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    Friday, February 5, 2010

    Sean La Rue's Monthly Mortgage Update

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    Provided to you Exclusively by Sean K. La Rue
    “Your KEY To Moving Home!”

    Sean K. La Rue

    Sean K. La Rue
    Senior Vice President
    Franklin Loan Center
    Office: 760-837-1488
    Mobile: 760-835-5663
    Fax: 800-784-9089
    Email: slarue@franklinlc.com
    Website: www.SeanLaRue.com

     

    Franklin Loan Center

     

     

    For the Month of February 2010 --- Vol. 5, Issue 2

     

     

    IN THIS ISSUE...  

     

     

     

     

    "There's no place like home" so the famous saying from The Wizard of Oz goes. And this month's MMG Monthly is all about home. These days, more and more people are working from home and that is why you'll find tips below on creating the perfect home office.

    Also these days, saving money and spending wisely are important to most all of us. Be sure to check out some simple and easy ways to save money at home...and fatten up your bank account in the process!

    As always, please feel free to forward this issue to friends, family members and coworkers... or let me know if they'd like to enjoy their own free subscription. If you need any personal assistance at this time, simply call or email.

     

     

     

    Creating the Perfect Home Office  

     

     

     

     

    Whether you work from home or simply need a home office to manage your personal affairs, having an office that is organized and functional makes a big difference. Here are some tips for creating the perfect home office.

    Layout - There is no bigger mistake you can make than purchasing office furniture or equipment without knowing exactly where you'll be placing it in the room. Before you buy any new furniture, make sure you measure and plot where each piece will go, and don't forget to account for electrical and cable outlets.

    Furniture - A desk that's roughly 60-inches wide, 30-inches deep, and 29-inches high is not only conducive to work, but it's highly functional in terms of storing the items you use regularly. Your chair should be comfortable, but its primary function should be to promote healthy posture. Good posture will facilitate strong mental focus and will help to alleviate back and neck pain.

    Lighting - Don't underestimate the importance of quality lighting. If you're lucky enough to have a window in your office, this should serve as your primary light source during the day. Natural light is easy on the eyes and promotes physical energy as well as a good mood. It's also free. Large lights like floor lamps and ceiling lights should have the ability to be dimmed. Also, make sure your desk lamp is equipped with a light bulb that's easy on the eyes. These "soft" light bulbs can be found anywhere, from office supply stores to grocery stores.

    Storage - Identifying the type of items you need to store, as well as the quantity, will help you to determine an appropriate course of action. Here are a few helpful hints.

    • Closets are great for storage. Not only can they house filing cabinets, but they are also perfect for storing the items you don't need to access on a regular basis. This helps to maximize the actual workspace of your office.
    • Shelving is one of the most versatile options for storage. Shelves can be purchased cheaply and come in a variety of sizes. They are easily installed and take up zero floor space.
    • Don't forget about your garage. When it comes to older files or anything that is rarely accessed, a garage can provide ample storage space. Word to the wise, however, the garage can be a dirty place. Plan accordingly by storing paper items in boxes and wrapping equipment in protective plastic.
    • Visit a store that's dedicated to home organization. Nowadays it seems like nearly every mall has a store of this kind. You'd be surprised at some of the inexpensive, space-saving storage options available.

    Wall Organizers - Dry erase boards, chalkboards, corkboards, and magnetic boards are fantastic tools for keeping clutter off your desk. They are inexpensive and available everywhere in a variety of sizes. There are even combination boards that provide countless options.

    Cords - Never underestimate the importance of power strips as they provide the ability to plug multiple devices into one outlet. The better power strips also provide surge protection to the equipment that's plugged into them. In addition, cord covers are a great way to not only hide cords but to keep them from becoming a tangled mess. They can be purchased quite cheaply at any electronics store.

    Décor - Last but not least, once you've got all the necessities in, don't overlook decor. Certificates, diplomas, awards, trophies, and pictures not only complement an office, but they also help to personalize it.

    Follow these simple steps, and more organization, function, and focus could be right around the corner.

     

     

     

    Saving Money at Home  

     

     

     

     

    Saving money doesn't have to be a challenge...if we're willing to make some changes. Here are some main areas that many of us waste money unnecessarily...and some simple steps to ensure a bright financial 2010.

    Meals at the Workplace
    Working Americans spend an average of $6 when they buy their lunch at work. The average cost drops to $2 when we bring our lunch from home. That's a difference of $4 a day, or $20 a week, or over $1,000 a year. Consider adding this savings to your savings account, and after just a few months you'll really see the difference add up.

    Utilize the Public Library
    By obtaining a library card, you can save on books, magazines, and especially DVD rentals. If you average 3 DVD rentals a month, you're spending approximately $144 a year. That's $144 that could be deposited into your bank account. For every book you check out, find out what it would have cost if you'd bought it. Deposit that amount into your account, too.

    Don't be Afraid to Ask for Discounts
    If you're paying bills or buying items such as airline tickets based solely on the price you're quoted, you could be wasting money. Many companies provide discounts on goods and services but only for those customers who request them. It never hurts to ask so start asking.

    Save Gas
    Consult the owner's manual of your car and learn about the manufacturer's recommendations for optimal gas mileage. Put the suggestions into action and see what happens. After a month, you should be able to see if you're spending less on fuel. Take the savings and stash it away.

    Sell Your Junk
    Come Springtime, go through your closets, garage, and CD collection. Figure out which items you no longer use. You can either hold a garage sale or locate stores which buy and sell used merchandise, and sell the items to them.

    Do Away with Disposable
    From razors and batteries to paper towels and plastic bags, your home is filled with products which are meant to be thrown away. Most of these disposable items have either a permanent or semi-disposable counterpart. Switching over to these more durable items can yield a savings of $4 a week or $200 a year.

    Get the Most Out of Your Utilities
    Many of us are overspending on our utility bills for no other reason than our own apathy. If you haven't already switched over to low-flow shower heads and toilets it's probably time to do so. Also, get into the habit of turning off lights when not in use. Did you know that most utility companies offer a free online energy audit? This way you can see exactly where you're wasting money.

    Here's to a bright financial future in 2010!

     

     

     

     

     

     

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