How-To Guide 2013

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Saturday, February 9, 2013

How to Guide 2013

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

A Star-Herald Publication

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Saturday, February 9, 2013

How to Guide 2013

A Star-Herald Publication

What to Look for When Buying Windows Selecting the right windows for a home or commercial building can be a daunting experience. Weighing the functionality, aesthetics, placement, cost and efficiency are all important factors affecting the final decision. It’s enough to make you dizzy.

When you understand the terminology used to describe various types of windows, your task becomes much easier. Here are the ones you’re most likely to encounter:

• 1st-time homebuyers price of appraisal will be reimbursed at closing* • Loan must close and fund with Open Mortgage, LLC as the lender • Time Limited (only applicants received from January 1st through March 31st, 2013) • Maximum reimbursement up to $500. * First time homebuyers definition: All borrowers have not owned a home within last three years.

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WINDOW GLAZING Glazing refers to the actual glass in a window. Older buildings and homes often have windows a single pane of glass within each frame. They are traditional but not very energy-efficient, a quality that most people now want.

Most modern buildings feature double-glazed windows, those with two panes of glass in each frame. The space between the panes acts as a layer of insulation to improve the window’s ability to keep cold or hot air where it belongs, either inside or outside the building.

Triple-glazed windows are sometimes installed in newer structures. While these lend additional insulation benefits, their cost is higher than their double-glazed counterparts.

R-VALUES R-values describe a window’s ability to keep heated or cooled air where it belongs.

An R-value measures the amount of heat lost through its glass panes. The higher the R-value of a window, the more efficient it is.

An R-value of 3 is very desirable.

U-VALUES A U-value describes a window’s heat transfer coefficient. Don’t be alarmed by the fancy words. This means the level at which the window conducts heat. The lower the U-value, the better.

People living in colder windy climates want to choose replacement windows with the best R-value and U-value ratings to conserve energy.

LOW-E Low-emissive, or low-e, windows are one of the latest innovations in the energy-efficiency market. Simply stated, low-e glass traps heat.

Low-e is achieved by placing a thin metallic coating on the appropriate pane of a window. Indoor radiant heat is reflected back inside, reducing the burden on a building’s heating system. People who live in colder climates should consider seriously installing low-e windows as a complement to low U-value components.

On the other hand, residents of sunnier regions can take advantage of low e-windows’ heat reflective qualities, too. Summer’s higher levels of infrared rays are reflected away from the interior of the home, keeping its interior cooler.

UV FACTORS UV rays from solar penetration can wreak havoc on items inside a home or building by fading the colors of furniture and carpets. That's why a window with high ultra-violet blockage is recommended, especially for people who live in hotter climates.

CASEMENT WINDOWS If energy efficiency is of the utmost concern, casement windows are the best option. The simple hinge-and-crank design diminishes air seepage. When wind pushes against the glass, the window seal becomes tighter, further reducing leakage.

Generally speaking, casement windows are hinged on the sides, while windows hinged at the top are known as awning windows and bottom-hinged windows are called hoppers.

Hinged windows must be maintained properly, as the seal erodes over time.

If left unchecked, continued erosion can render the window less efficient.

OTHER FACTORS When there’s a large difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, condensation will form on glass. That's why you should choose a window appropriate for your climate.

Where to place windows is something else to consider when building a new structure. If you intend to increase a structure’s passive solar efficiency, you need to consider the building’s position and location as they relate to the sun. Windows that face the south let in more heat than north-facing windows.

Frames and seals can deteriorate more quickly when exposed to extreme temperatures. Windows using warm-air technology and adequate spacers reduce drastic temperature fluctuations, placing less strain on seals and farming.

Before you begin a major window-replacement project, become familiar with your area’s building codes. If you’re lacking a required permit or two, you may have to pay a fine, removed the work that’s already been done and start over.

Arm yourself with some basic terminology and concepts before you begin shopping for windows. It’s really less complicated than it looks. A little knowledge will help you make the right decision and prevent some future problems.

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Tips for Selecting the Right Mortgage Lender Anyone interested in purchasing their own home knows how exciting the process can be, but also how overwhelming it can sometimes feel.

Locating the home of your dreams can be a time-consuming endeavor, but when it happens, most purchasers are eager to close the deal as quickly as possible. It is important, however, to remain patient as you begin to arrange for financing. The key is to take as much time as necessary to do things properly and select the best mortgage lender for your specific needs.

Loan professionals have the potential to make the home buying process either very easy. When you work with a lender who is dedicated to providing great service, the process is likely to go smoothly. But, if your lender appears to be focused primarily on securing large commissions in any way they can, or pushes loan products that you're not interested in pursuing, you should exercise caution before proceeding.

Mortgage professionals should be extremely knowledgeable about a wide variety of loan products and should be willing to spend as much time as necessary to explain them. Solid lenders are eager to answer buyers' questions and take pride in guiding them through what can be a confusing process.

The best mortgage professionals keep the borrower's best interests and financial priorities in mind when helping them finance their home purchase.

Doing some advance research on loan options is a great way for home purchasers to measure whether or not they are dealing with an honest mortgage professional. Knowing a bit about loan products before you sit down with a lender can help you determine whether he or she is truly concerned about your needs.

Having at least some knowledge about the financing process will allow you to make a sound assessment of the mortgage professional's motivation and decide whether he or she is a good fit.

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

PURCHASER'S RIGHTS Dealing with mounds of forms, declarations, and financial terminology can be dizzying to the inexperienced home buyer. However intimidating the process may feel, great care must be exercised in making sure you understand everything you are signing and the obligations you are assuming.

A signature cannot be erased, and buyers may only have a short time — or no time at all — in which they can rescind their offer.

Even if done within the permissible period, a purchaser will still likely forfeit any deposit paid if they do not follow through with the deal, and they may also owe an

additional amount based on the amount of the initial mortgage payment. This is an expensive proposition that can be avoided simply by exercising sufficient care when signing all agreements.

If a mortgage lender is rushing through the paperwork and pressuring you to quickly execute the forms, they really are not doing their job properly. Under such circumstances, the purchaser's best interests are being neglected, and the likelihood of misunderstandings grows significantly.

COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR LENDER Experienced mortgage lenders take the time to gain a thorough understanding of a purchaser's long-range financial goals.

A good lender will want to know how long the buyer intends to remain in their new home. This type of knowledge helps them suggest the mortgage products that best suit the borrower's needs. If a lender fails to ask this kind of question, the purchaser should consider it to be a serious a red flag.

SEEK LOCAL LENDERS Finding a mortgage lender in your geographical area is usually best.

Because interest rates can change on a daily basis, a local lender is better able to remain attuned to rapid changes in the local housing market, and will always know how such changes may affect his or her clients.

A local lender also allows for closer monitoring of your loan application as they will be more readily accessible to answer any questions a potential home buyer may have along the way.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PERSONAL REFERRALS Feel free to ask family members and friends about their experiences with mortgage lenders, and if they are comfortable recommending the professionals they used for their home loans.

Word-of-mouth recommendations offer a great way to identify the very best professionals in your area. Once you receive a few possible names, take the time to verify their professional backgrounds so that you will feel confident in their ability to provide the sort of quality customer service you desire.

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How to Guide 2013

Saturday, February 9, 2013

A Star-Herald Publication

Choose an Auto Body Shop

26/30 Raw Shrimp

$

6

99

Dole Tropical Gold Pineapple

$

2

99

Catfish Fillets

$

5

99 LB.

Snow Crab Clusters

$

7

99 LB.

Cod Loins

$

5

Want a different recipe or need an idea of what to make?

Try our recipe kiosk & find recipes as well as ingredient lists!

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Courtesy Of Florida Agriculture Bureau of Seafood & Aquaculture

Servings: What You Need: Prep Time: • 1½ Ib. Florida shrimp, peeled & Cook Time: Chill Time: deveined • 1 c pineapple chunks • 2 Tbsp fresh Florida lime juice • 2 Tbsp olive oil • 2 Tbsp Florida honey • 1 Tbsp Florida garlic, minced • 2 Tsp soy sauce What To Do:

4 10 min.

6 min.

1 hour

1. Arrange shrimp & pineapple chunks on wooden skewers & place in a flat bottom glass casserole dish.

2. In a small bowl, combine lime juice, oil, honey, garlic & soy sauce, reserving 1 oz. for basting during cooking. Pour remaining marinade over shrimp skewers. Cover & refrigerate for 1 hour.

3. Place skewers on grill about 6 inches from coals or gas flame. Cook for 3-4 min. on each side until shrimp are opaque & pineapple begins to brown; baste with reserved marinade before turning.

Serve with grilled vegetables. * Recipe courtesy of Florida Department of Agriculture Bureau of Seafood and Aquaculture Marketing

Ingredient Locations • • • • • • •

LB.

honey - Aisle 1 (Honey) olive oil - Aisle 14 (Cooking Oils) soy sauce - Aisle 14 (Oriental Foods) pineapple chunks - Produce (Fruit) fresh lime Juice - Produce (Fruit) minced garlic - Produce (Vegetables) uncooked shrimp - Seafood (Seafood)

Calories 340; Calories From Fat 91 Total Fat 10g; Saturated Fat 2g Cholesterol 259mg; Total Carbs 25g; Protein 35g

401 South Beltline Highway West, Scottsbluff 305-632-5303

Prices good through February 12, 2013

Open Daily 6am-9pm

Making sure our automobiles are in safe, efficient and reliable working condition is essential in our day-to-day lives.

Our cars, trucks, SUVs and minivans get us to work on time, back and forth to school and transport our families to and from their destinations. For all that we do, it is an absolute necessity to have a trustworthy mode of transportation.

Eventually, you’ll learn what every driver knows: accidents happen.

Because of this eventuality, it is important to choose an auto body shop that you can depend on. The high-quality shop that you choose should be able to complete all manner of work, from a minor touch-up to a full-body repair.

Even the smallest accident can throw your entire car, and schedule, into disarray. You’ll need an auto body shop that you can consult when you have an accident to ensure that your car is repaired quickly, affordably and correctly the first time around.

Talk to your friends and family that live near you and ask which auto body shop they prefer. Your family and friends won’t steer you towards someone that they did not have good dealings with. Once you have gotten a list of names, consult the Internet for more information and customer reviews.

Internet testimonials, both positive and negative, need to be taken with a grain of salt. No business has a 100 percent satisfaction rate, no matter what they say. Someone will always be displeased. Also keep in mind that people are more apt to leave a negative review than a positive one.

If you can’t get any good recommendations from friends or family, consult the Yellow Pages or perform an Internet search.

After you have done your due diligence and created a short list of auto body shops, make some phone calls. Describe to the person who answers the phone your exact problem and pay attention to the type of response you get.

If the person seems both knowledgeable and helpful, keep that shop on your short list. If the person seems rushed or uninterested, it can mean that the shop has too much on their plate or just simply has poor customer service. In either case, you can eliminate that shop from your list.

When you have chosen a shop, there are things to be on the lookout for.

Check for plainly displayed prices, certifications and guarantees. Do be aware that you most often get what you pay for when it comes to auto body work.

Low prices may be tempting but they may also mean sub-par work, used parts and paint that is not applied properly.

Ask the shop manager or owner for references before you have them work on your car. They should be more than happy to provide names of customers with whom you can speak.

Also be sure to look at their work. If you notice a car with paint drips, panels that don’t line up or paints that don’t match, look elsewhere. You will not be saving money in the long run if you have to have the work redone.

Make sure that the shop is able to inspect your vehicle for repairs that are not visible. A full-service shop will not only be able to locate this damage but repair it also.

Choosing a shop that can complete the entire job will save you from having to take your car to several places for a complete repair.

Picking a great auto body shop is the first step in getting your car back on the road. Once you have made your selection, you should be comfortable with every aspect of the shop: customer service, price and quality of work.

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?

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Saturday, February 9, 2013

How to Guide 2013

A Star-Herald Publication

Select Fish and Seafood

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The best seafood dishes start with the freshest and finest ingredients. The seafood and fish you select for your special recipe should be clean, fresh and uncontaminated.

Quality ingredients come from quality suppliers. Choose your perfect seafood store by following several time-tested tips.

You can often form an immediate opinion about the freshness and quality of the seafood as soon as you walk in the door of a store. A clean shop that protects its products against spoilage and discards seafood and fish past their best dates will smell good. It won’t have a strong fishy odor and you shouldn’t be able to detect even the slightest whiff of ammonia, a common by-product of seafood that was caught several days ago.

Patronize a seafood shop that strives to keep its customers thoroughly informed and educated.

Product freshness is extremely important for seafood and fish, so a store that clearly states when its merchandise was caught is one you’ll want to visit often. If the dates are not openly displayed, ask one of the sales associates for this information. An absence of freshness dating and a lack of straight answers from the sales staff indicate that you’d be wiser finding a different store.

The sales staff’s activity level also tells you something about the quality of the seafood for sale. A good store’s personnel will be constantly on the move, replenishing ice, draining water and rotating the stock.

The store’s catch should be less than a week old. Ideally, seafood and fish need to be used within a day or two of its harvest if you want the highest quality. This is possible if you live near a coast. If you live inland, you’ll need to compromise a bit on freshness.

Proper presentation and storage of its merchandise is the hallmark of a good-quality seafood store. All fish and seafood need to be in a refrigerated case or kept on ice all the time. Products stored on or in ice should not touch the water produced by its melting.

Even a brief period at room temperature can cause seafood to spoil. It will develop an off-taste. Even worse, room temperatures allow bacteria to grow and make you or your family sick.

Fish and seafood should have a fresh color and give off only a mild briny smell. Packaged seafood older than three or four days will have a stronger fishy or ammonia odor. Older products will also have a sticky transparent film on their surfaces and may have an unpleasant or unusual appearance and color.

Fresh fish will have bright eyes that aren’t sunken. The gills should be a bright red color. The fish’s skin should be bright, fresh and with the scales firmly attached. Older fish will have a slimy coating that is absent from the catch of the day.

Seafood and fish that are past their prime may have dry or hardened areas.

Fish is particularly prone to developing these hardened areas around their edges. A quality seafood store will offer merchandise like this for sale.

Packages of seafood fish, shrimp and lobster should not be purchased if there are holes in the wrappings or containers.

Exposure to air causes some kinds of seafood to spoil and become bacteria-laden in a very short period of time. Similarly, don’t buy any packages that are waterlogged.

Bacteria-laden water can seep easily through loose packaging, contaminating the contents.

Fish packaging should not appear to have been opened or tampered with in any way. The best and most trustworthy seafood stores guard against faulty packaging and will not sell any item that appears to have faulty wrappers or containers.

Fresh and wholesome seafood and fish bear a price tag reflecting their high quality. Don’t buy these products from a store if the prices appear to be extremely low or if the sale price seems too good to be true. It usually is.

Do some comparison shopping, though. Buying your seafood from a pricey boutique shop will cost you more money without any additional quality. A quality seafood store, on the other hand, will offer its products at reasonable and appropriate prices below those of the fancy shop.

Do your homework and learn all about the factors influencing freshness and wholesomeness. With these tools on your side, finding and frequenting a quality seafood store becomes less of a confusing mystery.

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Saturday, February 9, 2013

How to Guide 2013

A Star-Herald Publication

Choose an Internet Service Provider Make sure you understand what will happen after the promotional period is over. Some companies may tell you they don’t engage in contracts, but will charge a cancellation fee if you choose to cancel. Double check what the final monthly cost will be including taxes, cost of equipment, and fees. While the short-term may be attractive, the entire service agreement needs to be considered.

Over-all Costs · Just like most things in life, you generally get what you pay for. Faster service will most likely cost more money, but it’s good to compare prices from several different providers. Take all costs into consideration. What is the installation fee? How much will they charge for monthly modem rental? Are there data caps on how much you can download? Will you have to pay a higher fee to access wireless Internet for other devices in your home such as laptops, phones, iPads or Kindles?

The Internet has become a pivotal part of our everyday lives. If you ask most people, they would argue it would be hard to live without access to the World Wide Web. We have become reliant on the Internet for social networking, communication, entertainment, as a way to earn income, marketing, online education, and much more.

Because of the importance that having Internet access has on our lives, you as a consumer must choose the right Internet service provider. Without the proper research, you could find yourself stuck in a contract with painfully slow Internet speeds linked with high prices and few options.

You should consider several things before selecting a company that will provide you with your Internet connection.

Customer Service · Customer service will play a critical part in the service provider you choose.

Research and ask friends and family about customer service experiences with Internet providers in your area. Are they accessible to customers?

When you contact customer service, are you greeted by a person or a recording? Will they go above and beyond to make sure that your experience is pleasant?

Remember, not all Internet Service Providers are equal. Make sure to research, ask questions, and talk to family and friends to gain the best knowledge possible. Consider how each provider can best meet your needs.

Type of Connection · The oldest type of connection is dial-up. Dial-up connections are obtained through a landline phone and have speeds of approximately 56 kit/s, which is very slow by today’s standards. · DSL is another type of Internet connection that uses a landline phone.

Speeds are faster compared to dial-up, but still not generally fast enough for today’s usage. · Broadband connections are the most popular type of Internet connectivity.

You can receive broadband connections using a USB modem, a wireless radio, a mobile phone, coaxial cable, or fiber optics. · Synchronous speeds are ideal. To put it in easy to understand terms, if your provider has synchronous speeds, your upload and download speeds will be the same. You can download music, upload photos, and can watch online movies and videos much faster.

Terms of Potential Contract · Many Internet providers offer specials. Some companies may offer free service for the first few months, while another may offer free equipment or upgrades. While special promotions may be enticing, read the fine print.

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Saturday, February 9, 2013

How to Guide 2013

A Star-Herald Publication

Plan For Retirement ith the current up and down state of the economy, it’s more important than ever to be on top of planning for your retirement.

There are any number of avenues to take that ensure that you have some level of financial security after you’ve left the workforce, and here are a few of them you should consider.

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1) Don’t let nervousness, indecision and procrastination disable you: Retirement planning is often accompanied by anxiety. But take the bull by the horns and start your homework at your local library or bookstore, through your area’s continuing education program or through your employer. If you are at a loss, one of the best places to get started is your local bank. There are now personal bankers, investment advisors and other financial professionals willing and able to help you plan your retirement. Although your bank may be perfectly trustworthy, keep in mind that it is selling certain things. You may want to gather information from other sources in order to have something to compare your bank’s advice against.

2) Pay yourself first: This is the key statement, one way or another, in just about every book concerning retirement planning. What it means is, before you pay your bills, the mortgage, or anything else, invest in your retirement. This means setting up a retirement account (401K, IRA, Roth IRA, etc.) The rule of thumb for how much to pay yourself is usually 10 percent of your income. If this is not feasible, save what you can afford.

For example, if you make $50,000 a year, a one hundred dollar a week automatic deposit into your IRA will result in around 5,000 a year, plus interest. Over 20 years this can pile up into quite a large amount.

3) Invest in the long term: Retirement planning is not about day trading or get-rich-quick schemes, but about making stable investments that appreciate over time. Certain mutual funds are low risk, as is real estate, CDs and money market accounts.

Though interest rates are currently low, these options may appreciate sigSeven tips for retirement planning 1. Seek help getting started, either on your own or with the help of your bank or other financial advice professionals.

2. Invest in your retirement by always putting some money away for your retirement out of every paycheck.

3. Make stable, low-risk investments that appreciate over time. Put money into tax deferred retirement accounts.

4. No matter how old you are, start looking into purchasing a home you can afford.

nificantly over time. Money put into tax deferred retirement accounts reduces the gross taxable amount on your paycheck.

4) Do your research: Another key statistic often quoted by popular financial advisors is that owning a home is one of the keys to being well off in retirement. So, no matter how old you are, start looking into purchasing a home you can afford.

5) Look into insurance, annuities and other financial products: Yes, they call them products now, but insurance and other investments that mature over a period of time can be to your advantage and your family’s. Two of the most overlooked insurance items are supplemental disability insurance and long-term care insurance. Premiums for these types of insurance can be quite reasonable when you’re young, and though you may be paying for a long time, the benefits are substantial if you ever become permanently disabled or suffer a long-term illness.

6) Plan ahead: If you want to live on a golf course, you could invest in that property now, with rentals paying your mortgage, until you decide to move in permanently. If you have kids who will need to go to college, start a taxexempt fund now so you’re not hit with a big bill when they come of age. And teach your kids some basics of financial planning as well. The better they handle their own money the less they’ll need yours.

7) Stay healthy: This is one of the most important things you can do in planning for retirement. Lose weight, quit smoking, get regular check-ups and exercise regularly.

What’s the point of having a financially secure retirement of you can’t really enjoy it? Maintaining your health and vigor is the number one tip for retirement planning. Also, if you have good health, you may be able to work long after retirement age to either continue or supplement your income and investments.

5. Insurance, annuities and other investments that mature over a period of time can be advantageous.

6. Plan ahead by saving for your children’s college education or investing in your dream home now.

7. Stay healthy, lose weight, quit smoking, get regular check-ups and exercise regularly. Maintaining your health and vigor is the number one tip for retirement planning.

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Saturday, February 9, 2013

How to Guide 2013

A Star-Herald Publication

Choose Kitchen Cabinets When it is time to remodel your home, a great place to start is with the kitchen cabinets. As a rule of thumb, you should spend up to 20 percent of your home's value on remodeling the kitchen.

If your home is valued at $100,000, for example, you should be comfortable spending up to $20,000 on remodeling your kitchen. Of that money, about 40 percent can be expected to be spent on the cabinets alone.

For the best return on your money, if you plan on selling your home within the next eight years, make sure you buy quality cabinets in a style that will appeal to a wide section of borrowers. If you plan on spending more than eight years in your home, then plan for what your family will enjoy the most.

Custom Built Cabinets The best solution for most people, if the budget allows it, is to install custom built cabinets. These cabinets allow the homeowner to choose the style of cabinets to suit their personal dĂŠcor. The homeowner can choose the color, the hinges, the rollers and even have special finishes applied to their cabinets.

When choosing custom built cabinets, it is important to work with a professional. Make sure and check out the references from friends and neighbors. A great way to find these professionals is to ask other professionals who they recommend. If you are using a contractor, they should have suggestions on who they like to work with.

Sit down with two or three custom builders and discuss your budget and what they can provide you within that budget. Furthermore, discuss what you like in cabinets. Make sure that you hire a professional who will give you a reasonable timeframe. Living without your kitchen for an extended period can be tough.

Make sure that your custom cabinet builder will be able to apply any special finishes that you want themselves. Some people love the look of antiquing or distressing, while others like the cabinets painted to match other parts of the kitchen.

Make sure and check out the quality of materials the builder plans on using.

Look for a lifetime guarantee on the hinges, heavy duty slides and ž� solid wood.

Occasionally, it is necessary to change the cabinets once you have placed the order. It is important that the homeowner understands the consequences of doing this before they place the order.

Once you have determined what you want then make sure to get everything in writing. Most builders are entirely honest, but a contract will spell out exactly what is expected of both parties. Do not sign anything until you have read and understood the whole contract.

Pre-Built Cabinets Some budgets will only allow for the homeowner to use pre-built cabinets.

When this is the case, there are some simple steps that will assure you get the

best quality.

First, look for solid construction. Try to find products that are made with real wood. Particle board will not stand up as well as real wood. Look for cabinets that are well constructed with warranties on the hardware, slides and other components.

A warranty is only as good as the company that is behind the warranty.

Make sure that you choose a company that has been around for a while. You will want to be able to find them, if the need arises.

Look for a company that will allow you to order special sizes if you need them. While these cabinets will usually be more expensive, you will be happier with the results.

Installation Even if you pick the highest-quality cabinets and have a brilliant design plan in place, none of that matters if the installation is not done properly. That's why you need to make finding a high quality, reputable installer your top priority.

The best kitchen cabinet companies have been in business a long time and have plenty of references in your area. If they're good at what they do, they'll be proud to show off their work and help you get in touch with their previous customers.

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Saturday, February 9, 2013

How to Guide 2013

A Star-Herald Publication

Guide to Estates and Wills

I

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 rearview 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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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10

Saturday, February 9, 2013

How to Guide 2013

A Star-Herald Publication

Select the Best Retirement Community for Your Needs Today's retirees want a lot more than rocking chairs. As more Americans remain active in retirement, they are looking for communities that match their lifestyles and goals for relaxed living.

When deciding on a retirement community, a series of factors should be taken into consideration, including the price, amenities and activities offered. Golf, tennis and swimming availability are things in which many potential residents will be particularly interested.

Parking is another key factor to weigh when choosing a retirement community.

Because most people enjoy having family and friends visit, ample parking is a necessity.

If parking is tight, visitors may be less frequent. Therefore, parking is something every retiree should examine before making a financial commitment to a retirement living facility.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES These days, senior citizens are more active and health conscious than ever before. Many want to keep their activity levels high during their retirement years and enjoy golf, tennis, swimming and walking. Thus, it is important to research whether such activities are easily accessible at any prospective retirement community.

Many seniors also enjoy participating in arts and crafts, board games, dancing and other organized activities. Taking part in a wide range of social activities can provide a tremendous opportunity for retirees to make new friends, so pay attention to what social events are organized by the retirement community. schools, sports facilities and other sites which regularly produce large traffic volIt is also useful to research whether prospective retirement communities pro- umes and noise levels. vide opportunities for residents to venture further afield on organized trips to theYou should also know where the nearest libraries and churches are located, aters, museums and other events. as well as where you can access public transportation such as trains and buses.

You will also want to ask whether the retirement community provides its own MEDICAL CARE FACILITIES It is advisable to conduct research prior to choosing a facility so that you know transportation for local trips.

Some communities have their own fleet of minivans and buses for the purthe location of the closest hospitals, doctors, ambulance services and other health pose of providing local transportation. This is extremely helpful for seniors who professionals. no longer drive, do not have access to a vehicle or simply need to do some rouYou may wish to restrict your search to communities located near your pretine personal shopping. ferred physician or other service providers.

It is wise to search for communities with a formal emergency plan in place. THE COMMUNITY Additionally, check the retirement unit itself to see if it has custom features meant When selecting a retirement community, it makes sense to talk with current to ensure safety such as railings in the bathroom and in the entranceways. residents to get a feel for their level of satisfaction with the neighborhood. Ask questions about their experiences since moving into the community and seek PET POLICIES If you have a pet that you do not want to leave behind, this is another feature candid reviews of the amenities and staff.

Above all, it is important to feel confident that you have selected a retirement to consider when investigating potential retirement communities. Some facilities community that is the best fit for your personal needs and lifestyle. will allow you to bring your pet to live with you while others will not.

By taking the time to research multiple facilities, you can be sure to find more Additionally, a park or a dog walking area nearby would be of great benefit to than just a place to live. You can find a warm, welcoming community in which you and your pet, particularly if your animal is one that requires daily exercise. you will build lasting friendships and where you can get the support you need to CHURCHES, LIBRARIES AND SCHOOLS thoroughly enjoy your retirement.

People typically prefer to live in less congested, quiet areas during their retirement years. Because of this, you should research how close the community is to

11

10

Saturday, February 9, 2013

How to Guide 2013

A Star-Herald Publication

Select the Best Retirement Community for Your Needs Today's retirees want a lot more than rocking chairs. As more Americans remain active in retirement, they are looking for communities that match their lifestyles and goals for relaxed living.

When deciding on a retirement community, a series of factors should be taken into consideration, including the price, amenities and activities offered. Golf, tennis and swimming availability are things in which many potential residents will be particularly interested.

Parking is another key factor to weigh when choosing a retirement community.

Because most people enjoy having family and friends visit, ample parking is a necessity.

If parking is tight, visitors may be less frequent. Therefore, parking is something every retiree should examine before making a financial commitment to a retirement living facility.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES These days, senior citizens are more active and health conscious than ever before. Many want to keep their activity levels high during their retirement years and enjoy golf, tennis, swimming and walking. Thus, it is important to research whether such activities are easily accessible at any prospective retirement community.

Many seniors also enjoy participating in arts and crafts, board games, dancing and other organized activities. Taking part in a wide range of social activities can provide a tremendous opportunity for retirees to make new friends, so pay attention to what social events are organized by the retirement community. schools, sports facilities and other sites which regularly produce large traffic volIt is also useful to research whether prospective retirement communities pro- umes and noise levels. vide opportunities for residents to venture further afield on organized trips to theYou should also know where the nearest libraries and churches are located, aters, museums and other events. as well as where you can access public transportation such as trains and buses.

You will also want to ask whether the retirement community provides its own MEDICAL CARE FACILITIES It is advisable to conduct research prior to choosing a facility so that you know transportation for local trips.

Some communities have their own fleet of minivans and buses for the purthe location of the closest hospitals, doctors, ambulance services and other health pose of providing local transportation. This is extremely helpful for seniors who professionals. no longer drive, do not have access to a vehicle or simply need to do some rouYou may wish to restrict your search to communities located near your pretine personal shopping. ferred physician or other service providers.

It is wise to search for communities with a formal emergency plan in place. THE COMMUNITY Additionally, check the retirement unit itself to see if it has custom features meant When selecting a retirement community, it makes sense to talk with current to ensure safety such as railings in the bathroom and in the entranceways. residents to get a feel for their level of satisfaction with the neighborhood. Ask questions about their experiences since moving into the community and seek PET POLICIES If you have a pet that you do not want to leave behind, this is another feature candid reviews of the amenities and staff.

Above all, it is important to feel confident that you have selected a retirement to consider when investigating potential retirement communities. Some facilities community that is the best fit for your personal needs and lifestyle. will allow you to bring your pet to live with you while others will not.

By taking the time to research multiple facilities, you can be sure to find more Additionally, a park or a dog walking area nearby would be of great benefit to than just a place to live. You can find a warm, welcoming community in which you and your pet, particularly if your animal is one that requires daily exercise. you will build lasting friendships and where you can get the support you need to CHURCHES, LIBRARIES AND SCHOOLS thoroughly enjoy your retirement.

People typically prefer to live in less congested, quiet areas during their retirement years. Because of this, you should research how close the community is to

11

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Saturday, February 9, 2013

How to Guide 2013

A Star-Herald Publication

Guide to Estates and Wills

I

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 rearview 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 9, 2013

How to Guide 2013

A Star-Herald Publication

Choose Kitchen Cabinets When it is time to remodel your home, a great place to start is with the kitchen cabinets. As a rule of thumb, you should spend up to 20 percent of your home's value on remodeling the kitchen.

If your home is valued at $100,000, for example, you should be comfortable spending up to $20,000 on remodeling your kitchen. Of that money, about 40 percent can be expected to be spent on the cabinets alone.

For the best return on your money, if you plan on selling your home within the next eight years, make sure you buy quality cabinets in a style that will appeal to a wide section of borrowers. If you plan on spending more than eight years in your home, then plan for what your family will enjoy the most.

Custom Built Cabinets The best solution for most people, if the budget allows it, is to install custom built cabinets. These cabinets allow the homeowner to choose the style of cabinets to suit their personal dĂŠcor. The homeowner can choose the color, the hinges, the rollers and even have special finishes applied to their cabinets.

When choosing custom built cabinets, it is important to work with a professional. Make sure and check out the references from friends and neighbors. A great way to find these professionals is to ask other professionals who they recommend. If you are using a contractor, they should have suggestions on who they like to work with.

Sit down with two or three custom builders and discuss your budget and what they can provide you within that budget. Furthermore, discuss what you like in cabinets. Make sure that you hire a professional who will give you a reasonable timeframe. Living without your kitchen for an extended period can be tough.

Make sure that your custom cabinet builder will be able to apply any special finishes that you want themselves. Some people love the look of antiquing or distressing, while others like the cabinets painted to match other parts of the kitchen.

Make sure and check out the quality of materials the builder plans on using.

Look for a lifetime guarantee on the hinges, heavy duty slides and ž� solid wood.

Occasionally, it is necessary to change the cabinets once you have placed the order. It is important that the homeowner understands the consequences of doing this before they place the order.

Once you have determined what you want then make sure to get everything in writing. Most builders are entirely honest, but a contract will spell out exactly what is expected of both parties. Do not sign anything until you have read and understood the whole contract.

Pre-Built Cabinets Some budgets will only allow for the homeowner to use pre-built cabinets.

When this is the case, there are some simple steps that will assure you get the

best quality.

First, look for solid construction. Try to find products that are made with real wood. Particle board will not stand up as well as real wood. Look for cabinets that are well constructed with warranties on the hardware, slides and other components.

A warranty is only as good as the company that is behind the warranty.

Make sure that you choose a company that has been around for a while. You will want to be able to find them, if the need arises.

Look for a company that will allow you to order special sizes if you need them. While these cabinets will usually be more expensive, you will be happier with the results.

Installation Even if you pick the highest-quality cabinets and have a brilliant design plan in place, none of that matters if the installation is not done properly. That's why you need to make finding a high quality, reputable installer your top priority.

The best kitchen cabinet companies have been in business a long time and have plenty of references in your area. If they're good at what they do, they'll be proud to show off their work and help you get in touch with their previous customers.

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Saturday, February 9, 2013

How to Guide 2013

A Star-Herald Publication

Plan For Retirement ith the current up and down state of the economy, it’s more important than ever to be on top of planning for your retirement.

There are any number of avenues to take that ensure that you have some level of financial security after you’ve left the workforce, and here are a few of them you should consider.

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1) Don’t let nervousness, indecision and procrastination disable you: Retirement planning is often accompanied by anxiety. But take the bull by the horns and start your homework at your local library or bookstore, through your area’s continuing education program or through your employer. If you are at a loss, one of the best places to get started is your local bank. There are now personal bankers, investment advisors and other financial professionals willing and able to help you plan your retirement. Although your bank may be perfectly trustworthy, keep in mind that it is selling certain things. You may want to gather information from other sources in order to have something to compare your bank’s advice against.

2) Pay yourself first: This is the key statement, one way or another, in just about every book concerning retirement planning. What it means is, before you pay your bills, the mortgage, or anything else, invest in your retirement. This means setting up a retirement account (401K, IRA, Roth IRA, etc.) The rule of thumb for how much to pay yourself is usually 10 percent of your income. If this is not feasible, save what you can afford.

For example, if you make $50,000 a year, a one hundred dollar a week automatic deposit into your IRA will result in around 5,000 a year, plus interest. Over 20 years this can pile up into quite a large amount.

3) Invest in the long term: Retirement planning is not about day trading or get-rich-quick schemes, but about making stable investments that appreciate over time. Certain mutual funds are low risk, as is real estate, CDs and money market accounts.

Though interest rates are currently low, these options may appreciate sigSeven tips for retirement planning 1. Seek help getting started, either on your own or with the help of your bank or other financial advice professionals.

2. Invest in your retirement by always putting some money away for your retirement out of every paycheck.

3. Make stable, low-risk investments that appreciate over time. Put money into tax deferred retirement accounts.

4. No matter how old you are, start looking into purchasing a home you can afford.

nificantly over time. Money put into tax deferred retirement accounts reduces the gross taxable amount on your paycheck.

4) Do your research: Another key statistic often quoted by popular financial advisors is that owning a home is one of the keys to being well off in retirement. So, no matter how old you are, start looking into purchasing a home you can afford.

5) Look into insurance, annuities and other financial products: Yes, they call them products now, but insurance and other investments that mature over a period of time can be to your advantage and your family’s. Two of the most overlooked insurance items are supplemental disability insurance and long-term care insurance. Premiums for these types of insurance can be quite reasonable when you’re young, and though you may be paying for a long time, the benefits are substantial if you ever become permanently disabled or suffer a long-term illness.

6) Plan ahead: If you want to live on a golf course, you could invest in that property now, with rentals paying your mortgage, until you decide to move in permanently. If you have kids who will need to go to college, start a taxexempt fund now so you’re not hit with a big bill when they come of age. And teach your kids some basics of financial planning as well. The better they handle their own money the less they’ll need yours.

7) Stay healthy: This is one of the most important things you can do in planning for retirement. Lose weight, quit smoking, get regular check-ups and exercise regularly.

What’s the point of having a financially secure retirement of you can’t really enjoy it? Maintaining your health and vigor is the number one tip for retirement planning. Also, if you have good health, you may be able to work long after retirement age to either continue or supplement your income and investments.

5. Insurance, annuities and other investments that mature over a period of time can be advantageous.

6. Plan ahead by saving for your children’s college education or investing in your dream home now.

7. Stay healthy, lose weight, quit smoking, get regular check-ups and exercise regularly. Maintaining your health and vigor is the number one tip for retirement planning.

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Saturday, February 9, 2013

How to Guide 2013

A Star-Herald Publication

Choose an Internet Service Provider Make sure you understand what will happen after the promotional period is over. Some companies may tell you they don’t engage in contracts, but will charge a cancellation fee if you choose to cancel. Double check what the final monthly cost will be including taxes, cost of equipment, and fees. While the short-term may be attractive, the entire service agreement needs to be considered.

Over-all Costs · Just like most things in life, you generally get what you pay for. Faster service will most likely cost more money, but it’s good to compare prices from several different providers. Take all costs into consideration. What is the installation fee? How much will they charge for monthly modem rental? Are there data caps on how much you can download? Will you have to pay a higher fee to access wireless Internet for other devices in your home such as laptops, phones, iPads or Kindles?

The Internet has become a pivotal part of our everyday lives. If you ask most people, they would argue it would be hard to live without access to the World Wide Web. We have become reliant on the Internet for social networking, communication, entertainment, as a way to earn income, marketing, online education, and much more.

Because of the importance that having Internet access has on our lives, you as a consumer must choose the right Internet service provider. Without the proper research, you could find yourself stuck in a contract with painfully slow Internet speeds linked with high prices and few options.

You should consider several things before selecting a company that will provide you with your Internet connection.

Customer Service · Customer service will play a critical part in the service provider you choose.

Research and ask friends and family about customer service experiences with Internet providers in your area. Are they accessible to customers?

When you contact customer service, are you greeted by a person or a recording? Will they go above and beyond to make sure that your experience is pleasant?

Remember, not all Internet Service Providers are equal. Make sure to research, ask questions, and talk to family and friends to gain the best knowledge possible. Consider how each provider can best meet your needs.

Type of Connection · The oldest type of connection is dial-up. Dial-up connections are obtained through a landline phone and have speeds of approximately 56 kit/s, which is very slow by today’s standards. · DSL is another type of Internet connection that uses a landline phone.

Speeds are faster compared to dial-up, but still not generally fast enough for today’s usage. · Broadband connections are the most popular type of Internet connectivity.

You can receive broadband connections using a USB modem, a wireless radio, a mobile phone, coaxial cable, or fiber optics. · Synchronous speeds are ideal. To put it in easy to understand terms, if your provider has synchronous speeds, your upload and download speeds will be the same. You can download music, upload photos, and can watch online movies and videos much faster.

Terms of Potential Contract · Many Internet providers offer specials. Some companies may offer free service for the first few months, while another may offer free equipment or upgrades. While special promotions may be enticing, read the fine print.

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Saturday, February 9, 2013

How to Guide 2013

A Star-Herald Publication

Select Fish and Seafood

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The best seafood dishes start with the freshest and finest ingredients. The seafood and fish you select for your special recipe should be clean, fresh and uncontaminated.

Quality ingredients come from quality suppliers. Choose your perfect seafood store by following several time-tested tips.

You can often form an immediate opinion about the freshness and quality of the seafood as soon as you walk in the door of a store. A clean shop that protects its products against spoilage and discards seafood and fish past their best dates will smell good. It won’t have a strong fishy odor and you shouldn’t be able to detect even the slightest whiff of ammonia, a common by-product of seafood that was caught several days ago.

Patronize a seafood shop that strives to keep its customers thoroughly informed and educated.

Product freshness is extremely important for seafood and fish, so a store that clearly states when its merchandise was caught is one you’ll want to visit often. If the dates are not openly displayed, ask one of the sales associates for this information. An absence of freshness dating and a lack of straight answers from the sales staff indicate that you’d be wiser finding a different store.

The sales staff’s activity level also tells you something about the quality of the seafood for sale. A good store’s personnel will be constantly on the move, replenishing ice, draining water and rotating the stock.

The store’s catch should be less than a week old. Ideally, seafood and fish need to be used within a day or two of its harvest if you want the highest quality. This is possible if you live near a coast. If you live inland, you’ll need to compromise a bit on freshness.

Proper presentation and storage of its merchandise is the hallmark of a good-quality seafood store. All fish and seafood need to be in a refrigerated case or kept on ice all the time. Products stored on or in ice should not touch the water produced by its melting.

Even a brief period at room temperature can cause seafood to spoil. It will develop an off-taste. Even worse, room temperatures allow bacteria to grow and make you or your family sick.

Fish and seafood should have a fresh color and give off only a mild briny smell. Packaged seafood older than three or four days will have a stronger fishy or ammonia odor. Older products will also have a sticky transparent film on their surfaces and may have an unpleasant or unusual appearance and color.

Fresh fish will have bright eyes that aren’t sunken. The gills should be a bright red color. The fish’s skin should be bright, fresh and with the scales firmly attached. Older fish will have a slimy coating that is absent from the catch of the day.

Seafood and fish that are past their prime may have dry or hardened areas.

Fish is particularly prone to developing these hardened areas around their edges. A quality seafood store will offer merchandise like this for sale.

Packages of seafood fish, shrimp and lobster should not be purchased if there are holes in the wrappings or containers.

Exposure to air causes some kinds of seafood to spoil and become bacteria-laden in a very short period of time. Similarly, don’t buy any packages that are waterlogged.

Bacteria-laden water can seep easily through loose packaging, contaminating the contents.

Fish packaging should not appear to have been opened or tampered with in any way. The best and most trustworthy seafood stores guard against faulty packaging and will not sell any item that appears to have faulty wrappers or containers.

Fresh and wholesome seafood and fish bear a price tag reflecting their high quality. Don’t buy these products from a store if the prices appear to be extremely low or if the sale price seems too good to be true. It usually is.

Do some comparison shopping, though. Buying your seafood from a pricey boutique shop will cost you more money without any additional quality. A quality seafood store, on the other hand, will offer its products at reasonable and appropriate prices below those of the fancy shop.

Do your homework and learn all about the factors influencing freshness and wholesomeness. With these tools on your side, finding and frequenting a quality seafood store becomes less of a confusing mystery.

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How to Guide 2013

Saturday, February 9, 2013

A Star-Herald Publication

Choose an Auto Body Shop

26/30 Raw Shrimp

$

6

99

Dole Tropical Gold Pineapple

$

2

99

Catfish Fillets

$

5

99 LB.

Snow Crab Clusters

$

7

99 LB.

Cod Loins

$

5

Want a different recipe or need an idea of what to make?

Try our recipe kiosk & find recipes as well as ingredient lists!

99

Courtesy Of Florida Agriculture Bureau of Seafood & Aquaculture

Servings: What You Need: Prep Time: • 1½ Ib. Florida shrimp, peeled & Cook Time: Chill Time: deveined • 1 c pineapple chunks • 2 Tbsp fresh Florida lime juice • 2 Tbsp olive oil • 2 Tbsp Florida honey • 1 Tbsp Florida garlic, minced • 2 Tsp soy sauce What To Do:

4 10 min.

6 min.

1 hour

1. Arrange shrimp & pineapple chunks on wooden skewers & place in a flat bottom glass casserole dish.

2. In a small bowl, combine lime juice, oil, honey, garlic & soy sauce, reserving 1 oz. for basting during cooking. Pour remaining marinade over shrimp skewers. Cover & refrigerate for 1 hour.

3. Place skewers on grill about 6 inches from coals or gas flame. Cook for 3-4 min. on each side until shrimp are opaque & pineapple begins to brown; baste with reserved marinade before turning.

Serve with grilled vegetables. * Recipe courtesy of Florida Department of Agriculture Bureau of Seafood and Aquaculture Marketing

Ingredient Locations • • • • • • •

LB.

honey - Aisle 1 (Honey) olive oil - Aisle 14 (Cooking Oils) soy sauce - Aisle 14 (Oriental Foods) pineapple chunks - Produce (Fruit) fresh lime Juice - Produce (Fruit) minced garlic - Produce (Vegetables) uncooked shrimp - Seafood (Seafood)

Calories 340; Calories From Fat 91 Total Fat 10g; Saturated Fat 2g Cholesterol 259mg; Total Carbs 25g; Protein 35g

401 South Beltline Highway West, Scottsbluff 305-632-5303

Prices good through February 12, 2013

Open Daily 6am-9pm

Making sure our automobiles are in safe, efficient and reliable working condition is essential in our day-to-day lives.

Our cars, trucks, SUVs and minivans get us to work on time, back and forth to school and transport our families to and from their destinations. For all that we do, it is an absolute necessity to have a trustworthy mode of transportation.

Eventually, you’ll learn what every driver knows: accidents happen.

Because of this eventuality, it is important to choose an auto body shop that you can depend on. The high-quality shop that you choose should be able to complete all manner of work, from a minor touch-up to a full-body repair.

Even the smallest accident can throw your entire car, and schedule, into disarray. You’ll need an auto body shop that you can consult when you have an accident to ensure that your car is repaired quickly, affordably and correctly the first time around.

Talk to your friends and family that live near you and ask which auto body shop they prefer. Your family and friends won’t steer you towards someone that they did not have good dealings with. Once you have gotten a list of names, consult the Internet for more information and customer reviews.

Internet testimonials, both positive and negative, need to be taken with a grain of salt. No business has a 100 percent satisfaction rate, no matter what they say. Someone will always be displeased. Also keep in mind that people are more apt to leave a negative review than a positive one.

If you can’t get any good recommendations from friends or family, consult the Yellow Pages or perform an Internet search.

After you have done your due diligence and created a short list of auto body shops, make some phone calls. Describe to the person who answers the phone your exact problem and pay attention to the type of response you get.

If the person seems both knowledgeable and helpful, keep that shop on your short list. If the person seems rushed or uninterested, it can mean that the shop has too much on their plate or just simply has poor customer service. In either case, you can eliminate that shop from your list.

When you have chosen a shop, there are things to be on the lookout for.

Check for plainly displayed prices, certifications and guarantees. Do be aware that you most often get what you pay for when it comes to auto body work.

Low prices may be tempting but they may also mean sub-par work, used parts and paint that is not applied properly.

Ask the shop manager or owner for references before you have them work on your car. They should be more than happy to provide names of customers with whom you can speak.

Also be sure to look at their work. If you notice a car with paint drips, panels that don’t line up or paints that don’t match, look elsewhere. You will not be saving money in the long run if you have to have the work redone.

Make sure that the shop is able to inspect your vehicle for repairs that are not visible. A full-service shop will not only be able to locate this damage but repair it also.

Choosing a shop that can complete the entire job will save you from having to take your car to several places for a complete repair.

Picking a great auto body shop is the first step in getting your car back on the road. Once you have made your selection, you should be comfortable with every aspect of the shop: customer service, price and quality of work.

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?

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Tips for Selecting the Right Mortgage Lender Anyone interested in purchasing their own home knows how exciting the process can be, but also how overwhelming it can sometimes feel.

Locating the home of your dreams can be a time-consuming endeavor, but when it happens, most purchasers are eager to close the deal as quickly as possible. It is important, however, to remain patient as you begin to arrange for financing. The key is to take as much time as necessary to do things properly and select the best mortgage lender for your specific needs.

Loan professionals have the potential to make the home buying process either very easy. When you work with a lender who is dedicated to providing great service, the process is likely to go smoothly. But, if your lender appears to be focused primarily on securing large commissions in any way they can, or pushes loan products that you're not interested in pursuing, you should exercise caution before proceeding.

Mortgage professionals should be extremely knowledgeable about a wide variety of loan products and should be willing to spend as much time as necessary to explain them. Solid lenders are eager to answer buyers' questions and take pride in guiding them through what can be a confusing process.

The best mortgage professionals keep the borrower's best interests and financial priorities in mind when helping them finance their home purchase.

Doing some advance research on loan options is a great way for home purchasers to measure whether or not they are dealing with an honest mortgage professional. Knowing a bit about loan products before you sit down with a lender can help you determine whether he or she is truly concerned about your needs.

Having at least some knowledge about the financing process will allow you to make a sound assessment of the mortgage professional's motivation and decide whether he or she is a good fit.

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

PURCHASER'S RIGHTS Dealing with mounds of forms, declarations, and financial terminology can be dizzying to the inexperienced home buyer. However intimidating the process may feel, great care must be exercised in making sure you understand everything you are signing and the obligations you are assuming.

A signature cannot be erased, and buyers may only have a short time — or no time at all — in which they can rescind their offer.

Even if done within the permissible period, a purchaser will still likely forfeit any deposit paid if they do not follow through with the deal, and they may also owe an

additional amount based on the amount of the initial mortgage payment. This is an expensive proposition that can be avoided simply by exercising sufficient care when signing all agreements.

If a mortgage lender is rushing through the paperwork and pressuring you to quickly execute the forms, they really are not doing their job properly. Under such circumstances, the purchaser's best interests are being neglected, and the likelihood of misunderstandings grows significantly.

COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR LENDER Experienced mortgage lenders take the time to gain a thorough understanding of a purchaser's long-range financial goals.

A good lender will want to know how long the buyer intends to remain in their new home. This type of knowledge helps them suggest the mortgage products that best suit the borrower's needs. If a lender fails to ask this kind of question, the purchaser should consider it to be a serious a red flag.

SEEK LOCAL LENDERS Finding a mortgage lender in your geographical area is usually best.

Because interest rates can change on a daily basis, a local lender is better able to remain attuned to rapid changes in the local housing market, and will always know how such changes may affect his or her clients.

A local lender also allows for closer monitoring of your loan application as they will be more readily accessible to answer any questions a potential home buyer may have along the way.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PERSONAL REFERRALS Feel free to ask family members and friends about their experiences with mortgage lenders, and if they are comfortable recommending the professionals they used for their home loans.

Word-of-mouth recommendations offer a great way to identify the very best professionals in your area. Once you receive a few possible names, take the time to verify their professional backgrounds so that you will feel confident in their ability to provide the sort of quality customer service you desire.

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Saturday, February 9, 2013

How to Guide 2013

A Star-Herald Publication

What to Look for When Buying Windows Selecting the right windows for a home or commercial building can be a daunting experience. Weighing the functionality, aesthetics, placement, cost and efficiency are all important factors affecting the final decision. It’s enough to make you dizzy.

When you understand the terminology used to describe various types of windows, your task becomes much easier. Here are the ones you’re most likely to encounter:

• 1st-time homebuyers price of appraisal will be reimbursed at closing* • Loan must close and fund with Open Mortgage, LLC as the lender • Time Limited (only applicants received from January 1st through March 31st, 2013) • Maximum reimbursement up to $500. * First time homebuyers definition: All borrowers have not owned a home within last three years.

Reverse Mortgage Programs

provide a financial solution for homeowners to fully enjoy their retirement years.

No monthly mortgage payments required.

If you’re 62 years or older, our FREE consultation will determine how much you are eligible to receive based upon the home’s equity.

Call us today for additional information.

NMLS #2975 & #5143

Karen Wickard, Branch Manager/Mortgage Consultant 1723 Avenue A Suite 100, Scottsbluff • 308-633-2454

WINDOW GLAZING Glazing refers to the actual glass in a window. Older buildings and homes often have windows a single pane of glass within each frame. They are traditional but not very energy-efficient, a quality that most people now want.

Most modern buildings feature double-glazed windows, those with two panes of glass in each frame. The space between the panes acts as a layer of insulation to improve the window’s ability to keep cold or hot air where it belongs, either inside or outside the building.

Triple-glazed windows are sometimes installed in newer structures. While these lend additional insulation benefits, their cost is higher than their double-glazed counterparts.

R-VALUES R-values describe a window’s ability to keep heated or cooled air where it belongs.

An R-value measures the amount of heat lost through its glass panes. The higher the R-value of a window, the more efficient it is.

An R-value of 3 is very desirable.

U-VALUES A U-value describes a window’s heat transfer coefficient. Don’t be alarmed by the fancy words. This means the level at which the window conducts heat. The lower the U-value, the better.

People living in colder windy climates want to choose replacement windows with the best R-value and U-value ratings to conserve energy.

LOW-E Low-emissive, or low-e, windows are one of the latest innovations in the energy-efficiency market. Simply stated, low-e glass traps heat.

Low-e is achieved by placing a thin metallic coating on the appropriate pane of a window. Indoor radiant heat is reflected back inside, reducing the burden on a building’s heating system. People who live in colder climates should consider seriously installing low-e windows as a complement to low U-value components.

On the other hand, residents of sunnier regions can take advantage of low e-windows’ heat reflective qualities, too. Summer’s higher levels of infrared rays are reflected away from the interior of the home, keeping its interior cooler.

UV FACTORS UV rays from solar penetration can wreak havoc on items inside a home or building by fading the colors of furniture and carpets. That's why a window with high ultra-violet blockage is recommended, especially for people who live in hotter climates.

CASEMENT WINDOWS If energy efficiency is of the utmost concern, casement windows are the best option. The simple hinge-and-crank design diminishes air seepage. When wind pushes against the glass, the window seal becomes tighter, further reducing leakage.

Generally speaking, casement windows are hinged on the sides, while windows hinged at the top are known as awning windows and bottom-hinged windows are called hoppers.

Hinged windows must be maintained properly, as the seal erodes over time.

If left unchecked, continued erosion can render the window less efficient.

OTHER FACTORS When there’s a large difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, condensation will form on glass. That's why you should choose a window appropriate for your climate.

Where to place windows is something else to consider when building a new structure. If you intend to increase a structure’s passive solar efficiency, you need to consider the building’s position and location as they relate to the sun. Windows that face the south let in more heat than north-facing windows.

Frames and seals can deteriorate more quickly when exposed to extreme temperatures. Windows using warm-air technology and adequate spacers reduce drastic temperature fluctuations, placing less strain on seals and farming.

Before you begin a major window-replacement project, become familiar with your area’s building codes. If you’re lacking a required permit or two, you may have to pay a fine, removed the work that’s already been done and start over.

Arm yourself with some basic terminology and concepts before you begin shopping for windows. It’s really less complicated than it looks. A little knowledge will help you make the right decision and prevent some future problems.

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Saturday, February 9, 2013

How to Guide 2013

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

A Star-Herald Publication