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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Top Ten Gifts

PCRM >> News and Media Center >> Doctors Pick Top Ten Healthy Holiday Food Gifts News Release Archive Medical News Archive PCRM Online Archive Background Material Experts PSAs Artwork Media Coverage Commentary Subscribe Contacts Home Search: Other PCRM Sites ACS Promotes Disease Atkins Diet Alert The Cancer Project Dissection Alternatives Healthy School Lunches Humane Charity Seal Neal Barnard, M.D. Strong Bones Trauma Training NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday 5 December 2001 CONTACT: Simon Chaitowitz, Communications Director tel: 202-686-2210, ext. 309; simonc@pcrm.org Doctors Pick Top Ten Healthy Holiday Food Gifts Physicians Group Prescribes the Gift of Health for Online Shoppers Washington, D.C.— Just in time for the peak online shopping season, the nonprofit Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) is announcing its top ten healthy food gift ideas. All gifts are available online: 1. Eight-Box Veggie Club HarryandDavid.com ($199.95) 2. Three-Soup Gift Crate WomensBeanProject.com ($16.00) 3. Fresh Fruit Basket DeanDeluca.com ($125.00) 4. Red's Vintage Tomatoes RedCooper.com ($36.98) 5. Meatless Sampler Healthy-eating.com ($29.99) 6. Pearadise Gift Box GotFruit.com ($26.95) 7. Grand Variety Organic Gift Basket VillageOrganics.com ($87.95) 8. Longevity Noodles RedEnvelope.com ($60.00) 9. Spreads and Jamin' Jams Gift Set Collection ClubSauce.com ($44.00) 10. Popcorn Gift Set Williams-Sonoma.com ($37.00) "With weight problems and diet-related disease as prevalent as ever, our prescription is simple: Give the gift of health this holiday season ," says PCRM dietitian Brie Turner-McGrievy, M.S., R.D. "Buy your family and friends one of the many delicious vegetarian and other healthy gifts available this year. "Whether they're die-hard meat-eaters or gourmet vegetarians, there's something on our list that's bound to please. Even someone who thinks fudge is a food group will find some of these fruit, veggie, and meatless gifts irresistible." PCRM's nutrition staff combed the Internet for the most appealing, low-fat food gift ideas. The ten gifts featured above represent a mix of large and small suppliers and a range of prices. All food products meet PCRM criteria by being predominantly low-fat, fiber-rich, and cholesterol-free. "It's encouraging to see just how many healthy choices are available these days," says Ms. Turner-McGrievy. "Careful shoppers will find healthy choices on most Web sites. Even HickoryFarms.com offers gorgeous fruit baskets amidst its infamous sausage-and-cheese packs." PCRM does not accept any compensation for these gift recommendations and cannot guarantee the availability of products sold by these vendors or Web site security. Although a few of the products may come with recipes that suggest adding cheese, butter, or other unhealthy foods, vegetarian substitutions are always easy to make. Journalists: For a more detailed description of the gift ideas or an interview with Ms. Turner-McGrievy, M.S., R.D., please contact Ms. Simon Chaitowitz at 202-686-2210, ext. 309, or simonc@pcrm.org . Click here for more information about healthy eating, including low-fat, vegetarian recipes. Founded in 1985 and based in Washington, D.C., the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine promotes preventive medicine, especially good nutrition, and higher research standards. -30- Related Materials PCRM's Top Ten Healthy Holiday Food Gifts (12/05/01) Media Center | Health | Research | About PCRM | Catalog | Join Us | Search | Site Index | Home The site does not provide medical or legal advice. This Web site is for information purposes only. Full Disclaimer | Privacy Policy Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine 5100 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 400 Washington, DC 20016

Birthday Gifts -- Birthday

Birthday Gifts – Unique Birthday Gifts – Personalized Birthday Gifts - Unique Gifts, Personalized Gifts, Luxury Gifts - RedEnvelope -- Gifts Gifts by Occasion Birthday Gifts -- Birthday Gifts – Unique Birthday Gifts – Personalized Birthday Gifts -- Find exceptional birthday gifts at RedEnvelope. Whether you are searching for unique birthday gifts like our birthday cigars or personalized birthday gifts like our inspiration paper weights , finding a gift is easy and affordable when shopping our assortment. Our selection of unique birthday gifts includes: gourmet birthday baskets , asara cashmere gloves for her , greenway golf club head covers for him and kids' mosaic stepping stone to name just a few. So, make the most of their big day with RedEnvelope's unique birthday gifts . After all, their birthday only happens once a year. Favorites - Birthday Presents Looking for birthday gift ideas? Our assortment of birthday presents is the perfect source for birthday gift ideas and birthday gifts for mom. Birthday Gifts for Her Birthday Gifts For Her, Birthday Gifts for Women, and Wife Birthday Gifts are one of our specialties. You can shop our birthday gifts for her in a variety of ways. Birthday Gifts for Men Birthday Gifts for Men, Birthday Gifts For Him and Birthday Gifts for Dad are one of our specialties. You can shop our birthday gifts for men assortment in a variety of ways. Kids Birthday Gifts Kids Birthday Gifts, Birthday Gifts For Kids and Child Birthday Gifts are one of our specialties. You can shop our kids birthday gifts assortment in a variety of ways. Friendship - Great Birthday Gifts Great Birthday Gifts, Birthday Gifts For Friends and Birthday Ideas For Friends are one of our specialties. You can shop our great birthday gifts assortment in a variety of ways. -- Featured Products: i love you with all of my heart story of a lifetime dream catcher necklace sliding locket necklace personalized candle Be sure and review our other birthday gift collections: baby gifts , birthday gifts , birthday presents , birthday gifts for her , birthday gifts for men , great birthday gifts , kids birthday gifts , romantic gifts , wedding gifts , graduation gifts , gifts for her , gifts for men , birthday gifts , gifts for dad , jewelry gifts , new baby gifts , gifts for mom , affordable gifts , anniversary gifts , gifts for him , gifts for women , new baby gifts , men's accessories , wedding anniversary gifts. -- Gifts by Occasion • Gifts by Recipient • Online Gifts by Shops • Corporate Gifts Last Minute Gifts • Anniversary Gift Guide • Birthflowers Gift Guide • Birthstones Gift Guide -- ©2005 RedEnvelope, Inc. All rights reserved. The RedEnvelope mark and logo are trademarks of RedEnvelope, Inc. Index .

Wedding Gift

Silver Wedding Gifts The Very Highest Quality Gift Suggestions... Silver Wedding Gift Suggestions Reverse of 1978 Bahamas $10 Crown Reverse of 1978 Silver Medallion Reverse of 1978 Silver Norwegian 10 Kroner Silver Coins & Coin Sets as Gifts As coin dealers, we are often asked for coins or coin sets from particular years as gift items. One of the most frequent requests we receive is for silver coins from 25 years ago to give as silver wedding anniversary gifts or as 25th birthday presents. We are happy to try to oblige. On this page we list a few suggestions. Because the dates change from year to year, we will keep the body of this page fairly constant, and just give links to other pages for particular years. Silver Coins From 25 Years Ago 1978 Silver Coins This includes 1978 Manx crowns and complete Manx coin sets. 1978 British Coin Sets Does not include any silver coins. Other Years 1975 Silver Coins This includes 1975 Manx crowns and complete Manx coin sets. 1975 British Coin Sets Does not include any silver coins. 1976 Silver Coins This includes 1976 Manx crowns and complete Manx coin sets. 1976 British Coin Sets Does not include any silver coins. 1977 Silver Coins This includes 1977 Manx crowns and complete Manx coin sets. 1977 British Coin Sets Does not include any silver coins. 1977 Silver Jubilee Silver Crown 1977 Silver Medallion Set 1977 Silver Jubilee Medallion - Official Other Silver Coins 2000 Millennium Silver Collection Not 25 years old, but made of silver. A Complete set of 13 British Coins, including the Millennium Crown, Maundy set, and all the circulation type coins, struck in silver, and housed in an impressive presentation box. Issued by the Royal Mint. 2000 Millennium Silver Crown Silver Britannias 2001 Silver Britannias Silver Bullion Coins One ounce silver bullion coins, and other sizes, from around the world. Pound Coins - Silver Proofs Since 1983, silver proof versions of the 1 coin have been issued, and also piedfort silver proofs. World Silver Crowns A selection of dollar sized silver coins of various years from many different countries. I you are looking for a difficult year, this might be worth trying. World Silver Proof Coins Various silver coins, struck as proofs (special high quality finish) from different countries and different years. Order Form - UK Order Form - USA Order Form - EU Order Form - Rest of World If you want to find the value of a coin you own, please take a look at our page I've Found An Old Coin, What's It Worth? If you have an enquiry about any of our Silver Coins,, we'd be happy to answer you, but please note it may be quicker to telephone us. Please see the Contact Us page of our website. ...at the Lowest Possible Price 521 Lytham Road, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY4 1RJ, England. Telephone (44) - (0) 1253 - 343081 & 316238; Fax 408058; E-mail: The URL for our main page is: http://www.24carat.co.uk/index.html Web Design by Snoop

Birthday Present Newsroom Press

Piggy’s Birthday Present Newsroom home | view cart | top 10 sites | faqs | about us | contact us an engaging language arts and early math program about product standards & skills newsroom request information ordering information printable order form Piggy’s Birthday Present Newsroom Press Release Reviews Piggy’s Birthday Present Santa Cruz, CA — Learning in Motion is pleased to announce the release of another learning environment featuring the well-loved Piggy! Piggy’s Birthday Present is a CD-ROM for early learners that builds English language arts and mathematics skills. Like Piggy in Numberland before it, this program gives teachers only one problem—how to get their kids off the computer! Piggy’s Birthday Present uses the popular “dot-to-dot” activity to provide fun and learning. With each dot-to-dot picture they complete, children are engaging in a sequence of progressively more advanced activities in language and number sense. The program is based on research into early language and mathematics learning, and the more than 2,000 questions originate from time-tested curricula. Piggy’s Birthday Present offers five murals in both mathematics and language arts. Students complete the murals, picture by picture, by answering questions at three different skill levels: kindergarten, first, and second grade. Whether in math or language arts, children alternate between content work and art work, and their learning potential increases via this “distributed practice.” After successfully completing the activity, students select from an array of paints, using the palette to color and customize their murals. Distributed practice, an important principle in educational psychology, is a perfect match for the dot-to-dot format, providing a systematic pattern of learning and playing, learning and playing. Murals for Language Arts and Mathematics In Piggy’s Birthday Present the research is solid, the activities classroom-tested, and the “kid-factor” high. Motivation and reward are keen in Piggy’s Birthday Present —students can print their pictures, search for hidden treasures, and receive special certificates. Sophisticated graphics and animation with whimsical characters and magical scenes all add to the fun. Also, Piggy’s Birthday Present is incredibly easy to play—there are no directions to read and Piggy’s friends Bee, Panda, and Baby Kangaroo are always nearby to help. Mathematics and language arts activities provide a sequenced progression of concepts and skills. English language arts emphasizes sight recognition, phonics (sounds), and morphology (word structure). Mathematics activities stress four areas: numeral recognition, counting, numerical relationships, and arithmetic. Each mural is supported by exercises at the three difficulty levels; students (or teachers) simply select the appropriate level. In addition, the numbers in the math dot-to-dots can be heard in several languages—Spanish, French, Chinese (Mandarin), Italian, Japanese, and Indonesian! Every mural contains several pictures focusing on a particular skill set. The Skills Summary feature gives teachers the content description for each mural at the easy, medium, or hard level. Students can work individually or in groups, and student work is always saved and recorded in the Skills Summary after every session. Piggy’s Birthday Present was developed by ThoughtMakers, a core team of cognitive psychologists, software engineers, graphic artists, and musicians. The program was produced, tested, and modified as part of a research and development effort headed by Dr. J. Arthur Woodward and Ms. Jill Gilkerson, Department of Psychology, UCLA. The school version of Piggy’s Birthday Present is shipped on two CD-ROMs with a Teacher’s Guide. The Teacher’s Guide offers classroom supports such as complementary activity suggestions. Piggy’s Birthday Present is priced at $39. Additional CD-ROMS are available for $15. Learning in Motion offers a free 30-day preview of Piggy’s Birthday Present to US and Canadian educational institutions. Contact Customer Service at (800) 560-5670. Piggy’s Birthday Present was designed by ThoughtMakers and published by Learning in Motion, Inc. Reviews This program definitely attracts a crowd of children when it is on, and the attention span for the program was unusually high compared to many programs on the market. Kids were highly motivated to complete the murals and build up their stash of treasures. Overall: Highly Recommended —Online review for The Review Corner ( http://www.reviewcorner.com ) ...There’s a lot of excellent early math and reading practice to be found in these simple puzzles, and the program has the important features of good graphics, a responsive design and an engaging theme in an easy-to-use format. —Ann Orr for Children’s Software Revue ( http://www.childrenssoftware.com ) This new program, the second in a series, breaks new ground in connect-the-dot puzzles. How? By putting hundreds of easy puzzles at a child’s fingertips and a fun surprise at the end. ...Incremental success keeps preschoolers glued to their seats. —October 1999 review for Scholastic Early Childhood Today ( http://www.scholastic.com ) The program provides colorful settings and graphics that are age-appropriate. Audio prompts for directions and navigation are user-friendly for young children. Piggy’s Birthday Present could be used in a computer center in kindergarten or first grade for either individual or group practice in language arts or math. Teachers in grade two may find it useful as a remediation tool, and ESL students would benefit from the activities as well. —A September 1999 review by the EvaluTech project of the Southern Regional Education Board ( http://www.evalutech.sreb.org ) 2004 Learning in Motion, Inc.