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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Groomsmen Gifts! ( Answered

Google Answers: Unique Groomsmen Gifts! Log in | Google Answers Home View Question Ask a Question Q: Unique Groomsmen Gifts! ( Answered , 6 Comments ) Question Subject: Unique Groomsmen Gifts! Category: Miscellaneous Asked by: leoni1234-ga List Price: $5.00 Posted: 23 Aug 2005 09:08 PDT Expires: 22 Sep 2005 09:08 PDT Question ID: 559280 ok, so i have another question. Groomsmen gifts! What should I get'em?? i've got 11 groomsmen, and i'm not rich. i'm thinking $20each. the kicker though, is to not get something so common like anengraved moneyclip or shave gel and cologne. guys don't really needanything, but i at least want it to be somewhat thoughtful and a bitunique. any ideas??? thanks! Bob Leoni Request for Question Clarification by nenna-ga on 23 Aug 2005 09:14 PDT Hello Bob,Are all the groomsmen sharing a common interest? Grew up together? Canyou give us any information like that so we can better prepare you ananswer?Nenna-GA Clarification of Question by leoni1234-ga on 23 Aug 2005 11:43 PDT no, their only common interest is that they're all men, who are allgood friends of mine. ;-) they did, however, all grow up in thechicago area, but not close to one another persay. thanks forthinking about it!!! Bob :-) Answer Subject: Re: Unique Groomsmen Gifts! Answered By: nenna-ga on 23 Aug 2005 12:32 PDT Hello Leoni1234-ga,I have found 2 gifts in your price range that I think would be unique.A personalized beer mug with their name and the date, which you couldadd a bottle of beer along with for the reception or your time withthe boys before the wedding. http://www.ashmontengraving.com/product/013141.shtml You could also do an engraved Yo-yo as a gift though it is about 2.49more per person than the 20.00 you mentioned. http://www.ashmontengraving.com/product/012574.shtml Google Search:Unique groomsmen gifts http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=unique%20groomsmen%20gifts&btnG=Google+Search If this answer requires further explanation, please requestclarification before rating it, and I'll be happy to look into thisfurther.Nenna-GAGoogle Answers Researcher Comments Log in to add a comment Subject: Re: Unique Groomsmen Gifts! From: shockandawe-ga on 23 Aug 2005 09:23 PDT Can't go wrong with knives, flasks, or zippo style lighters. Subject: Re: Unique Groomsmen Gifts! From: chango989-ga on 23 Aug 2005 14:29 PDT My brother got married 4 years ago and gave out mini leatherman'sengraved with the person’s name. I don't think they were leathermanbrand, but something similar. A search for Mini Leatherman shouldlead you to where these can be purchased (My bro got his atSportmart). I think he got them for around $19 each. Everyone in hiswedding party still carries/uses the tool all the time.If you go this route - I would recommend getting the plain silverones, as the color/painted ones seemed to fade/chip over time. Subject: Re: Unique Groomsmen Gifts! From: zodiacman-ga on 24 Aug 2005 17:31 PDT dear sir,If you're still looking for groomsmen gifts, check the CASIO Watches atWalmart or SuperWalmart stores. In my opinion, CASIO watches in the $20-$30price range are a very solid value. They are very functionsl, durable, anddependable.cheers..... Subject: Re: Unique Groomsmen Gifts! From: myoarin-ga on 24 Aug 2005 18:37 PDT As a groomsman I was given a shotglass with an engraved silver outershell.But look at this: personalized playing cards, photo, text - couldeven include the names of all the groomsmen, bridesmaids, you two,too of course:http://www.card-press.com/There are several links, have to check the final price calculations. I was enthused about one - until I saw the set-up price.Best wishes, Myoarin Subject: Re: Unique Groomsmen Gifts! From: leoni1234-ga on 25 Aug 2005 08:40 PDT thanks guys!! wow this google thing's really great!!actually, i dunno what made me think of this, but personal ideas foreach of the groomsmen all popped into my head. i've found some reallynice stuff, like, for one of my groomsmen who's a beatles fan, iordered him a framed beatles poster, and cigars for my cigar-smokingfriend, golf balls for the golfers, on and on...so it's all workin out! thank you all!! bob leoni :-) Subject: Re: Unique Groomsmen Gifts! From: myoarin-ga on 25 Aug 2005 09:44 PDT Bob, So much the better! In which newspaper can we read about the wedding? :) Important Disclaimer: Answers and comments provided on Google Answers are general information, and are not intended to substitute for informed professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice. Google does not endorse, and expressly disclaims liability for any product, manufacturer, distributor, service or service provider mentioned or any opinion expressed in answers or comments. Please read carefully the Google Answers Terms of Service . If you feel that you have found inappropriate content, please let us know by emailing us at answers-editors@google.com with the question ID listed above. Thank you. Search Google Answers for all questions answered questions unanswered questions Google Home - Answers Help & Tips - Answers FAQ - Terms of Service - Privacy Policy ©2005 Google

College Gift

Kenyon College - Gift funds new faculty award Calendar | Contact Kenyon | Search | Parents | Alumni | Current Students | Faculty & Staff | Community Fortnightly, September 12, 2005 Fortnightly, August 29, 2005 Fortnightly, May 16, 2005 Fortnightly, May 3, 2005 Fortnightly, April 18, 2005 Fortnightly, April 4, 2005 Fortnightly, March 21, 2005 Fortnightly, February 28, 2005 Fortnightly, February 16, 2005 Fortnightly, January 31, 2005 Fortnightly, January 17, 2005 Fortnightly, November 29, 2004 Fortnightly, November 8, 2004 Fortnightly, October 25, 2004 Fortnightly, October 11, 2004 Fortnightly, September 27, 2004 Fortnightly, September 13, 2004 Fortnightly, August 30, 2004 Fortnightly, May 17, 2004 Kenyon receives $1.5 million from Howard Hughes Medical Institute Treasury secretary to speak at Commencement Five faculty members named to endowed chairs Gift funds new faculty award Reunion Weekend coming Kenyon Beat People Searches Profile Sports: Carr wins all-district honors Submissions Fortnightly, May 3, 2004 Fortnightly, April 19, 2004 Fortnightly, April 5, 2004 Fortnightly, March 22, 2004 Fortnightly, March 1, 2004 Fortnightly, February 16, 2004 Fortnightly, February 2, 2004 Fortnightly, January 19, 2004 Fortnightly, December 1, 2003 Fortnightly, November 10, 2003 Fortnightly, October 13, 2003 Fortnightly, September 29, 2003 Fortnightly, September 15, 2003 Fortnightly, September 2, 2003 About Kenyon Academics Admissions Athletics Student Life News & Events Giving to Kenyon Home » Fortnightly, May 17, 2004 » Gift funds new faculty award Gift funds new faculty award Jon Chun, the cofounder and former chief executive officer of a Silicon Valley security software startup, has surprised and delighted Kenyon with a gift of more than $100,000 to endow a competitive award supporting faculty research. The Dr. Newton Chun Award will be granted every other year, funding scholarly investigation and artistic projects of exceptional merit and promise. "The hallmark of Kenyon is the quality of its teaching," said President S. Georgia Nugent. "For our faculty to continue to be effective teachers, they must be encouraged and supported in their own intellectual development. The Dr. Newton Chun Award is a most welcome addition in this quest. I look forward to the diversity of projects this fund will inspire." The College plans to make the first award in the spring of 2005. Preference will be given to projects that could not be accomplished without this additional financial support. The award, totaling approximately $10,000, will underwrite expenses such as travel, materials and equipment, and research-assistant costs. Chun named the award in honor of his father, Newton Chun, a physician who yearned to be an academic. A native of Dubuque, Iowa, Jon Chun attended the University of California at Berkeley as an engineering student and went on to study medicine. As a successful technology entrepreneur, he cofounded SafeWeb, which provides secure remote access into corporate networks using only a Web browser. Chun is now a director at Symantec, the world leader in Internet security, which acquired SafeWeb in October 2003. He is married to Katherine Elkins, Andrew W. Mellon assistant professor of IPHS at Kenyon. Kenyon College. Gambier, Ohio 43022-9623 Phone: 740-427-5000

Birthday Present At Days

18th Birthday Present - UK Guide Driving Days Flying Days Water Days Kids Days Pamper Days Newspapers Marriott Vouchers Unique Gift Ideas Corporate Email a Friend Ferrari Hire 18th Birthday Present At Days to Amaze we have some great ideas for 18th Birthday Presents. Choose from our wide selelection of activity gifts including flying a heicopter and white water rafting. The perfect gifts for any 18 year old. By offering our service on line, means we can update you with new experiences and offers regularly. Click here to see our whole collection of 18th Birthday presents This is just a sample of our 18th Birthday Presents Vauxhall Astra Rally gift experience day This has to be one of the best value for money full on rally driving experience's on the net. Get to grips with the Vauxhall Astra front wheel drive rally cars on a half day or full day format. You will learn the art of sliding through corners with controlled over steer, carrying out precise handbrake turns and more all on a mixed surface rally stage. After your gift experience each participant will receive a certificate of achievement and a trophy is awarded to the driver of the day-it could be you !!!(please note a full driving licence is required) Helicopter Flying Lesson If your are thinking about learning to fly a helicopter or even if you fancy something completely different and exciting then this is the one for you. After an initial briefing on controls and how the aircraft flies you take to the air and fly around the local area then its back to the airfield to practice low level flying and hovering. A perfect 18th Birthday Present and an ultimate dream day to remember. Kite Surfing Kitesurfing is the latest sport to take the world by storm. The sheer thrill as you accelerate through the wind is water is one of the most exhilarating experiences you can have. All kitesurfing courses are taught by International Kiteboarding Organisation / British Kitesurfing Association qualified instructors and we teach to set standards to ensure that you are given the best learning experience possible. Popstar Experience Here's your chance to prove your budding popstar status by recording your favourite song with YOU singing the vocals!!You will make a professional recording of one track which will be burned to CD on the day for you to take home.Use it for any occasion; just for fun, as a present for someone, or even for presenting a professional sounding demo to someone in the business! The Ultimate Makeover Experience This is a perfect 18th Birtday Present for any woman. The ultimate in make-over photography - includes a make-over, photo session and 4 5x7" portraits in a beautiful album. Start your Elegance Experience by discussing your colour preferences and any special requirements with your Make-up Artist, who will then apply your make-up and add the finishing touches to your hair as you sit back and relax. Next it's your Photo Session - it's posing time! Your Photographer will use a selection of fabrics with special lighting and posing techniques to create a stunning series of shots just for you. At your portrait viewing you'll have the chance to see the great results of your sitting, choose your inclusive 5x7" prints, and purchase any extra portraits required. For more 18th Birthday Presents click here Here at Days to Amaze our aim is to provide you with the best 18th Birthday Presents available anywhere online today. Our extensive range of 18th Birthday Presents and experiences have been carefully designed to provide the one you love with the perfect present they deserves. Browse through the selection of 18th Birthday Presents to find that special surprise - 18th Birthday Gift Ideas - 18th Birthday Presents - 21st Birthday Gift Idea - 40th Birthday Gift Idea - 50th Birthday Gift Idea - Activity Days - Activity Gifts - Adopt an Animal - Archive Newspapers - Birthday Gift - Birthday Gifts - Birthday Gifts For Her - Birthday Gifts For Men - Birthday Gifts For Women - Birthday Gift for Her - Birthday Gift for Him - Birthday Gift Idea - Birthday Gift Ideas - Birthday Newspapers - Birthday Presents - Birthday Presents for Boyfriends - Car Racing - Classic Car Hire - Corporate Activities - Corporate Activity Days - Corporate Event Activity - Corporate Team Building Events - Days Out - Drive a Ferrari - Drive a Porsche - Driving days - Driving experience - Driving experiences - Driving gifts - Ferrari Drive - Ferrari Driving - Ferrari Hire - Ferrari Rental - Flying Experience - Flying Experiences - Flying lessons - Gifts for Her - Gifts for Him - Gifts For Kids - Gifts For Men - Gifts For Women - Gift Days - Gift experience - Gift experiences - Gift Experience Days - Gift Idea - Gift Ideas - Gift Incentive Vouchers - Gift Man - Health Spa - Health Spa Days - Helicopter Flying Lessons - Helicopter Lesson - Helicopter Rides - Man Gift Idea - Off Road Driving - Old newspapers - Pamper and Spa Days - Pamper Breaks - Pamper Days - Pamper and Spa Breaks - Parachute Jump - Pilot School - Porsche Driving - Porsche Driving Experiences - Rally Days - Rally Driving - Rally Driving Schools - Rent a Ferrari - Spa Days - Spa UK - Team Building - Team Building Events - Team Building Exercise - Team building Midlands - Track Days - UK Team Building Events - Unique Gifts For Kids - Unique Gift Experience - Unique Gift Idea - Unique Gift Ideas - Powered by Ideal Internet

Birthday Gift

Gifts.com - Birthday Gifts, Anniversary Gifts, New Baby Gift Ideas Home • Member Sign-in Wedding • Anniversary • Birthday • All Occasions Personalized Gifts • Gift Certificates • Gift Baskets • All Categories Music Lover Gadget Guru Outdoor Activities Professional Well-Dressed Eating & Drinking Well Golfing Auto Enthusiast Movie Buff Sports Fan ... Active & Healthy TV & Pop Culture Fan Charity & Volunteering Cooking & Entertaining Creative & Artistic Travel Enthusiast Gardening History Buff Home Improvement Pets & Animals Playing Sports Proud Parent Spiritual or Religious Cards & Games Video Gamer » View more Beauty & Spa Creative & Artistic Cooking & Entertaining Music Lover Gadget Guru Fashion Shopper TV & Pop Culture Fan Proud Parent Movie Buff Home Decorator ... Active & Healthy Cards & Games Charity & Volunteering Eating & Drinking Well Travel Enthusiast Gardening Golfing History Buff Outdoor Activities Pets & Animals Playing Sports Professional Spiritual or Religious Sports Fan » View more For Teens/College , Child , & Baby Birthday Anniversary Wedding New Baby Housewarming Retirement Thank You Back To School Baby Shower Halloween ... Bachelor Party Bachelorette Party Bar / Bat Mitzvah Bon Voyage Bridal Shower Bridesmaids Care Package Cheer Up! Christening / Baptism Communion Congratulations! Engagement Family Reunion Get Well Soon Good Luck! Graduation Groomsmen Host / Hostess I'm Sorry! New Job Sympathy Thinking of You New Year's Eve / Day Valentine's Day St. Patrick's Day April Fools Passover Easter Assistants' Day Cinco De Mayo Mother's Day Memorial Day Father's Day Fourth of July Labor Day Grandparent's Day Boss's Day Thanksgiving Christmas Chanukah Kwanzaa » View more Arts & Crafts Automotive Baby & Kids Beauty & Health Books & Magazines Business & Executive Gifts Clothing & Accessories Collectibles & Memorabilia Computers & Electronics Experiential Gifts Flowers & Plants Gift Baskets Gift Certificates & Cards Gourmet Food & Beverages ... Home & Garden Jewelry & Watches Movies & Music Personalized Gifts Pets & Animals Photo Related Sports & Outdoor Activities Stationery & Office Supplies Toys & Games Unique Gifts » View more Traditional favorites with a twist. Celebrate with style. Him • Her • Couple Great gifts for TV junkies. See our most popular gifts, as selected by Gifts.com users. Each week a different store presents an offer you can't get anywhere else. This week: » 15% off any order over $50 at Delightful Deliveries Gift of the Day Great American Days NASCAR Racing » Learn more Gifts for Baby » Well-Dressed Child » Baby Bedtime & Bath » View all baby gifts Give a great gift on time, every time. Gift Certificates Don't know what to give? Explore the possibilities at dozens of top stores. » SpaFinder - Day of Beauty » Coach Gift Card » Sharper Image » Apple iTunes » Great American Days - Choose Your Adventure » Home Depot » Wine.com » View all gift certificates Gift Guides Wondering when, what and how to give? Our Gifting Guides answer your questions about gift-giving etiquette for every occasion. » Back to School Fashion Trends for Teens » Can't Attend the Wedding? » Finding a Great Graduation Gift » College Survival Guide: 101 » Wedding Gift Basics Gifting Resources Our tools can help you become an expert gifter. » Birthday reminders Gift ideas for anyone and every occasion. The easy way to find great gifts! Home | How it Works | Merchants | About Us | Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Site Map Evite Citysearch ClassicVacations.com CondoSaver.com Entertainment.com Expedia Hotels.com TicketWeb Hotwire HSN Home Loans liveDaily Match.com Real Estate ReserveAmerica Ticketmaster TripAdvisor