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. An investor's best course of action must be based on individual circumstances. © 2005 Microsoft MSN Privacy Legal Advertise Feedback Help

Gift ideas for anyone

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

Housewarming Gift

Home Interior Gift – Garden Gift – House Warming Gift - Unique Gifts, Personalized Gifts, Luxury Gifts - RedEnvelope -- Gifts Online Gifts by Shops Sale Shop Gifts for the Home Sale -- Home Interior Gift – Garden Gift – House Warming Gift Shop our For Home Sale collection, stock up on home gifts and save up to 75%. RedEnvelope's For Home Sale assortment is a unique source the perfect discounted garden gift , house warming gift and home interior gift . Whether you are looking for discounted a garden gift or house warming gift , shop our assortment below for unique and affordable gifts. 1 2 showing items 1 - 32 of 42 silver-plated recording clock + frame shower cd player everything catchall shadowbox photo collage toasting flutes folding leather frames electronic spinning tie rack personalized silver-leaf frames friends albums glass photo coasters friendship frames set aromatherapy gift set inspiration paperweights leather dual time clock champagne party set gallery serving tray photo keepsake box library games leather flask photo + card display leather valet + clock love quote paperweight wrap me around you throw musical carousel frame i.o.u. a day in the garden aromatherapy candles modern birdhouse motherhood box silver-plated mom frame i.o.u. let's clean your closet modern easter eggs copper patio torches 1 2 showing items 1 - 32 of 42 -- 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 .

Housewarming Gift Idea A

Housewarming Gift Idea - Housewarming Gift Basket Housewarming Gift Idea - Housewarming Gift Basket Housewarming Gift Idea A Housewarming Gift Idea from Harry and David can bring a smile to the face of any new homeowner. Look no further for the perfect housewarming gif idea. Housewarming Gift Basket Our 9 star All Occasion Housewarming Gift Basket is our biggest occasion gift basket. This delightful housewarming gift basket contains fruits, nuts, candy and more. Next time you have to choose a housewarming gift idea choose the perfect housewarming gift basket from Harry and David. OCCASIONS Last Minute Gifts All Occasion Gifts Americana Anniversary Back to Campus Birthday Congratulations Get Well Housewarming New Baby Sympathy Thank You Thinking of You Wedding Gifts Halloween Thanksgiving Christmas Hanukkah New Year's Holiday Early Bird Sale You are here: Occasions > Housewarming Celebration Basket Gourmet fare for a small family or office: Big impression on a smaller scale. Inside these pristine white baskets they'll find Royal Riviera Pears, Crisp Mountain Apples, Wild Alaskan Smoked Salmon, Summer Sausage, Cheddar and Jack Cheeses, Chewy Fruit Candy, Lemon Cake, Lemon Shortbread Cookies, Fruit Preserves and Honey Roasted Nuts. Net wt. 4 lbs. Available to ship year round. Choose One: Celebration Basket Item No. 13334Z $ 69.95 Deluxe Celebration Basket ( details ) Five extra pounds of incredible gourmet food. Item No. 606Z $ 99.95 Sign in to access your address book Send To: Recipient List Me Or: Add New Name Need Help? We'll ask for shipping info at checkout Our Guarantee : You must be delighted, or we'll make it right. Subscribe to receive special updates and exclusive offers. Services: Register Now | Customer Service | Gift Services | Gift Card | Catalog Quick Order | Same Day Delivery Gift Finder | My Giftlist™ | Order History | Catalog Request | International APO/FPO Information: Homepage | Harvest Report | Privacy Policy | Browser Requirements | Site Map | About Us Order toll free anytime 1-877-322-1200 © 2005, Harry and David. All Rights Reserved. Harry and David is a registered trademark. [3]

Great Gifts for Preschoolers

Target : Toys : Great Gifts for Preschoolers All Products Women Men Baby Kids Home Furniture Electronics Sports Toys Music DVD Movies VHS Movies Books Shop Red Hot Shop Target : Toys : Great Gifts for Preschoolers Target : Toys Action Figures Arts + Crafts Boys' Toys Boys' Toys Under $20 Build-A-Bear Building Sets + Blocks ChatNow Clearance Dinosaurs Dolls + Accessories Electronics + Music FLY Games + Puzzles Girls' Toys Girls' Toys Under $20 Great Gifts for Boys under $50 Great Gifts for Girls under $50 Great Gifts for Infants + Toddlers Great Gifts for Preschoolers Great Gifts you can't find in store Grown-Up Toys Hot New Toys Kids' Costumes Learning Toys Marvel Comics Miltary + Battle Action Figures Movies Collectibles Preschool Toys Retro Toys Riding Toys Shop by Age Sports + Outdoor Play Sports Collectibles Star Wars Collectibles Stuffed Animals Superheroes Action Figures Tech Toys Top Birthday Gifts Top Boys Top Gifts for Boys Top Gifts for Girls Top Girls Toy Brands Toy Storage Vehicles + Radio Control Wood Toys Sort by: Featured Items Bestselling New Items Item Name: A to Z Item Name: Z to A Brand: A to Z Brand: Z to A Price: Low to High Price: High to Low page 1 of 3 1 2 3 Step 2 Pedal Farm Tractor guest ratings: $59.99 Usually ships within 1 to 2 business days. Step 2 Push Around Buggy - Red guest ratings: $39.99 Usually ships within 1 to 2 business days. Little Tikes Tender Heart Table and Chairs guest ratings: $39.99 Usually ships within 1 to 2 business days. STEP 2 FIRE ENGINE FOR TWO guest ratings: $59.99 Usually ships within 1 to 2 business days. USA Map Puzzle guest ratings: $14.99 Usually ships within 24 hours. Little Tikes Patrol Police Car guest ratings: $57.99 Usually ships within 1 to 2 business days. Step 2 Kangaroo Climber guest ratings: $99.99 Usually ships within 1 to 2 business days. Step 2 Wagon For 2 Plus guest ratings: $59.99 Usually ships within 1 to 2 business days. LeapFrog LeapPad guest ratings: $39.99 Usually ships within 24 hours. Little Tikes Cookin' Sounds Gourmet Kitchen guest ratings: $69.99 Usually ships within 1 to 2 business days. Little Tikes Push & Ride Racer guest ratings: $22.99 Usually ships within 1 to 2 business days. My First LeapPad Book: Dora to the Rescue guest ratings: $12.99 Usually ships within 24 hours. Little Tikes Swing Along Castle guest ratings: $99.99 Usually ships within 1 to 2 business days. Step 2 Up and Down Roller Coaster guest ratings: $99.99 Usually ships within 1 to 2 business days. Little Tikes Shopping Cart guest ratings: $24.99 Usually ships within 1 to 2 business days. Little Tikes Easy Adjust Play Table guest ratings: $69.99 Usually ships within 1 to 2 business days. page 1 of 3 1 2 3 More Credit Cards Apply Now Shipping Rates + Policies Track an Order Update an Order Return an Item Product Rebates Product Recalls Contact Us Shopping Directory More Store Locator Grocery Coupons Photo Center Portrait Studio Weekly Ad Optical Pharmacy Promotions More About Target | Careers | Investors | Press | Community | Diversity | Affiliates | Team Member Services PRIVACY | Terms + Conditions California Privacy Rights ©2005 Target.com. All rights reserved. The Bullseye Design and Bullseye Dog are trademarks of Target Brands, Inc. Powered by Amazon.com