Someone once said: "A hug is the perfect gift; one size fits all, and nobody minds if you exchange it". This may have been acceptable in a different age but in the 21st century giving a gift is a lot more complex. Try giving your loved one a hug for their special occasion and it is possible they may never turn that frown upside down!
Unique Gifts: With so many gifts and ideas available finding a unique gift is probably the most difficult. If you are very rich or talented then you will be able to buy or make a truly unique gift. However most of us will have to use a lot of our resources (time, money, effort) to do this.
A better way of thinking unique is to look for something that will be unique for the person receiving the gift. Does the person have some interest or hobby? In this instance a good option will be to get them something that is related to their hobby. The beauty of the hobby gift is that even if it is slightly wrong, it will be appreciated because of the thought that has gone in to choosing it. One thing to remember is not to act like you are now an expert on their hobby when choosing or giving the gift, you don't want them to feel belittled or disrespected because you have done a little research and act like you know everything about what they enjoy.
Gifts for Men: Probably the best presents for men are tools or gadgets. In most instances they will like them over common gifts such as work clothes or accessories!). If you aren't certain of what brands or products the person likes it might be better to stay away from male grooming presents as some men can be just as particular about grooming products as most women (no point buying a brand they will never use). On the whole men are not likely to worry too much about presents they receive but it is still a nicer feeling to know that your present has been well received and will be of some practical use or just plain fun.
Gifts for Women: When buying gifts for women your relationship to the person in question is probably the most important thing. If you are really brave try giving your wife or girlfriend a vacuum cleaner or iron for their special occasion and see what happens (NOTE: this is just a joke; at no point should you even dream of doing this unless you have some sort of death wish!). For wives or girlfriends attention to detail is probably most important. The gift has to make them feel like you have gone to great effort to choose something special for her to remember the occasion by. A good option is to stick to things she likes but get something she doesn't already have or use (you don't want to buy for her birthday the perfume she uses everyday for work and buys for herself when it runs out). The same rules apply to other women. Do some research and learn about what they like and go from there. Look for gifts that may be related to the area they are passionate about.
Copyright (c) 2007 Jay Smith
21st Century ... Teacher
Earlier this year, the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 was enacted by congress in an effort to encourage business investment and try to avert impending recession and crisis. Needless to say, their efforts haven't seen success so far, for reasons everyone is familiar with. What you're likely to remember about the stimulus act is the $300-$600 check you received after filing your taxes this year, but what you might not remember is that the act also changed the ceiling for FHA loans.
Prior to March 6, 2008, the limit for FHA loans was $362,790. What that meant was that the FHA could not legally provide insurance to loans above that set value. As part of the stimulus package this year (referred to as the "FHA Forward" program) however, congress authorized the Federal Housing Administration to increase their maximum loan limit from $362,790, to between $271,050 and $729,750, depending on location and the size of the home. For instance, in Denver the FHA will now insure mortgages on single-family homes as high as $406,250. The most populous areas with the highest costs of living such as New York City and Los Angeles have seen their limits increased to the full $729,750.
As availability of private mortgage insurance grew (along with other options), popularity for FHA loans waned, but the past several months have seen a resurgence of FHA loans. With many former sub-prime lenders recently on the edge of default, lending institutions have become hesitant to (and in some cases simply can't afford to) offer 100% mortgage loans, and FHA loans have become an alternative for consumers who otherwise would be unable to acquire financing for a new home.
The Federal Housing Administration was created as part of the National Housing Act of 1934 (subsequent to the New Deal creation of the Securities and Exchange Commission), as a reaction to the collapse of the banking system in the 1930's, in order to counteract the vast decline in home ownership during the Great Depression. It's not that surprising then that a broad section of public is revisiting the FHA for assistance now, as we move toward what's being called the greatest threat to the economy of the U.S. has been faced with in almost eight decades.
An important distinction to make is that the FHA does not itself originate loans, but rather insures lenders against loss, should a borrower become unable to meet the terms of the loan. Seeing as that's the case, every FHA loan is not created equal. Different lenders offer different terms and incentives, and for that reason consumers should consider meeting with a Certified Mortgage Planner (not the same thing as a broker) who can assist them in comparing offers from the lenders who meet their criteria.
As polls continue to show steady increase in pessimism regarding the future of the U.S. economy, and decrease in consumer confidence, it's no surprise that we are now looking to the same institutions for assistance now that we looked to during the Great Depression. It's impossible to say for sure what will happen over the next few years, but at least we can take comfort in something this time that we couldn't last time: we've seen it all before.
Both Jay Smith & Nick Kent are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jay Smith has sinced written about articles on various topics from Social Issues, Fitness and Mortgage Insurance. Check out http://www.NotOnTheHighStreet.co.uk to find interesting and exclusive. Jay Smith's top article generates over 12100 views. Bookmark Jay Smith to your Favourites.
Nick Kent has sinced written about articles on various topics from Social Issues, Finances. Rate1st is the United States' largest online lending network, and is proud to provide a easy, efficient and safe way to shop for an FHA loan during trying economic. Nick Kent's top article generates over 14800 views. Bookmark Nick Kent to your Favourites.
Albert Einstein Religion Quotes It is the difference between a life of quiet desperation and the fullest expression of your soul, the song in your heart, the fulfillment of personal passions.