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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Teacher Gifts -- Show

Top Teacher Gifts PREGNANCY & BIRTH BABY TODDLER PRESCHOOL SCHOOL-AGE PRETEEN TEEN BEHAVIOUR & DEVELOPMENT FOOD & NUTRITION HEALTH, CARE & SAFETY EDUCATION PARTIES, CRAFTS & ACTIVITIES Birthday Parties Indoor Fun & Games Outdoor Fun & Games Seasonal Celebrations Travel & Outings Sports & Lessons Toys, Books & More Craft Corner The Forums LIFE AS A PARENT templatedata\content\html\data\2003\02\20030204_082547_3052 -- templatedata\content\html\data\2003\09\20030912_170127_1844 -- templatedata\content\html\data\2003\02\20030204_082656_1572 -- templatedata\content\html\data\2003\02\20030204_082656_1572 -- Seasonal Celebrations Amy Baskin Top Teacher Gifts -- Show your appreciation with these tokens that score high marks -- Top Teacher Gifts Show your appreciation with these tokens that score high marks By Amy Baskin • Homemade and homegrown • A way with words • Getting creative • Insider tips on gifts • Great Teacher Gifts • Edible Gifts for Teacher • Gifts Teachers Appreciate Most Some teacher gifts are unforgettable. One morning when former grade-seven teacher Jim Blomfield entered his classroom in Kitchener, Ont., he found it reeking of alcohol. A student clutching a dripping gym bag said: “I brought a bottle of wine for you, sir, but it broke.” Blomfield’s pupil learned first-hand how difficult it is to find the perfect present for a teacher. Of course, teachers don’t expect gifts, but many of us want to acknowledge their hard work. So Today’s Parent asked teachers what tokens they really love receiving. As the end of the school year fast approaches, here’s how to avoid making a gift gaffe: Homemade and Homegrown Foodie teachers relish home-baked and freezable goodies such as banana bread . Others are not as enthusiastic. Says one educator, “It depends on whose clean hands do the baking!” Alternatively, your child can make a date with the teacher and bring in a basket lunch. Try make-your-own sandwiches — pack deli-sliced cheeses and meats, crusty rolls, fresh fruit and juice . Teachers with green thumbs also appreciate the personal touch. “One year I received a potentilla plant from a student,” says grade-five/six teacher Mike Anderson of Fergus, Ont. “I was really impressed that she had remembered I was starting a new garden.” Gourmet goodie. Little chefs love to scoop, pour and measure out the ingredients for this attractive and healthy gift. Buy a 2 cup (500 mL) Mason or screw-top jar. Add ½ cup (100 mL) small pasta, like shells or fusilli. Using a funnel (or a rolled-up cone of paper), pour in ¼ cup (50 mL) each of green split peas, yellow split peas, red lentils and barley — in that order. Let your child pat each layer gently with a gloved hand to flatten. In a small sandwich bag, place two vegetable bouillon cubes, 2 tbsp (30 mL) each of parsley flakes and dried onion flakes, ½ tsp (2 mL) each of thyme and pepper. Screw the lid on the jar and decorate both with stickers and indelible markers. Place in a basket along with the sandwich bag and a 28 oz (793 g) can of diced tomatoes. Write or type instructions on a small card: “In a large soup pot, combine contents of jar (except for pasta), can of diced tomatoes and 7 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to simmer. Add contents of spice bag. Continue simmering for about 1 hour and when there’s about a half-hour to go, add pasta. Enjoy!” Punch a hole in the card, thread a ribbon through and tie it around the lid of the jar. Next Page: A way with words Originally published in Today's Parent, June 2005 templatedata\content\article\data\2005\04\20050426_112134_2108 -- NAME: ADDRESS: CITY: PROVINCE: Select a Province Alberta British Columbia Manitoba New Brunswick Newfoundland Northwest Territories Nova Scotia Nunavut Ontario Prince Edward Island Quebec Saskatchewan Yukon Territory POSTAL CODE: (Please omit spaces) EMAIL: Clickhere to view our e-mail policy Please click here for non-Canadian or Giftsubscriptions . templatedata\content\html\data\2004\08\20040831_163337_5860 -- How do you keep your family active in the winter months templatedata\content\html\data\2003\02\20030203_145618_1976 -- Contact Us | Who We Are | Privacy | Press Room | Advertise Info | Advertiser Spotlight | User Survey This site is best viewed with Internet Explorer 5.0+ on a Windows operating system, all other browsers and platforms are not fully supported ©1996-2005

Golf Gift Guide -

Holiday Golf Gift Guide - Gift Ideas for Golfers  You are here: About > Sports > Golf Sports Golf Essentials Almanac: Records, Stats, Timeline Golf Glossary Equipment Reviews & News The Rules of Golf Pro Shop Articles & Resources Beginners Equipment Golfers Tours / Major Events Golf Courses Rules of Golf Handicaps History of Golf Golf Tips Fitness & Health VideoGames / Trivia / Humor Women Junior Golf Buyer's Guide Before You Buy Top Picks Top 10 Instructional Videos/DVDs Top 10 Instructional Books Top 7 Golf Movies Product Reviews Articles Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Golf newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Golf Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page Suggested Reading Find Clubs, Balls, More in the Pro Shop Equipment Reviews and News Most Popular Free Online Golf Games Golf Trivia - Play Golf Trivia Hangman NabiscoWorld "Golf Course" Glossary of Golf Terms Golf Rules What's Hot Michelle Wie at the 2005 PGA Sony Open - 8 Michelle Wie at the 2005 PGA Sony Open - 3 Michelle Wie at the 2005 PGA Sony Open - 9 Michelle Wie at the 2005 PGA Sony Open - 6 Michelle Wie at the 2005 U.S. Women's Open - 8 Related Topics Tennis Football Baseball Basketball Pro Ice Hockey Holiday Golf Gift Guide - Gift Ideas for Golfers From Brent Kelley , Your Guide to Golf . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! Continued from Previous Page Smokes and Spirits If your golfer likes to take a nip on the links - something we don't recommend, but realize many golfers do - this Pewter Embellished Golf Hip Flask ($24.95 at TGW.com) might be the thing. Many golfers like to fire up a stogey on the course. If your golfer is one of those, take a look at these Cigar Pounches & Cutters ($15, various merchants). They'll keep the cigars fresh (and in one piece) until ready for lighting. If your golfer's kitchen is already gaudy, a little more gaudiness won't hurt. So check out the Golf Club Wine Rack ($69.95 at TGW.com). And take a look at these golf-themed Gift Baskets . Organizers & Travel Bags The Golf Organizer with Bench ($119 through Amazon.com) provides storage space for two bags and shoes, plus accessories, with a small bench in the middle. A less expensive model ($59.99), sans bench, is available at Sears. In a similar vein, the Top Flite Golf Trunk Locker ($39.99 at Target) goes in the trunk of the car and carries shoes, hats, jackets, balls, tees and more. For golfers who do a lot of flying, a Golf Travel Bag is a must. If your travelling golfer doesn't have one, they probably could use one. Practice Aids Practice aids and training aids are a dime a dozen (OK, they're actually quite a bit more expensive than a dime a dozen, but we just mean they are ubiquitous). But here are two items that are cheap but sure to be put to good use. AlmostGolf Balls are practice balls that mimic the flight of real golf balls - but are made from a foam material so as to be safe for use around buildings (think backyard practice). They are much more useful than wiffle balls. For a cheap training aid that, used correctly, will be more useful than 95-percent of the gadgets out there, try the On Mark Game Improvement in a Can ($8.95 at TGW.com). It sprays a yellow dye onto the golf clubface so that golfers can track - and work on improving - their points of contact. More Golf Gift Ideas on Next Page previous 1 2 3 Next Most Popular Video Bathroom Decoration Ideas Tag Sale Tips Creating a Craft Room Making a Personal Space Be Your Own Contractor 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 Michelle Wie at the 2005 PGA Sony Open - 8 Michelle Wie at the 2005 PGA Sony Open - 3 Michelle Wie at the 2005 PGA Sony Open - 9 Michelle Wie at the 2005 PGA Sony Open - 6 Michelle Wie at the 2005 U.S. Women's Open - 8

Creative Gifts Creative gifts

Categories - Flax Art & Design - The Creative Place To Shop Categories Categories Art Supplies Art supplies and art materials for artists are in abundance at Flax art & design. We have a large selection of art supplies and materials, including: brushes, pads, paint and paint sets, carving and sculpture tools, portfolios, adheseives, organization, hobby lamps, studio needs and more. Regardless of your area of specialty, Flax has the art supplies and art materials for every artist. Wearable Art Wearable art includes fun t-shirts, designer watches, designer neckties, fun slippers and designer socks. Wearable art is for the creative soul; for the person who likes to be asked, where did you get that? Weareable art gives you style. Home Dcor Home decor and home design accents add an artisitic and decorative touch to any room in your home. Our home decor accents include creative and artistic ideas for the kitchen, bath, table and more. Find the perfect clock, ornament, picture frame, kitchen gadget or housewarming gift to brighten any home decor. Books Art books and how-to paint books add to the enjoyment of your chosen hobby or craft. These how-to and general painting books will teach you valuable techniques and tricks for painting, drawing and craft-making. Learn how to mix color, paint wildlife and nature, bind books, creatve new origami designs and more with art books from Flax. Kids' Stuff Kids art projects and craft kits are great creative activities for kids. Flaxart.com has a large selection of educational toys and kids craft kits to keep hands and minds creative. Family activites like puzzles, games, toys and books are kids favorites. Creative Gifts Creative gifts are great housewarming gifts, whimsical gifts, artistic gifts or gifts to inspire the imagination. Find a creative gift of a puzzle, game, design accent, toy , travelware and more. The selection of creative gifts at Flax include great gifts for him, for her, for kids and for many rooms in the home. Albums/Journals Leather albums and journals enable you to save and share your memories for years to come. Flax has a largest selection of albums and journals, blank books, photo albums, scrapbook and sketchbooks for every artist, hobbyist or proud parent. Stationery & Wrap Stationery and wrapping paper make beautiful gift presentations. Fine stationery and note cards help you stay in touch. Decorative paper and gift wrap sets add sparkle to gifts. Silk, organdy and satin ribbon add the finishing touch to gifts. Flaxart.com where creative people shop. On Sale Flax sale items include great savings on all of your artist needs and more. Sale art supplies, sale artist materials, sale albums, sale journals and more at large discounts. Find art materials and art supplies on sale at flaxart.com. Shop now because these sale art supplies will be gone soon. Art Supplies | Books | Creative Gifts | Home Dcor | Albums/Journals | Wearable Art | Kids' Stuff | Stationery & Wrap | On Sale |

Gifts for Men When

Gifts And Men - Gifts BW gifts | gifts Resources | Add URL Wine Gifts & Baskets From the casual wine drinker to the serious enthusiast, we have a gift that will make them smile. Our selection includes premium wine, gourmet baskets, distinctive champagne sets & the very finest California and Northwest wines. Gifts And Men Articles Gifts for Men When buying gifts for men remember they love to feel pampered and soothed after a long day of working. Gifts for men can run the gamut of fun things catering to their adventurous boyish side to more pragmatic things to assist in their everyday life....( Continue Reading ) Gifts for Men - Mummy Bags The mummy bag takes what is great about the traditional sleeping bag, and improves it through innovative features designed to capture heat and keep it inside the bag with you....( Continue Reading ) Frugal Gifts for Men Do you find it hard to come up with frugal gifts for men? Try these ideas....( Continue Reading ) Frugal Gifts for Men Do you find it hard to come up with frugal gifts for men? Try these ideas....( Continue Reading ) Great Gifts for Men Buying gifts for guys is not all that easy, especially when it seems they have everything they need. Browse this list of top picks and see the gadgets, cool items, and useful items that could make great gifts. See Also:......( Continue Reading ) Gifts And Men Directory Links childrens birthday gifts homemade easter baskets corporate thank you gifts stein garden gifts dog breed gifts gift baskets arizona christmas crafts and gifts thank you notes for wedding gifts holy communion gifts corporate incentive gifts christmas gifts 2002 simple gifts music gifts for new mothers gift baskets miami gifts for music teachers gift baskets in california business promotion gifts gifts fathers day wine gift baskets easter gifts for children send gifts to hyderabad gift baskets of washington dc end of year teacher gifts cheap gifts to india wedding gifts for the parents weird christmas gifts send india gifts citrus fruit gifts kids gifts gift baskets for valentines day horse racing gifts retirement gift baskets christmas gifts for a boyfriend 50 birthday gag gifts personalized family gifts aniversary gifts personalized name gifts creative birthday gifts teenage boy gifts graduation and gifts good gifts for girls groomsmen and gifts list of traditional anniversary gifts handpainted baby gifts shower gifts Popular Search Terms: Gifts BW © 2004 Gifts BW All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All Rights Reserved. This site is not related to Brajeshwar or Brajeshwar.com in anyway, shape or form