wedding gift: cash toward

MSN Money - A practical wedding gift: cash toward a home MSN Home My MSN Hotmail Shopping Money People & Chat Sign In W eb Search: Money S earch MSN Money: Help Home News Banking Investing Planning Taxes My Money Portfolio Loans Insurance Planning Home Retirement Savings Insurance Family/College College Tools Scholarship Search College Search Resources Decision Centers Commentary Index More Tools Related Links Message Boards Print-friendly version Send this to a friend Get market news by e-mail See if refinancing works Personal finance bookshelf Find It! Article Index Finance Q&A Tools Index Site map Related Articles Marriage means updating important documents Romance can wait; first, talk cold, hard cash Tie the knot without busting your budget Related Resources Decision Center: Essential homebuying guide Decision Center: Love, money and marriage See if youre carrying too much debt Stay at home or work? Try our calculator Related Sites Bankrate.com The Basics A practical wedding gift: cash toward a home advertisement If anyone asks what you want for a wedding present, you might try 'cash for a down payment.' Its legal, if you follow the rules, and asking for cash even meets the Emily Post test for politeness. By Bankrate.com June is the busiest month for weddings, and a forest's worth of invitations either already has been mailed or soon will be sent. A lot of couples want money for wedding gifts. A wedding-day cash infusion can make putting a down payment on a home easier. With prices appreciating rapidly in much of the country, lots of couples need all the help they can get. There are formal and informal rules governing gifts of money to help newlyweds buy a house. First, the informal rules: Is it OK to ask one's wedding guests for money? "It's not rude to request money as a wedding gift," says Peggy Post, author of Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette. "However, it's extremely important to ask politely." Peggy Post is Emily's great-granddaughter-in-law, the wedding etiquette expert for WeddingChannel.com and the main spokesman for the Emily Post Institute. She says one of the most common challenges that couples face is how to request money as a wedding gift. Doing so is acceptable, if done politely. If you seek down-payment money, get the word out through family and friends, Post recommends. Just don't include that info in the same envelope as a wedding invitation. "If you are asked point-blank what you would like for a gift, you might say, 'Whatever you choose will be wonderful, I'm sure, but money for a house down payment is on the top of our wish list,'" Post says. It's OK to say what it's for Go ahead and tell people what you want the money for. Who knows? If you let people know that you plan to spend the money on a down payment, rather than on a honeymoon in Tuscany, they might be more willing to open their pocketbooks. Wedding guests who insist on giving you yet another toaster or wicker picnic basket or a set of rosewood corn holders should be thanked anyway, even though they aren't helping you buy a house. "You should always accept any gift graciously, and remember that the choice of what to give really belongs to the gift giver," Post says. With the etiquette question out of the way, that brings up how to get the money from your guests' pockets and into the hands of the folks who eventually sell you their house. It's not simple, because mortgage loan programs have differing rules on the use of gift money in making a down payment. So know the gift rules Generally, you are expected to be able to make a down payment of at least 5% from your savings, excluding gifts. But what if you are too impatient to wait that long? Some mortgage programs allow you to use gift money if you can't scrape together that 5%. Loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration allow you to use money from gifts to make a down payment of as little as 3%. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the two biggest purchasers of home loans, offer similar programs through lenders. Fannie Mae's program is called "Flex 97" and Freddie Mac's is called "Alt 97." If there is a problem with these loan programs, it is that they limit whose money you can use. The FHA, Fannie and Freddie allow you to use money from family members. In the FHA's case, givers have to be members of your "immediate family." It's up to the loan officer to figure out who is family and who is immediate family. What about friends? Can you use gift money from, say, the woman who has been your mother's best friend since kindergarten? Technically, no. The money has to come from family (or from a nonprofit or government agency, but they don't give wedding gifts). It wasn't always this way. In 1996, the FHA encouraged lenders to offer "bridal registry accounts," where couples could stash gifts from friends and family. "Then, when the newlyweds purchase their new home, the money will be available and documented through a lender-supervised account," the FHA said. A few lenders responded enthusiastically, establishing account programs specifically for newlyweds complete with gift cards that could be returned to the bank with a check enclosed. One such lender is SunTrust Mortgage, a subsidiary of SunTrust Banks. Through SunTrust Mortgage, you can open a bridal registry savings or checking account at SunTrust Bank. When a wedding guest makes a deposit, the bank sends a card to the bride and groom to let them know. Ready to find a mortgage? "When they're ready to go ahead and make that first home purchase, they access those funds and we get a mortgage for them -- and we hope they remain a SunTrust banking customer," says Cheryl Nolda, senior vice president of marketing for SunTrust Mortgage. In the last few months, about 500 brochures have been given to prospective couples, Nolda says. The lender usually sees an upsurge in interest in the two months before June and October, which tend to be the busiest months for weddings. Despite their success at SunTrust, bridal registry accounts never really caught on. You can always open a regular old savings or money market account to hold your down payment fund, but you might need to document where the money came from. That's easy enough when the money comes from your paycheck. If some of the money comes from gifts, be prepared to document the source. Encourage gift-givers to give checks from their personal accounts. And don't forget to write those thank-you notes. Editor's Choice 3 legal papers you can't live without Your own business, your tax shelter Brush: The 5 most overpaid CEOs Are seniors gambling away retirement? Cut your taxes by going solar Readers' Choice Ratings Top 5 Articles 9.34 Zombie debt collectors dig up your old mistakes 9.33 10 ways to stop identity theft cold 9.31 10 ways to avoid outrageous hospital overcharges 9.22 The tricks and traps of debt consolidation 9.17 Safeguard your Social Security number View all top rated articles More Resources · E-mail us your comments on this article · Post on the Your Money message board · Get a daily dose of market news S earch MSN Money tips advertisement MSN Money's editorial goal is to provide a forum for personal finance and investment ideas. Our articles, columns, message board posts and other features should not be construed as investment advice, nor does their appearance imply an endorsement by Microsoft of any specific security or trading strategy. 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gifts for men <<

Romantic Advice: Valentine gifts for men Romantic Advice: Valentine gifts for men Valentine's Day gift giving can be easier if you give gifts any man can use. Here's a list of common ideas that will help you choose what is right for your love. Gift giving can sometimes get tricky, especially when the gift you purchase is not well received. Of course, you can eliminate gift giving by giving cash. However, with a little creative you can express appreciation and love on Valentine's Day by opting for a gift any man could use. 1. Tickets. Does your valentine have a favorite sports team or recording artist? If so, consider buying a front row seat to an upcoming game or performance. 2. Footwear. Whether dressy or sporty, shoes, sandals and/or athletic footwear can simultaneously fulfill a need and a want if you select a pair from your valentine's favorite designer. 3. Food. Be it breakfast, lunch or dinner, your valentine is likely to enjoy a meal if you opt for his favorite restaurant, or his favorite dish. 4. Clothes. Clothing is as personal as an individual gets, so eliminate gift rejection by either taking your valentine or a shopping spree, or wrap up a gift card or gift certificate from his favorite store. Even if you choose to stick to underwear, get creative and buy something he would love but is too shy or too cheap to buy himself. 5. Jewelry. From watches to chains to tie pins to rings, there are many great things you can buy your valentine from the jewelry department. Here, however, proceed with caution. Buy something that either can be used daily or something for a special occasion. Anything in between might just sit in a drawer until next year. 6. Hobby helps. Whatever your beau's interest, consider buying something that can be used to further enjoy his hobby. Again, since such things as golf clubs, mitts and certain balls must feel right to the user, you may want to offer a gift certificate to his favorite hobby shop. Then, too, since your reading interests may be in sharp contrast to his, consider offering a gift certificate to an online or traditional bookstore where he can choose what he likes. 7. Write stuff. Investing in your valentine by giving gifts like designer (not always expensive) pens and pencils, or other home office supplies will keep you on his mind as he uses these great instruments daily. Written by Lisa Crayton - © 2002 Pagewise You are here: Essortment Home >> People & Culture >> Holidays:Gifts >> Romantic Advice: Valentine gifts for men << Giving personalized gifts to friends Gift Advice: Second-hand gifts >>

Anniversary Gifts (Paper) People

Top Traditional First Year Anniversary Gifts (Paper)  You are here: About > People & Relationships > Marriage > Anniversaries and Holidays > Anniversaries > 1st Wedding Anniversary > Top Traditional First Year Anniversary Gifts (Paper) People & Relationships Marriage Essentials Halloween Costume Ideas for Couples Coping With Disaster as a Couple Celebrating Your Wedding Anniversary Marriage Questions & Answers Ten Weeks to a Better Marriage Articles & Resources Proposing & Engagement Marriage Licenses Anniversaries and Holidays History of Marriage Marriage Laws Marriage Advice and Quizzes Marriage Courses, Workshops Money, Inlaws, Chores, etc. Stages of Marriage Marriage Tips, Myths, etc. Married Love and Romance Different Marriage Choices Infidelity & Other Problems Ending a Marriage Books, Statistics, Research Buyer's Guide Ready-to-Wear Halloween Costumes for Couples Great Gifts for Your Wife Great Gifts for Your Husband Articles Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Marriage newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Marriage Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page Suggested Reading Anniversary Gift Ideas Gift Giving Related Guide Picks Modern First Anniversary Gifts Other Top Picks Most Popular 1st-10th Anniversary Gifts Couple Costume Ideas Traditional 1st Anniversary License Laws US Marriage Laws What's Hot Hilary Swank and Chad Lowe June 1999 Marriage News Peter Jennings and Kayce Freed Christopher and Dana Reeve Lance Armstrong & Sheryl Crow Related Topics Weddings Honeymoons / Romantic Getaways Divorce Support Financial Planning Senior Living Top 10 Traditional First Year Anniversary Gifts - Paper Guide Picks From Sheri & Bob Stritof , Your Guide to Marriage . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! You can use a lot of creativity in figuring out which paper gift to give your spouse. Here are some suggestions to get your creative juices going. 1) Books When purchasing a book, think about your spouse's passions, interests, and hobbies. If you can't write a love poem yourself, get a book of poetry for your lover. 2) Board Games and Puzzles This gift would be a promise to spend an evening together working on a jigsaw puzzle or playing a classic board game like Scrabble. 3) Stationery This could include pretty writing paper, personalized business cards, colorful postcards, note cards, and envelopes. 4) Tickets Purchase a couple tickets and take your spouse to his/her favorite sports event, movie, or theatrical production. Other tickets could include airline, ferry, train, bus, or balloon rides. Vendor's Site 5) Paintings Everyone loves artwork that touches our heart and soul and brings beauty to our life. 6) Coupons Write out a coupon for a massage or for a dinner out or for a walk in the rain. Use your imagination! Vendor's Site 7) Love Letters Write a love letter. You can do it! Vendor's Site 8) Posters Posters have become a very popular art form. You should be able to find one that matches your spouse's interests. 9) Photographs Buy a nice frame for a photograph of the two of you. 10) Calendars You could get an electronic one, or a pictorial calendar, or a diary, or a journal style, or an appointment book. Mark all the days that are important to the two of you, and add in a few new ones as a surprise. Important product disclaimer information about this About site. Most Popular Video Fashion for Special Occasions Women: Dressing by Body Type Women: Building a Wardrobe Men: Building a Wardrobe Men: Dressing by Body Type See other videos at About.com        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About Poll: What would you do with $10 million? 1) Spend it 4) Pay bills 2) Donate 5) Save 3) Invest 6) Not sure Is New York City Safe? Tips for Women Travelling What's Hot Hilary Swank and Chad Lowe June 1999 Marriage News Peter Jennings and Kayce Freed Christopher and Dana Reeve Lance Armstrong & Sheryl Crow

Groomsmen Gifts Bridesmaid Gifts

Groomsmen Gifts - Gift Ideas :: Gifts order tracking customer service help my account shopping bag FREE priority shipping on all orders over $150 SEARCH Enter product above WHAT'S NEW SHOP BY OCCASION Anniversary Gifts Birthday Gifts Friendship Gifts Christmas Gifts Christmas Ornaments Congratulations Gifts Groomsmen Gifts Bridesmaid Gifts Corporate Gifts Romantic Gifts Easter Gifts Good Luck Gifts Mother's Day Gifts Father's Day Gifts SHOP BY RECIPIENT Gifts for Her Gifts for Dad Gifts for Mom Gifts for Men SHOP BY PRODUCT Yerba Mate Tea Gourds Men's Accessories Celtic Jewelry Silver Cufflinks Silver Bracelets Silver Earrings Silver Necklaces Silver Rings Keychains Gemstone Pendants Gemstone Silver Rings Gemstone Earrings Silver Leaf Earrings Silver Leaf Pendants Silver Leaf Pins Gold Leaf Pendants Gold Leaf Pins Gold Leaf Earrings Leaf Accessories Unique Jewelry Leather Accessories Infusers & Spoons Tapestry Weavings Receive our newest gift ideas! Your email: Subscribe Gift certificates Home :: Groomsmen Gifts - Gift Ideas Discover unique groomsmen gifts! Our silver Celtic cufflinks, money clips and keychains are perfect for your groomsman and our handmade silver jewelry accessories make wonderful gifts for your best man. You can also find yerba mate tea gourds and lots of unique groomsman gift ideas. Groomsmen Gifts - Gift Ideas Sort by: SKU Product Price Default 1 2 Celtic Cross Silver Cufflinks $ 46.00 ( 25.21) Celtic Cross Silver Tie Clip $ 42.00 ( 23.02) Celtic Love Knot Money Clip: Silver Jewelry $ 68.00 ( 37.26) Celtic Love Knot Silver Cufflinks $ 44.00 ( 24.11) Celtic Love Knot Tie Clip: Silver Jewelry $ 36.00 ( 19.73) Celtic Shamrock Clover Silver Cufflinks $ 46.00 ( 25.21) Celtic Shamrock Clover Silver Money Clip $ 68.00 ( 37.26) Celtic Shamrock Clover Silver Tie Clip $ 42.00 ( 23.02) Celtic Silver Cufflinks $ 46.00 ( 25.21) Celtic Silver Key Chain $ 150.00 ( 82.20) Celtic Silver Tie Clip $ 39.00 ( 21.37) Celtic Silver Tie Clip 'Cross' $ 39.00 ( 21.37) Celtic Triangle Knot Silver Cufflinks $ 46.00 ( 25.21) Cross Cufflinks: Celtic Jewelry $ 43.00 ( 23.56) Fleur de Lis Silver Cufflinks $ 46.00 ( 25.21) 1 2 about PatagoniaGifts | return policy | shipping | testimonials | resources | silver info | yerba mate info Patagonia Gifts United Kingdom Privacy Notice 2000-2004 Patagonia Gifts . All rights reserved. Birthday & wedding anniversary gift ideas: Unique gifts , Celtic jewelry, groomsmen gifts, yerba mate tea gourds, silver bracelets, earrings, pins and necklaces.

Shower Gift Books by

Listmania! Baby Shower Gift Books Your Store See All 31 Product Categories   Your Account | Cart | Wish List | Help Improve Your Recommendations | Your Amazon Home | Your Profile | Learn More Search Amazon.com Books Popular Music Music Downloads Classical Music DVD VHS Apparel Yellow Pages Restaurants Movie Showtimes Toys Baby Computers Video Games Electronics Camera & Photo Software Tools & Hardware Office Products Magazines Sports & Outdoors Outdoor Living Kitchen Jewelry & Watches Beauty Gourmet Food Beta Musical Instruments Health/Personal Care Travel Cell Phones & Service Outlet Auctions zShops Everything Else Scientific Supplies Medical Supplies Indust. Supplies Automotive Home Furnishings Lifestyle Pet Toys Arts & Hobbies Web Search Listmania! Baby Shower Gift Books by K. Charette , SuperMom of Five under age Ten E-mail this list to a friend 1. Choosing Happiness: Keys to a Joyful Life by Alexandra Stoddard (Hardcover- April 2002) Average Customer Review: List Price: $22.95 Buy new : $15.61 You Save : $7.34(32%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Used & new from $2.90 K. Charette's comments: Alexandra's insights will make a mom's life Joyful! 2. Misadventures of Moms and Disasters of Dads by Kerri Charette (Paperback- May 2004) Average Customer Review: List Price: $13.95 Buy new : $13.95 Availability: Usually ships in 1 to 2 weeks Used & new from $7.95 K. Charette's comments: Who couldn't relate to this book's title? 3. Parents in Love : Reclaiming Intimacy After Your Child Is Born by Linda Salazar, Linda B. Salazar Average Customer Review: Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Used & new from $0.86 K. Charette's comments: This will get a laugh when she opens it! What is intimacy??? 4. What to Expect the First Year, Second Edition by Heidi Murkoff, et al (Paperback) Average Customer Review: List Price: $15.95 Buy new : $10.52 You Save : $5.43(34%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Used & new from $3.55 K. Charette's comments: A classic written by doctors who KNOW! 5. Things I Want My Daughters to Know : A Small Book About the Big Issues in Life by Alexandra Stoddard (Hardcover) List Price: $19.95 Buy new : $13.57 You Save : $6.38(32%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Used & new from $2.79 K. Charette's comments: Again, Alexandra says it like it is, with much optimism!! Love her 6. The Baby Owner's Manual: Operating Instructions, Trouble-Shooting Tips, and Advice on First-Year Maintenance by Louis Borgenicht, Joe Borgenicht (Paperback- April 2003) Average Customer Review: List Price: $14.95 Buy new : $10.17 You Save : $4.78(32%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Used & new from $4.10 K. Charette's comments: Hmmmm, if only this was out when mine were newborn! 7. Just Wait Till You Have Children of Your Own! by Erma Bombeck (Paperback) Average Customer Review: List Price: $6.99 Buy new : $6.99 Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Used & new from $0.01 K. Charette's comments: I remember watching my mom read this book and laughing so long ago! 8. Forever, Erma : Best-Loved Writing From American's Favorite Humorist by Erma Bombeck (Paperback) Average Customer Review: List Price: $12.95 Buy new : $10.36 You Save : $2.59(20%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Used & new from $0.46 K. Charette's comments: She was the GREATEST! Create your own list! See the Best Lists Top 100 Listmania lists Search Listmania lists More about K. Charette Related Listmania! Add your list Favorite books by Erma Bombeck : A list by Tim Bete, Curator, Erma online museum Inspiring Books : A list by amyjoy14, physical therapist Ultimate Alexandra Stoddard Reference Guide : A list by J. Whitford, Soul Nourisher Resources for Living a Beautiful Life with Style and Grace : A list by JacquelineRose, wife and mother of four Add your list Related So You'd Like to... Create a guide Create a life of beauty, peace, style, and grace : A guide by JacquelineRose, wife, mother of four, homemaker, and writer Learn about the different stages of life : A guide by Mary Ellen, Life enthusiast fill your home with laughter and delight? : A guide by Christine Hohlbaum, award-winning author, writer, mom How not to get into Out Of Shape Syndrome : A guide by A. Weiss, Doctor and Author be a Mid-Life Mom : A guide by laurie2671, A Better Late than Never Mid-life Mama Be a New Mom : A guide by Writergal, Mother of a Ten Month Old Learn How to be a First Class Parent : A guide by Ruthie Ramirez, New Mother Develop A Genius Baby : A guide by AVij, Baby Researcher Create a guide Where's My Stuff? • Track your recent orders . • View or change your orders in Your Account . 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