Wednesday, October 29, 2014

MN Voting: Candidates, Polling Places, Sample Ballots [VIDEO]

It's voting season!

But of course you know that because you have been inundated with the TV, radio and billboard ads and it's possible someone even knocked on your door and put a sign in your yard. So...

Do you know the laws about voting in Minnesota? (Like, can you miss work to vote?) Do you know how to find your polling place? Would you like to see a sample ballot with your actual candidates so you can research and vote informed? Would you like to review the candidates?


Visit mnvotes.org to view FAQs, find out about absentee voting and more!


Monday, October 27, 2014

Should You Use Your 401k to Buy A Home in the Twin Cities?

Is Your 401k  Better Spent on a Home?

Many people look at their 401k and they imagine all the things they could be doing now with that retirement money.  Using use this money for all the mounding credit card debt, school loans or even a home down payment often feels like the answer to life's immediate problems. But is it?

When it comes to home ownership, a 401k loan to help you achieve a 20% down payment could be to your benefit if you can afford to pay back both the loan and the new mortgage because it will help you avoid costly mortgage insurance.  It could also help you with closing costs so that you are not cashing out your entire savings right before you take on the potential hidden expenses of a new home.

In Short, The Math Always Wins.

A younger worker who has made a lot on stock funds in their 401(k) in recent years might want to temporarily tap that money to establish themselves as a homeowner.  Or, some workers closer to retirement might find themselves retirement-plan heavy with their eyes on a retirement home. To buy it, they might have to sell investments and eat a sizeable capital gains tax.

Read More: FINANCES | HOME BUYING TIPS |

PLEASE SEEK APPROPRIATE ACCOUNTING AND LEGAL ADVICE BEFORE MAKING YOUR DECISIONS. Make sure you understand the rules and risks before tapping your retirement savings to pay for a home.


Sources: 
http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/home-loans/should-you-tap-your-401-k-to-buy-a-house/ar-BB6Qmcl
http://www.kiplinger.com/article/real-estate/T010-C001-S001-borrowing-from-a-401-k-to-make-a-down-payment.html

Friday, October 3, 2014

How to Cut Pineapple for Simple Serving

How to simply prepare and serve a pineapple. 

With just a few cuts you can serve pineapple in a way that will impress your friends and be perfect for serving at a party.


Hope you enjoyed this fun and simple food trick!
Looking for other simple recipes? Click here!

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