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30 Year Fixed Rate	5.625%
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Inside this Issue:

Improving Credit Scores
2003 Tax Prep
Bridge Loans
2004 Election
Fraud Alert
Beneficiaries
Free Notary Services
Orange French Toast

Bridge Loans...

One of the hottest new methods of financing a new home purchase is by implementing a bridge loan. Now bridge loans are really nothing new. However, they are traditionally very expensive. In an effort to meet the growing demand, we have developed a no cost, interest only bridge loan for our valued clients.

If you don't want to pass up that terrific house you just stumbled on, because your current home is not even on the market, don't panic. We may be able to get you approved and financed before your current home is listed or sold.

That way, you don't have to sell your existing home at a reduced price because you are pressured to get it sold before the closing date of your new home.
And best of all, the bridge loan is an interest only loan in the four to five percent range depending on your credit score and the loan to value of your home.

I have one realtor who even insists that his clients avoid the stress of rushed sales by using this method.

1. Pay down credit card balances. Do Not cancel any credit cards; this would result in a loss of utilization points.
2. Don't take out any new credit. If both spouses have sub-prime scores, careful inspection of separate credit reports for each spouse may uncover one of the parties is simply an authorized user, not a joint or co-signed user. An authorized user is not responsible for either the balance or "derogatories" on that card.
3. Removing derogatories… the best way to permanently remove a derogatory is to obtain a letter from the creditor and submit it to all three credit bureaus.
4. Stay current with all bills. A late payment to a department score can cause your score to drop by 50 points or more.
5. Don't pay off a collection account. This drops your score in the first 90 days. If a collection has to be paid, it should be negotiated completely off the report with the creditor by securing it's removal during the negotiating process before it is paid.

Please feel free to direct any credit questions to me directly, in complete certainty of confidentiality.

"04" Election and Social Security

Perhaps we are asking the wrong questions during election years! Our Senators and Congress men and women do not pay into Social Security, and of course, they do not collect from it.

You see, Social Security benefits were not suitable for persons of their high calling in our society. They decided that they should have a special plan for themselves. So, many years ago they voted themselves a special plan. And, in more recent years, no congressperson has felt compelled to change it. After all, it is a great plan!

For all practical purposes, their plan works as follows: When they retire, they continue to draw the same salary until they die, except for the occasional cost of living adjustments. For example, former Senator Byrd and Congressman White, and their wives, may expect to draw $7,800,000, with their wives receiving $275,000 during the last years of their lives. This total is based on an average life expectancy for each of them.

Their cost for this terrific plan is zero, zilch, nada, niente, nothing!

They approved this little perk for themselves for free. The funds for this little retirement plan come from the General Fund, our tax dollars hard at work. Something about a pool of tax dollars that is called "General Fund" makes me most uncomfortable.

From our own modest Social Security Plan, which we pay into every day of our lives, will net us an average of $1,000 per month after retirement. Or, by
comparison, we would have to receive our $1,000 per month for 68 years to equal Senator Bill Bradley's benefits!

The obvious fix for what ails social security seems quite simple. If we jerk the Golden Fleece Retirement Plan out from under the Congress and Senate, and place them under the Social Security Plan with the rest of us...just sit back and wait to see how long it takes them to improve the S/S program.

If enough people will make the effort to call or write their Senator and Congressperson, we may get things changed. If we do nothing, then nothing will be the result.

In medium bowl, beat together eggs, juice, milk, sugar, peel, vanilla, and nutmeg until well blended. Place bread in single layer in 13 X 9 X 2 inch pan. Pour egg mixture over bread. Let soak, turning once, until liquid is absorbed, usually about 5 minutes. Place bread slices in single layer on buttered baking sheets.

Bake in pre-heated 375 degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes. Turn slices. Continue baking until browned, about 10 to 12 more minutes. Dust with confectioners sugar and top with orange curls and orange slices, if desired. Makes 4 servings.

Courtesy of the American Egg Board