"All good things must come to an end..." or so the popular saying goes. And right now many people are wondering if this sentiment holds true for the historic low rates we've seen this year. Here's what last week's news suggests: First, it's important to understand that home loan rates are based on Mortgage Backed Securities, which is a type of Bond. Bonds typically help provide some built in "assistance" when the nation is suffering economic headwinds. For example, negative economic news serves to help Bond prices improve and rates decline, including home loan rates. This is helpful to have when the economy is struggling, as buyers of all products - including homes - need the extra incentive of low rates to be encouraged to buy.

But now, the sharply higher expectations for future economic growth has caused rates to climb - particularly including home loan rates, since the Fed announced its second round of "Quantitative Easing" or QE2 on November 3rd. With QE2, the Fed will purchase $600 Billion in Treasury Securities through mid-2011 to keep our economic recovery on track.

But is there any likelihood rates can rebound? Many experts expect that home loan rates will continue to move higher over time because:

• At its meeting last week, the Fed left the door open for further QE programs if our economic recovery requires which, like QE2, could hurt Bonds and home loan rates.
• Congress passed the $858 Billion Tax Cut Bill, and while this is a good economic stimulus, in the short run it adds to the ever-growing deficit - also bad for Bonds and home loan rates.
• Last week's Producer Price Index and Consumer Price Index Reports showed that the Fed appears to be on tract with their goal of stimulating a bit more inflation. Inflation erodes the value of the fixed return provided by a Bond, which causes home loan rates to rise.

It's important to understand that rates don't simply rise in a straight line. In fact, Bonds and home loan rates did have a late-week, and that trend of rates worsening with improving dips here and there like we saw last week may be what's in store for us in the weeks and months ahead. At the end of the day, the ongoing and potential addition of further stimulus from the Fed, combined with the stimulus from the tax cuts, will make it tough for Bonds and home loan rates to return to the levels seen earlier this year.

But the good news is that home loan rates are still extremely attractive right now. If you have been thinking about purchasing or refinancing a home, call or email me now to get started. Or forward this blog on to someone you know who may benefit from today's historically low rates.

From Mortgage Market Guide

You may think the following is a strange topic for the Real Estate Corner, but Student loans are a huge obstacle to people wanting to buy a home. Here are some tips.

Student Loans: How Much to Borrow?
by Farnoosh Torabi on 12/06/2010

My recent post on student loan bankruptcy continues to evoke comments from numerous borrowers fighting to make ends meet. Sophia Vackimes writes in that her $250,000 student loan is proving difficult to manage in a stagnant job market, even with her Ph.D. Another reader, Mike, responds that he has more than $80,000 in debt, while earning $30,000 a year.

Those loan figures are above average, but not uncommon in a time where college costs have practically tripled since the 1980s (inflation-adjusted). According to a new report by Pew Research, students who graduated with a bachelor's degree in 2008 borrowed roughly $15,000 (adjusted for inflation), which is a far cry from the numbers above, but still 50 percent more money than what graduating students borrowed in 1996.

What lender in its right mind gives a teenager (figuring you're 18 or 19 when you assume student loans) up to hundreds of thousands of dollars in student loans? And what borrower in his or her right mind accepts?

While we can't exactly control lenders' decisions, we can control what we, as borrowers take on. Just like you wouldn't (or shouldn't) accept a $500,000 mortgage if you're only making $50,000 a year (though banks granted those types of mortgages a few years ago), students should not take on more than they can feasibly carry. The average graduating salary offer for a bachelor's degree student is $47,673, according to NACE's Salary Survey.

For aspiring college students weighing their financing options, consider the following ballpark math for a manageable amount of student loan debt. Consider federal loans first, private loans never.

1. Consider your first year salary. Figure you'll make the average $47,673 the first year you graduate. That's close to $36,000 after taxes, assuming a 25% tax bracket.

2. Consider your budget. If your student loans were to make up 5% to 10% of your monthly budget, which is reasonable, considering you will have rent, car payments, some credit card debt, food and utilities, among other expenses, then you want a loan that requires a payment of no more than $360 a month - maximum. At the federal lending rate of 6.8% and a repayment term of 10 years, that's approximately $60,000 in student loans, which still even sounds a bit high to me. Yes, you will boost your earnings potential and can afford to pay more years down the line, but best to stay conservative here, since, again the banks certainly won't be. And not to be cynical, but who knows if you'll be able to get a job right away? It may take several months to land a job, as many current college graduates will tell you.

Bottom line: There are many ways to obtain an education in this country. Drowning in debt should not be one of them. Financial institutions won't likely tell you this. It's tough to accept the advice, since we all want to go to the best schools and get the best educations and that all comes at a price - far more than $60,000 - but like anything else in this world, if you can't afford it, figure out other ways to make it happen. In the financial world you often need to step in and be your own financial advocate. After all, no one cares more about your money than you.

my email address is george.margrave@migonline.com

What better gift could you give yourself than a new home?

What better gift could you give yourself than a new home? It may be one of the best times ever for that purchase. The rates are still really really great. You can probably find a home for 25-50% less than you could have 5 years ago.

The prices around the country seem to still be declining a little, but according to the local Realtors Association they have stabilized in middle Tennessee. In fact the median price is increasing.

Call me at 615-777-4663 and let's discuss your possibilities.

July 2, 2010

The Congress has passed the following:

Tax credit processing extension Updates

The Congress has passed H.R. 5623, the Homebuyer Assistance and Improvement Act, which extends the tax credit closing deadline until September 30th. There will also be no gap between June 30th and the date the President signs the bill into law. The extension only applies to transactions in which the purchase contract was signed by April 30th.

·Flood insurance extension

The Senate has passed H.R. 5569 which extends the National Flood Insurance Program until September 30, 2010. The bill is retroactive from June 1, 2010 to the date the President also signs this bill.

USDA

There is still no decision on the USDA extension. Since the Senate adjoined until July 12th, the House must decide whether to accept the supplemental appropriations bill passed by the Senate or it will be necessary to delay final action on the USDA extension until after the July 4th recess.

Potomac Partners

Friday 25,2010

It has always been important for our borrowers to make sure that their financial situation does not change while we process their loan. With new rules from Fannie Mae it is even more important. Now we have to make even more of an effort to insure this (even possibly a new credit report just before closing). The problems associated with new debt or possibly lower credit scores are too numerous to spell out here. Of course the worst thing that could happen is that suddenly the loan could not be negated. Talk about disruptions. Especially if there is more than one closing hanging in the balance. So I am asking everyone in the process to push for the result we all desire. An uneventful closing.

Friday, June 11, 2010

You know, I just received the latest stats on the mortgage licensing situation. Seventy one per cent of the people are now passing the National test. I don’t know about the state test but I thought it was harder. That means that there are going to be fewer competitors’ for me come July 30th. That is unless the banks hire all the people that fail. They can do that you know. Obviously I recommend that you deal with a licensed person who has done the training and has the scores to prove it. My license number is 185895. The web site is http://mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org/ Check out the site and look me up.
On another note congress still has not funded the Rural housing program and the Flood insurance program. You might want to let them know what you think about that. Although the market is better, we don’t need these kinds of impediments.

As I write this I am in disbelief. I just cannot understand why congress has let the flood program expire again and has still not funded the Rural housing program. I encourage everyone to email their Senators and representatives. Their web sites will give you contact info.
Also Fannie Mae has imposed rules which will require Lenders to re pull credit before funding loans. So a lower credit score or increased debts can kill a transaction at the last minute. So all involved have to make sure our clients know the consequences of more debt or missed payments.
And lastly (this one is more positive), THDA has lowered interest rates. The Great Rate loan is 4.6% and the Great Start is 5.2% (this one provides a 4% grant). If you are not familiar with these call me at 777-HOME (4663) and I will show you how you can increase your sales.

FHA's 203H plan

We have recently received noticed that First Time Homebuyers whose rental residence was damaged by flood waters (restrictions apply) may now possibly buy a home through FHA's 203H plan. It would be combined with a THDA loan and the benefit to the buyer would be a 100% loan at a great interest rate. Today that would be 4.75%

Also I want to remind you that Veterans have until April 30, 2011 to qualify for the tax credit. So it isn't entirely gone.

Also Veterans can get a THDA loan without being a First Time Homebuyer (they would not get the tax credit though). The first time buyer requirement is currently waived by THDA.

I read in a recent Mortgage Bankers article that the U.S. lost 1.2 million households during this recession. In a brief analysis, we find the following

1. The likelihoods that a young adult will form an independent household falls by up to 4 % during a recession

2. The home ownership rate dropped from approximately 69% to 67%.

3. The recession caused a dramatic increase in the rate of overcrowding.

4. Children whose parents have a higher income are more likely to remain at home.

5. Household formation will only pick up once the job market stabilizes.

When I think about this, I conclude that the most important item is the need for a fuller employment. March started improving this situation and as we move toward full employment the people crowded into these homes will rapidly start to begin new households. Then the housing crisis will be over. Hopefully sooner rather than later.

With the bargain prices we have now, plus low interest rates, the time is right.
In fact we just received notice that THDA has reduced their interest rate to 4.75% . This is now better then the FHA rate.

And there is only 23 more days to get under contract and get a Federal Tax Credit!

The Pendulum

Last weekend there may have been a very quiet turning point in the Real Estate and Mortgage situation. I have always said that there is a pendulum that swings both ways. For a while the rules relax until it goes too far. We have seen the latest results of that. Then it goes back the other way. The rules just tighten and tighten. Maybe we got close to the end of that last week. That is when we saw a little relaxing of the PMI rules for loan approval of high LTV loans. We can hope any way.

There is 30 days left before you have to have a contract accepted if you want to qualify for the tax credits. No pressure!

I am going to keep talking about the tax credits for the next 37 days. That is how long you or one of your friends or relatives has to get a home under contract. It is not just a first time buyer thing ( don't forget a first time buyer is someone who has not owned a principal residence in the last three years). There is also the $6500 credit for the move up buyer. And this person does not have to sell the existing home. I the case of the first time buyer, we can get the buyer in the home for zero cash and then he or she will get the tax credit back in cash to put in savings or to do whatever with. I recommend savings until they get use to owning a home.



This is a link that will answer a lot of questions. Let me know if I can help.

http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/

I ranted on the new licensing system last week, but today I can point out some positives. Actually I believe I and my company were innocent of most of the sub-prime problems that our nation is enduring. We have traditionally recommended and closed conforming conventional loans and government loans for years. Not to say that we never closed a sub-prime loan. We did a few but I can safely say my clients knew what they were getting. Since we have passed the test I learned that the consumer will be able to look up mortgage originators and see if they have complaints against them. The database is just starting, but it will be good when the data rolls in. At least it is good for those with a clean bill of health. I have been advertising my license number on the videos. Turns out that is the state not federal number. But you can look me up easily by just typing in the name.


The web site is;

http://mortgage.nationwidelicensingsystem.org/profreq/testing/Pages/default.aspx

Now with all that said. You or someone you know needs to buy a house. Folks that get an FHA loan will find the mortgage insurance higher if we have not ordered an appraisal by April 5th. It is significant (a thousand bucks added to the loan on a $200,0000 loan. So the time is now.

Check the video out for a chance at a free gift card to O'Charleys'.

Starting Sunday afternoon Carolyn, Daniel and I spent 20 hours in class preparing for our Safe Exam. That is a test that our great leaders in Washington have devised for mortgage originators. It sound good and we covered a lot of good material (although it was mostly review for us). There are a lot of people that really need it. Unfortunately there is a giant flaw in the program. The originators that work for the banks (that's the guys with all the lobbying money and clout ) are exempted from the whole thing. So if you want a loan from someone who has not had the training and maybe went to work at a place specifically so he could avoid the testing, call your local bank originator.

I know you guys think I am a broken record.......but the tax credits expire in about 8 weeks. You have to have a completed contract in place by April 30 and it must be closed by June 30.

If you remember there is a $6500 credit for a move up buyer. This buyer has to have lived in their present home for 5 years. He does not have to sell it
The first time buyer is defined as someone who hasn't owned a home in 3 years.
Here is a web site to answer questions or feel free to call or e mail me by hitting the reply button.

http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com

When is the best time to buy a home?

I truly believe that now is an unbelievable time to buy a home. First I will address a first home (defined as the first in three years).

1. The Federal Government is going to send you a check for up to $8,000.

2. THDA will give you a grant for up to $8876,

3. The Realtor can usually get the seller to pay up to $7239. This leaves you with zero out of pocket.

4. Interest rates are at historic lows.

5. Real Estate is on sale. Prices are often as low as they were five years ago.

Now for an existing home owner (defined as having lived in your present home for 5 years).

1. The Federal Government is going to send you a check for up to $6,500.

2. The Realtor can usually get the seller to pay up to $8152 ( on an example of a $226,000 home).

3. Interest rates are at historic lows.

4. Real Estate is on sale. Prices are often as low as they were five years ago.

5. If you have to take a loss on your present home, you should be able to more than make it up with the bargain you get on the new one.

Call me at 777-HOME (4663) or e-mail me for details by hitting the reply button.

The Credit CARD Act of 2009

On May 22, 2009, President Obama signed the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure (CARD) Act of 2009, marking a turning point for American consumers and ending the days of unfair rate hikes and hidden fees. Every year, Americans pay around $15 billion in penalty fees. Nearly 80 percent of American families have a credit card, and 44 percent of families carry a balance on their credit cards.

Key Elements of the Credit CARD Act of 2009

Bans Unfair Rate Increases: Financial institutions will no longer raise rates unfairly, and consumers will have confidence that the interest rates on their existing balances will not be hiked.

Bans Retroactive Rate Increases: Bans rate increases on existing balances due to "any time, any reason" or "universal default" and severely restricts retroactive rate increases due to late payment.

First Year Protection: Contract terms must be clearly spelled out and stable for the entirety of the first year. Firms may continue to offer promotional rates with new accounts or during the life of an account, but these rates must be clearly disclosed and last at least 6 months.

Bans Unfair Fee Traps:

Ends Late Fee Traps: Institutions will have to give card holders a reasonable time to pay the monthly bill at least 21 calendar days from time of mailing. The act also ends late fee traps such as weekend deadlines, due dates that change each month, and deadlines that fall in the middle of the day.

Enforces Fair Interest Calculation: Credit card companies will be required to apply excess payments to the highest interest balance first, as consumers expect them to do. The act also ends the confusing and unfair practice by which issuers use the balance in a previous month to calculate interest charges on the current month, so called "double-cycle" billing.

Requires Opt-In to Over-Limit Fees: Consumers will find it easier to avoid over-limit fees because institutions will have to obtain a consumer s permission to process transactions that would place the account over the limit.

Restrains Unfair Sub-Prime Fees: Fees on subprime, low-limit credit cards will be substantially restricted.

Limits Fees on Gift and Stored Value Cards: The act enhances disclosure on fees for gift and stored value cards and restricts inactivity fees unless the card has been inactive for at least 12 months.

Plain Sight /Plain Language Disclosures: Credit card contract terms will be disclosed in language that consumers can see and understand so they can avoid unnecessary costs and manage their finances.

Plain Language in Plain Sight: Creditors will give consumers clear disclosures of account terms before consumers open an account, and clear statements of the activity on consumers accounts afterwards.

Real Information about the Financial Consequences of Decisions: Issuers will be required to show the consequences to consumers of their credit decisions.

Issuers will need to display on periodic statements how long it would take to pay off the existing balance and the total interest cost if the consumer paid only the minimum due.

Issuers will also have to display the payment amount and total interest cost to pay off the existing balance in 36 months.

Accountability: The act will help ensure accountability from both credit card issuers and regulators who are responsible for preventing unfair practices and enforcing protections.

Public posting of credit card contracts: Today credit card contracts are usually available only in hard copy and not in plain language. Now issuers will be required to make contracts available on the Internet in a usable format. Regulators and consumer advocates will be better able to monitor changes in credit card terms and evaluate whether current disclosures and protections are adequate.

Holds regulators accountable to enforce the law: Regulators will be required to report annually to the Congress on their enforcement of credit card protections.

Holds regulators accountable to keep protections current:

Regulators will be required to request public input on trends in the credit card market and potential consumer protection issues on a biennial basis to determine what new regulations or disclosures might be needed.

Regulators will be required either to update the applicable rules, or to publish findings if they deem further regulation unnecessary.

Increases penalties: Card issuers that violate these new restrictions will face significantly higher penalties than under current law, which should make violations less likely in the first place.

Cleans Up Credit Card Practices For Young People at Universities. The act contains new protections for college students and young adults, including a requirement that card issuers and universities disclose agreements with respect to the marketing or distribution of credit cards to students.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office /Fact-Sheet-Reforms-to-Protect-American-Credit-Card- Holders/

George says: Too bad these companies got a year to stick everybody before the rules changed.

Sent by Jennifer Hamby

Refinancing...

A lot of folks that could refinance have not refinanced. The rates are still really good. Many probably wonder if they qualify. If they would call me at 777-home (4663) OR Daniel, we can determine that quickly. There is no embarrassment if it won't work. We just try to give constructive hints. Also some people worry that their home won t appraise and that is true very often. However if someone currently has an FHA loan there is a way that it can be done without an appraisal. There is not always a benefit, but very often it works out well. Just give us a shout or reply to this e-mail and we can take a look.

If you know someone in the market for a new home at the great terms available today please give them my number 777-home (4663) or e-mail george.margrave@migonline.com and we will take care of it.

Endorsements...

We just wanted to pat ourselves on the back a little. We received a couple of great endorsements this week. Here they are;

"George and Daniel-Just wanted to say thanks for all your efforts with Margaret's loan. I was so proud for her because she has had some hardships the past few years and was excited when you said you could get her qualified because it gave her hope. The closing was smooth and no problems. "


"My son, Jacob Kennedy recently purchased a home in Chapmansboro, TN, and I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate all the work you did to make this an easy process for him. He is a first time buyer and it was important to have someone who would take the time to answer all the questions we had about the process. You surely made the process painless for him. Your firm was recommended to us by friends, and I would recommend anyone who is buying a house in the Nashville area to call you. Again, a BIG THANKS to you and your firm for your help."


This week the rankings came out for the loans closed State wide and MIG finished 4th. Pretty good since all of the other 9 in the top ten were banks. We also finished as THDA s number one lender for the 7th straight year.

If you know someone in the market for a new home at the great terms available today please give them my number 777-home (4663) or e-mail george.margrave@migonline.com and we will take care of it.

Are you ready for the blizzard of 2010?

I am. But the good thing is if we get sent home early, we are still available for you. My cell number is 481-L OAN (4663). And I know you guys will be out in your 4 wheel drive SUV’s writing contracts. If you need numbers or a quick pre-qual just call me.

Well there is another hammer about to fall on the long term lending business. FHA is requiring that there appraisal be handled in a method similar to (do I dare say it) HVCC. And you know what a nightmare that has been. It Starts Feb 8.
Not to worry. We have the answer. You know these types of things tend to punish the good guys (that is us). The crooks don’t abide by the rules anyway. But we know how to avoid the punishment and protect you. We have set up an FHA rotation that only includes good FHA appraisers that we trust. So no matter who it gets assigned to it will be quick and efficient. So there ”take that HUD”.

RESPA

My team just closed our first loan under the new RESPA laws and it went great. At least it was great for my clients and the Realtor. And to toot our own horn we closed it in 10 days from application. People say that can't be done anymore, but we just did it. Of course, it is probably easier if you (or your friend that hopefully you will refer to us) go to www.mignashville.com so that we can get the pre- approval done first.

If you know someone in the market for a new home at the great terms available today please give them my number 777-home (4663) or e-mail george.margrave@migonline.com and we will take care of it.

Interest Rates

Do you (or someone you would refer to me) want to deal with a person who does not realize how the whole mortgage interest rate thing works? I don't want anyone to think I know what the rate tomorrow will be. But in the short termI would like to be able to advise you if it is it a good time to lock in a loan. I would first tell you that I can probably only give insight for what might happen in the next few hours. Things are even more complicated since the Federal Government is trying to manipulate the market with their purchases of MBS (that is mortgage backed securities). I would first think back on the economic news of the day. If it was upbeat, that would be an indication that rates would increase. If people are buying stocks they are usually selling bonds and vice versa. Then I would check my sources for the movement of the MBS. Most people are told that long term rates follow the 10 year bond. That is not the best indicator but with this and a lot of other info, at the end of the day, it is anyone's guess. I almost always tell someone that if they are happy with their numbers let us lock the rate. I have seen transactions totally slip away and people not able to get their dream home because rates can be so volatile sometimes.

Financial Tips for 2010

"Resolve" to Stop Wasting Money

The New Year is the perfect time to take a look at your spending habits and "resolve" to avoid wasting money where you don't have to. 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!

From Mortgage Market Guide

Although I did not put this together, it is a good thing to keep. It came from Mortgage Market Guide and Kiplinger.

Your 2010 Money Calendar

Key dates to bookmark for the year ahead. By Jessica L. Anderson, Associate Editor of Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine.

JANUARY
1 - Parents of college-bound high school seniors: Fill out Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
4 - First trading day of 2010.
7 - Set financial goals, update your budget and resolve to pay off holiday debt (see "Four Ways to Trim Your Spending").
8 - Convert traditional IRA to a Roth; income limits for conversions are gone.
15 - Estimated federal taxes for the fourth quarter of 2009 are due.
20 - Consult with a financial planner: Your Money Bus stops in Greensboro, N.C.
21 - Seniors: If you're over 70½, talk to your IRA administrators about resuming regular required minimum distribution payments.
26 - Federal Open Market Committee meets to review interest rates.

FEBRUARY
2 - Think taxes: Your 1098, 1099 and W-2 statements should arrive by today. Finish gathering tax documents and put them in a folder for later.
4 - Your Money Bus stops in Charleston, S.C.
7 - Billions of dollars in bets will be riding on Super Bowl XLIV.
12 - Investors: Standard & Poor's 500-stock index has gone down 15 of the past 18 years on the day before Presidents Day weekend. You could pick up some cheap shares.
15 - Presidents Day. Before you hit the sales, take our quiz to find out what kind of spender you are.22 - New credit-card rules go into effect.
22 - Your Money Bus stops in Palm Beach, Fla.

MARCH
1 - Shoulder season starts today and runs through May. Look for bargains on travel.
3 - Keep an eye out for proxy forms. They'll let you vote on shareholder issues without being present at the annual meeting.
6 - Think taxes: Assign value to stuff you donated to charity if you itemize deductions.
9 - Your Money Bus stops in Birmingham, Ala.
14 - Daylight Savings Time begins. Spring forward.
15 - Deadline to empty your 2009 health-care flexible spending account (if your plan allows the 2½-month grace period).
16 - Federal Open Market Committee meets to review interest rates.
19 - Triple Witching Day for the stock market: Contracts for stock-index futures, stock-index options and stock options all expire together. Brace for volatile trading.

APRIL
1 - It's Financial Literacy Month. Take the Kiplinger quiz on your financial know-how.
1 - Seniors: Deadline for taking your first required minimum distribution from IRAs and other retirement accounts.
2 - Your Money Bus stops in Cleveland.
3 - Prepare your income-tax return this weekend.
12 - First-quarter earnings announcements for the Dow Jones industrials begin with Alcoa.
15 - File your tax return or request an extension. Estimated federal taxes for the first quarter are due.
16 - Expect a big tax refund? Adjust your withholding.
22 - Earth Day. Save money and the planet by switching to compact fluorescent bulbs.
27 - Federal Open Market Committee meets to review interest rates.

MAY
1 - Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholders meeting, in Omaha. Treasury announces semiannual I-bond rates.
2 - Mother's Day is May 9. Find a gift deal at www.dodtracker.com.
6 - Your Money Bus stops in Fort Worth.
11 - Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Glacier National Park. A visit to one of the 58 national parks is a great idea for an inexpensive summer getaway.
12 - Book a tune-up for your air-conditioning or sprinkler system before summer sets in.
19 - Start planning your summer vacation (use a booking site such as Kayak.com).
27 - College-bound high school grads: Complete student-loan applications, including those for federal Stafford loans and federal PLUS loans for parents.
30 - Use your tax refund to pay down credit-card balances or seed an emergency fund.

JUNE
1 - Investors: The stock market historically dips the week after Memorial Day. Look for cheap buys.
3 - Your Money Bus stops in San Diego.
7 - Recent college grads: Consolidate student loans. Make a money-smart plan for what to do with your graduation cash (start an IRA, create an emergency fund).
12 - Shop for Father's Day on June 20.
15 - Estimated federal taxes for the second quarter are due.
17 - Your Money Bus stops in Portland, Ore.
21 - Investors: Dow down 17 of the past 19 years-don't sell this week.
22 - Federal Open Market Committee meets to review interest rates.

JULY
2 - Midyear financial checkup: Update the goals you set in January and rebalance your portfolio, if necessary.
4 - Independence Day. Break free from debt by tallying up what you owe and making a plan to pay it off.
7 - Your Money Bus stops in Colorado Springs.
12 - Second-quarter earnings announcements for the Dow Jones industrials begin with Alcoa.
21 - Reshop your auto insurance (www.insweb.com), homeowners coverage (www.accucoverage.com) and life insurance (www.accuquote.com).
26 - If you're over 50, find out about long-term-care insurance: Take our quiz to learn more.

AUGUST
1 - Shop early for an end-of-the-model-year car deal. You'll get the best combination of price and selection as dealers clear inventory.
3 - This is the month for statewide sales-tax holidays for back-to-school shopping. Find out whether your state has one.
5 - Your Money Bus stops in Omaha.
9 - Investors: Prepare to hunker down. From 1988 to 2005, August was the worst month for the Dow and the S&P 500.10 - Federal Open Market Committee meets to review interest rates.
24 - Investors: Look for the market to gain strength. The end of the month has been strong for the past five years.
26 - Renegotiate the rate on your credit card.

SEPTEMBER
1 - Fall marks open-enrollment season for employer health-insurance plans. Review your options, even if you can keep the same coverage.
2 - Start scouting for deals for holiday travel. Wednesday is the cheapest day to fly, with the exception of the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
3 - Investors: Watch for stock-market instability. Triple- digit Dow moves are commonplace leading up to Labor Day.
9 - Your Money Bus stops in Milwaukee.
15 - Estimated tax payments for the third quarter are due. Deadline for submitting corrections to your FAFSA.
21 - Federal Open Market Committee meets to review interest rates.
30 - Your Money Bus stops in Washington, D.C.

OCTOBER
1 - If you're self-employed, deadline to establish a Simple IRA.
2 - Financial Fitness Workshop, in New York City.
7 - Third-quarter earnings announcements for the Dow Jones industrials begin with Alcoa.
8 - If you've lost money on a Roth IRA conversion, you can still recharacterize. Contact your Roth sponsor ASAP.
15 - Deadline to file your tax return if you requested an extension in April.
21 - Get Smart About Credit Day. Buy your FICO scores at www.myfico.com.
22 - Investors: Look for good buys on depressed stocks; October has marked the end of 11 post-World War II bear markets.

NOVEMBER
1 - Treasury announces semiannual I-bond rates. Buy candy on the cheap after Halloween.
2 - Federal Open Market Committee meets to review interest rates.
7 - Daylight Savings Time ends.
8 - New college grads: First student-loan payments are due this month.
15 - Open enrollment begins for Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans, and continues through December 31. (See "Choose the Right Medicare Plan for Your Needs".)
17 - Investors: Time to sell? The Dow has been up 13 of the past 16 years in the week before Thanksgiving.
24 - Log on to www.gottadeal.com to plan your Black Friday/Cyber Monday shopping strategy.
29 - Cyber Monday: Save on sales at most online retailers.

DECEMBER
1 - Investors: Before you buy a mutual fund in a taxable account, check the fund's Web site for its ex-dividend date and purchase shares after that date to avoid a tax bill.
5 - Make year-end donations to a charity or your alma mater and lock in a tax deduction (see "Five Ways to Check a Charity").
13 - End of 2010 is your last chance to make energy- efficient home improvements and get a 30% tax credit up to $1,500 (deadline: December 31).
14 - Federal Open Market Committee meets to review interest rates.
18 - Best time of the year to buy a computer-deals range from 15% to 50% off, or you could score a free printer or software package.
31 - Deadline for taking annual required minimum distributions from your retirement accounts, setting up a solo 401(k) plan and enrolling in a Medicare prescription-drug plan.

Reprinted with permission. All Contents c 2009 The Kiplinger Washington Editors. www.kiplinger.com