A Meatless Diet, More Money in Your Pocket

Being the curious person that I am, I often ask my friends and acquaintances what their food bills are each month and then I become amazed. Being a vegetarian leaves me with a very low food bill each month. Meat happens to be the most expensive item in most everyone's shopping cart. If what you are putting in your cart are fruits (in season), vegetables, brown rice, whole wheat bread, cheese, whole wheat spaghetti, juice, eggs, macaroni, and legumes, you'll have healthy foods and foods that will give a variety to your diet and last a while. Once meat is eliminated from your diet, you achieve two outcomes: more discretionary money and better health.

You can then use the discretionary money to invest in yourself as you continue your quest for success. If you are already a success, congratulations. If you are still on the path to success, here is a step to incorporate in your plans

A Key Housing Program

The $8,000 Home Buyers Tax Credit is only available to qualified taxpayers who have not owned a house during the previous three years, and who close by Nov. 30th, among other requirements. Buyers can amend their 2008 returns to claim the credit or claim it on returns for 2009.

However, efforts are being made in various states to find ways to provide the money upfront to buyers who need money for down payments and not next year after they file their federal returns and get refunds. Check with your state housing finance commission or a similar agency.

Now is the Time to Buy Real Estate

Home Ownership versus Renting

There is no better time to buy real estate. The mortgage interest rates are fantastically low. You can choose either a 15 year or a 30 year mortgage and still save money over what you would pay in rent for an apartment in a good area. Houses are selling for at least 15% to 20% less than last year. Moreover, you build equity in homeownership never in renting.

If you choose 15 year mortgage, you will actually own your home at the end of that time. Consider where you will be at the end of renting for 15 years.