Star-Herald How To Guide 2011

Page 3 — How to Select Active Adult Communities Page 5 — How to Find the Best Replacement Windows for Your Home Page 7 — How to Choose an Auto Repair Shop Page 9 — How to Select Fish and Seafood Page 11 — Guide to Estates and Wills Page 13 — How to Get the Most Out of Your Remodeling Dollar Page 15 — How to Make Your Home Reflect Your Personality Page 17 — How to Choose an Auto Repair Shop Page 19 — How to Determine the Appropriate Amount of Life Insurance Coverage Page 21 — How to Select a Hearing Aid Page 23 — How to Find the Mortgage that is Right for You

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Saturday, February 5, 2011

How to Guide 2011

A Star-Herald Publication

Select Active Adult Communities

By Charles Hansen

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s people are living longer and healthier lives, many seniors are facing their “golden years’ and retirement with quite a bit of energy. Many are eschewing conventional retirement and nursing homes for communities which offer them a great deal of activity and autonomy while still providing the security and convenience of onsite medical facilities, meal plans and other therapeutic and semi-therapeutic services from physical therapy to yoga classes. These communities offer the services and features of the “outside world” that seniors most need or desire but are gathered together in a community of individuals of similar age and lifestyle.

Choosing one of these communities often comes down to two simple factors, the features offered and the overall cost. Some first things you should look for are: Do you like the area where the community is located? Are the choices of accommodation in line with what you’re looking for – are they apartment style, town home style, single family homes, manufactured homes – or a combination of all of these options? Choices range from what’s basically a “subdivision” targeted to seniors with some typical services – a community center, pool, tennis courts, etc. – to a community which provides a long term commitment for seniors in terms of dealing with current and future health issues and their impact on your living situation. You should find out what’s included in the various choices you are offered for a price. Ask how you “own” your property, what additional services do you need to pay for, and so on. These basic questions are particularly important if the community is far from home. For instance, if you’re migrating from a chilly northern climate to Texas, California or Florida or some other warm and sunny state you haven’t visited the area before, try spending some extended vacation time before committing your savings to moving to an adult community there. You may find your attraction to sun and fun is short-lived and that you still like snow for Christmas. Of course, if you’ve been to the area before, then your decision also needs to include the kind of ancillary

activities offered for both you and your spouse. Many such communities are centered on a particular activity like golf. If you’re not a golfer, you may feel a bit out of it.

One of the most important things to find out is how you can transition in the community as you get older and become less of an “active adult.” Many communities offer the potential to move along a scale from completely independent living to 24 hour in-home care to nursing home facilities. In other words, should you live there for a certain amount of time, and then break a hip, you might then decide to move from your townhouse to an apartment facility where you have the option of nursing care and a meal plan. Often, all or part of your home equity covers these options. You may invest your life savings in a condominium which, when you’re deceased or move into another part of the community, can be resold by the community.

There are, of course, many ways these arrangements can be made, and you would be wise to consult organizations like AARP, the Better Business Bureau, local senior advocacy groups, your doctor as well as current residents to see whether the financial arrangements will work for you, your spouse and your family.

Major questions like what will happen should you or your spouse become incapacitated or need constant care should be answered adequately before you commit.

Once you feel secure about the financial arrangements, however, you may find that living in an active senior community is one of the best decisions you’ve ever made. Combining the convenience and security of a gated community with the advantage of living with peers of similar age, background and fitness level, and with a panoply of services both recreational and therapeutic designed to help you live an even longer, happier and more productive life.

These communities help retirees do what is often difficult to do on their own, without sacrificing the choice and independence they’ve come to enjoy, and deserve.

Things to Find Out Before Moving In 1. What does the moving in process entail? What are the paperwork requirements and the timeframes involved?

2. How is the initial assessment managed? Who completes the assessment?

3. Is the residence affiliated with a hospital or nursing home should acute or longterm care be needed? If so, is there a priority admission process?

4. If you need hospital or nursing home care, is your room held? What are the associated fees? Is there a discount for unused services (e.g. meals)?

5. Does the residence subscribe to a set of resident rights and responsibilities?

Is a written copy available?

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Saturday, February 5, 2011

How to Guide 2011

A Star-Herald Publication

1725 East Overland, Scottsbluff 308-632-2105 www.centurylumbercenter.com Hours: Monday-Friday: 7:30 to 5:30; Saturday: 8:00 to 1:00

Choose Replacement Windows for Your Home

By Don Bush hile many of these companies devote a lot of time and energy to marketing, the installation end of the business may get very little attention.

This can be a big problem for you. If installed improperly, the best window in the world may yield you results no better than the old one you're replacing.

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The most popular reason people replace windows in their home is to save money on utility bills. Another significant reason is that good quality replacement windows deliver large savings in maintenance costs. Many people are simply tired of wrestling with old windows that are hard to open and close or that won't stay open. When old windows need scraping, new putty and repainting, it's an ideal time to consider replacement. Replacing windows is also an opportunity to upgrade your home in terms of style and resale value.

Saving Money on Utility Bills Good quality windows, installed properly, can yield substantial energy savings. How much you save depends on the type of window you choose and the type and condition of the windows you are replacing.

In the average home, 38 percent of the heat loss is through windows and doors. If your home has drafty single-pane windows or single-pane aluminum sliders, the heat loss from windows may be as much as 50 percent. The poorer the performance of your old windows, the more dramatic the savings and the sooner energy savings alone will cover the cost of your investment.

Many technologies contribute to a window's overall thermal performance. The most common way to compare thermal performance is using a U-factor rating.

The U-factor rating allows you to make decisions without becoming an expert on all the latest technologies.

Opening Style Many people don't realize that you don't have to replace your old windows with new ones that have the same opening style. Air leakage in and around windows is a big factor in the window's overall thermal performance. In terms of air leakage, the best window is fixed; that is, can't open or close. There simply aren't any gaps and openings for air to find its way through.

While useless for ventilation or for escaping a fire, fixed windows may be an excellent option in certain locations. Nearly as good are "casements" or awning style windows that crank open and closed. Because the seals are compressed slightly when the window is closed, it is difficult for air leaks to develop.

The least efficient opening style is sliders. Many people select sliders simply because that is what they've always had. There are plenty of good sliders on the market, but they have to rely more on other features, such as low-E coatings and more glazing layers, to deliver top energy performance. Sliders, which have more joints and gaps, are also more susceptible to air leaks as the seals age and get worn or lose their resiliency. Frame material and construction. As

much heat can be lost through the frame as through the glass portion of the window.

Both wood and vinyl perform well, whereas making a metal frame that contains heat well is difficult. Metal frames are generally stronger, which becomes a factor in commercial applications or with extra-large windows. For normal size residential windows, most homeowners choose vinyl or wood.

Window Frame The frame is the key to the long-term structural integrity of the window. If the frame warps or cracks, the window's performance can suffer enormously. With vinyl windows, avoid frames that are held together with screws because they tend to loosen over time.

Instead, look for "welded" seams, where either heat or chemicals have been used to fuse the joints. In terms of energy savings, wood and vinyl are comparable. Some people prefer the aesthetics of wood, though it lacks the maintenance-free aspect of vinyl.

The U-Factor Rating The NFRC rating system.

Fortunately, the National Fenestration Rating Council has developed a rating system that considers nearly all of these factors.

One element the NFRC rating system doesn't account for is the longterm durability of the product because it rates the overall window only when it is new.

Glazing Most older windows are made with a single layer of glass.

The most popular replacement windows are made with two panes of glass. Some people opt for triple-pane windows to maximize the improvement in thermal performance. Added layers improve performance in two ways.

The NFRC gives each window a Ufactor rating. The U-factor is the inverse of the more familiar R-factor used in attic insulation. So a U-factor of .5 equals an R-factor of 2. The lower the U-factor the better.

First, enclosed air and other gases are effective insulators.

The more enclosed spaces the window has, the less heat can escape. Each layer of glass also provides more surfaces for low-E coatings. Some windows use a plastic film suspended between two layers of glass to achieve a triplepane effect at a lower cost.

When comparing windows, check for the NFRC label. Look for the Ufactor. The first number after the words "U-factor" is the rating that's appropriate for residential purposes.

It will be marked "AA" or "Residential." The U-factor marked "BB" or "Non-Residential" is for commercial window applications. Use the U-factor rating to make meaningful comparisons. Be wary of a window vendor who won't provide this number.

Low-E coatings. Low-E coatings are almost invisible finishes that are usually applied to glass. While they let through most of the light humans can see, they block much of the heat-intensive infrared light, thus improving the window's insulating value. Some windows have the low-E coating on a film suspended between two layers of glass, creating the effect of a triple-glazed product.

Fill gases. While plain air is a good insulator, some gases (like argon, krypton and carbon dioxide) are even better. The gas or combination of gases affects the window's overall thermal performance.

Saving Money on Maintenance New windows can save you money on maintenance in two important ways.

First, if you choose vinyl windows, you can eliminate the cost of painting the windows inside or out. In a typical painting project, the most expensive part is painting the windows. Eliminate the need for that and your painting costs will be reduced.

The outside of most modern replacement windows is designed to be cleaned easily from the inside. If you wash your own windows, you'll save yourself a lot of time and eliminate a major safety risk. If you normally hire a pro, you may find you can do it yourself with these practical new windows.

How far should you go? Obviously, you need to get price comparisons to make a decision. Keep in mind that a good portion of your cost is installation, so it makes sense to leverage those costs by installing a better window.

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Saturday, February 5, 2011

How to Guide 2011

A Star-Herald Publication

Choose an Auto Body Repair Shop

By Dan Markham

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our new car has just been damaged in a fender bender. You want to find an auto body shop that will do the work quickly and effectively. And you don't have a lot of time to make the decision. Where do you turn?

Stop.

You've already made your first mistake.

Choosing the correct auto body repair shop should be done before your first accident, not after. In the unfortunate event of a car accident, you will have a lot on your minds. Tending to injuries, working with your insurance company and countless other obligations will occupy your time. You don't need to add the search for a good body shop to your list.

Experts recommend finding a good body shop before the first crash. It not only reduces the number of things you must take care of at the time of the accident, but it gives you the time to make a wise decision.

A shop's cleanliness may give clues to the way it operates. A place with a lot of parts strewn about may be more likely to "make due" with parts, choosing parts that weren't specified for your vehicle.

The walls can also be a tell tale sign. Look for accreditation from various organizations, such as I-CAR (the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair) or ASE (the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence). In California, you can check a dealer's license through the BAR's web site, www.autorepair.ca.gov.

Other states offer similar systems of checking on a shop's credentials.

The Better Business Bureau is also a valuable resource in checking the shop's reputation.

There is also some vital information to be gleaned outside the shop. Frequently, auto body shops will have a finished product awaiting pickup. Davis suggests asking the owner if you may inspect one of their finished autos to determine their skills.

Start with the paint and see if it matches with the car's original coat. It's best to do this in the sunlight.

The first step is to talk to others about making a quality selection. Ask friends for their recommendations.

Talk to your regular mechanic about who he would use. Speak to your insurance company about any preferred companies they work with.

"Walk around the vehicle slowly looking at each body panel individually, paying special attention to areas joining two panels. Does the paint on the bumpers match the rest of the car?" he asks.

Once you've made a list of potential shops, you should also do an on-site inspection of the shop. There are numerous things you can look for once you get there.

Also, ask yourself, "do the fenders match and align properly with the hood and the doors; is the roof straight or wavy looking; do you see paint over-spray around the tires, windows and on emblems or chrome pieces?

Austin C. Davis, founder of the web site www.Trustmymechanic.com, suggests a few things to look for when you get to a shop.

"What kind of cars are they working on - newer or older models, antique car restoration, small dings and dents or big-time car crashes?" Davis says. Consider the kind of work they do most often and see if it matches up with the kind of cars you drive.

The California Bureau of Automotive Repair echoes that idea. The state government division offers a helpful checklist on choosing repair specialists at its web site.

"Different repair shops will specialize in fixing different makes and models of vehicles, which means they are likely to have specialized experience, training and equipment."

Davis also suggests inspecting the look of the shop. Is it messy and cluttered or clean and orderly?

"If you can see obvious defects or sloppy workmanship with the naked eye, how many non-visual defects or safety issues can there be?" Davis asks.

He also suggests talking to the shop owner about warranties and who will honor them.

"You should ask the shop in advance what brand of parts will be used, and what the warranty will be on all parts and labor.

In search of the perfect body shop 1. Look ahead. Choose a body shop before you're involved in an accident.

There isn't enough time to make an informed decision after the fact.

2. Get references. Friends, mechanics and insurance companies can help you start. Credentials from established organizations such as the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence or good reports from the Better Business Bureau also help.

3. See for yourself. Go to a body shop you're considering using. Inspect the shop for cleanliness, type of work being done and quality of finished product.

4. Talk it over. Speak with the owner. Is he courteous?

What kind of warranties does she offer?

"Paint can look beautiful for six months, then start to peel off, crack and fade away all on its own. Poor preparation before painting can cause the beautiful paint job you see now to completely disappear in months after it finally cures and hardens.

"What you see right after your car has been repainted will be the best it will be, so look closely. Dust, hair, small grains of sand and Bondo body filler particles can resurface as the paint dries."

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How to Guide 2011

Saturday, February 5, 2011

A Star-Herald Publication

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Catfish Fillets

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Snow Crab Clusters

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401 South Beltline Hwy West Scottsbluff, NE 308-632-5303 • Open Daily 6:00AM-9:00PM Prices Good Through February 15, 2011

Select Fish and Seafood

By Curt Hagedorn

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o matter what diet plan you read or nutrition information you follow, it is almost universally agreed upon that Americans need to cut down on the red meat and eat more fish. Not only are fish high in protein and low in fat, but the fat they do have - what are called Omega 3 fatty acids - is considered to be a significant factor in reducing "bad" cholesterol and thus the possibility of heart disease. Of course, for those of us living on the East or West coasts, fish can be a fact of life, with a wide variety of fresh and saltwater fish as well as shellfish available, in many cases just caught. And, for a price, the landlocked can enjoy fresh fish flown in from the coasts either chilled or frozen just as it has been pulled from the water and thus almost as fresh as our beach living fellow consumers. However, if your budget is a little less forgiving, you're often looking at frozen or processed fish which, though still better for you than no fish at all, simply don't confer the same benefits or have the same variety of flavors as fresh fish.

How do you tell if the seafood you're considering is fresh?

Well, it turns out your sense of smell is an excellent indicator.

Fresh fish does not smell "fishy," the fishier the smell, the older the fish. Thus, no matter how embarrassing it is, always, always ask your fishmonger to let you smell the fish you've selected - there's nothing worse than picking out a beautiful cut of salmon and bringing it home to find that you've paid full price for less than full flavor. What should fish smell

like? Basically, like water - really fresh fish has the clean smell of the sea or lake water it came from. Fresh fish is also firm and resilient (not rubbery or squishy) to the touch and, if you're buying fish whole, the eyes are clear, not clouded or milky. For shellfish, lobsters, crabs, etc. should be alive and lively, and clams, oysters, muscles, etc. should be tightly closed - or if slightly open slam shut when touched.

Remember to wash shellfish thoroughly to remove and sand or grit (keep dunking them until there's no sand at the bottom of the pot or bowl) and, after you've cooked them, throw away any that have not opened - they are inedible.

If you're stuck without a fish counter and are looking at "fresh" fish filets and shellfish like scallops shrink-wrapped in those little Styrofoam trays, you still should, if possible, smell the fish to see if it's fresh. If that means calling the butcher or store manager over to rewrap the package after you've opened it, so be it - but be considerate and find someone to help you, don't just poke holes in packages and leave them there. Fresh-frozen fish also can be a good alternative - think of them the way you think of frozen vegetables, almost as good but different - though some varieties seem to freeze better than others so use your taste and preparation method as your guide. Pre-cooked frozen shrimp can be quite a good buy - often better than those little plastic rounds of "fresh cooked" shrimp at the deli counter. The same goes for frozen rock lobster tails - if you want a little lobster for salad, they're a far easier and often more economical choice than dealing with a whole live lobster.

A delicious way to cook and serve fish Swordfish, tuna, kingfish and other meaty fish have flavor and texture enough to stand up to very robust toppings. Cooking the onions and garlic very slowly makes them sweet and tender.

Grilled Mahi Mahi with Sweet Onions and Garlic Note: This recipe also good for tuna, sea bass, mackerel, or halibut.

1 1/2 pounds mahi mahi, sliced 3/4-inch thick (4 servings) 1 large Vidalia, Maui or other sweet onion 5 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 3 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons butter 1/2-teaspoon sugar 3 tablespoons orange juice, (fresh is best) 1/4-teaspoon salt 1/4-teaspoon pepper

Peel and slice the onion and garlic cloves as thinly as possible. Heat the oil and butter in heavy skillet. When the butter bubbles, add the onions and garlic. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook the onions very slowly for 20 to 25 minutes until they're golden brown.

Watch mixture to avoid burning. When the onions are golden, sprinkle with sugar, orange juice, salt and pepper. Allow the juice to evaporate for about 1 minute.

While onions are cooking, heat a grill to medium-high. Brush both sides of the mahi mahi fillets with olive oil. Cook the fish for 2 minutes directly on grill; rotate the fish one-quarter turn without flipping it. (This gives the fish an attractive diamond pattern from the grill.)

Cook for 5 minutes longer on the same side.

Flip fish and cook for 5 minutes longer. Fish is done when it feels firm to the touch. (Cooking time may vary slightly according to thickness of fillets.)

Serve fillet topped with the onion and garlic mixture. Makes 4 servings.

This outstanding dish deserves an outstanding wine. Visit with Ike in Plaza Food’s Wine Department to select the wine that will enhance your seafood dinner.

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Saturday, February 5, 2011

How to Guide 2011

A Star-Herald Publication

Guide to Estates and Wills

By Curt Hagedorn

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t's probably a natural tendency, but most of us tend to consider things like estate planning only when something happens in our lives that brings the possibility of something happening to us into often surprising focus. The death of a friend or family member, a brush with serious illness, even natural or man-made disasters can make the far off prospect of needing to plan for "not being here anymore" much like the warning in the rear-view mirror - something much closer than it appears. Even if you own nothing of particular value and the only thing you have to pass on is your credit card bills, you really need to consider and accomplish the following now.

1. Write your will. Basically, this lets people know what to do with your stuff after you're gone. Even if you don't much care, if there's nothing your family might want, you can at least specify a charity to benefit from your assets, however meager. Your lawyer or accountant, your local bookstore or computer software store all will be able to direct you in how to create a will that is legal and binding in your state. Remember, the importance of this document increases as you add assets - if you have children of any age and haven't gotten around to making a will, you risk their becoming wards of the state should you and your spouse both suffer an accidental death, for example.

2. Anticipate problems. Many of you have probably heard the term "living will," which basically is a list of things to do and whom to turn to should you become incapacitated, suffer a life threatening illness or accident or otherwise be unable to conduct your personal and business affairs. Again, depending upon your situation you may need to consider both Health Care and Financial Powers of attorney (and you should definitely find a good lawyer to help you with these should your situation be at all complicated) which lay out what you wish and don't wish concerning handling your health care and

finances in the even that you are unable to do so yourself. For example, if you have three children but only one of them lives close to you, you might want to give that child power of attorney over health care decisions since they're more immediate. If you have young children, other family members or trusted friends and professional advisors may figure into your choices. However, these are complicated decisions based upon a variety of personal trust and relationship issues and again, the advice of a professional from your doctor or lawyer to your accountant or financial advisor can be very helpful. It is within this broad category that you will also find the famous DNR order...where you specify that you do not wish to be kept alive by extraordinary measures under certain circumstances such as coma or brain death.

3. Put your existing affairs in order. Though many people are now forming living trusts that basically help your survivors avoid probate, many states also will consider P.O.D. (Payable on Death) orders on such things as your automobile title, the title to your house and your bank accounts. Ask you financial advisor which makes the most sense for you at your level of assets.

Also, make sure you have enough insurance to accomplish the things you might have wanted to accomplish had you been alive - things like putting your kids through college or making sure that your spouse, children or other family members will be well taken care of in your absence.

4. Plan your parting. Though this may be the most uncomfortable decision you need to make, it will contribute greatly toward the peace of mind and harmony of those you leave behind if you make arrangements for your funeral. This includes everything from specifying if you would like to be an organ donor to whether you would like to be buried or cremated. You can purchase insurance to help cover funeral expenses, or set up an account at your bank to hold funds you set aside for your funeral.

Planning Tips for your estate and will 1. Creating a Will is easier than you think, and an absolute necessity for everyone 2. Stop fights and solve problems before they start with Trusts, Powers of Attorney and other relatively simple to execute legal documents 3. Plan insurance for both now and in the future - particularly if you have children.

4. Don't leave your loved ones with more than your loss by arranging to cover funeral expenses in advance.

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Saturday, February 5, 2011

How to Guide 2011

A Star-Herald Publication

Imagine the beauty.

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Get The Most Out Of Your Remodeling Dollar

By Charles Hoffman

I

've recently been looking into downsizing for my 85 year old mother, who now lives in a five bedroom three bathroom home that is getting to be a little much to take care of for a four foot eight woman with an active social life. Just getting the place presentable for a marathon game of canasta with the other members of the little old lady mafia in her neighborhood can take days. All of which is to say, navigating the slippery slope of what something is worth in the real estate market today is not for the faint hearted.

For example, the first thing you'll find is that everyone's house, no matter how big, or small, or crumbling at the seams, is worth at least 200K - except yours, which somehow (according to buyers) no one will buy for over 150K, unless you spend about 50K fixing it up. Is this for real? Well....yes and no.

Top cosmetic improvements can bring your house up to whatever is the highest prevailing price in your neighborhood, but if you think spending $50,000 is going to add $50,000 to the value of your home over and above what homes in your neighborhood are selling for think again. Nobody is going to spend $350,000 for a home in a development where every other house is selling for $250,000.

However, there are things you can do to bring your home on a par with other homes in your area so you can comfortably ask for top dollar and, unlike the more realistic market of some years ago, you may even actually realize a bit more on your home than what you've put into it. According to a recent article in Parade magazine a kitchen remodel costing around $15,000 helped the homeowner realize an approximately $22,000 increase in the value of their Florida home. This kind of added value is in no way a sure bet except in the hottest of the hot markets, so invest in remodeling carefully. Another word to the wise: remember, part of the value equation for any home is what you've actually gotten out of it by living in it. If you want to start renovating for sale, do it when you

move in or do it over time as you live in the home. That way, you'll reap the energy saving benefit of those new energy saving windows, and enjoy the convenience of those deluxe appliances, or that new deck with a gas grill and get your maximum value out of them before you pass them on, lovingly cared for, to a new owner.

What are the most desirable home improvements? Well, renovated kitchens and bathrooms top the list. Over the past few years remodeling these essential spaces deliver around 80 percent and more of their cost in resale value. Adding a bathroom, another bedroom, a deck or other outdoor entertaining area and then cosmetic improvements like exterior siding and so on also top the list of improvements that make a difference in the value of your home.

Things that you might think would add value but surprisingly, do not, are swimming pools (which can actually lower the value of your home everywhere except places like California, Florida and southernmost climates) and over the top fixtures and accessories. You are unlikely to get back the money you spent on all of those 24K gold faucets and fixtures or Waterford crystal chandeliers, unless every house in your neighborhood has them.

If you do want to update your home for sale, remember appearance is everything. Look at your neighbors' homes, or the houses that have sold for the top prices in your development (take advantage of open houses and if you're thinking of selling, start looking at every house in your neighborhood.) Do the things that add the most sizzle for the least amount of cash. You are going to see a lot of "six panel doors" out there and, actually, since ones of reasonably good quality can be had for around 50 bucks apiece, they make an attractive upgrade for three to five hundred dollars. Also, you should clean, freshen and paint. A well maintained home without a lot of dirt and clutter inspires confidence - and that includes outdoors as well.

Find the Best Contractor for your Home Project If every house in your neighborhood has two bathrooms but yours, adding a bath should be the first remodeling project on your list. But don't just go with the first contractor you interview, since basic remodeling jobs can vary widely depending upon whom you hire. Check out builders with the Better Business Bureau or local Home Builder's Association, ask friends and acquaintances whose homes you admire, check with your church and other organization to which you belong. And once you find a contractor you can trust and whose work you admire, develop a plan to keep him busy as much as possible upgrading your home. Next to a doctor, a lawyer and an auto mechanic, a good contractor or handyman is worth his weight in gold.

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Saturday, February 5, 2011

How to Guide 2011

A Star-Herald Publication

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Make Your Home Reflect Your Personality

By Curt Hagedorn

few years ago everyone was talking about the "democratization" of taste. Basically, the theory was that with rise of national chains like The Gap, Banana Republic, Club Monaco and the like (stores which promoted a certain kind of classic style) Americans from all walks of life could all afford a certain level of dressing. In other words, one man's (or woman's) white button-down and khakis is just as good (in theory) as another's. This concept has now moved over into home dĂŠcor as well. Call it "Ikea" call it "Pottery Barn," call it "Target," our homes are increasingly filled with examples of a kind of clean eclecticism ranging from angular modern to enduring traditional from furniture to fixtures.

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While this state of affairs is perhaps far preferable to the furniture fads of the past from hot pink shag carpeting to patent vinyl neon bean bags to inflatable polypropylene, it's also become a little bit....uniform. If you look around your room and can't tell the difference between it and the cover of the latest furniture catalog, maybe it's time to set out on a journey to discover your personal style.

Perhaps the best way to do this is to follow a few tips from the realtor's handbook. To make your home to look like a showplace, start by editing. Remove everything that's not absolutely necessary and follow the rule of three: a maximum of three objects on any flat service. This means that if your coffee table is hosting a stack of magazine, a bevy of knick-knacks and a pile of mail, you need to reduce it to one magazine, one envelope and one knick (or knack.) While this isn't the end of the line, this will clear your field of vision to decide what's absolutely necessary (pull the envelope, add a candy dish, and so on.) Pull things that are bland and generic and replace them with things you love. And remember while the things you love may not make your home look more like Pottery Barn, they will make your home look more like you.

The next best (and least expensive) place to add some of your own personality to your home is with color. Paint and fabric can go along way to turn safe neutrals into radiant reds, glamorous golds and passionate purples. If color scares you, start with a deep color to emphasize one wall, then pick up that color in some throw pillows or even a print you love. Or pull your colors from a favorite piece of art. And, contrary to popular opinion, play with scale. One oversized framed poster or one imposing splash of slip covered sofa or scarlet wall can help add just the right touch of over the top drama to an otherwise safe decorating scheme. Just don't spend too much money on any one thing (unless you will love it for the rest of your life) and remember paint can be painted over, fabric can be dyed or reupholstered.

Finally, one of the best ways to make your home reflect your personality is to ask someone else.

What you may not be able to do, you may be able to describe. Professional decorators and color consultants abound in the pages of the paper and at your community's home show and decorators showcases and model homes and finally, even at your local home and furniture stores. You'll be surprised how a good decorator can not only make the most out of a limited budget, but can take a look at your mixed up home and figure out just the touches to make what you already have shine and what's most important about you from your favorite color to your fear of hot pink stand out. Remember decorators often have access to furniture, fixtures and labor that the rest of us don't. If you're brave and on an even more limited budget, you might even try interviewing some graduates of your local college or other interior design program. You might convince a professor to give extra credit or make your dowdy bedroom or family room a class project.

See, Touch and Feel the Furniture Before You Buy it.

While it's true that there's never been more classic design available at unfinished wood prices, remember all knock-offs are not created equal. There are stores out there that can sell you quality reproductions of designer furniture from Mies van der Roe to Louis XIV. However, there are also places who believe that beauty is genuinely only skin deep, and that furniture is meant to be seen, not used for any length of time.

If the price of something beautiful appears too good to be true, make sure you know the exact warranty and return policy and, even in these days of sight unseen internet buying, that you have an opportunity to actually see and if possible try out the piece before the transaction is final.

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Saturday, February 5, 2011

How to Guide 2011

A Star-Herald Publication

Choose an Auto Repair Shop

By Dan Markham he mechanic in our imagination may be a man who wears his hard work on his sleeve... And his pants... And his shoes.

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While we expect cleanliness out of our school teachers, waiters and other professionals with whom we have daily contact, many of us are willing to overlook a little (or a lot) of grease on our mechanic or his shop. Hey, it's a dirty job, right?

Well, if you're in the position of looking for a mechanic, experts say that cleanliness is a trait worth savoring, even in a mechanic.

The California Bureau of Automotive Repair, in its checklist for selecting a good repair shop, advises motorists to put cleanliness next to goodliness.

"A good repair shop should have a neat and wellorganized service floor, modern equipment and clearly posted policies regarding labor rates."

Once there, you should verify the shop's credentials. Look for diplomas or other items signifying credentials. Membership in the Better Business Bureau or status as an AAA-Approved Auto Repair shop is a sign that the work is of higher quality.

To Adamick, the best indicator of good work is certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). He says ASE conducts the only industry-wide national certification program for automotive technicians.

"Consumers benefit from ASE's certification program since it takes much of the guesswork out of finding a competent technician. ASE certifies the competency of individual technicians through a series of standardized specialty exams."

In California, motorists should seek out licensed shops, which will also include a sign indicating the state's Motorist Bill of Rights. Such rights include the right to a written estimate before any work is done, a detailed invoice of work done and parts supplied, a return of replaced parts, answers to additional questions by the manager and assistance from the BAR with additional questions.

Shop owner Austin C. Davis, the founder of the web site www.TrustMyMechanic.com, is even more adamant about looking for a clean shop and shopkeeper. "Don't leave your car, a huge investment in your life, in the hands of a slob.

"We are looking for a shop that we can call home for a long time. You should feel comfortable in this shop while wearing white tennis shoes or new penny loafers. A clean shop will attract clean and well-educated mechanics, service writers and any other shop personnel. Dirty shops attract dirty people."

There are plenty of other things to look for when you're in the market for an auto repair shop. And among the first things to understand is it's better to make your decision before you need work done.

The California BAR, among other experts, recommends choosing a mechanic in advance of needing major service. Doing so reduces the headaches at the time service is required, and allows you to make an informed decision about your mechanic.

The first step in choosing one is to talk to friends, family and others for recommendations. Find a mechanic they trust. "If they're happy with the shop's services, chances are you'll be happy too," the BAR reports.

Stan Adamick, writing on the subject for www.Howtoadvice.com, also recommends setting up alternate transportation in advance, to keep from selecting a shop solely on location.

Other states have similar rules protecting motorists, and should be researched before taking your vehicle to the shop.

Also at the shop you should look at the types of vehicles being worked on. Some vehicles specialize in certain makes and models, and it's best to find a shop that is comfortable with your car. Feel free to ask the technician what kind of vehicles the shop typically works on.

One other thing to consider is that you're really not done choosing a mechanic until after the transaction is complete. Once your car is finished, don't hesitate to question any items on the bill you don't understand.

"It is to your advantage to ask for an itemized face-to-face explanation with the service writer of the work that was done to your car," says Davis.

Adamick also believes that you should immediately bring any problems to the owner's attention. "Discuss the problem with the service manager or owner. Give the business a chance to resolve the problem. Reputable shops value customer feedback and will make a sincere effort to keep your business." And remember that. It is your business the auto shop needs, not the other way around.

Finding your perfect mechanic 1. Choose before you go.

Selecting the proper auto repair shop takes time, and is best done before you need service. Talk to friends and family for recommendations.

2. Check credentials. Good relations with the Better Business Bureau or completion of certified training programs suggests the technicians provide quality work.

3. Clean is good. A neat, well-organized shop signifies a professional atmosphere. A dirty shop doesn't necessarily mean the service will be less expensive.

4. Follow-up. Don't hesitate to ask for an itemized list of work done on your vehicle and don't shy away from airing concerns with your service with the owner or manager.

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Saturday, February 5, 2011

How to Guide 2011

A Star-Herald Publication

Choose the Correct Amount of Life Insurance

By Dan Markham

Goldsholle says.

etermining how much life insurance you need comes down to a simple two-part question: Who is depending on you and how much money will it take to support them in the event of your death?

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Ewing concurs that term insurance is the best option. "All term policies are variable," Ewing says. "It gives you flexibility. You can always convert it."

In some cases, the answer is no one. For an older single person whose children have moved past the dependent stage and without a large estate, the cost of death is small.

Additionally, for younger parents, Goldsholle suggests accidental death and disability insurance, noting it costs around $65 for $100,000 worth of insurance. He recommends this policy because for parents under 40, 50 percent of deaths are caused by accidental means.

So too is the case of a 20-year-old single person whose income is not a source of need for the family. But for a married mother or father, with children, then life insurance is a most necessary item.

And it's best to purchase a life insurance policy when you start a family, not after.

Todd Ewing, the senior vice-president of Insweb, a life insurance information web site, says that the average client begins buying life insurance at 41. That's too late.

"Life insurance is meant to indemnify you during your prime earning years," Ewing said. "You should begin early, when you have a child." Additionally, Ewing said, purchasing life insurance then is "incredibly affordable. It's pennies on the dollar."

Gerry H. Goldsholle, the fonder of FreeAdvice.com, an all-purpose information web site, agrees that life insurance is most important when a person has the most to lose. "What are you leaving behind?"

Goldsholle suggests asking yourself. "What financial and other forms of support will be necessary if you aren't there?"

For working parents, Goldsholle says the axiom of 7X your yearly income remains a good barometer. Since life insurance proceeds are tax free, the use of 7X your income results in roughly 10 years of pay at your current income level. This, he says, should provide "enough time for the surviving spouse to get retrained or the kids to grow up."

Of course, even non-income earning spouses need protection.

The costs of child care and other home duties should be factored into the equation. In either case, Goldsholle recommends term insurance as the optimal choice. "It's pure death protection,"

As children age and leave the dependency stage, the need for life insurance lessens, but is not eliminated. Surviving spouses must be covered in the event of your death. Ewing says one mistake some spouses make is to limit coverage to the cost of the mortgage. "That's not the only expense they incur every month."

At any rate, Goldsholle says not to take out more insurance than you need. "You can spend all your money on insurance, but it's not a good lifetime strategy. "Take your other money and invest it in far more attractive (plans)," he says.

Before you take out a policy, some other considerations must be made. Assessing your own needs and situation is imperative.

For instance, specific health issues, such as obesity, are factored into premiums. Yet some carriers, Goldsholle noted, are more accepting of some of these health issues. "Your broker can explain who can place you with a company more tolerant of the risks you have," he says.

Additionally, he says, you need to be truthful in the assessment of your risks. If you're a smoker, you need to be honest when opening a policy or you risk the policy being voided in the event of your death, particularly within two years.

Getting the most life out of life insurance 1. Assess your situation.

Before buying, consider how many people are depending upon you and how much money they'll need to be protected in youth death.

Consider adding relatively inexpensive accidental death and disability insurance to supplement your term life plan.

2. Don't start too late. Many people don't become insured until they reach their 40s, long after they've started a family.

3. If you plan to invest large amount of money on life insurance policies, do it through several carriers.

4. Don't lie on the application.

If you smoke, fess up.

Finally, for those wealthier individuals who will invest more money in life insurance, Goldsholle suggests spreading out policies with numerous carriers for more stability.

"You wouldn't put $2 million in one bank," he says. However, you also shouldn't purchase too much insurance at one time, as it sends up red flags among carriers.

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How to Guide 2011

Saturday, February 5, 2011

A Star-Herald Publication

Do you hear, but have trouble understanding certain words?

Do you have trouble hearing on the telephone?

Do you often ask people to repeat themselves?

Visit us for professional advice on hearing loss.

We dispense FREE telephones through the Nebraska Public Service Commission for the Hearing Impaired for those who qualify.

SHER ARD

Stan Sherard & Wendy Juarez

HEARING AID CENTER

Home Office - 2821 Ave B - Scottsbluff 308-632-7415 • Hours: M-F 8:30 -4:30 Cheyenne Office: 4112 Laramie St. • (307) 637-7415

AUTHORIZED CENTER FOR HEARING EXCELLENCE

Select a Hearing Aid

By Curt Hagedorn

f you remember your grandfather or other relative with a box about the size of a transistor radio in their pocket with a wire running to an earplug, hearing aids have changed a lot since then. With the rise of digital and computerized, hearing aids have become ever smaller, and more effective. However, unless you're the kind of person who picks out a pair of reading glasses by trial and error at the local drugstore, you should really first consult with your physician and/or hearing aid specialist to make sure that you're getting the proper hearing aid for you - and to make sure that your hearing loss isn't cause by some other underlying problem. Also, since hearing can change over time, it's important that you have a relationship with a professional that can help you analyze problems and make adjustments over time as you break in the device and learn how to use it over the long term.

A hearing professional will do a variety of tests covering the full range of sounds and frequencies you may need assistance or have trouble hearing. What are called tone

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tests or pure tone tests measure the kind of hearing loss you might have. Speech recognition tests measure the threshold of volume where you can hear and understand speech. Once these tests are completed, you can expect to be presented with the results of what is called "audiogram," which will tell you if there is any variation in hearing between your right or left ears, your total level of hearing loss, and at what levels or frequencies you hear best. Your potential hearing aid will then be adjusted based upon these results.

Digital hearing aids offer greater adjustability to match the specific losses outlined on your audiogram. They can be customized for each individual ear depending upon the kind and style you get. "Completely in the ear canal" models, "behind the ear" models and over the ear models have certain advantages of amplification and battery life and size. The over the ear hearing aids have become more popular over the past year. These models set on top of the ear and use a small tube placed just inside the ear canal. This leaves the ear canal open, therefore, a person does not feel full or stuffy.

Expect to pay from one to three thousand dollars for a quality hearing aid. Programmable features allow you to set your hearing aid for different listening environments say "in church" or "watching television at home" - different aids offer different numbers of channels and features.

Digital hearing aids can also adjust for background noise and whistling problems that hearing aids from the past have not been able to do.

Purchasing a Hearing Aid You need someone who will work with you over several visits to find the right hearing aid, teach you to use and maintain it and then be available to service it in the months and years to come.

Following are a few additional steps you can take to find a reputable, skilled hearing-aid dispenser.

1. Make sure the hearing aid dispenser offers at least a 30-day trial period for the hearing aid and services the aids that he or she sells.

2. Find out exactly what's included in the price. Some dispensers charge separately for the hearing aid and the fitting; some will quote an all-in-one price.

3. Know whether the warranty is honored by the manufacturer or by the dispenser.

4. Follow-ups are very important.

Make sure they are covered at no cost.

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Saturday, February 5, 2011

How to Guide 2011

A Star-Herald Publication

Decide How Much You Can Afford to Spend

By Heidi Smith

will increase the amount of your monthly payment.

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How Much Can You Afford?

Determining how much you can afford to spend on your new home is based on two factors.

1. The amount of down payment you will have available. The larger the down payment, the less you will need to borrow. This can lower your mortgage payment and help save you thousands of dollars in interest.

2. Your ability to carry the mortgage debt. A simple method can help you determine the mortgage amount you can pay back on your income.

Start by calculating the maximum monthly payment you can afford.

Lenders recommend that you use no more than 32% of gross income to cover principal, interest, property taxes and insurance costs. Gross household income is the total salary, wages, commissions and other assured income, before deductions by all household members who are co-applicants of the loan.

nce you have determined that you want to buy a new home, one of the first, most important factors to consider is how much you can realistically afford to spend. Typically, new homes are purchased with a combination of cash down payment and a mortgage loan.

What is a Mortgage?

A mortgage is a consumer loan for the purpose of buying a home, using the home you are buying as security or collateral. Important aspects of a mortgage include: • Principal - the amount of the loan or cash borrowed.

• Interest - the amount the lender charges for the use of the funds or principal. Interest rates vary around to a number of factors, including the term and conditions. The borrower is expected to repay the principal with interest.

• Amortization Period - the number of years it will take to repay the mortgage in full. This time typically ranges from 15-30 years.

• Term - the length of time a mortgage agreement exists between the consumer and lender. The shorter the term, the lower the interest rate will be.

• Maturity Date - the end of the term, at which time the borrower can either repay the balances or renegotiate the mortgage at current interest rates.

Consumers can choose from a variety of options based upon personal needs and circumstances such as open or closed, or fixed or variable rate mortgages.

Types of Mortgages Fixed Rate - With a fixed rate mortgage, an interest rate is established prior to closing and does not changes for the entire term of the loan. Many banks enable you to lock in the interest rate months prior to closing, which may be advantageous if rates are low and subject to rise. With fixed rates borrowers know what their monthly payments will be without having to worry about rate hikes that would increase the amount of the payment.

However, if rates decline, borrowers will not see a reduced payment. If rates decline significantly, you can refinance the mortgage to take advantage of the lower rate. Refinance charges will be incurred, so the interest rate drop must be able to justify the charges.

Adjustable Rate - With an adjustable or variable rate mortgage the interest rate will vary throughout the duration of the loan. Adjustable rates are initially priced at a lower rate than fixed rate mortgages. Adjustable rates typically have a rate increase cap per year and a lifetime cap on the interest rate. Adjustable rates are preferable for borrowers who only plan on being in a home for a short period of time (3 - 5 years), as the monthly payments for that time frame will be lower than a fixed interest rate. Since interest rates are difficult to predict, it may be difficult to set a budget, as rates hikes

Example: Gross annual income = $55,000.

Gross monthly income = $4,583 Maximum monthly payments = ($4,583 x .32) = $1,467 Next, calculate the size of the mortgage loan your payments will handle. Once you have determined how much you can afford in payments, you can determine the maximum amount of the loan you qualify for.

Example: Monthly payment = $1,467 Less estimated monthly taxes and insurance = $275 Amount available for principal and interest = $1,192 The amount of the loan than can be served with a $1,000 monthly payment depends on the interest rate. The lower the rate, the higher the amount you can borrow.

At a 6.5% interest rate, it takes $6.32 per month to repay $1,000 over a 30year period. This means that if you borrow $100,000 and can obtain a mortgage with a 6.5% interest rate, the payments for this mortgage would be $632.07 a month. Your total payments would tally $227,544.49.

Add your down payment amount to the calculated mortgage amount and you will have a good idea of the price range of homes you can be considering. Most lenders are asking for 10% - 20% down Check with your bank or other financial institutions for the current interest rates. Financial institutions also provide mortgage information and publications to consumer's free-of-charge, to help you determine the amount of money you can borrow.

Copyright © 2010 Publishers-Edge

Fixed Rate or Adjustable Mortgage One of your first decisions should be between a fixed rate (the interest rate remains constant through the life of the mortgage) and an adjustable (the interest rate is adjusted--either up or down--at specified times during the mortgage term). Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM) will have an initial interest rate lower than fixed rates but will adjust upward (unless rates really fall) usually after the first year. The ARM may be a good choice if you are sure that you will not own the home for an extended period (more than 5-7 years) of time.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Fixed and ARM Mortgages Advantages of Fixed Mortgages 1. Since you know what your payment will be for the life of the loan, you can budget more easily.

2. No possibility of an interest rate change making your mortgage payment suddenly unaffordable.

3. No anxiety over interest rate fluctuations.

Advantages of Adjustable Rate Mortgages - ARM 1. Lower initial interest rate and therefore lower monthly payment.

2. If interest rate declines, your payment will also decline.

3. Easier to qualify for due to lower initial interest rate and payment amount.

Disadvantages of Fixed Mortgages 1. More income needed to qualify because of higher initial mortgage rate.

2. Interest rates decrease appreciably, it will be necessary to refinance to get a lower payment.

Disadvantages of Adjustable Rate Mortgages - ARM 1. If interest rate increases, your payment will also increase.

2. A large increase in interest rates -- and payment -- could make your house unaffordable.

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Saturday, February 5, 2011

How to Guide 2011

A Star-Herald Publication