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Making Homes Affordable - First Hand Experience Part IV
After many phone calls and emails I was finally able to knock some heads and get some straight answers about how Wells Fargo is allowed to report our mortgage status to the credit bureaus. The bottom line is that they CAN report to the credit agency’s that our mortgage is being modified which will impact our credit rating by a few points. They CAN NOT report our mortgage as delinquent as long as we are current on our payments and adhere to the terms of the trial period.
What did I have to do to make sure Wells Fargo was abiding by the rules setup by the government?
I called my US Congressman Walt Minnick (ID) 208-888-3188 and talked with his representative Beverly Bean. I explained our situation and faxed the documentation provided by Wells Fargo to her so that she could do some leg work for us. In addition to calling Wells Fargo she also contacted the US Department of the Treasury, Malloy Evans 202-422-8135. Turns out that Wells Fargo was NOT abiding by the rules set forth by the government and now my US Congressman and the Department of the Treasury are making sure they are in fact playing by the rules.
I received assurances by my Congressman and the Dept of Treasury that my mortgage Would NOT be reported as delinquent as long as I made our payments in full and on time. In addition, I received a phone call and apology from Wells Fargo/Freddie Mac indicating their Making Homes Affordable documentation will be updated appropriately.
Again, I think to myself (and to all of you) that this process is made too complicated and overwhelming so that people won’t be able to take advantage of something that is bought and paid for with tax dollars. However, we are going forward and taking that next step into the Making Homes Affordable Program.
What is next on the list?
- Make our first trial period payment.
- Trial period documentation signed and sent in.
- Hardship Affidavit *This is similar to previous hardship letter sent in to Wells Fargo/Freddie Mac.
- Signed and dated copy of IRS Form 4506-T
- Copy of all income statements (pay stub, social security, disability, pension, public assistance, unemployment, alimony/child support, etc)
- Counseling session with HUD-approved housing counseling agency *This is FREE
- www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/fc/
- HOPE Hotline 1-888-995-HOPE
- I chose this option because I could just call and it only took 45 minutes. They gave me some good information and I thought it would be beneficial to share with you.
FREE Help with Medical Expenses
1-573-996-3333 *I don’t know the details of this service but its worth checking out if you have medical expenses you can’t afford.
Angel Food Ministries 1-877-366-3646 www.angelfoodministries.com
They sell food at discounted prices.
This is going to hurt me, more than its going to hurt you. Making Homes Affordable Program Part III
Making Homes Affordable Program: First Hand Experience
How To Get 2% Interest Rate on 30 Year Mortgage
http://www.financialstability.gov/
Continuing Education in Your Love Life
When we first start falling in love with someone, whether we realize it or not, we become a student of that person. You try to learn as much as you can about that person, you memorize the way they look, smell, talk, and act. Becoming an expert on that certain someone becomes a priority and its intoxicatingly fun. At some point you start to feel like you know that person like the back of your hand. You know all there is to know and its a comfortable place to be. As soon as we stop becoming a student of our relationships that is when the trap is set.
We are quick to admit that we are not the person we were yesterday and we will inevitably be different tomorrow but we expect everyone around us to stay the same. Our tastes change, we grow, we learn and continue to evolve into a new self. So why is it so hard to think that the person we met oh so many years ago wouldn’t be the same?
Here is where I admit that I have continued to be student of the human condition but haven’t been a diligent student of my husband. I have a thousand excuses why this is; work, children, responsibilities, life, etc but it all boils down to the fact that I just thought I knew everything about him already. Stupid and arrogant on my part (I know) but I’m being honest here.
If you are like me and if you are ready to begin your continuing education but have forgotten how to be a student of your relationship here are a few pointers that helped me re-learn how to be a student of my love.
- Start asking questions. Find a quiet moment when you are both relaxed and ask the kind of things you would have asked in the beginning of your relationship. Keeping the questions lite and fun will make the process more enjoyable for both of you. ie What were you like as a kid? Who was your best friend? What kind of trouble did you get into? Who was your first kiss? **This isn’t a game of jeopardy so don’t get carried away with asking questions. The purpose to get reacquainted, to remember what attracted you to this person in the first place and have a conversation about each other, with each other.
- Try this worksheet http://static.oprah.com/pdf/lybl_sexlife_foreplaymap.pdf. I’ll be honest, I found this a bit embarrassing and there was a lot of laughter involved however if you are interested in working toward your masters degree with your love this is a great way to continue your education. This worksheet and instructions provided by Dr. Laura Berman is very well done and if you are willing to let your inhibitions down it can make a huge difference in your love life.
I definitely find this topic a little out of my comfort zone but after talking with several of my close friends I felt compelled to share. I don’t mind having my failures be a source of your education. I guess its just my way of contributing and sharing the love.
Great Deal on Carpet Cleaning
With Lyric crawling now and Noah still putting things he shouldn’t in his mouth I decided it was time to get my carpets cleaned. We have lived in the house for three years and I’m embarrassed to say this is the first time I was having the carpets professionally cleaned. I didn’t think they were that bad and I was reluctant to pay an arm and a leg to get the job done.
After getting several bids I chose Harman Family Carpet Cleaning. They are a small family run business and locally owned so I felt like I was doing my part to stimulate our local economy. Plus, they gave me the best deal!
Scott, the owner, made an appointment to fit my schedule, he was on time and the carpets look awesome. It took about an hour to clean the whole house and about an hour later the carpets were dry. The best part of the experience was that I only paid $100 for my entire house (6 rooms, hall and stairs).
If you are needing your carpets cleaned but have been putting it off because of cost you should consider Harman Family Carpet Cleaning.
Harman Family Carpet Cleaning
Scott’s cell 989-7460
Business 319-0494
harmancarpets@netzero.net
www.harmanfamilycarpetcleaning.com
Coupons For Dummies
This may come as a surprise to some of you but I just recently started using coupons. I always liked the idea of coupons but they also seemed a little too complex and quite frankly a pain to deal with. Given the times I decided to give it a try and see if they are worth all the hassle.
My first baby step into using coupons was to subscribe to a friends website http://stretchingyourdollarsnewsletter.com/. Its geared for Southern Idaho but it still made the whole process easier. She goes through the local stores sales, all coupons available and tells you what you should buy, where and how much you’ll pay. She spends hours doing this so you don’t have too. There are several sites like this but I use this one.
Here are a few tips for those of you that are wanting to join the couponing adventure:
1. Collect your coupons in a small organizer so you can carry it with you and you know what you have.
2. The Sunday paper is a great place to see all the local stores sales and get coupons. You can also print them online:
www.smartsource.com
www.coupon.com
www.couponbug.com
www.redplum.com
3. Some stores will double the value of your coupon. - Albertson’s has “doubler” coupons in their ad (you can pick them up at the front of the store). Use the doubler coupon to double the value of your manufacturer coupon up to $1. You can get a lot of items free this way.
4. Some stores will honor other stores sales ads. - Rite-aid will match competitors prices if you bring the ad. Walmart will also match prices. *This is nice because you don’t have to drive all over town for sale items.
5. Don’t be suckered into buying something just because you have a coupon. - The only time I buy something not on my list is if the items is really cheap or its free.
6. Sign up for the stores rewards card. Fred Meyers, Albertsons, ect. - You get extra saving and coupons. *Since I buy lots of diapers, wipes, baby food and formula I will get special coupons for those type of items. Last week I got a $10 off coupon for formula!
7. If you are making a trip to a store for just a few items make a trip out of it. - About once a week I meet my sister for coffee at Fred Meyer. We do this because they have “Freddies Play Land” which is FREE childcare for 1 hour. We drop off the kids, get a coffee and pick up the items that are on sale. We save money and its fun for moms and kids!
8. Don’t be afraid to ask. - If the store is out of a sale item don’t be afraid to ask if they will give you a rain check. Ask if they will take competitors coupons or price match.
9. Shop during off hours. - If you have a lot of coupons or if you may need help it’s better to shop when the store isn’t busy. The store staff will be a lot more accommodating and you won’t hold up the lines when checking out.
Yes, couponing can be a hassle but bottom line is that if you do a little home work before you go to the store including getting your coupons organized you can save a lot of money. I save about 30% per grocery trip just by doing this.
I’m still learning about coupons and saving money at the grocery store so if you have advice for a novice please email angela@momsfirststop.com or post to the group. Helping others save money is a great way to share the love!
Another Great Read:
8 Cheap to Free Childcare Options When You Need a Little “me time”
Making Homes Affordable Program: First Hand Experience
Several months ago I encouraged you all to go out and see if you qualify for the “Making Home Affordable” program http://www.financialstability.gov/. I took the time to read through the website and walk through the steps to see if our mortgage would qualify. I checked with Fanni Mae and Freddie Mac and both indicated that they did NOT hold our loan. My next step was to look at a traditional loan since interest rates are so good right now so I call my mortgage company, Wells Fargo and the first thing their automated message said was that our loan WAS held by Fannie Mae.
Point 1: Double check with your mortgage company to see if you qualify.
Point 2: If you don’t qualify you may qualify for a “stream line loan” through your mortgage company which means you won’t have to pay the typical refinancing fees.
I immediately called my local Wells Fargo mortgage representative, Victor. Victor gave me excellent information and he explained to me some of the options Wells Fargo could do for us. He also gave me two numbers to call to get the process started. 1-877-937-9357 1-800-678-7986
Point 3: If you know you qualify start the process ASAP since it will take several months to get your mortgage modified. We faxed our information in April and we won’t have an answer till July (best case).
When you call make sure you tell them you want to apply for the “making home affordable program”. They will ask several questions like: are you current on your payments? If you are not current you won’t qualify. Are you planning on staying in your home? Again, they want to make sure you are serious about keeping your house and making your payments.
Once they get your information they will need you to fax in these things:
Hardship letter *signed, last 4-digits of SS#, Loan number and dated by the loan holders
last 2 pay stubs *all working loan holders
expenses and debts *signed, last 4-digits of SS#, Loan number and dated by the loan holders
**They gave me two fax numbers so I faxed to both.**
ATTENTION - Loss Mitigation for Wells Fargo 800-678-7986
Fax 866-590-8910
Fax 866-359-7363
Call to confirm 800-416-1472
Loan #
Point 4: Please note there are more than one fax number and phone numbers. I kept them all and used them all. Once you fax in your information call to confirm they received the fax.
Point 5: Call once every 1-2 weeks to verify your paper work is being reviewed and if they need additional information.
Hardship Letter Example
Name
Address
last 4-digits of SS#
Loan number
Phone number
To Whom this may concern,
Over the last year we have experienced several difficulties and significant life events that have impacted us financially. To date we are current on all of our bills and have made significant cuts and used a large portion of our savings in order to keep current on all debts and to maintain our credit rating. Below is the chronological order of the last 12 months that have created a financial hardship for our family.
April 2008 - medical leave because of a complication with pregnancy
July 2008 - Hospital stay
July 2008 - taken via ambulance to the hospital for an emergency c-section. Baby was born 2 months premature and spent 22 days in the NICU. Baby also required monthly doctors visits that included special shots because of her prematurity.
September - Home depreciated drastically
October 2008 - (18 month old son) was taken to the emergency room.
November 2008 - Loss of job
November 2008 - out patient surgery
December 2008 - out patient surgery.
January 2009 - company wide 5% pay decrease and announced they would be laying off 5000 employees
January 2009 - admitted to the hospital for 7 days for an infection which included surgery.
*From April 2008 - April 2009 we had medical bills exceeding $100,000.
Monthly Expense Examples
Food
Utilities (power, water, gas)
mortgage and taxes
Home owners association
Phone
insurance (home and car)
cable
medical, vision, dental insurance
Gas (transportation) -
Medical bills
Misc. (clothing, toiletries, gifts, etc.)
Child care
Sewer & Garbage
Point 6: You need to be your own advocate. No one else is going to make sure you and your family is taken care of. You can lower your mortgage payment and You don’t have to lose your home. Be tenacious, get your paper work in order, fax it in, and call often.
I will be updating our progress through this process and of course sharing with you. There isn’t a single family that hasn’t been affected by the economy so whatever your situation is, there is help so take advantage. Please email me if I can help you in any way or you have questions regarding my experience with getting our mortgage retooled. angela@momsfirststop.com
Want to read more:
How To Get 2% Interest Rate on 30 Year Mortgage
This I Believe. A Story of Hope for ALL of Us.
What is love and why do we believe in it even though we can touch it, taste it or even smell it? It is the most precious resource we have and yet it can’t be bought or sold. As humans we instinctively know love when we see it, hear it and feel it. We know what it is because it is apart of our DNA, we were designed to give and receive love. Regardless of your beliefs or background we all can acknowledge that love is something greater than ourselves. God is the source of love and when we are in the presence of love we are also in the presence of God. This I believe, this I know to be true.
Those of you who know me, know that I am a believer. I’m not big into proselytizing but I do like sharing a conversation about my love for the Lord with those who choose to ask or bring it up in conversation. I have a relationship with God, I speak with Him daily and I try to quiet myself to hear Him. My daily prayer is to do His will and be His servant. I fail in a lot of ways, I fall short, but God knows my heart and I try to do better. He loves us, despite our mistakes and gives us hope for something more wonderful than we could imagine. I think that is why when I heard the story about Coach Kris Hogan “A Game of Hope” I cried. Here is a group of kids, incarcerated for doing terrible things and yet Coach Hogan and his school chose to show them love and give them hope.
Here are a few video clips and an article about this story:
A Game of Hope http://www.nbcdfw.com/sports/football/A_Game_of_Hope_Dallas-Fort_Worth.html
Rooting For The Opposition http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=3869868
Life of Reilly “There are some games in which cheering for the other side feels better than winning.” http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?section=magazine&id=3789373
As you can imagine this story touch a lot of people and Coach Kris Hogan was inundated with emails and phone calls. One email from a reporter from “This American Life”, in particular touched his heart and his story was quickly picked up by National Public Radio with a segment on This American Life called “This I used to believe”.
Here is that radio program:
This American Life “This I Used To Believe”
http://www.thisamericanlife.org/Radio_Episode.aspx?episode=378
After hearing that story I was so moved that I wrote an email to Coach Hogan.
Here is an excerpt of my email:
“I’m certain you’ve received more email that you could possible read or respond too but I still felt compelled to write to you and let you know what your seemingly small Christ inspired act of hope has grown into something much larger that only God could have designed.
I actually just heard of your beautiful and inspiring story about giving hope to that boys football team that everyone but God had given up on. That story alone brought tears to my eyes because I could feel Gods presence in that moment. What was more amazing to me was that National Public Radio “This American Life” picked up your story as well, as part of their “this I used to believe” segment (God works in amazing ways). More specifically the tiny seed you planted was growing inside Trisha Sebastian that had seemingly lost her faith. I could tell that both of you were a little frustrated. She wanted some answers from you that would explain the death of her friend. AND you, you knew God wanted to work through you in her.
You did a beautiful job executing His will and I want you to know that you did it complete and according to His will. Don’t think for a moment that you failed because she didn’t believe after the time you spent with her. You planted a seed in her (I could feel the Holy Spirit working in her) and more importantly you also planted a seed to all of those listeners that were without hope.
I enjoy listening to the stories on “This American Life” but I do realize that it is a very liberal publication and they pride themselves on being agnostic and even make fun of Christian beliefs. I find so much comfort and joy that God used you and your testimony to witness to millions of unbelievers. There is so much hopelessness and despair in today’s world; my heart is heavy for those who don’t have hope in Him. Through you God brought light where there was none and I thank you for being his vessel.”
I was having a pretty tough day when I received an email from Kris asking to have a phone conversation with me. (God knows what we need, when we need it!) I’m still not sure what God’s purpose is for me in all of this is but I do know that I have to share this story. Our country and the world is suffering in many ways. There are so many people that are hurting, that are hopeless, and need to know they are loved despite their failures. We can all have that hope, that love, its free and unconditional. This I Believe, this I know to be true.
FREE Prescription Discount Card for You and Your Pet
Listen up folks, this is the best deal I’ve seen in a while. Caremark.com and your local participating county government is now offering free prescription discount cards to everyone. You can use these in conjunction with your existing prescription card or this can be your only prescription card. The only catch is that you have to use it at a participating pharmacy. Finding a pharmacy is easy, http://www2.caremark.com/naco/pharm_adv.htm to locate a retail participating pharmacy near you. The average person will save 22%, 15.5% on brand name and 30% on generic. The biggest surprise to me was that this also includes medication for your pets!
To find out if your county is participating please click the link to view the PDF file. http://www.caremark.com/portal/asset/NACo.pdf
Here are the counties in Idaho so far. *Note that Ada county is NOT on the list. I called the county office and they said Ada county will be participating starting this summer so stay tuned or call the county office for more information 208-287-7017
Idaho
Adams County www.co.adams.id.us
Boise County www.co.boise.id.us
Canyon County www.canyonco.org
Cassia County www.cassiacounty.org
Gem County www.co.gem.id.us
Jerome County www.jeromecounty.org
Latah County www.latah.id.us
Lemhi County 208-756-2815
Lewis County www.lewiscountyid.us
Lincoln County 208-886-2798
Minidoka County www.minidoka.id.us
Nez Perce County www.co.nezperce.id.us
Payette County www.payettecounty.org
Clearwater County www.clearwatercounty.org
Shoshone County 208-752-8601
Washington County www.co.washington.id.us
How it Works
Easy
Simply present your card, provided to you in a joint effort of your local county government and the National Association of Counties (NACo), at a retail participating pharmacy and save an average of 20% on your prescription drugs. No enrollment form, no membership fee.
http://www.caremark.com/portal/asset/NACo.pdf to see if your county participates in this program and to find out how to obtain a card of your own.
Finding a pharmacy is easy, click here to locate a retail participating pharmacy near you.
No Limits
You and your family may use your prescription discount card any time your prescription is not covered by insurance. There are no restrictions and no limits on how many times you may use your card.
Extra Savings
As part of this program you will also be eligible for higher discounts on select medications, discounts on high-tech and injectable drugs, as well as, our mail service program which offers an average savings of 50% on a 3-month supply of select medications.
How To Get 2% Interest Rate on 30 Year Mortgage
The Obama administration has just announced its plan to help at risk home owners. The plan would create a $75 billion loan modification program that would allow “responsible homeowners” to refinance to interest rates as low as 2 percent. The initiative would only help homeowners who commit to make payments to stay in their home. It will not help speculators or house flippers, the department said.
Here are a few highlights from the plan:
Already many of the nation’s biggest banks, including Citigroup, Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, and Wells Fargo, have said they will participate in the program. Both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgage companies have set up contact points for borrowers to determine if their loans are owned or guaranteed by them.
To find out if you qualified call or click on the links below:
http://www.financialstability.gov/
For Fannie Mae, borrowers can call 1-800-7FANNIE or go online to www.fanniemae/homeaffordable.
For Freddie Mac, call 1-800-FREDDIE or go online at www.freddiemac/avoidforeclosure.
25% Discount on Your Taxes AND TAX UPDATES THAT EVERYONE SHOULD BE AWARE OF
Its tax time again and even though it is not a fun “thing to do” MomsFirstStop.com is here to help make it a little less painful. MomsFirstStop.com is partnering with her favorite tax man, Ben Warren co-owner of NILE CLARK AND ASSOCIATES, to give all MomsFirstStop.com readers a 25% discount on their taxes. Just contact Ben Warren at NILE CLARK AND ASSOCIATES, mention the MomsFirstStop.com discount and he will take great care of you. *Ben also does mail-ins for those of you who aren’t in the area.
BWarrenTaxService@gmail.com
NILECLARKANDASSOCAITES.COM
208-383-1186
208-383-1183 FAX
FIVE TAX UPDATES THAT EVERYONE SHOULD BE AWARE OF FOR 2008/2009
- First time homebuyer’s credit: this credit is for those first time home buyers that purchase a home between April 9 2008 through July 1 2009. This credit should be viewed as a loan. The money is interest free but must be paid back over the next 15 years.
- Residential Energy credits are suspended for 2008 but will be allowed for 2009.
- Property tax can be claimed even if the taxpayer doesn’t itemize.
- Sale of personal residence capital gains tax: There are significant changes starting in 2009 with sale of a personal residence that has had any business use in the prior 5 years.
- Mileage changes: 50.5 cents per mile the first half of 08 and 58.5 for the second half.
TOP FIVE REASONS THAT YOU SHOULDN’T USE TURBO TAX OR TAX BOXES
- Cost vs. Value- typically you’re going to get someone that has little experience, tax accounting isn’t their fulltime job, and they typically charge way too much.
- The IRS has established a department just for auditing Turbo Tax returns; error likelihood is very high.
- There is very little understanding of the complete financial picture.
- You may get some audit protection but it must be purchased.
- Very little understanding of tax law and optimizing a return to its potential.
* Call and get a quote from a reputable company before taking on the task yourself or allowing someone with little experience to prepare your tax return.
February “Things To Do”
Momsfirststop.com is looking for fun cheap to free things to do. If you would like to share a community event or a great idea that our readers would appreciate please send email me, angela@momsfirststop.com
February 2009
Since February is the month dedicated to love I came up with some fun cheap to free things to do with the ones you love. Making time for your spouse and friends is hard enough as it is and to compound the outing with the expense it is nearly impossible to get out the door. Here are a few fun ideas that are easy on your wallet and fun for you.
1. Be a patron of the arts.
A trip to the local theater, ballet, museum or symphony can be an inexpensive and fun way to spend an evening. Look for shows or events at your community theater, a performance school or a local university. Some events even may be free! FREE Photographic Arts Collective Student Exhibition
FREE Boise Philharmonic Backstage with the Artist
2. Play board games.
No time to plan? Have a game night! Play cards or another favorite game that adults love. To get out of the house, find a local restaurant or bar that has a weekly trivia night. Better yet, kick out the guys and kids and host a poker night for all of your girlfriends.
3. Take a cooking class.
Sign up for a cooking class with your friends. Learn something new and catch up with the girls. Margie Davies (davies5009@aol.com), owner of “Thyme on your hands” has a special Valentines Day offering if you would like to avoid the crowded noisy restaurant scene. There are also great classes offered by the local parks and recreation that include cooking, dancing, and other fun classes. Boise Parks and Rec Activity Guide
4. Hold a clothing swap.
At the start of a new season, ask your friends in advance to bring any of their unwanted clothes, shoes and accessories to your party. Let everyone sort through and pick out the items she wants. Donate any unwanted clothes to charity. It’s a fun, free way to update your wardrobe.
5. Go for dessert.
Get your girlfriends to dress up and go out to a restaurant just for dessert. You’ll avoid paying for an expensive dinner but still have a special night on the town.
Murphy’s has the best “mile high” Mud Pie and an awesome happy hour (2 for 1 drinks and apps) 4-7pm M-F noon-7pm Saturday. Sign up for their newsletter MVP Club, and receive special offers.
6. Host a spa night. Nothing says girls’ night like a spa party.
Give manicures, pedicures and facials. Serve fun, healthy drinks and turn on some chick flicks. If you want to go all out, hire a masseuse to give massages. A spa night is a great way to get pampered and spend time with the girls.
Planet Beach is offering a FREE DAY AT THE SPA for you and a friend. Just click the link for your free spa pass!
MORE LINKS
“Things To Do” is being updated weekly so make sure you check it out