Wednesday, May 12
Show them the Money!
Finding personal financeangles on any beat
Today’s agenda:
Brainstorming personal finance angles from current events
Residential real estate
Show them the money!Finding personal finance angles on any beat
Big piece of art
To readers, nothing is sexier than a dollar sign!
The $even Dimensions of Personal Finance
Translating current events intoconsumer stories
Translating current events intopersonal finance stories
Product recalls DivorceUnemployed construction workers, teensEarth DayHalloweenNatural disasters
http://www.aaml.org/go/about-the-academy/press/press-releases/divorce-filings-have-dropped-in-the-recession-reveals-survey-of-top-matrimonial-lawyers/
http://uspoverty.change.org/blog/view/til_economic_recovery_do_us_part_divorce_too_expensive_for_recession-hit_couples
http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/04/26/travel.insurance/index.html?section=cnn_latest
Current Events = consumer angles
Dearth of teen jobs: The going rate for baby sitters.
Unemployed construction & skilled trades workers: What to pay a handyman?
Halloween: Where is the homemade slime story?!Earth Day: Green schemes, green scams – from
fuel additives to investments to eco-tourismNatural disasters: How to get money to relatives,
avoid fraudsters, insurance
Residential real estate
EarningSmall business: Title companies, appraisers,
home inspectors, stagers, consultantsCareers: Realtors (NAR), agents, brokers,
mortgage processors
Residential real estate
Residential real estate
Spending: Home buying/selling: pricing,
gimmicks, incentives, staging, commissions, ROI of décor, landscaping, remodeling
Renting: caveats for renters, how to negotiate, insurance
Spending:Furnishing, remodeling, repair
Shopping/hiring strategies Remodeling/construction caveats, licenses, liabilityLandscaping / alternative energy pros & cons
Home maintenanceUtilities, utility taxes and feesHOA/condo dues, pros & cons, legal rights
Residential real estate
Residential real estate
Borrowing: Explainers on mortgage basics: limits, underwriters,
amortization, calculators Non-traditional: Land contract, rent-to-own, joint
ownership Stimulus-related programs Foreclosure prevention programs State, fed & private mortgage assistance programs Home equity loans & lines
Residential real estate
Saving Mortgage acceleration pros/cons/DIY www.goodadvicepress.com A Banker’s Secret Green appliance rebates, free energy audits
Misc: Vacation/second homes, time sharesQuirky ~ St. Joseph statues, haunted
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Cottage-succession-planning-cnw-1172621348.html?x=0&.v=1
Residential real estate
Investing Rental properties pros & cons Appraisals, assessments Home prices/appreciation Flipping, buying foreclosures Related co. as investments
Taxes Mortgage interest, points deduction Energy rebates, deductions, credits (Pub 17) Pros & cons of home office deduction Tax-free rental income windfalls Tax forbearance for those in crisis Tax liens and sales Property taxes
Falling assessmentsExplainer on state prop tax, homestead credits
Residential real estate
Risk Insurance
Hazard, liabilitySpecial policies (flood plains)Running a business from home – liability New home warrantiesExisting home warrantiesSpecial situations – dog bite, child care, pools Appliance warranties, furniture warrantiesBuilding materials recalls
Residential real estate
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Banking/HomebuyingGuide/AHomeWarrantyIsNoGuarantee.aspx
Thursday: Transportation and health care
Friday: Financial services and personal finance storytelling
Please feel free to e-mail me with additional questions at [email protected].
Show them the money! Finding personal finance angles on any beat