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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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 >>

Shower Gifts Decorations &

4 Showers.com -Bridal Showers & Baby Showers - Favors, Games, Gifts, Decorations & Supplies Home Shopping Party Planning View Cart Help Contact Us Customer Comments Back Your one stop shower shop offering everything needed to plan the perfect bridal or baby shower. Bridal Shower Bridal Shower Favors Bridal Shower Gifts Decorations & Supplies Bridal Shower Games Budget Favors Party Planning Tips Baby Shower Baby Shower Favors Baby Shower Gifts Decorations & Supplies Baby Shower Games Budget Favors Pregnancy Products Party Planning Tips Check out our current half price bridal specials ! Check out our current half price baby specials ! Check out the adorable favors , unique gifts , great party planning tips and beautiful decorations and supplies , all delivered conveniently to your door . Enter Keywords Newlywed Kitchen Combo Bride and groom oven mitts really get things cooking in the kitchen! Stir up some smiles with this fun novelty item. More Info Personalized Bridal Tea Favor with Caddy Personalized tea bag available in five attractive designs, topped off with a porcelain teapot-shaped caddy. More Info Celestial Bridal Shower Favor Give your guests the gift of relaxation with these heavenly bath beads. They'll be singing "Twinkle, Twinkle, little sun, moon, and stars." More Info Bridal Shower Rolling Pin Recipe Card Holder Sheer delight and practicality all "rolled up" into one! Homespun, vintage-inspired, real wooden "rolling pin" is actually a convenient recipe card holder. More Info Shades of Autumn Leaf Soap Petals Fall in love with our vibrant Leaf Soap Petals, which come in all the shades of autumn: burgundy, gold, orange, and green. More Info Cheers to a Great Combination Two hearts, one amazing future. This combination is as perfectly suited to each other as the bride and groom. Included is one chrome Heart Shaped Bottle Stopper and one chrome Tuxedo Heart Corkscrew in whimsical packaging. More Info Daddy Tool Belt Having a baby is a two person endeavor, and there's no need to wonder about what to get Daddy. Tools of the trade diaper changing tool belt is filled with all the necessities for changing baby. More Info Noah's Ark Magnet Favor Everybody loves and uses magnets, and these colorful 2.5" resin magnets are available in three assorted styles. More Info Baby Shower Rolling Pin Recipe Card Holder Sheer delight and practicality all "rolled up" into one! Homespun, vintage-inspired, real wooden "rolling pin" is actually a convenient recipe card holder. More Info Lucky Ducky Favor Charm and delight your guests with this darling duck-shaped soap. More Info Personalized Baby Shower Tea Favor with Caddy Personalized tea bag available in four baby shower designs, topped off with a porcelain teapot shaped caddy. More Info Labor Day Pamper Pack Surprise your favorite Mommy-to-be with the gift of tranquillity on the one day she'll really need it! Delivery day will be even more special with this tote bag of goodies to help her feel pampered. More Info Baby Shower: Favors | Gifts | Decorations & Supplies | Games | Budget Favors | Pregnancy Products Bridal Shower: Favors | Gifts | Decorations & Supplies | Games | Budget Favors Home | Shopping | Party Planning | View Cart | Help | Contact Us | Links | Back 4 Showers.com, A Division of The Rosemary Company, 2000 - 2005 This site designed by Fox Web Design Please direct all questions and comments to the Webmaster

anniversary gifts in [brackets]

Anniversary Gifts Anniversary Gifts Compiled from discussions on alt.wedding. Traditional Modern Alt. Modern 1 [paper] plastics clocks 2 cotton cotton/calico china 3 leather leather crystal/glass 4 flowers linen/silk/nylon appliances 5 [wood] wood silverware 6 candy/iron iron wood 7 copper/wool copper/wool/brass desk sets 8 bronze/pottery bronze/appliances linens 9 pottery/willow pottery leather 10 [tin] aluminum diamond 11 steel steel jewelry 12 silk/linen silk/linen pearl 13 lace lace textiles/fur 14 ivory ivory gold 15 [crystal] glass watches 20 [china] china platinum 25 [silver] silver silver 30 pearl pearl pearl 35 coral coral/jade jade 40 ruby ruby/garnet ruby 45 sapphire sapphire sapphire 50 [gold] gold gold 55 emerald emerald/turquoise emerald 60 [diamond] gold diamond 75 diamond diamond/gold diamond Notes: There are only -8- "true" traditional anniversary gifts in [brackets] The "other" traditional listings are from various sources (consensus) Modern list is from the New York Public Library Desk Reference Alt. modern list is drawn from various sources (consensus) People frequently ask me if I can think of some examples of a particular kind of gift. Most often, the question is about paper as a first anniversary gift. Here are some ideas: Nice writing paper, cards, etc. -- basically, any kind of paper that you write on. If this doesn't seem like enough, you can always include a nice pen. Books. Big coffee-table books, antique books, the latest novels -- any kind of books. Fine art or photography prints (to hang on the wall). Many newlywedsdon't have much hanging on their walls. A photo album, or a framed picture. Anything made of cardboard -- you can stretch the definition of paper if you want to. Tickets to the theater, sporting event, etc. A gift certificate -- homemade or commercial Page last modified: Sunday, May 16, 2004 Comments? Return Home

gifts for women Site

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