ralphie waiting for his Secret Society decoder pin, I checked the mailbox every day for my found money... but the gift cards never came. Repeated calls to the company started to leave a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. How reputable is a company that makes promises it doesn't seem to keep? I kept holding out hope by equating it to the long wait you often have for rebate checks. Surely this would be a similar situation.

 

It seems that I didn't knock on wood when I said that we weren't likely to have any issues with the major systems in our home, because not long after our tenants moved it, we received a call about the air conditioning unit. I explained to our tenant that they could simply call the 800 number I had left them and the company would dispatch a service repair man to their home within 12 hours. Even better, the deal I had signed up for allotted us 2 free service calls, so there wouldn't be any out of pocket expense for our tenants. I was a proud peacock at this point! The after action report from our tenants left me with that same feeling in the pit of my stomach again. The service call seemed to go well with the problem resolved; however, the service provider required that our tenants pay the $70 deductible because there was no record in the computer of the free service calls. 

 

At this point I threw up my defense mechanism and decided that all of the fancy sales techniques that I had fallen prey to weren't important as long as they were reliable in addressing our maintenance issues.

 

Unfortunately, that strategy didn't help defend against the growing ulcer in my stomach once it came time for our tenants to make a second service call.  This attempt didn't result in a mere $70 deductible, but rather no response at all! They had called and left several messages on their automated system, to no avail. So I called repeatedly and even placed on online service request. No luck on my end either. So after 5 days of waiting, I had to bite the bullet and call a refrigerator repair man and shell out several hundred dollars for a new compressor.

 

Now with a fire in my belly, I started to do some research on this company through the vast information network known as the "internet". Wow, did I feel like a complete fool! Reading the staggering amount of complaints against this company made me almost toss my cookies. How could I have been so foolish? Had I just taken a few moments of time to research this company, I surely would have saved myself a whole lot of money and heartache.

 

They say, "Hindsight is always 20/20" and in this case it surely was an accurate statement. At the chaotic time of organizing a move, I thought I was doing a great job of juggling all things and was pleased with the purchase I had made. But now in calmer times, it was easy for me to see that I had made a rash decision with little or no real research.

 

In the end, I was part of a class action suit against the company and came out with a check for $64. This was hardly compensation for the thousands of dollars I had lost, not including all of the shiny incentives that made me sign in the first place. I would be lying if I said that the lessons learned from this experience made the regret any less bitter to swallow, but time has healed the wound yet the scar remains.

 

The lesson I hope that others can take away from this, without suffering the pain yourself, is to do your due diligence. Take a few moments of time to do a quick search of the internet and see what it may turn up for you. Use your military network and your neighbors to gain knowledge from their experiences.

 

There are a lot of great home warranty companies out there and it can be a great option for the homeowner that wants to protect themselves from large, unexpected repair expenses. Just don't get distracted by the flashing lights as I did and hopefully my experience can save you some of the same heartache.


Expert Corner

The Great American Debt Disaster

....the modern day financial fiasco     USAA Logo

 

By June Walbert, USAA Certified Financial Planner

Courtesy of USAA

 

In recent history, many Americans have turned their finances into shambles through credit abuse. The Great Recession, however, brought back into focus the importance of cleaning up individual balance sheets.

 

The Federal Reserve reported that revolving consumer debt soared to almost one trillion dollars in 2008. In November 2010, it dropped to under $800 billion.

 

Shedding a couple of hundred billion in debt is good for American families, and good work is being done. According to TransUnion, a credit reporting agency, at the end of 2010 the average credit card borrower debt dipped below $5,000 for the first time since 2002. Clearly a better situation, but the problem is far from gone.

 

Understanding how to avoid debt, dig out of debt, properly use credit and resources available if you can't cope on your own are important steps to coming out on top.

 

Dodge debt. A budget is the key. Whether bringing in $50,000 or $500,000 it's critically important to know how much is being spent and on what. Otherwise, it's nearly impossible to meet financial goals.  Avoiding debt begins and ends with spending less than you earn.

 

Start the budgeting process by tracking spending for one month. For cash purchases, carry an envelope for receipts and then categorize and add them up every few days. A traveling spending log can also work. For debit and credit card purchases, many banks may give you a jumpstart by categorizing spending. It's not important how you get there, but the end result is critical; understanding where the money is going each month.

 

Subtract from take-home pay, fixed and reoccurring expenses - such as mortgage/rent, car and student loan payments, utilities, groceries, et cetera, and see what is left. Where the rubber meets the road is deducting discretionary expenses discovered in the spending record - the cups of coffee, lunches out with friends, and dinner parties. Is there more money than month? If that's the case, or if there is just a need to find additional money to direct to knocking down your debt or building your savings, work to uncover those opportunities is underway.

 

Formalize the budget by using various software programs, or just a legal pad and a sharp pencil. Both work fine. USAA has a handy worksheet available online, for example.

 

A contingency fund is a critical part of being financially healthy. A cash stash equivalent to about six to nine months of living expenses is a savvy way to avoid piling on debt if Murphy shows up on your doorstep. This is how you pay for that plane ticket today for the unexpected need to fly home tomorrow. Or replace the hot water heater. A firm budget and a robust emergency fund are central to avoiding a debt disaster.

 

Get out the shovel. The hard truth is avoiding debt is no longer an option for many and the focus is on eliminating what debt they have.

 

The first step on that journey is to gather and open statements. Next, highlight the pertinent details, such as current balance, credit limit, interest rate, and minimum payment due. Now, rack and stack with the highest interest rate bill on top.

 

Armed with the data, develop a card-by-card plan of attack. There are two separate and distinct approaches to tackling debt in this way.

 

The one that makes most mathematical sense is to pay as much as possible on the card with the highest interest rate while paying the minimum on the others. Zero out the first card and then take that dollar figure and apply it to the card with the next highest interest rate while continuing to pay the minimum on the other cards - minimizing the interest paid.

 

However, some people need a quick win. Take the opposite approach by focusing on the smallest balance card while paying the minimum on the other cards. This means paying a little more interest, but this tactic shows quicker results.

 

Get credit smart. Not all debt is bad. Using credit for large purchases like a home or car is necessary because not many people can buy a car, much less a home, out of pocket.

 

A stellar credit history is key to securing a low interest rate whenever and wherever you use credit. The credit score is possibly the most important three-digit number in a person's financial life. Banks and lenders use those three digits to determine if they'll make the loan and, if so, at what rate. The typical range is 300 to 850 - the higher the better - with the average American carrying a score in the upper 600's. To get the best deals, maintain a score well over 700.

 
Here are the secrets to improving or maintaining a good credit score:

  • Credit balances should never exceed 30 percent of the maximum allowable balance. This counts as 30 percent of your score. For example, someone with a $10,000 credit limit should not owe more than $3,000.
  • Make your payments on time every time. This is critical to prove credit worthiness and counts as 35 percent of the score. Making online payments can make this task easier, putting it on auto-pilot.
  • Time does matter. A long credit history is better -- accounting for 15 percent of the score. Keep the old card and the history that comes with it, using it periodically, paying it off and keeping the credit score moving north.
  • Don't fall for the department store line: "Save 20 percent today by opening a credit card with us." To turn a phrase, just-say-no and move out smartly. Credit inquiries account for 10 percent of the credit score and more is not better. Don't apply for unneeded credit.
  • Finally, 10 percent of a credit score is determined by the mix of credit. Successful management of a combination of mortgages, installment loans and revolving credit generally results in a better score.

Call in the cavalry. It's very tempting for many to turn to debt settlement. "Settling" with the bank or lender for less than what is owed, however, can destroy a credit score, leading to higher costs via higher interest rates on mortgage, auto loans and future credit cards. This action can also handicap the ability to get credit in the near future.  Additionally, the "forgiven" amount will likely be viewed as taxable income; ruining your credit and incurring a tax bill. 

 

Debt consolidation is usually a better option for most people. Packaging all debt into one loan with a fixed payment and beginning and end dates may sounds great, unless you continue to find those zeroed out cards too tempting to resist. Spending must be under control or those balances will go up again, along with the new consolidation loan.

 

Ask for help.  Debt can be overwhelming, depressing and certainly stressful. Seeking guidance through the National Foundation of Credit Counseling, NFCC.org, can be a comforting and effective way to get back in the financial driver's seat.

 

In the end, no matter what advertisers say, there is no silver bullet to fix the hole dug over years.  A lot of discipline, hard work, and attention to detail is what rights the financial ship.  The first step is the hardest and there probably will be a few stumbles. Get back on track for the long term. After all, financial freedom is the destination.

 

 

 

 

 

  

Military Life
New Office Aims to Strengthen Families Financially

American Forces Press Service 

By Elaine Sanchez
American Forces Press Service

 

WASHINGTON, July 29, 2011 - A government office dedicated to protecting service members and their families from financial predators and pitfalls officially opened for business this week.

As the military arm of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Office of Servicemember Affairs is intended to strengthen military families financially and to serve as an advocate on their behalf, explained Holly Petraeus, who was tapped to head up the new office in January.

 

"Military families have special challenges," said Petraeus, wife of Army Gen. David H. Petraeus. "There are 50 different states with 50 different laws, and military personnel may not be aware of the protections in the state where they live."

 

These challenges are compounded when frequent moves and deployments are added into the mix, she said.

 

The office will work to ensure service members and their families receive the financial protection and education they deserve through a threefold mission, Petraeus explained. First, it will ensure military personnel are given a quality financial education, she said, "so they're wise to consumer issues and can avoid the pitfalls out there."

 

The office also will monitor consumer complaints and the response to those complaints, she said, and work with other federal and state agencies to help resolve issues.

 

A close working relationship with the Defense and Justice departments already is paying off. Petraeus said she recently signed a statement of principles with the judge advocate general of each branch of service to open the lines of communication and to ensure every financially related complaint is addressed.

 

"We want to create a strong partnership," she said. "Legal assistance lawyers at the installations hear about a lot of consumer issues, and some may be consumer financial issues dealing with the laws the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau enforces."

 

The goal is to create a circle of communication, Petraeus noted, citing the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act as an example. The act, which is enforced by the Justice Department's civil rights division, offers a wide range of financial protections to active duty and deploying service members in areas such as credit card debt and mortgage payments.

 

"If a JAG gets an SCRA complaint, we want to make sure the Justice Department is aware," Petraeus said. "And if someone comes to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau with an SCRA complaint, we can get it to the JAGs so they can deal with it and refer it, if needed, to the Justice Department."

Above all, she added, "we want to make sure complaints don't fall through the cracks."

 

With this goal in mind, Petraeus said, she recently established an informal partnership with the Veterans Affairs Department to help in addressing mortgage issues. VA has asked the Office of Servicemember Affairs to refer service members and veterans who are having mortgage troubles, or who are facing foreclosure, to a VA home loan assistance program counselor.

 

"Even if it's not a VA-guaranteed loan, the counselor may be aware of benefits and grants that will be helpful," she said. "I'm excited we have somewhere to send them that knows the military issues and, hopefully, can help them."

 

Petraeus said she hopes to build on these initial steps in the months ahead as her office continues its efforts to educate the military population and to stop financial predators in their tracks.

"My ultimate dream is that no service member signs a contract that they end up regretting for years or signing one that isn't fair," she said. "We can write rules and enforce at CFPB, and I'd love to see the real bad actors that go after service members -- break the law to harm them financially -- I'd like to see them enforced against."

 

At the same time, "we'd like to educate the population so they don't sign these contracts, so they're too smart to get into contracts," she said.

 

To report a financial issue or complaint, service members and their families can visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau website at http://www.consumerfinance.gov.    

 

Related Sites:

 

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau 


 

Military Life II
Free PGA Championship Tickets to Active Duty Military Personnel  

PGA

 

To honor the men and women who serve our country in the Armed Forces, The PGA of America is proud to offer complimentary admission for all active military personnel to the 2012 PGA Championship, Aug. 6-12, on Kiawah Island, S.C.

 

"Since World War I, The PGA of America has maintained a tradition of supporting the men and women of our armed services," said PGA President Allen Wronowski. "They are our nation's heroes, whose sacrifices are unmatched. The PGA of America is proud to welcome them to our many golf programs, and to enjoy attending our premier major championship."    

 

Military tickets will be available for pick-up at the on-site Admission Sales and Will Call Office, located at the Main Spectator Entrance, the day of admission with a valid active military I.D., and do not need to be reserved ahead of time. Grounds tickets will be available daily for all active military personnel throughout the week-long tournament. One additional spouse ticket will also be complimentary with the presence of an active military I.D., even in the event of a Championship sellout. Each ticketed adult will be permitted four junior admissions daily at no additional charge.

 

"We encourage all active duty military personnel to come to KiawahIsland next August to watch the top players in the world take on The Ocean Course in South Carolina's first major," said Brett Sterba, 2012 PGA Championship Director. "As tickets go back on sale August 14, we want all interested active military to know that they receive complimentary entrance into the tournament and do not need to purchase tickets."    

 

"Our state has a long and proud military heritage," said House Speaker Bobby Harrell, Co-Chair of the 2012PGA Champions Committee.  "The PGA and South Carolina share the same deep appreciation for the great sacrifice our fighting men and women give to our country.  We look forward to hosting these military members next year at The Ocean Course on KiawahIsland for a great week of championship golf."

 

The PGA of America is a proud supporter and sponsor of many military and service-based programs including Patriot Golf Day, The Folds of Honor Foundation, Disabled Sports USA, Golf for Injured Veterans Everywhere (GIVE) and the Salute Military Golf Association.

 

About the PGA Championship

 

Since 1916, golf's premier professionals have been competing for the PGA Championship's Wanamaker Trophy. Past Champions span the greatest names of golf over 90 years, including Walter Hagen, Gene Sarazen, Sam Snead, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Davis Love III, Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh and Phil Mickelson.

 

The PGA Championship is one of the premier golf events conducted by The PGA of America, a list that includes the Ryder Cup, the Senior PGA Championship and the PGA Grand Slam of Golf, which brings together winners of golf's four major championships.

To sign up for your complimentary tickets, go to call 843-768-6003or email [email protected] or visit PGA 2012.com

 

 

 

 

Featured Home
Tinker AFB

For Sale by Owner

Price: $209,000.00 

  

Mustang, OK - 248 East Atlanta Terrace  

4 Bed, 3 Bath (Single Family)

Featured Home OK

 

Description:

 

Beautiful 4 bedroom/office, 2 1/2 bath home in great Mustang neighborhood with fishing lake surrounded with walking trail, pool and very close to Mustang Community Center/pool/gym/library . Home built in 2006. 2150 s.f., large, open floor plan, 10 foot ceilings. Jacuzi tub in large master bath, huge master Australian closet. High end Kichlen light fixtures/under cabinet lighting. Many upgrades throughout home, carpet/light fixtures/cieling fans/custom wood shudders/window coverings/proffessional painting faux and glazing, dark wood stain. All window treatments stay. Matching professional stainless steel appliances in kitchen. Huge, 3-car garage. Large covered patio with extended uncovered patio. Gas range and fireplace. Cellulose insulation blown in walls and attic. Alarm system, gutters, beautiful yard and landscaping with trees. Mustang schools 

 

MBO198769      

 

Featured Home OKFeatured Home OKFeatured Home OK

For more information on this home, Click Here  

  

To see more Tinker AFB Homes, please visit:  MilitaryByOwner.com  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Testimonial 

 

Thanks to MilitaryByOwner.com I rented my house for 3 years, so I can go into retirement worry-free for $15 worth of advertising! Received 15 hits in two weeks.  

 

This is a great site for renting your house.

 

J.C.

Fort Belvoir, VA

 

 

 

 

 

Disclosure: We have made every effort to make our newsletter useful, informative, helpful and honest. The views and opinions of our guest contributors are not necessarily the views, opinions or an endorsement of MilitaryByOwner.com. You should seek advice from a professional familiar with your state laws regarding specific legal matters.