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 Discover your personality type and what careers are best suited for you
How to hire a good home contractor
Don't hand your home-remodeling project to an unreliable or dishonest contractor. Here are 6 things to look for.
Increasing your property value often entails remodeling. Whether you have a fixer-upper or a great house that you plan to stay in indefinitely, you'll probably hire a contractor sooner or later to finish the basement, remodel the kitchen, or renovate other rooms.
Decisions on home improvement should be made in a judicious manner. If you want to recoup your investment, choose projects that are likely to add value to your home, such as a new kitchen or an extra bathroom.
read more...
Top Online School Matching Service
Have home prices bottomed out?
The latest housing data indicate home prices may be stabilizing, although butterflies over the economy could keep many potential homebuyers on the sidelines.
By MarketWatch
Home prices are closer to stabilizing today than at any time in the past nine years.
Based on the latest data, median selling prices for new and existing homes combined now equal 2.9 times median household incomes, nationwide. This is exactly the ratio that prevailed during the halcyon days of the 1980s, when sales and construction of housing were booming.
Three years ago, just before the housing bubble burst, this ratio was 4.5 times incomes.
Add in the fact that interest rates are much lower today than they were two decades ago and housing is even more affordable.
read more...
10 tips on staging your home to sell
It doesn't take long for a prospective buyer to form an opinion about your house. Here's how you can tilt the odds in your favor by making your home appeal to the widest clientele possible.
Christopher Solomon, MSN Real Estate
Prospective home buyers form an opinion about the home you're selling in 15 seconds, by one estimate.
And the clock starts ticking at the curb -- even before the home buyers get in the house. So how do you tilt the playing field in your favor? Increasingly, it's by staging your home.
Generally speaking, staging means making your home as appealing as possible, as quickly as possible, to the broadest clientele you can.
There are techniques to pulling this off -- some of them obvious, and some not so apparent. We polled the experts to get some of their top tips.
Staging as un-decorating
read more...
How to hit up your landlord for cheaper rent, perks
Treats help. But so do sleuth work and building a solid case for why you deserve a break, whether you're midlease or ready to move on. Here are 15 tips
Christopher Solomon, MSN Real Estate
It's both a tough time and a great time to be a renter out there, America.
Across the country, the recession is putting the squeeze on people's pocketbooks, making every expense painful...
Whatever perk you're after, you need a plan. Landlords are business people and you need a solid business case for why they should sweeten your deal. In the following 15 tips, more than a half-dozen people who toil daily in the renting field help you build your case...
The key to having any luck in reducing your rent is communication...
read more...
Many Mortgage Delinquents Still Unaware There Is Help
mortgagenewsdaily.com
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Freddie Mac has found that homeowners are becoming increasingly aware that there may be help out there should they run into problems paying their mortgage loans but there is still a long way to go in spreading the word...
The survey was conducted after the HOPE hotline was established but before the rate freeze was announced by President Bush in December. Still, even before the recent flurry of media stories about 888-995-HOPE, word was out there. According to the survey, nearly one in four delinquent borrowers (23 percent) report seeing ads for the hotline and 9 percent who were aware of it had actually made the call. The sponsor, Homeownership Preservation Foundation., says the toll-free number now receives between 1500 and 3000 calls per day, up from 250 per day one year ago. More than 200,000 homeowners have called the hotline since June 25 of last year.
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Can't afford health insurance? We can help
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Bridge of
Hope
Ending and preventing homelessness in every community, one church and one family
at a time.
Bridge of Hope brings together professional staff and trained church-based
mentoring groups to empower homeless and at-risk single mothers to attain:
Permanent housing, Financial self-sufficiency, Life-changing friendships, Growth
and wholeness.
Bridge of Hope National
311 National Road, Exton, PA 19341
Phone: 1-610-280-0280, Toll-free: 1-866-670-HOPE, Fax: 1-610-280-3280
read more...
Cheap is good - but FREE is better! Join FreeFly's and get FREE samples of name-brand products!
Catholic Charities USA
Catholic Charities agencies serve people of all faiths. They provide a wide range of services, including services for single moms and children: housing, emergency services, health care, child care, adoption, counseling, financial assistance, food pantries, and other critical services.
Select your state from the drop down box, and find the services you need.
Some Charities have their own websites:
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Venice - FL
Catholic Charities Oklahoma
Catholic Charities of Los Angeles - CA
Catholic Charities Health and Human Services - OH
Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Denver - CO, from the left side drop down menu select services.
Florence Crittenton
Services, Charlotte, NC
Florence Crittenton Services of Charlotte, NC is one of the largest
comprehensive residential problem pregnancy programs in the United States. In
addition to a safe environment during pregnancy, a full range of services are
provided including health and prenatal care, education, adoption programs,
parenting skills/early childhood development education, life skills,
scholarships, group and individual counseling and family planning.
The Sarah’s House Mother/Child program empowers new mothers by focusing on early
childhood development, attachment issues and prevention of neglect and abuse.
The PALS program serves non-pregnant teens in a structured living environment
with an emphasis on developing independent living skills, social skills and
self-sufficiency.
Eligibility:
Maternity Program:
• High-risk, single pregnant young women 10 years of
age and older who may also be homeless
• Victims of incest, sexual and/or physical abuse and
neglect and family violence
• Pregnant women addicted to substance or at risk of
becoming an alcoholic or drug abuser
• Court ordered adolescents and adults
• Foster care clients
• Those who are from under-served counties in North
and South Carolina and at risk for infant mortality/morbidity, low birth weight,
premature birth or having a baby born addicted to a substance
Sarah's House (Mother/Child Program): Single adolescent mothers
ages 14-18, in legal custody of the Department of Social Services who are
parenting a child or children in need additional support.
P.A.L.S. (Preparation for Adult Living Skills) Program: At-risk
adolescent females, ages 14-18 in legal custody of the Department of Social
Services in need of vocational life and social skills development in order to
facilitate a positive outcome for the future.
1300 Blythe Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203
PO Box 36392, Charlotte, NC 28236
1-800-448-0024/704-372-4663 (Charlotte), Fax: 1-704-334-8169
read more...
Our
Families Our Future – Cheyenne, WY
Our Families Our Future is a Wyoming non-profit organization that helps
low-income single mothers on their path to economic self-sufficiency. Our CLIMB
Wyoming programs train and place women in demand occupations and careers that
earn livable wages. Almost 40% of single mothers in Wyoming are living at or
below the Federal poverty level, but the staff and partners of Our Families Our
Future are working to reverse this statistic by empowering single mothers to
improve their lives and the lives of their children.
The Our Families Our Future intervention model is based on the Fleming
Associates Young Parent Program, which was established in Laramie County in 1986
to meet the educational, work and life skills needs of low-income single
parents. This is a nationally acclaimed paradigm for moving disadvantaged single
mothers out of poverty.
Our Families Our Future
info@ourfamiliesourfuture.org
1001 W. 31st Street, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82001
Phone: 1-307-778-0094, Fax: 1-307-778-0095
read more...
Survey Adventure has found a survey that will pay you $5 for just 1 minute of your time.
Imagine getting paid everyday to take surveys like these. At Survey Adventure we scour the globe looking for surveys for you to take that pay you cash. Learn how you can participate now!
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Vision House
Provides safe and confidential transitional housing with integrated support
services to homeless single mothers and their children, and separately to
homeless single men recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. The goal is to
coordinate successful re-integration of residents into the community through
adequate housing, counseling, child care, food, clothing, education and
vocational training, life skills development, employment, medical and dental
care.
Vision House is committed to serving a target population who is homeless and
whose income falls below 30% of the median income. Residents are allowed and
encouraged to stay the Vision House homes for 18 months to two years. Residents
may stay longer when they pursue a four-year degree.
Vision House
P.O. Box 2951
Renton, Washington 98056
Phone: 1-425-228-6356, Fax: 1-425-430-9590
info@vision-house.org
CoAbode – Single
Mothers House Sharing
CoAbode offers a unique matchmaking service to provide single moms with one or
more children the opportunity to share housing, while pooling resources and
finances with another single mom of their choosing.
Community Action Partnership, Sonoma County, CA - Programs
Giffen House - Affordable housing for single mothers with
children and single women who are working toward overcoming their homelessness,
getting off of public assistance and working toward long term stability. All
residents are enrolled in an individualized program designed to help them find
employment, a living wage, and obtain permanent housing.
Chanate Women’s Emergency Shelter - non-sectarian emergency
shelter in Sonoma County that is open year round and provides emergency housing
and meals, with access to supportive services, to any homeless adult woman on a
first-come, first-served The HCA Family Fund (For Sonoma County Residents only
of at least 6 months) - is primarily funded by an anonymous donor and by design.
It is a one-time financial assistance program designed to prevent homelessness.
The program can assist with rent or deposit. In order to be considered for the
assistance, applicants must attend an orientation on Mondays at 10:00 A.M. or
Thursdays at 4:00 p.m.; and turn in a completed application. You will receive an
application at the orientation. Information sheet:
www.capsonoma.org/forms/oriontatweb.pdf
Simple tips can help moves go smoothly
by Bank of America
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Moms suddenly finding themselves moving across town or across the country can make the change easier with a little bit of planning. More than 20 million American households, or at least 16 percent of the population, move every year. Taking a little time to prepare can go a long way to helping the process.
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read more...
Housing Choice Vouchers
Housing choice vouchers allow very low-income families to choose and lease or
purchase safe, decent, and affordable privately-owned rental housing.
read more...
HOME Investment Partnerships Program
HOME provides formula grants to States and localities that communities use—often
in partnership with local nonprofit groups—to fund a wide range of activities
that build, buy, and/or rehabilitate affordable housing for rent or
homeownership or provide direct rental assistance to low-income people.
read more...
You CAN affordable quality health insurance for you and your family - find out today how affordable a health plan can be by requesting a free, no-obligation quote. You could save hundreds of dollars!
The Cohousing
Company
1250 Addison, Suite 113, Berkeley, CA 94702, 510-549-9980
Cooperative Resources and Service Project
3551 Whitehouse Place, Los Angeles, CA
Solo Parenting Alliance
139 23rd Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144
The listing of or omission of an institution, organization or corporation on this Web site does not refer to programmatic capability nor does it confer any official status, approval, or endorsement of the institution, organization or corporation itself. This listing does not purport to be a listing of all organizations & corporations that are providing relief in the affected area. Additionally, there may be organizations providing relief in the affected area that are not accepting donations at this time. It is not the purpose of this Web site to make, or enable to be made, any representation to the public concerning the organizations listed. This listing is for informational purposes only. Any contributions or submissions you choose to make from links on this Web site are at your sole discretion.
• Join the SingleMom.com forums. Share your tips, resources and experience with other single moms
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9 Cash-Saving Tips That Pay Big Bucks
complaintsboard.com
The expression "a penny saved is a penny earned" doesn't cut it these days. But saving a few dollars here and there can add up...
read
more...
Try out these Thanksgiving recipes from tasteofhome
You May Have Too Much Debt But You Also Have Options
How Life Works
If you feel like you're in over your head with personal debt, you're not alone. Millions of Americans have become overextended, many as a result of easy credit and the recessions. Credit cards, medical bills, personal loans and raising interest rates do not make a good financial mix.
read more...
Suze Orman's Recession Rescue Plan - helps you survive in times of financial crisis
OPRAH.com
Do you know what your family would do if you lost your job - or worse, your home? Financial expert Suze Orman is ready to help you
devise a recession rescue plan to survive - and possibly thrive - during this deepening financial crisis...
read more...
Could fat babies mean fat toddlers?
A new study from Harvard Medical School found that babies who gained weight quickly had a sharply higher risk of obesity. The study
followed close to 600 babies and found those in the top quarter of weight for their length at 6 months had a 40 percent higher risk of
obesity by age 3 than smaller babies.
read
more...
The 10-Ingredient Shopping Trip
By Tara Parker-Pope and Mark Bittman
... In his latest “How to Cook Everything” segment on the Today Show, New York Times food writer Mark Bittman makes it
surprisingly easy to cook a week’s worth of dinners with just a 10-ingredient shopping trip.
read
more...
Finding last-minute tuition money
There's still time to find funds for this semester's college tuition. But you'll have to move quickly.
By Gerri Willis
It's only a couple of weeks or even days until school begins. And if you don't think you'll be able to get a handle on your college
tuition bill, here with your guide to last minute money.
read more...
Short-term Payday Loans
econ4u.org
...Which are more expensive, late fees or short-term loans?...
A short-term payday loan can be a better option than overdraft fees, reconnect fees, late payment fees or a damaged credit rating when
the loan is repaid promptly. However, these loans are not suited for longer repayment periods...
Being realistic about budgeting can help avoid the need for short-term borrowing.
read more...
Your Just-in-Case Emergency Plan
by RealSimple
Who do you call if you can't make it home in time to meet the kids' bus? Who do
you trust to take in your mail when you're on vacation? Who do you trust with
the extra set of keys to your house?
read
more...
How to save $10,000 in 2009
By Liz Pulliam Weston
If you were hoping for a list of small tweaks you could make in your spending to save $10,000 a year, sorry. The reality is that
$10,000 is a lot of money. And saving big money usually means making big changes in the areas where we spend the most, such as:
Housing, Transportation, Food.
read
more...
The Super, Sexy, Single Mom on a Budget
by Renee Rayles
A quick reference guide designed for the busy, single mom who has
little time to read while running the mom taxi, cooking dinner, helping with homework, and trying to fit in a date night every now and
then.
32 and Counting? Finding Your Happily Ever After Today
by Gi Gi
The author talks about the struggles a single mom goes through and the discovery that you can have HEAT (Happily Ever After Today) just
as you are, being single, taking care of your kids...
read more...
Single Mothers &
Male Role-Models / Mentors
Single mothers carry an enormous load of responsibility, especially those having sole and/or primary custody of minor children. They
nourish, they nurture, they teach, they discipline, they shelter, they protect, and they provide… all without the assistance of another
equally-invested adult.
read more...
Your 5-minute guide to protecting your identity
20 steps to protect yourself from identity theft, and seven ways to clean up things if you become a victim.
read more...
TheOnlineMom.com offers parents and consumers a guide to the top-rated, age-appropriate, kid-tested and parent-approved tech toys and gifts.
read more...
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw
by Jeff Kinney
For those wondering why tween boys don’t read very much, the answer is that more books aren’t like this...
read more...
10 ways to avoid moving scams
Horror stories about sketchy moving companies abound. Don't let one take you for a ride. Here's expert advice to help.
by Fred Minnick, Bankrate.com
You've heard the stories. Movers load up your stuff one day and hold it hostage the next, demanding more money and threatening to dump your precious treasures if you don't pay.
You believe you've agreed upon a price, only to find out it's going to cost you a lot more than that.
...some of these outfits give the impression that "you are dealing with a moving company, but you're really dealing with an online broker who passes the job off to some local moving company in some region for a commission. So you're not even dealing with the end user. You have no control over who ends up in your home."
read more...
18 easy ways to save on your move
Many people overlook obvious ways to lower the cost of schlepping stuff to a new place, but you can save hundreds of dollars.
by Christopher Solomon
If you're among the millions of people pulling up stakes this year and resettling in a new home, getting your goods to a new location means digging deep into your wallet, right? Not so fast.
Moving can be expensive ... steps that can save them hundreds or even thousands of dollars, moving experts say.
We've done some of the, ahem, heavy lifting for you already, by assembling these 18 tips:
read more...
Get Matched to an Online School
2008 MSN Real Estate best bargain markets
Why live in an expensive city when there are some great, affordable treasures out there? Here's MSN Real Estate's list of the nine best, livable cities where you won't need to trade the good life for the boring.
by Melinda Fulmer
Minimalism is the cutting edge now. My decorator calls it Dorm Chic. Wait, you'll see, everyone will have this look in a year or two. And then maybe I'll go out and get myself some overstuffed chairs." ...
read more
Your 5-minute guide to home buying
Home shopping is a high-stakes, stressful venture. Here are 24 tips to help you through the biggest purchase of your life.
Seriously consider this question: Are you really ready to buy a home?
It's an expensive, long-term commitment. If you change jobs or the neighborhood declines, you can't quickly get up and go. Selling a house can take months and cost lots -- likely 10% of a home's value -- in agent fees, closing costs and moving expenses.
read more...
7 home-buying traps
First-time home-buyers face an unfamiliar road and risk purchasing the wrong place at the wrong time. Here's a guide to the potholes.
by Liz Pulliam Weston
Buying your first home is an exercise in faith. You don't really know what you're getting into, you're awash in unfamiliar terminology and everyone you meet seems to have strong (and utterly contradictory) ideas about which way the housing market is headed.
You may not be able to avoid every home-purchase mistake, but you can keep your regrets to a minimum by avoiding the following traps:
read more...
Mortgage help: Do you qualify?
Les Christie, CNNMoney.com
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Help for those seeking refinancing: This part of the program targets borrowers who have kept current on their mortgages. Many of the homeowners in this group have been unable to lower their housing costs through refinancings because of falling home prices.
Who's not eligible: Homeowners whose property values have dipped severely, putting them underwater by more than 5% are out of luck.
Mortgage modification help for at-risk borrowers: Homeowners in default or at risk of default may qualify for loan modifications, which restructure the terms of loans. Anyone with high combined mortgage debt compared to income or who is underwater may be eligible for a loan modification.
Who's not eligible: Speculators, those who bought homes for investment purposes, do not qualify for help; all homes must be owner/occupied.
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