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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Shower Gift

BabyGreek.Com - fraternity sorority baby gifts baby shower gifts Welcome to Babygreek.com, your premier source for sorority and fraternity clothes and gifts catering specifically to infants and children. We carry only the highest quality items officially licensed through sororities and fraternities worldwide. Alpha Chi Omega Alpha Omicron Pi Alpha Phi Alpha Tau Omega Alpha Xi Delta Beta Theta Pi Chi Phi Chi Omega Delta Chi Delta Delta Delta Delta Gamma Delta Tau Delta Delta Zeta Gamma Phi Beta Kappa Alpha Kappa Alpha Theta Kappa Delta Kappa Kappa Gamma Kappa Sigma Lambda Chi Alpha Pi Beta Phi Phi Delta Theta Phi Gamma Delta Phi Kappa Alpha -- Phi Kappa Tau Phi Mu Phi Sigma Kappa Pi Kappa Alpha Psi Upsilon Sigma Alpha Epsilon Sigma Chi Sigma Delta Tau Sigma Kappa Sigma Pi Sigma Nu Sigma Phi Epsilon Sigma Sigma Sigma Theta Chi Tau Kappa Epsilon Zeta Beta Tau Zeta Psi Zeta Tau Alpha Search Catalog Priority Mail Used For All Orders Future Organizations Coming Soon -- Order & Return Policy Baby Greeks innovative styles and selections are sure to delight young and old alike! Select your organization at the left and browse the collection. A free gift card is included with your order! We will be adding more items constantly so be sure and bookmark this site and return often! Order online using our secure server. Your transaction will be encrypted using the latest technology. Or, see the order blank for payment by check. Our customer service staff is available to answer any questions you may have. If you dont see your fraternal organization, or would like to see a particular product offered, email us at csr@babygreek.com and well be happy to serve you! Call 1-877-368-7923 Monday through Friday 10 to 3 E.S.T. for further assistance. A gift from Baby Greek assures you that you have sent a quality item to your loved one! © Baby Greek Inc. All Rights Reserved. Design & Hosting by:Unlimited Media

Christmas gift Flowers &

Christmas gift SY L.com > Online Dating Service > Flowers & Gifts > Holiday gifts > Christmas gift Dating Photo Personals Meet singles Personal Ads Tour Join Articles Login Christmas gift Flowers & Gifts Your personal gift guide Gift aid Art of gift giving Choosing a perfect gift Gift packaging Gift wrapping Gift bags & boxes Gift cards & tags Popular gift ideas Thank you gifts Charitable gifts Baby & kids gifts Gifts for him Gifts for her Romantic gifts Religious gifts Get well gifts Party gifts Housewarming gifts Adult Gifts Sympathy gifts Gifts for friends Gifts for teens Business gifts Holiday gifts Graduation gift Easter gifts Valentines day gift Mothers day gift Fathers day gift Christmas gift Birthday gift Anniversary gift Bouquet & Arrangement Mothers Day Flowers Valentines Day Flowers Birthday Flowers Sympathy and funeral flowers Easter flowers Wedding flowers Flower language Exotic flowers Gerber daisies Carnations Tulips Roses Flowers & plants House plants Dried flowers Garden flowers Fresh cut & artificial flowers Flower market variety Seasonal flowers Flower delivery services Wholesale flowers Christmas gift The time of winter holidays, New Year, and Christmas is a time of magic, when everybody, adults and children, believe in fairytales and miracle. Therefore, our Christmas gifts ideas should make all the secret dreams come true. Its neither difficult nor impossible. The only thing you should do is to be attentive, as people frequently speak about their wishes but, unfortunately, nobody hears them. One may put a gift for Christmas into the Christmas stocking; in this case the gift should be not very large. The gift for Christmas may be left near the nicely decorated Christmas tree or presented directly to hands; in these cases size is insignificant. These traditions are appropriate for families with children. Having found the gift, hidden at night in the stocking or under the tree, kids really think that Santa works wonders while they are asleep! Let them believe it, since adult world doesnt have a right to destroy childlike hopes. So what exactly to present? What kind of traditional Christmas gift ideas exist? Probably, you can list perfume for women and some technical stuff like organizer for men. But do be original! For example, there are such origin Christmas gift ideas, as a glass which contains a whole bottle of wine or a mermaid costume with a bra made of seashells. (These Christmas gifts were mentioned among the most interesting and amazing in Los-Angeles last year.) Christmas gift should show how much you care of the person, want to see his/her surprise and sunny smile, that youd really long for his/her every wish be done. You may think out a winter travel or indoor fountain, you may present a toy railway, or stay at home with your family, being not on just another business trip. Should one only promise something innermost and long-awaited, this would be the best Christmas gift for his/her beloved. Remember that Christmas is the time for you to work wonders and to realize ones dreams and fancies. Therefore, give ear to your relatives and friends, and lets the magic begin! Online Dating Service · Photo Personals · Meet singles · Personal Ads · Directory · Dating Site · Dating advice · Articles Privacy Statement | Terms of Use | Site Map | Contact Us | Report a Bug © 2004,2005 SearchYourLove TM partners sites: Great Holidays and Hotels // Health and Beauty Journal // MotorListing // Millennium Rise // EstateIndex // Russian brides // Mail order brides // Casino journal // Dating & Personals // Admotor Russian brides // Gambling online // Mail order brides // Admotor // Millennium Rise // MotorListing // EstateIndex Great Holidays and Hotels // Health and Beauty Journal

College Gift

Skidmore College - Gift Planning - Life Income - Pooled Life Income Fund Search | Calendar | A-Z Index Thu Sep 22 5:37 PM EDT Skidmore Home | Admissions | Current Students | Faculty & Staff | Parents & Friends | Alumni Wills and Bequests Life Income Gifts More Gift Options Breaking News To Honor Donors Bring Legacy to Life! Scribner House Contact Our Staff Gift Planning Home STANDARD MAIL 815 North Broadway Saratoga Springs, New York, 12866 GIFT PLANNING PHONE 518-580-5655 E-MAIL CONTACT Gift Planning Gift Planning Life Income Gifts - Skidmore Pooled Life Income Fund The Pooled Life Income Fund (PLIF) provides a way for alumni and friends to make gifts to the College in exchange for lifetime income, favorable tax treatment, and other financial benefits. The collective power of pooling gifts from many donors increases the size and investment earning potential of the overall fund. Donors may join in the Skidmore PLIF with a gift of cash or securities of at least $5,000. Subsequesnt gifts of $1,000 or more may be added. Each participant receives a percentage share of the total PLIF investment earnings each year. The amount of income received by the donor, or a beneficiary designated by the donor, depends upon the subsequent earnings performance each year. Growth in the value of the Skidmore Pooled Life Income Fund results in increased annual income for beneficiaries and a larger eventual gift for Skidmore. When the donor and/or beneficiary passes away, the donor's share of the PLIF principal is withdrawn and transferred to Skidmore College to be used for general educational purposes or for such specific purposes as the donor may have designated. Please call or email to learn more. Bring Legacy to Life! Philanthropy • Legacy • Security The Office of Gift Planning urges donors to consult their legal and other professional advisors when considering charitable gift giving. Our staff is always pleased to work directly with donors and their advisors during the process. Creative Thought Matters. Skidmore College · 815 North Broadway · Saratoga Springs, NY · 12866 Skidmore College Main Links ©2005 Skidmore College · Contact Information Skidmore Home | Admissions | Current Students | Faculty & Staff | Parents & Friends | Alumni

Unique Gifts for Kiddos

Listmania! Unique Gifts for Kiddos Your Store See All 31 Product Categories   Your Account | Cart | Wish List | Help Improve Your Recommendations | Your Amazon Home | Your Profile | Learn More Search Amazon.com Books Popular Music Music Downloads Classical Music DVD VHS Apparel Yellow Pages Restaurants Movie Showtimes Toys Baby Computers Video Games Electronics Camera & Photo Software Tools & Hardware Office Products Magazines Sports & Outdoors Outdoor Living Kitchen Jewelry & Watches Beauty Gourmet Food Beta Musical Instruments Health/Personal Care Travel Cell Phones & Service Outlet Auctions zShops Everything Else Scientific Supplies Medical Supplies Indust. Supplies Automotive Home Furnishings Lifestyle Pet Toys Arts & Hobbies Web Search Listmania! Unique Gifts for Kiddos by Julia Young , poet/caregiver/earthangel E-mail this list to a friend 1. Barbie The Pink Fragrance (Misc.) Offered by: Sephora from $15.00 - $20.00 Availability: Usually ships in 1 to 2 business days 2. 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SEND THE KIDS TO BED WITH A GOOD BOOK : A guide by Betty Dravis, THE TOONIES AUTHOR Create a guide Where's My Stuff? • Track your recent orders . • View or change your orders in Your Account . Shipping & Returns • See our shipping rates & policies . • Return an item (here's our Returns Policy ). Need Help? • Forgot your password? Click here . • Redeem or buy a gift certificate. • Visit our Help department . Search All Products Books Popular Music Music Downloads Classical Music DVD VHS Apparel Yellow Pages Restaurants Movie Showtimes Toys Baby Computers Video Games Electronics Camera & Photo Software Tools & Hardware Office Products Magazines Sports & Outdoors Outdoor Living Kitchen Jewelry & Watches Beauty Gourmet Food Beta Musical Instruments Health/Personal Care Pet Supplies Travel Books Cell Phones & Service Outlet Auctions zShops Everything Else Scientific Supplies Medical Supplies Indust. 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