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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Wedding Gift

Wedding planning and advice, wedding dresses and fashion: ModernBride.com choose a quick link ----------------- accessories bouquets bridesmaid dresses budget cakes ceremony dresses favors flowers food guest lists hairstyles honeymoons invitations jewelry makeup message boards music photos real weddings receptions registry veils wedding dresses Help Hurricane Katrina relief efforts Florist, caterers, reception sites, wedding dress salons, and more Select Your Region Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas CA - Central CA - North CA - South Canada Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida GA - Atlanta GA - Other Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico NY - Hamptons NY - Metro NY - Upstate North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon PA - Central/West PA - Philly Area Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee TX - Austin TX - Dallas/Ft.Worth TX - Houston Texas - Other Utah Vermont Virginia Washington DC Washington State West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Instant access to 1000s of wedding dresses plus looks for 'maids, mothers, and flowergirls Choose your getaway: Caribbean, Domestic US, Hawaii, or South Pacific Match every wedding style with invitations, favors and more begin search Find great deals on your wedding essentials without leaving the comfort of your computer view products tell us about your wedding Your flowers, cake, ceremony--we want to hear about it all! Take our fun, fast survey and look for the results in an upcoming issue A Lakeside Celebration Ashleigh and Howard marry aboard a yacht in Northern Ontario The couple wasn't daunted by the logistics of planning an intimate, "not too formal", nearly 200-person wedding... click to see the celebration show off your big day! Click here to add your photos to our online wedding galleries ModernBride.com Home | Fashion & Beauty | Wedding Planning | Registry | Honeymoon | Real Brides | Local Planning | Shop Online Prizes and Offers | Newsletter | Privacy Policy | -- Advertise With Us | Contact Us Modern Bride magazine In This Issue | Subscribe | Customer Care | Media Kit Fairchild Bridal Group Sites for Wedding Planning and Wedding Dresses : Brides.com | ModernBride.com | ElegantBride.com Site for Prom Planning and Prom Dresses : YourProm.com Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy .© Fairchild Internet, Inc. All rights reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Fairchild Internet, Inc.

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Baby Gift Sets for

Baby Gift Sets, Newborn Gift sets for Babies, Baby Gifts Set, Gift for Babies, Baby Gift Store Baby Buying Guide Activity Toys Baby Bathtubs Baby Bedding Baby Beds Baby Blankets Baby Blocks Baby Books Baby Care Baby Carriers Baby Cups Baby Dressers Baby Furniture Baby Gear Baby Headrests Baby Head Supports Baby Keepsakes Baby Monitors Baby Organizers Baby Room Décor Baby Safety Baby Slings Baby Starter Sets Baby Thermometers Baby Toys Baby Travel Accessories Baby Valances Baby Videos Baby Walkers Baby Wallpaper Backpacks Bassinets Bath Accessories Bedding Sets Bodysuits Booster Seats Bottle Accessories Bottle Feeding Bottle Sterilizers Bottle Warmers Bouncers Breastfeeding Breastfeeding Books Breastfeeding Pillows Breast Pumps Cabinet Locks Car Accessories Car Seats Changing Pads Changing Tables Convertible Seats Corner Guards Cradle Bedding Crib Bedding Sets Crib Mattress Crib Mattress Pads Cribs Crib Sheets Diaper Bags Diaper Pails Diapers Diaper Stackers Diaper Warmers Doorway Jumpers Double Strollers Dressing Tables Dust Ruffles Feeding Accessories Fleece Blankets Gift Books Gift Sets Baby Harry Potter Book High Chairs Humidifiers Infant Seats Lamaz Books Mirrors Neck Supports Night Lights Nipples Nursery Décor Nursery Furniture Nursery Lamps Nursery Monitors Nursing Pillow Pacifiers Parenting Books Photo Albums Picture Frames Piggy Banks Play Centers Play Pens Play Yards Plush Toys Pooh Portable Cribs Potties Potty Seats Potty Trainers Potty Training Pregnancy Books Pregnancy Pillows Prenatal Listeners Preschool Toys Quilts Rattles Receiving Blankets Rockers Rocking Chairs Safety Gates Safety Gear Seat Strollers Security Gates Shades Sleepers Sleep Positioners Soft Carriers Solid Feeding Items Stools Strollers Strollers Lightweight Swings The First Years Thermal Blankets Trainers Training Cups Travel Seats Travel Sets Umbrella Strollers Vaporizers Wall Hangings Baby Buying Guide » Gift Sets for Baby Gift Sets for Baby Gift sets for babies and newborns are fun to explore. The most common gift sets are baby apparels - typically blue for baby boys and cute pink dress for baby girls. Red and yellow baby outfits are common to both the sexes. Besides the baby apparels, one can also buy shower or baby bath sets as well as crib bedding sets for infants. The list may include baby accessories such as bibs, towels, bodysuits and sleepers. Cute knitted sweaters, hats and socks look adorable on babies and toddlers in yellow, blue and pink. Choose darker colors for toddlers and easy-to-wash woolens and fabrics who are likely to roll in mud while playing. Fabulous high-quality winter set in bright colors look beautiful while knitted Christmas set featuring cardigan, pants and bodysuit for the baby look personalized and great. Other great ideas include combining all sorts of goodies for babies in one cute package such as cute baby soaps and skincare products, 4-pc crib set, robe gift set, diaper bag gift set and baby shawl and poncho gift set. You may combine disposable diapers, a diaper bag and a diaper warmer to make one great gift set for new parents. Toys and cartoon characters in a basket are popular gifts for little babies while a Baby Football or Baseball Gift Set are for active kids. A comprehensive guide to help you make a decision on buying baby gift sets, newborn gift sets for babies, baby gifts set, gift for babies, baby gift store. © Baby Buying Guide

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 >>