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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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

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Wagner College Gift Clubs Giving to Wagner --- --- Making a Gift to Wagner Student Phone Program Gifts of Stock and Securities Matching Gifts from Your Employer Senior Class Gift Program Pledge Form ANNUAL FUND HOME © Wagner College 2004 Wagner College Gift Clubs The President's Inner Circle is comprised of distinguished alumni, parents, and civic and corporate leaders who, by their generosity and stature, heighten the prominence of Wagner College. As the leadership supporters of the College, The President's Inner Circle is recognized prominently in the Honor Roll of Donors. Members receive regular communications from the President and they participate in social and cultural occasions that provide an opportunity for close relations among those who are helping the College achieve its goals. Inner Circle Levels of Support TRUSTEE FELLOWS $10,000+ PRESIDENTS PATRONS $5,000-$9,999 DEANS ASSOCIATES $2,500-$4,999 FACULTY COLLEAGUES $1,000-$2,499 Gift Societies THE WAGNERIAN SOCIETY $500-$999 THE GRYMES HILL SOCIETY $250-$499 NEW GRADUATE SOCIETY* $100-$249 * For young alumni who graduated in the years 1999-2004 To find out more information about The Presidents Inner Circle, or the Gift Societies, please contact: Clare Rich Director of Development Wagner College One Campus Road Staten Island, NY 10301 (718) 390-3304 crich@wagner.edu Campus Resources Admissions Athletics Bookstore Campus Life Career Development Contact Directories Emergency Information External Programs Financial Aid Graduate Programs Honors Program Human Resources Library Mailport- Email online Registrar's Office Study Abroad Summer Programs Undergraduate Programs Visiting Campus Wagner Plan/Curriculum Search only Wagner.edu Search www Prospective Students | Prospective Parents | Alumni and Friends | Visitors | Wagner Community Wagner College, One Campus Road, Staten Island, New York 10301 Contact Us | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Site Map

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Top Traditional First Year Anniversary Gifts (Paper)  You are here: About > People & Relationships > Marriage > Anniversaries and Holidays > Anniversaries > 1st Wedding Anniversary > Top Traditional First Year Anniversary Gifts (Paper) People & Relationships Marriage Essentials Halloween Costume Ideas for Couples Coping With Disaster as a Couple Celebrating Your Wedding Anniversary Marriage Questions & Answers Ten Weeks to a Better Marriage Articles & Resources Proposing & Engagement Marriage Licenses Anniversaries and Holidays History of Marriage Marriage Laws Marriage Advice and Quizzes Marriage Courses, Workshops Money, Inlaws, Chores, etc. Stages of Marriage Marriage Tips, Myths, etc. Married Love and Romance Different Marriage Choices Infidelity & Other Problems Ending a Marriage Books, Statistics, Research Buyer's Guide Ready-to-Wear Halloween Costumes for Couples Great Gifts for Your Wife Great Gifts for Your Husband Articles Forums Help FREE Newsletter Sign Up Now for the Marriage newsletter! See Online Courses   Search Marriage Stay up to date! Email to a friend Print this page Suggested Reading Anniversary Gift Ideas Gift Giving Related Guide Picks Modern First Anniversary Gifts Other Top Picks Most Popular 1st-10th Anniversary Gifts Couple Costume Ideas Traditional 1st Anniversary License Laws US Marriage Laws What's Hot Hilary Swank and Chad Lowe June 1999 Marriage News Peter Jennings and Kayce Freed Christopher and Dana Reeve Lance Armstrong & Sheryl Crow Related Topics Weddings Honeymoons / Romantic Getaways Divorce Support Financial Planning Senior Living Top 10 Traditional First Year Anniversary Gifts - Paper Guide Picks From Sheri & Bob Stritof , Your Guide to Marriage . FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now! You can use a lot of creativity in figuring out which paper gift to give your spouse. Here are some suggestions to get your creative juices going. 1) Books When purchasing a book, think about your spouse's passions, interests, and hobbies. If you can't write a love poem yourself, get a book of poetry for your lover. 2) Board Games and Puzzles This gift would be a promise to spend an evening together working on a jigsaw puzzle or playing a classic board game like Scrabble. 3) Stationery This could include pretty writing paper, personalized business cards, colorful postcards, note cards, and envelopes. 4) Tickets Purchase a couple tickets and take your spouse to his/her favorite sports event, movie, or theatrical production. Other tickets could include airline, ferry, train, bus, or balloon rides. Vendor's Site 5) Paintings Everyone loves artwork that touches our heart and soul and brings beauty to our life. 6) Coupons Write out a coupon for a massage or for a dinner out or for a walk in the rain. Use your imagination! Vendor's Site 7) Love Letters Write a love letter. You can do it! Vendor's Site 8) Posters Posters have become a very popular art form. You should be able to find one that matches your spouse's interests. 9) Photographs Buy a nice frame for a photograph of the two of you. 10) Calendars You could get an electronic one, or a pictorial calendar, or a diary, or a journal style, or an appointment book. Mark all the days that are important to the two of you, and add in a few new ones as a surprise. Important product disclaimer information about this About site. Most Popular Video Fashion for Special Occasions Women: Dressing by Body Type Women: Building a Wardrobe Men: Building a Wardrobe Men: Dressing by Body Type See other videos at About.com        Topic Index | Email to a Friend Our Story | Be a Guide | Advertising Info | Work at About | Site Map | Icons | Help User Agreement | Ethics Policy | Patent Info. | Privacy Policy | Kids' Privacy Policy ©2005 About, Inc., A part of the New York Times Company . All rights reserved. Around About Poll: What would you do with $10 million? 1) Spend it 4) Pay bills 2) Donate 5) Save 3) Invest 6) Not sure Is New York City Safe? Tips for Women Travelling What's Hot Hilary Swank and Chad Lowe June 1999 Marriage News Peter Jennings and Kayce Freed Christopher and Dana Reeve Lance Armstrong & Sheryl Crow

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