You’ve been renting for years, but your dream home just came on the market! You’ve tried to save for a down payment, but life gets in the way…the car needed new tires, your dishwasher stopped working and Christmas is around the corner. You’ve been diligent and have put away money for a down payment but it seems you can just never get ahead. Well, guess what. The myth that you need a huge down payment to get into a home is just not true! At Academy Mortgage, we have multiple loan programs that … [Read more...] about Debunking the Down Payment Mortgage Myth
Living Stress Free During the Holidays
I was researching the topic of “stress free” during the holidays and came upon a 13-week holiday challenge. I began to chuckle, for we are only weeks away from Christmas. I didn’t have 13 weeks to figure out how to: be a better wife and mother, run my three businesses, manage the most beautiful venue in town, balance my volunteer hours, plan for a trip to Chicagoland, incorporate exercise, plan meals, play with my grandson, pray and honor God, keep up with social media, write out Christmas … [Read more...] about Living Stress Free During the Holidays
How Family Caregivers Can Care for Themselves
Caring, giving, sharing. The holidays can bring out the best in most of us. But for family caregivers, this is everyday life. Caring for a loved one can be a rewarding experience. But it also can be very stressful on the caregiver, especially if that individual is trying to manage a career, family and children in addition to the caregiving responsibilities. The most important piece of advice to give family caregivers is to care for themselves first. It’s similar to oxygen masks in … [Read more...] about How Family Caregivers Can Care for Themselves
Partnering with SCORE Matters
A SCORE partner is an active experienced small business that wants to help other small businesses learn and grow with specialty counseling in their specific field of expertise. And they get paid for their professional assistance. SCORE volunteers, on the other hand, mentor and counsel start-up and existing businesses for FREE. A SCORE certified mentor will meet face-to-face with a client, listen to the request for business help and then put the client on the right track to success. When it comes … [Read more...] about Partnering with SCORE Matters
Giving the Gift of Bliss, Health, Relaxation
The holidays have arrived and with them come the joys of family, friends, parties and gifts. The holidays can also bring stress and pain – achy shoulders from carrying bags packed full of gifts; tired feet from walking for hours in and out of stores; and sore backs from loading and unloading and getting in and out of the car. But there is a simpler way to give loved ones, friends and coworkers gifts they will really appreciate: Gift cards. Gift cards are more popular than ever this year, … [Read more...] about Giving the Gift of Bliss, Health, Relaxation
Four Things You and Your Business Should Consider Heading in to 2018
Smart business owners are constantly working to improve their business. As the New Year approaches, many are finding themselves asking one question: What can I do to put myself in the best position for next year? Considering the previous year and identifying opportunities to grow are crucial when looking to jump start a new year. The following is a list business owners should consider while heading into 2018: Reflect on your goals from the previous year. Did you reach your … [Read more...] about Four Things You and Your Business Should Consider Heading in to 2018
Understanding the Need for Workforce Development in Construction Trades
Welcome to “At Home With Tom and Sandy!” We are here to give you the inside scoop on the construction industry; what’s up, what’s down, what’s hot, and what’s not. We’ll share our thoughts, thinking – and, of course, opinions – on construction, remodeling, home prices, building permit numbers, construction pointers and give you hints on renovations that will give you a return on your investment and, as they say, so much more. There is plenty going on in the housing and construction … [Read more...] about Understanding the Need for Workforce Development in Construction Trades
To Give or Not to Give: Here are the Questions to Ask
Charitable giving is frequently mingled with more emotion than information. In fact, we often seek just enough information to validate our emotions and then we give – hoping our contribution will be wisely used. “It’s good to have an emotional tie to the organizations and causes we support,” said Robbie Nicol, MBA, CFRE, executive director of the Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) Foundation. “However, your financial support should be thoughtfully considered and thoroughly researched. … [Read more...] about To Give or Not to Give: Here are the Questions to Ask
ERAU’s Golden Eagles Flight Team is Inducted into the International Air and Space Hall of Fame
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Golden Eagles Flight Team was inducted into the San Diego International Air & Space Museum’s Hall of Fame on Nov. 9. Since 1963, the Hall of Fame has honored more than 200 of the world’s most significant pilots, crew members, visionaries, inventors, aerospace engineers, business leaders, preservationists, designers and space pioneers. The Golden Eagles is the winningest intercollegiate flying team of the last two decades, including 30 consecutive … [Read more...] about ERAU’s Golden Eagles Flight Team is Inducted into the International Air and Space Hall of Fame
Social Media and the Importance of Content in 2018
Our world is changing faster than our ancestors ever imagined. The development of new technologies is accelerating at an exponential rate. Not only are phones getting bigger and faster but applications that most people use every day are changing in the blink of an eye. What used to be occasional and very thoroughly announced software updates are now sometimes no more than a tiny notification on a screen. While it can be difficult to keep track of all the changes, it is important to pay … [Read more...] about Social Media and the Importance of Content in 2018