Almost Home

almostHOMEa magazine for house hunters

Featuring Portland and surrounding areas

Is your family ready to buy?

page 4

Make sure you have the keys to successful home ownership

SUMMER 2012 | ISSUE 1

OUR

FIRST

ISSUE!

2 | ALMOST HOME — SUMMER 2012

StaffPUBLISHERDan Crider / [email protected] Hinton / [email protected]

Find us online!www.AlmostHomeMagazine.com

Look for Almost Home magazine on Facebook

almosthomeWHAT’S INSIDE

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Helpful tipsTen steps to successful home ownership and a dream property wish list

Finding your placeGreater Portland area map that highlights top neighborhoods and hot spots

Neighborhood expertsOur community voices give an inside look at five unique neighborhoods

Money mattersA quick calculation to determine how much mortgage you can afford

Important resourcesTax credit helps first-time home buyers with monthly mortgage payments

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Let’s hear your voice!How can Almost Home deliver articles

and content relevant to you? Share your views on our Facebook page.

We look forward to hearing from you.

ALMOST HOME — SUMMER 2012 | 3

Y ou are holding something new! This is the first issue of a magazine that will be nurtured and continually encouraged to deliver a content-rich experience to you, the home buyer. Your questions, challenges and home-buying victories

demand and will receive our best efforts. Our working title was Welcome Home. However, we realized that most of our readers are not yet home. They are still a slight distance from being homeowners, but they are almost HOME!

Our goal is to help you along and bring you home.There are many options as well as constraints that

households face when searching for the right home that will meet their needs today as well as in the future. For home sellers, the transition from one home to another often is driven by significant life events such as a job relocation or retirement. Recently, the unsettled economy has added another layer of uncertainty as both would-be buyers and sellers consider when, and even if, they should complete a real estate transaction. We will touch on these types of challenges in this and future issues.

We welcome you to Portland, our services and the services of everyone that had a hand in this small but robust publication. Included is a map of Portland’s great neighborhoods as well as the views of our “neighborhood expert” real estate agents. Also, we are paying attention to one of our core values: children’s financial health and education. Recently a powerful poster came to our attention that stated “your children can be anything they want to be, but will they be homeowners?” As a home buyer you should feel the challenge in that statement. Join us in helping the next generation realize the great American dream of becoming a homeowner.

Our cover photo shoot was a fun experience. We found a young family needing to expand their home size as their family grows. And we discovered a charming young man and his obliging dog. All were gracious enough to endure our photo request.

Dan CriderPublisher

welcome note

almost \ôl’omst\ adverbNot quite; very nearly. Almost implies very little short of: almost time to go; almost finished; almost home.

SOLD! A friend stopped by with his dog to help us in the photo shoot.


helpful tips

1 Decide what you can afford. Generally, you can afford a

home equal in value to between 2 and 3 times your gross income.

2 Develop your home wish list. Then, prioritize the features

on your list. (See facing page for a checklist.)

3 Select where you want to live. Compile a list of three or four

neighborhoods you’d like to live in, taking into account items such as schools, recreational facilities, area expansion plans, and safety. (See pages 10-13 for neighborhood spotlights.)

4 Start saving. Do you have enough money saved to

qualify for a mortgage and cover your down payment? Ideally, you should have 20 percent of the purchase price saved as a down payment. Also, don’t forget to factor in closing costs. Closing costs — including taxes, attorney’s fee, and transfer fees — average between 2 and 7 percent of the home price.

5 Get your credit in order. Obtain a copy of your

credit report to make sure it is accurate and to correct any errors immediately. (See page 7 for ways to improve your credit.)

6 Determine your mortgage qualifications. How large

of mortgage do you qualify for? Also, explore different loan

options — such as 30-year or 15-year fixed mortgages or ARMs — and decide what’s best for you. (See page 6 for a simple mortgage calculation.)

7 Get preapproved. Organize all the documentation a

lender will need to preapprove you for a loan. You might need W-2 forms, copies of at least one pay stub, account numbers, and copies of two to four months of bank or credit union statements.

8 Weigh other sources of help with a down

payment. Do you qualify for any special mortgage or down payment assistance programs? Check with your state and local government on down payment assistance programs for first-time buyers. Or, if you have an IRA account, you can use the money you’ve saved to buy your fist home without paying a penalty for early withdrawal.

9 Calculate the costs of homeownership. This should

include property taxes, insurance, maintenance and utilities.

10 Contact a Realtor. Find an experienced Realtor

who can help guide you through the process.

— REALTOR Magazine

Ready to buy your first home? Make sure with these essential steps

Ten keys to success

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helpful tips

Home features checklist

Landscaped front yard

Big back yard

Garage ( __ cars)

Patio or deck

Beautiful pool

Formal dining room

Eat-in kitchen

Updated appliances

Laundry room

Finished basement

Inviting fireplace

Spa in bath

Wood floors

Great view

Write more wish items below

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Your home wish listWhat neighborhoods or areas do you prefer?

NortheastSoutheastNorthwestSouthwest

DowntownNorthVancouverOutlying areas

What school systems do you want to be near?

How close do you want these amenities?

What architectural styles do you prefer?

Other items to think about

Would you like a 1-story or 2-story home?

How many bedrooms must your home have?

How many bathrooms must your home have?

Do you want a new build or an established house?

How much renovation would you be willing to do?

Do you have special needs that your home must meet?

Public transportationAirportHighway access

ShoppingSchoolsOutdoor activities

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As you search for your dream home, consult this list to keep your priorities fresh in mind

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money matters

A smart moveUse this simple calculation to figure out

how much mortgage you can afford

Your rent..........................Multiplier.............x 1.32

Your affordable mortgage payment

Not only does owning a home give you a haven for yourself and your

family, it also makes great financial sense because of the tax benefits — which you can’t take advantage of when paying rent.

The following calculation assumes a 28 percent income tax bracket. If your bracket is higher, your savings will be, too. Based on your

current rent, use this calculation to figure out how much mortgage you can afford.

Because of tax deductions, you can make a mortgage payment — including taxes and insurance — that is approximately one-third larger than your current rent payment

and end up with the same amount of

income. — REALTOR Magazine


money matters

What you can do now to improve your credit

Keeping score

4 Check for and correct any errors in your credit report. Mistakes happen, and you could be paying for someone else’s poor financial management.

6 Don’t open new credit card accounts before applying for a mortgage. Too much available credit can lower your score.

4 Pay down credit card bills. If possible, pay off the entire balance every month. Transferring credit card debt from one card to another could lower your score.

6 Don’t order items for your new home on credit — such as appliances and furniture — until after the loan is approved. The amounts will add to your debt.

6 Don’t charge your credit cards to the maximum limit.

4 Wait 12 months after credit difficulties to apply for a mortgage. You’re penalized less for problems after a year.

4 Shop for mortgage rates all at once. Too many credit applications can lower your score, but multiple inquiries from the same type of lender are counted as one inquiry if submitted over a short period of time.

6 Avoid finance companies. Even if you pay the loan on time, the interest is high and it will probably be considered a sign of poor credit management.

Credit scores, along with your overall income and debt, are big factors in determining whether you’ll qualify for a loan and what

your loan terms will be. So, keep your credit score high by doing the following:

{By REALTOR Magazine


Hillsboro

Beaverton

Tualatin

Clackamas

Tigard

Milwaukie

Vancouver

Northeast

Alberta Arts District

Kenton

Greenway

Sellwood

Northwest

15 miles

10 miles

5 miles

Southwest

Southeast

North

Gresham

Oregon City

West Linn

Happy Valley

Lake Oswego

Portland

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k

k

k

k

30

26

26

99E

99W

224

217

43

10

205

405

84

205

5

5

Legend

5

26

224

Interstate

Neighborhood expert spotlightssee pages 10-13

U.S. Highway

State Highway

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almostHOMEa magazine for house hunters

Neighborhood Notes


Hillsboro

Beaverton

Tualatin

Clackamas

Tigard

Milwaukie

Vancouver

Northeast

Alberta Arts District

Kenton

Greenway

Sellwood

Northwest

15 miles

10 miles

5 miles

Southwest

Southeast

North

Gresham

Oregon City

West Linn

Happy Valley

Lake Oswego

Portland

k

k

k

k

k

30

26

26

99E

99W

224

217

43

10

205

405

84

205

5

5

Legend

5

26

224

Interstate

Neighborhood expert spotlightssee pages 10-13

U.S. Highway

State Highway

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neighborhood expert north portland

The “Fifth Quadrant” is alive and well. Having written six offers in North Portland in the last 30 days, I can tell you that four of those homes received mul-tiple offers. This level of market health feels even stronger in the North than across our revitalized city. Values have been on the rise for several months now and inventory figures are as robust as I’ve seen in years.

North Portland has benefited from the Portland Development Commission’s involvement with the up-and-coming Kenton area, which is seeing real estate demand grow by the minute. Kenton now features a new library and, as with many areas of the North, a strong small business district. Businesses along Van-couver, Williams and in the Interstate corridor are thriving with a vibrancy unseen years ago.

The demand for homes in a commuter-friendly neighborhood is definitely on

the rise. Some folks cite this as a reason they are drawn to NoPo, with its proxim-ity to downtown and reasonable home values. Many I’ve talked to are captured by the area’s unique older homes and sense of charm. Above all North Portland simply answers house hunters’ desire to live somewhere with a sense of commu-nity. If this sounds good to you, check out NoPo and see what it’s all about!

My name is Tyson Bolster with Georgetown Realty. I’m a third generation real estate broker born and raised in the Portland metro area. Currently my family and I are settled into the Arbor Lodge neighborhood in North Portland and love the sense of community that comes with it. I’m proudly a participant broker with the Portland Housing Center and work hard to advocate clients in all realms of real estate, with emphasis on the education of first-time buyers. Contact me at 503-256-1112 or email me at [email protected].

On the riseNoPo offers affordable charm with downtown accessibility

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North Portland features communities including Kenton, St. Johns, Arbor Lodge, University Park and Overlook.

Portland Public Schools in North Portland include high schools Roosevelt and Jefferson; George Middle School; and elementaries Sitton, James John, Cesar Chavez, Astor, Rosa Parks, Peninsula, Chief Joseph, Beach and Ockley Green. NoPo is also home to the University of Portland.

Public transportation options include the MAX Yellow Line and eight bus lines. The Portland International Airport is 20-30 minutes away by car and Interstate 5 offers easy access to downtown.

North Portland features a wide variety of home styles including affordable fixer-uppers, charming cottages and Craftsman-style bungalows.

Quick facts about NoPo:It has 16 parks, 27 listings of historic places including a 31-foot sculpture of the folkloric logger Paul Bunyan and a population of around 60,000 residents.

North Portland features older bungalows like this home in Kenton.

Recharge with a coffee from Posies Bakery and Cafe in Kenton’s business district.

PHOTOS BY OLIVIA HINTON / ALMOST HOME

BY TYSON BOLSTERNEIGHBORHOOD EXPERT

NoPo essentials

Neighborhood Expert

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The Sellwood area has always been a prime location for home-buyers, although not nearly as pricey as it is today. In the late 1990s you could still find af-fordable housing in this eclectic community if you were willing to put in a little elbow grease and spend a few dollars on minor repairs. Such was the case with a young couple that moved here from Ohio.

Lea and Andrew fell in love with the Sellwood neighborhood and wouldn’t think of buying their first home anyplace else. They didn’t want a large home, but it had to be move-in ready. Like most first-time buyers, they had a budget that, even then, put the Sellwood area almost out of reach. In all, there weren’t more than a half-dozen homes that they could afford. Most of them were major fix-ers except for one — a very small, remodeled, two-bedroom bungalow at the far southern boundary of the Sellwood area. Oil heat with an underground storage tank was a concern, but they were willing to take a risk on it.

After touring the home, the couple decided that they wanted to make an offer since it ap-peared this home was going to be their only opportunity to buy into the neighborhood. As we were leaving, the owner of the home pulled into the driveway. He proceeded to inform us that he had just accepted an offer. Their dreams were crushed at that moment. I told them what I tell all my clients: Whatever is meant to be, will be. They were

not meant to have this home. Their home was still out there and it could be just around the corner.

We drove away, turned the corner to go around the block, and then noticed a “for sale” sign being installed on a very attractive home. The listing agent was standing out in front, and we asked if we could see it. The home began talking to them. It had three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large deck

and a few flaws that were easily fixed — like a dishwasher that drained into a laundry sink in the basement — but otherwise very livable. It was a bigger home in a better location that needed some easily affordable improvements given its listing price. We sat down and wrote an offer right then and there which the listing agent (who was also the owner) accepted.

Their perfect house was, in-deed, just around the corner.

PHOTOS BY OLIVIA HINTON / ALMOST HOME

BY CANDEE LYNN WILSONNEIGHBORHOOD EXPERT

Candee Lynn Wilson has been an Exclusive Buyers Agent in the Portland area for nearly 20 years, longer than any other EBA in the area. Covering Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington counties, she strives to find the perfect home for all her clients. She can be reached at HomeBuyer Helpers, 503-699-8402 or at her website PortlandBuyersAgent.com.

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Sellwood is located in Southeast Portland and linked with Southwest by the Sellwood Bridge.

Portland Public Schools in Sellwood include Cleveland High School, Sellwood Middle School and Llewellyn Elementary School. Reed College is about 2 miles away.

There are six bus lines that serve the Sellwood area and the Portland International Airport is about 30 minutes away by car.

The majority of homes in Sellwood were built in the early 1900s and are typically worth around $300,000.

Quick facts about Sellwood: Its Oaks Park amusement park, opened in 1905, is among the oldest in the country. Antique Row on SE 13th Avenue is the area’s hot spot for shopping. A majority of households in Sellwood are without children.

Neighborhood Expert

Sellwood essentials

neighborhood expert sellwood

Never give upYour perfect home might be around the corner

A Sellwood resident spends a relaxing day by the window.

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neighborhood expert alberta arts district

Community spiritAlberta Arts exudes creative, bohemian vibe

Northeast Portland, the quadrant that sits to the north of Burnside Street and east of the Willamette River, has 16 offi-cial neighborhoods, plus the Alberta Arts District. Alberta Arts is part of the Con-cordia, King and Vernon neighborhoods but is separately recognized because of its uniquely vibrant and bohemian character.

Stretching about 20 blocks on Alberta Street between 12th and 33rd avenues, the Alberta Arts District is … well … artsy! Besides the many cafes, bars, cof-fee houses and boutiques — with not a Starbucks or other chain store in sight — the District is home to a dozen or so wonderful, independent art galleries. The neighborhood is also very colorful with almost 30 murals and public art. Even the two movie theaters in the neighbor-hood offer something different than the typical movie-going experience. Alberta Rose Theater on Alberta at NE 30th Avenue hosts art house films as well as live music and theatrical plays. Kennedy School Theater, right around the corner

on NE 33rd Avenue, is a theater pub that offers newly released films along with sofa seating, food and libations.

If you haven’t been to the Alberta Arts District yet, give yourself a big treat and check out the “Last Thursday Art Walk” celebration on the last Thursday of each month. It’s like a gigantic block party. The art galleries stay open late so you can stroll along indulging in great ethnic cui-sine from food carts, enjoying music from street performers and admiring (and buy-ing) the work of local artists. Be warned, though, that if you drive, you’ll probably have to park several blocks away. Bicycling can be a fun alternative, and there is also great bus service to this area.

Pat Flynn is a Realtor with Premiere Property Group and a certified EcoBroker. She can be reached at 503-860-2640. Learn more at PatFlynnRealtor.com.

Alberta Arts essentials

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The Alberta Arts District is centered along Alberta Street between 12th and 33rd avenues in Northeast Portland.

Portland Public Schools near the Alberta Arts District include Jefferson High School and elementaries King, Vernon and Sabin. Concordia University is about 7 blocks from the area.

Alberta Street is served by bus line 72 from MLK Jr. Boulevard to NE 30th Avenue. Bicycle boulevards parallel Alberta Street on NE Going Street and NE Skidmore Street. The Portland International Airport is about 15 minutes away by car.

The average home in this area was built in the 1940s and is worth around $250,000. Most homes are single-family style and owned by married couples without children.

Quick facts about the Alberta Arts District: Its residents are active in promoting local businesses and revitalization efforts. It’s one of the most culturally diverse areas in Portland.

Homes near the Alberta Arts District are a mix of updated bungalows and funky fixer-uppers. PHOTOS BY OLIVIA HINTON / ALMOST HOME

BY PAT FLYNNNEIGHBORHOOD EXPERT

Neighborhood Expert

Murals adorn buildings on Alberta Street.

The Alberta Arts area features many colorfully restored homes.

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neighborhood expert vancouver

neighborhood expert greenway

Northern neighbors

Naturally at home

Discover a practical alternative in Vancouver

Greenway provides the foundation for peaceful living

Often the choice to move to Vancouver is usually made because of the city’s lower property taxes, good schools and affordable home prices. Yet spend a little time downtown and you’ll quickly discover that Vancouver has flavor and charm all its own!

Redevelopment focus in the past 10 years has provided a face-lift that reflects many of the great pocket communities of Portland. Newer condos offer more urban lifestyle options while the surrounding homes feature a mix of classic designs going back to the early 1900s.

Parks are beautifully scattered throughout the neighborhoods

with great walking trails that connect for fun adventures across the entire city. Vancouver also features events all year long

including a bountiful farmers market, movies in the park, art walks and music festivals. Come check out Vancouver today!

As a broker in Greenway since 1996, I can vouch for the area’s healthy housing market. But as a property owner in the area since 1992, I can personally attest to the neighborhood’s accessibility, outdoor beauty and city planning.

Greenway is one of the first communities to have its proxim-ity to services and employment taken into consideration. A large park divides its commercial and residential districts, providing

a natural buffer between work and home. This park doubles as a water management area in the winter and controls runoff overflow from the streets. Gre-enway’s design elements offer its residents a thoughtful and organized lifestyle.

Kevin Ayotte is a Principal Broker at Capstone Real Estate and licensed in Oregon. He can be reached at 503-330-5150 and 503-747-2029 or by email at [email protected].

Beaverton School District schools near Greenway include Southridge High School, Conestoga Middle School and Greenway Elementary School.

Vancouver Public Schools serve more than 20,000 students with an on-time graduation rate of around 64 percent.

Quick fact about Greenway: Washington Square Mall is about 10 minutes away, offering more than 170 specialty stores and restaurants.

Quick facts about Vancouver: It’s home to Washington’s oldest apple tree, planted in 1826. The annual Old Apple Tree Festival is held on the first Saturday in October to celebrate the tree’s history.

BY KEVIN AYOTTENEIGHBORHOOD EXPERT

Vancouver essentials

Greenway essentials

Neighborhood Expert

Neighborhood Expert

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Greenway is just outside Beaverton about 12 miles from downtown Portland.

Vancouver, Washington, is located about 10 miles from downtown Portland.

Greenway is conveniently located near access to 217, Interstate 5 and Highway 26. It’s about 30-40 minutes away by car from the Portland International Airport.

In the industry since 2002, Kristen Riggs has developed an extensive market knowledge and pulse on buyer trends. She is a licensed broker in Oregon and Washington. Contact her at [email protected].

Greenway Park features ample playgrounds, recreation areas and paved walking trails. OLIVIA HINTON / ALMOST HOME

BY KRISTEN RIGGSNEIGHBORHOOD EXPERT

Condos on Eighth Street in Vancouver have easy access to downtown activities.OLIVIA HINTON / ALMOST HOME

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important resources

Information deemed reliable, but subject to change without notice. Qualified buyers only, subject to credit approval. Restrictions may

apply. This is not a commitment to lend. NMLS-3240, CL-3240

NMLS-127668, MLO-127668

503.351.1314 [email protected] online at:

www.banker4life.net • Code 262

Sr. Mortgage SpecialistDawn Carter

Did you obtain an FHA mortgage in 2009 or earlier?

You may qualify for a new refinancing program to reduce your payment.

For more information call me today!

Almost Home_Directors Mortgage_Dawn Carter_12June2012.indd 1 6/12/2012 4:17:13 PM

4 Keep your job! We will make a last minute employment verification.6 Don’t deposit any money that isn’t from your paychecks unless we can document it.6 Don’t let anyone check your credit or open any new credit accounts. We will refresh your credit report just before closing.4 Pay all bills on time!4 Be sure your funds are in an account that you’re able to draw a cashier’s check from at least 10 days prior to closing.4 Be available to sign your loan papers at least two days before your loan funding.

Dawn Carter Senior Mortgage Banker4550 SW Kruse Way, Ste. 275, Lake Oswego503-636-6000 Ext. [email protected]

Are you a home-dreamer or a home-buyer?Preparing to be a homeowner requires more than monetary

investment. It can and usually does take a lot of time and com-mitment.

Before you take the leap, you should confidently know if can you afford to buy, the steps involved and the additional expenses associated with buying a home.

A home-buyer workshop will supply you with the informa-tion you need to make a successful purchase.

Homes for Working Families is a company that offers profes-sionally presented workshops by practicing real estate and mortgage agents. Ask your company’s HR manager if a work-shop can be scheduled for you and your coworkers to learn more about becoming proud homeowners.

Ready to be a homeowner?Ask us how your employer can help!

For more information, contact Dan Crider at [email protected] and put “BenefitIQ” in the subject line for a quick response.

ADVERTISE HERE!RESERVE YOUR SPACE [email protected]

Your guide to ensure a smooth, timely closing

Close to home

BY DAWN CARTERSENIOR MORTGAGE BANKER

4 Call me anytime you have questions — that is what I am here for! I’m available evenings and weekends at your convenience.

AUSTEN SOFHAUSER / ALMOST HOME


Matt KolbergPacific Residential Mortgage, LLC 4949 Meadows Road, Ste. 150, Lake Oswego503-905-4970Cell: 503-680-3280Fax: 503-905-4999

important resources

ACCOUNTING

Michael Purkey Tax & Accounting [email protected]

ATTORNEY (REAL ESTATE)

Michael Redden Redden & Findling [email protected]

Kate Brooke Brooke Law Office LLC [email protected]

BENEFITS

Dan Crider Homes for Working [email protected]

CLEANING

Karen [email protected]

Bonnie Wilkinson Green Earth House Cleaning Services1-888-404-7930info@greenearthhouse cleaning.com

Janelle Lusk Merry [email protected]

CREDIT RESTORATION

John [email protected]

ELECTRICIAN

Ryan Conner Volt [email protected]

GENERAL CONTRACTORS

Joshua Farrand 8 Inch [email protected]

Don EtterBoth Sides [email protected]

HOME INSPECTION

Mark Volland Cascade Pacific Home [email protected]

Bob [email protected]

Matthew Hopkins Hopkins Home Inspection503-869-5292matt@hopkins inspection.com

Larry HayInspectek West [email protected]

HVAC HEATING & COOLING

Steven Conner Comfort [email protected]

Scott DetweilerBudget Heating & Cooling503-233-3133

INTERIOR DESIGN

Linda GemalRejuvenate Your Home503-803-8000linda@rejuvenateyour home.com

INSURANCE

Laurie Lum Liberty Mutual Group503-675-7600 x58526laurie.lum@liberty mutual.com

LANDSCAPING

Stacy Werner Tryon Creek [email protected]

LENDERS

Matt KolbergPacific Residential Mortgage 503-905-4970matt.kolberg@pacres mortgage.com

Michael Neef American Pacific Mortgage503-929-4615michael@portlandhome loanexpert.com

Dawn Carter Directors Mortgage503-351-1341 dcarter@directors mortgage.net

MOLD REMEDIATION

Ed WhiteReal Estate Mold Solutions503-232-6653ed@realestatemold solutions.com

ROOFING

Lynne WhitneyReal Estate [email protected]

TITLE COMPANY

Justin SandiferTicor [email protected]

ALMOST HOME SERVICE PROVIDERS

The Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) program is a tool for first-time home buyers in Portland. The MCC reduces the your annual tax liability as long as you keep the loan and continue to oc-cupy the home as your principal residence. It’s a tax credit which helps you more comfortably afford the monthly payments. The amount of the MCC tax credit will equal 20 percent of the annual mortgage interest paid by the home buyer. To qualify for this program, you must not have owned property in the last three years and there are income restrictions as follows:

n 1-2 people: $72,000n 3 or more people: $82,800To take advantage of this

program, please call my office for more information.

Save some green

BY MATT KOLBERGMORTGAGE BANKER

Tax credit eases house payments for first-time buyers


kids’ corner

Visit www.WinTheMoneyGame.com to see howYOU can teach kids and teens about money today!

YOU may understand the value of investing in assets...but do your kids?

If you’re a parent, grandparent, teacher, financial planner, youth group leader or nonprofit looking for the most effective way to teach ages 10 and up about money, The Money Game just makes sense. ~ Call us today!

An activity-based financial education game where the...

Room is the Board, the Players are the Pieces

and the Lessons last a Lifetime!

Kids having fun

805-957-1024. Mention Almost Home and get 10% off!

If you’re a parent or guardian of “adults in training,” you probably wonder how to turn them into finan-

cially responsible beings who know what to do with their money.

Since we know kids aren’t learning much about money in schools, it’s your responsibility to make sure they learn how to use their money wisely.

Good news! It only requires three things on your part, and yes, those three things are going to take a little energy, but that’s your job as a parent to make sure you raise fully responsible adults.

Set the best example possibleThe fact is, human beings learn best by

example. So, since actions speak louder than words, make sure you’re doing what you need to be doing with your money and make sure you’re practicing what you preach. Educate yourself so you’re setting the best example possible.

Talk to your kids about moneyTake every opportunity to talk to your

kids about anything and everything financial:

n At the ATM, tell them where the money comes from and where it goes.

n Let them help you pay bills and write checks.

n When visiting your financial advi-sor, accountant or bank, take your child along.

Many parents aren’t comfortable talk-ing to their kids about money. The fact is, however, that if you don’t talk to them and teach them, someone else will. Start talking to your kids about money now. Your investment in their financial educa-tion might just end up giving you the biggest payback ever.

Give an allowance that worksHuman beings rarely learn anything

through osmosis, and yet, parents tend to ignore educating their kids about money yet expect them to leave home knowing what to do with it.

Instead, take the money you spend on your child and run it through them in-stead. It’s only through practice that your kids will become financially savvy adults.

Elisabeth is the owner of Creative Wealth Intl., LLC and the creator of Camp Millionaire and The Money Game. She is an expert at teaching the financial principles everyone needs in a way that is engaging, empowering and fun. She is the author of The Ultimate Allowance, co-author of Rocks to Riches and publishes her own weekly e-zine, Financial Wisdom with a TWI$T! To reach Elisabeth Donati, email her at [email protected] or call 805-957-1024.

STOCK.XCHNG

Three ways to empower your child financiallyTeaching centsBY ELISABETH DONATI

ALMOST HOME WORD SEARCH!

STORY FAMILY PORTLANDHOME PETS PLACEPLAY YARD ROOM

TOGETHER LOCAL STAIRSMOVE ROSE STREET

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