Livingston Reporting - page 261

Tips To Help Pay Down Your Mortgage

Purchasing a home is one of the most expensive investments you can make in your lifetime.  Not only does it take up a huge amount of the money you are currently earning but also a chunk of the money you have in savings.  The larger the down payment the smaller the monthly payment however you never want to leave yourself without a comfortable cushion.   Having a mortgage takes up a large percentage of your monthly take home pay and therefore many homeowners try to pay their mortgage down as fast as possible.  With that in mind we have compiled a list of ways to make it easier to pay your mortgage down quickly.

The first way to pay your mortgage down faster is quite obvious; put more money down on your mortgage each month.  The larger the payment, the faster you will pay down your mortgage and the closer you will be to paying it off.  One way to do this is to make payments bi-weekly instead of monthly.  This will allow you to make 26 smaller, more manageable payments rather than 12 larger payments.  Using this technique will allow you to make one extra payment a year as well.

If you want to you can also increase the amount of your mortgage payment.  If you are able to do this you will then be putting more money directly towards the principal of the mortgage.  Be sure to include the portion of the payment to be applied to the original mortgage payment and what you would like to be applied to the principal.

Another method to pay off your mortgage faster is to put increases in wages towards the payment.  This includes bonuses or incentives as well.  The more money that is applied directly to the principle of your mortgage the sooner you will find yourself paying your mortgage off.

If you come into a lump sum of money and already have stocked away a fund for emergency’s consider making a onetime lump sum payment to the principle of your mortgage.  The more that is paid directly to the principal the less you will pay in interest in the long run.  The less interest paid the more money available to go towards the principle of your mortgage.  It is one of those times that the catch twenty two works in your favor.

When you are looking at options in mortgages look for options that offer a fifteen year fixed mortgage payment over the thirty year.  If the payment at fifteen years is too large to handle try a twenty year mortgage.  The less amount of time you finance your mortgage for the less interest you will pay and the sooner your home will be yours clear and free of a mortgage payment.

Apply these tips to paying off your mortgage and you will see how quickly an extra yearly payment or two stacks up in the long run.

Cross Country Mortgage in Brighton, Michigan provide mortgage services for clients including new home loans, refinancing, reversed mortgages, new purchase home mortgages and home equity loans to the entire Livingston County area including Brighton, Howell and Livingston County. Cross Country Mortgage Brighton, MI at http://brightoncrosscountry.com/.

Choosing Cost Effective Labeling Within The Beverage Industry

Beverage labeling is an important marketing tool that will provide a way to differentiate your product from others within the marketplace.   Technology within the labeling industry has made tremendous growth.  This is especially true when it comes to labeling beverages.  The label is no longer seen as just a display of the products name; it is now seen as part of the entire package.  The product, the package and the label all become a part of the complicated marketing mix.

Within the beverage industry there are four main types of labels to choose from: cut and stack labels, roll-fed labels, full wrap hot melt or spot glued film labels or shrink sleeves.  When you are considering the type of label you need to think about the application method, how established the brand is and the expected production volume of the product.

Take bottled water for instance; the product is produced in high volume.  You will want to select a label for the product with the lowest cost and most efficient application method.  The most cost effective method for labeling water is cut and stack labels.  They are inexpensive, easy to apply and can be produced in a high volume quickly.  Fancy labeling doesn’t make sense because bulk products, such as water aren’t purchased based on the bottles label.

Consider labeling beer, wine or liquor on the other hand.  They are produced in large quantities but are not often sold in bulk like water.  This makes the label a necessary entity within the marketing mix.  The extra cost to design, produce and apply the label can be hidden in the costs of the product.  The additional costs accrued with the label will easily be generated with new sales.

A popular look with beverage labels is the clear, no color look.  This look can be achieved using the same application process with traditional labeling equipment using pressure sensitive, roll fed and full cut wrap cut and stack labels.  Clear full wrap cut and stack labels are popular because they produce the clear, no color look using traditional labeling equipment that is already owned.

The category that the beverage falls under will depend a lot on what type of label is used in the process.  Another factor is the brand influence the product has.  Consider sports drinks.  The clear bottle and colored product is what draws people in to make a purchase.  They recognize the brand of their favorite product and buy based on that.  The label doesn’t play as much of a role once a product is established. Introducing a new line of drinks from a popular brand doesn’t require a new label design.  Whereas introducing a new product with a brand not yet established will need a label that speaks volumes over established brands in the same category.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your label design, printing and packaging needs.

Is Your Homes Roof Ready For Winter

The snow is here and the temperatures are blistering throughout the north which has left us ready for some sunshine.  In order to ensure your home is prepared for these events it is important to have your homes roof inspected twice a year.  Below we will go through a few helpful tips to ensure your home is safe and prepared for sun, snow, rain and ice.

Tips To Ensure Your Homes Roof Is Ready For Winter

1)      When you own or rent a home it is crucial to look for signs of exterior and interior leaks and cracks.  These repairs can easily be repaired by homeowners or roofing contractors. Sealing the cracks helps to prevent them from expanding further.  The sealing of cracks also helps to keep the heat in and the cold air out during harsh winter months.

2)      Prepare your homes gutters and downspouts as they are a part of your roof and that is an important factor to remember.  If the gutters and downspouts are not clean and free of debris roof damage is likely to occur as the water sits, freezes, thaws and freezes again.  The extra weight of the frozen water can cause the gutters and downspouts to become unattached from the shingle roof or break all together.  This will cost you time and money that maintenance can prevent.

3)      Any damage that happens to the roof needs to be immediately repaired to prevent further damage or more severe damage.  If you have a shingled roof and you see that the shingles are damaged or becoming wore it is important to fix them right away.  The warmer the weather the better the time it is to fix it.  In cold weather you will need to use more precautions to prevent shingles from splitting.

4)      Make sure that your home attic has enough insulation and ventilation.  When your home does not have a proper amount of either icicles and/or ice dams will occur.  Both will cause damage to your roof that will need a roofing contractor to fix.

5)      It is important to know your limitations as a homeowner.  If any roofing repair is over your head, to complicated or just too dangerous call in a professional roofing contractor.  Roofing contractors are professionals and have been repair and installing new roofs longer than the average homeowner.  They know what they are doing and will help you get your roof in shape for the winter.

Repairing your roof or having a new roof installed keeps you from larger repairs down the road.  It also helps to keep money in your pocket with heating and air conditioning costs.  Keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer is that main goal and an intact roof that is in top shape will help you accomplish this.

Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

Caring For Your Kitchen Knives an Cutlery Blocks

Making large purchases comes with certain performance expectations. This is something that was recently experienced when purchasing a set of knifes for the kitchen. I knew that spending a lot of money was not necessarily an indication that I would be guaranteed proper performing knives if I didn’t take care of them. Here are some tips on prolonging the lifetime of your kitchen knives. With some basic, straightforward tips to care for kitchen knives, cutlery blocks sets and individual chef knives.

Tips On Caring For Kitchen Knives, Cutlery and Block Sets

1) When it comes to cutting it is important that a knife is never used on a material that is not meant for cutting. Unsuitable surfaces for cutting can damage your knives and their cutting edge. Only proper cutting boards should be utilized when using kitchen knives. The best material to use for a cutting surface is a hard maple.

2) When you are finished with your kitchen knives it is crucial that you properly wash them. Never place your kitchen knives in the dish washer. When you are done using your kitchen knives you need to wash them in hot soapy water and dry them with a linen free cloth. Dishwasher soap is too abrasive for kitchen knives and will ruin the handles and the blade.

3) Never use abrasive powder or scouring pads when you are cleaning your cutlery. Anything that you are cutting can be cleaned with hot soapy water, liquid soap and a wash cloth.

4) Even if you purchase stainless steel knives understand that they will stain less than non stainless steel knives but will still stain. Knifes are never totally stain free. They will discolor and tarnish with time if not maintained and cleaned properly each and every time they are used.

5) Sharp knives are safer in the kitchen than dull knives. Learning to properly sharpen kitchen knives is an art form. Use tools specific to sharpen kitchen cutlery. Bench stones, whetstones, carbide sharpeners and electric knife sharpeners are all great tools to keep your cutlery sharp.

6) Never use your cutlery to cut frozen food or bone with your kitchen knives. When cutting through bone use a meat clever and take the time to defrost your food prior to cutting it. Cutting frozen meat dulls knife blades and can possibly chip them as well. Once a knife is chipped it will not perform in the kitchen as it should

As with all knives, kitchen knives should be kept out of reach of children. Be sure to teach proper handling techniques before trusting your children to help in the kitchen using cutlery.

KnifeMule.com is an online retailer specializing in a variety of specialty knives including top brands such as Zero Tolerance, Boker Tree Knives, W.R. Case Knives and more. For more information or to purchase a variety of knives online find us at https://www.knifemule.com.

Aluminum Fencing Continues To Be A Popular Option In Metal Fencing

There are several options in metal fencing.  The most popular option continues to be aluminum fence panels, a lightweight, rust free and low maintenance option which makes it a popular metal fencing option.  Aluminum fence is perfect for enclosing your entire yard or a section of your yard such as an in ground pool.  Whether you are looking for pool fencing or decorative fence aluminum is the perfect material for a variety of purposes.

Homeowners choose to install fencing for a variety of reasons.  The aluminum fence panel design that you choose will depend on the reason you are looking for fencing in the first place.   For instance, if you are choosing to install a fence around your yard to contain pets you will want to choose a panel that offers puppy pickets or extreme spacing.  Puppy pickets are an additional shorter picket to ensure that the animal is not able to squeeze through the fence.  Extreme spacing in aluminum fencing is an extra picket between the normal pickets that extends all the way to the top.

Aluminum fencing offers numerous benefits over competitive materials such as wood, vinyl, wrought iron or chain link.  Aluminum fences are covered with a powder coating that provides a maintenance free, smooth finish with an attractive appearance.  The powder coating also helps prevent corrosion and rust, making aluminum a maintenance free fencing option.  This also helps make it affordable.  The extra expense up front over other fence materials is easily recouped when you look at the money that is required to maintain them.

When looking for a fence that is customizable aluminum is the most appropriate option.  With aluminum you can choose from a number of styles of decorative and ornate aluminum fencing panels.  On top of choosing a style that fits your homes décor you can customize it with butterfly scrolls, historical finals, finials that are pressed and even spacing between the pickets.  You can customize aluminum fence panels to meet your need.

In order to get the most out of your aluminum fence it is important to plan ahead.  The winter season is the perfect time to start preparing for the installation of your aluminum fence in the spring.  Take the measurements of the space you are looking to install the fence and contact a fencing expert.  Consult with an aluminum fencing expert now to prepare your fence order.  This will ensure that your fencing is all set to be processed, the necessary materials are in stock and that the order is ready to ship when you are ready to install it in the spring.

iFence USA offers a variety of maintenance-free, no-rust aluminum fences and gates in the industry! Whether you are a pool contractor, a building contractor, an architect, a landscaping professional, or a “do-it-yourself” homeowner looking for value and installation advice, you’ll benefit by buying aluminum fences shipped factory-direct from http://www.iFenceUSA.com!

Guide to Buying An Electrical Circuit Breaker

A large safety concern in both residential and commercial buildings is overloading or causing a short circuit within the electrical circuit.  The component that is used to prevent this from occurring is an electrical circuit breaker.  A circuit breaker is used to protect the circuits within your home or business.  If a fault is detected within the circuit the system will cause a break in the electrical current flow causing the system to come to a halt.

The type of circuit breaker you choose to purchase will depend on a number of things.  In order to purchase the correct electrical circuit breaker you need to clearly understand your needs and the needs that will be placed on the system.  When purchasing a new or refurbished circuit breaker, your electrical supplier will discuss several factors with you to help you select the best breaker for your needs.

The first thing an electrical supply company will ask you about when purchasing a circuit breaker is the amount of electricity that will be flowing through the breaker.  The voltage load of the circuit breaker you choose will depend heavily on the equipment that will be used on the circuit as well as the overall load of electricity that will run through the circuit.

There are three main voltage categories when it comes to circuit breakers.  Low voltage circuit breakers are used in residential electrical circuits.  A low voltage electrical circuit breaker works best in households and can handle a max load of 1000 volts.  Medium electrical circuit breakers are suitable for buildings and office settings.  A medium breaker is good for use when voltage requirements are between 1000 and 72,000 volts.  Large electrical circuit breakers handle voltage loads upwards of 72,000.  Large breakers are typically used for high voltage power transmission lines.

The next consideration of various circuit breakers is the mounting style.  The two main components are fixed mounted circuit breakers and removable mounted circuit breakers.  A fixed mounted circuit breaker is mounted so that it cannot be removed without removing the main connections and mounting supports.  A removable mounted circuit breaker has two parts, the base and the actual breaker.  The base is bolted and hardwired to the frame where is the breaker is plugged into the base.  This system can be replaced without having to rewire.

Another consideration is the type of trip unit you would like the breaker to be on.  There are two main types of trip units, magnetic and thermal.  Also consider the operating temperature range when purchasing an electrical circuit breaker.  Different components work better than others at different temperature ranges.

The best place to purchase an electrical circuit breaker is with the help of an online new, used and refurbished electrical component supplier.  They will have the best inventory in stock and are familiar with a variety of circumstances.  Use their experience to help you choose the best circuit breaker for your commercial or residential use.

J&P Electrical is a full service electrical equipment company. At J&P, we supply contractors, end users and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned and obsolete electrical equipment. Contact us today at https://jpelectricalcompany.com for all of your bus plug, circuit breaker, switchboard, fuses, disconnects and more.

Suggestions In Small Kitchen Remodeling

Kitchen remodeling is one of the few home renovations that can take your home from drab to fab.  To Smaller kitchens can be not only renovated to add a facelift to your space but to add efficiency as well.  Renovating a smaller space often requires more planning than larger kitchen remodels.  With a small kitchen it is important to find ways that the space can be used in more than one way.  Multi-purposing each and every space to provide a big kitchen feel to a small kitchen space.  Below you will find multiple tips on turning your small kitchen into something grand during the renovation process.

Multi-Purpose Wherever Possible

Utilizing every nook and cranny is so important in a small kitchen renovation.  When you renovate a small kitchen it is important to make space where there isn’t any.  Seem impossible?  This can be achieved in several ways.  Adding cupboards up to the ceiling leaves you room to utilize the space under them.  Consider an in wall stove instead of one that utilizes valuable floor space.  This one small renovation adds a lot of extra space that can be utilized for storage which is always a shortage of in small kitchen spaces.

Select Smaller Versions of Home Appliances

This one simple concept can save you a bundle of space.  Choosing a slimmer refrigerator and a compact dishwasher can save a tone of space.  Make it so that your cupboards all have sliding shelves so that you can use all of the space in them.  Another item that you can choose a smaller version of is the sink.  Choose sink that is smaller in length and width but deeper so that you are still able to adequately use the sink.  If you have dishes and appliances that are not used that often install a lazy susan on both the top and bottom shelves.  This takes valuable corner space that is usually wasted and utilizes it for storage.  Lazy susan’s can have multiple shelves and therefore can hold a lot of kitchen necessity’s out of the way.

Add Natural and Artificial Light

More light naturally brightens a space.  If there is a small window in the kitchen already consider making it larger.  If that is not possible use the existing space and add a bay window or a larger window sill.  Consider adding recessed lighting and lights under cabinetry.  For smaller kitchen areas it is important that the lighting does not invade the livable space.

It can be a bit more complex to remodel a smaller kitchen.  It is important that every detail is planned and accounted for.  Keep the space uncluttered and utilize even the smallest of spaces in big ways.

Jason Foldenauer Construction, out of Howell and Brighton Michigan, offers a variety of home renovations to clients ranging from kitchen and bathroom remodeling to home additions and storage sheds.  Contact http://www.jfcremodeling.com today for your entire home renovating needs.

Shopping For Jewelry Online

Options in jewelry range from custom, designer pieces to plastic costume pieces.  Jewerly preferences are just as unique as the individual that is looking to wear each piece.  Budgets are different for each purchaser and therefore play a large role in what type of jewelry is purchased as well.  There are a number of designers that create pieces that become popular stapes in our culture.  One of the issues with that is that not everyone can justify the price tag that comes with the designer name placed on their pieces.  This is when it becomes necessary to look into more affordable options that look just like the more expensive brand name pieces.

One option when looking into discount jewelry that resembles designer name brand pieces is to look into jewelry options online.  Many online jewelers offer replicas of popular, iconic, designer pieces incredibly reasonably while maintaining the quality in metal as well as the procedures used to create the pieces.

As far as the jewelry market is concerned it is an incredibly complex market filled with a variety of different types of jewelry to cater to all women’s tastes.  When you look online you can find a variety of necklaces in a wide assortment of styles, materials, lengths and more.  The same is true of earrings, bracelets, rings and jewelry of all assortments.

Online shopping for jewelry allows you to choose from and search from an array of websites at one time.  Stop wasting time going from store to store in search of the perfect pieces of jewelry instead shop online.  Online jewelers have sections within their sites that allow you to contact the business owner to ask questions about the product.  This is a convenient way to find out more about the product you are inquiring about as well as the availability, shipping, warranty, payment options and so much more.

Instead of standing in line, online jewelry shopping offers the convenience of service twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.  Options online may also come with special discounts or sales.  When you don’t have the overhead of large superstore jeweler you can provide your customers with the best pricing available.  The normal expenses that large stores have such as heating, lighting, employees and general overhead are done away with, thus allowing online jewelers to pass the savings on to their customers.

The advantages of buying jewelry online outweigh the extra expense that comes along with designer brand names.  Seek to find a reputable online retailer that looks to provide the best customer service and options in jewelry.  Once you feel this has been achieved you will find yourself shopping only online for all of your future jewelry pieces.

DaRoche Jewelers is on online jewelry company with a local feel.  You will find a variety of options in jewelry, including custom diamond solitaire engagement rings, online at http://www.darochejewelers.com/.

Roofing Contractors Busy With Winter Roof Replacement and Repair

The winter season is upon the entire northern area and boy has it with vengeance.  The northern states may be getting hit hard but the entire country is being affected by the hold.  This article affects everyone that is being hit with the winter snow and colder than normal temperatures.  It is crucial that we remember that we alone are not being affected but our homes as well.  Most homes are already in need of normal home repairs and maintenance that accumulates in winter; top that with the winter cold, snow, rain and ice and you will find yourself with spring time home repairs to accomplish.

Examine Your Shingle Roof

You may not know what to look for when it comes to damage that has occurred on your shingle roof throughout the winter but a professional roofing contractor will.  Many local roofing contractors will come out to your home and offer you a no obligation free quote on roofing repairs for winter damage and will inform you if you need a new roof all together.  Expert roof contractors can see the tell-tale signs that a roof is in need of repair from the ground but will also have the necessary skills to get up on a ladder and onto the roof to perform repairs from the most basic to complex issues such as replacing whole shingles.

Check Out Gutters and Downspouts

Your gutters and downspouts should be clear of debris and allow the water to flow freely.  The repairs to downspouts and gutters are expensive.  This is why it is crucial that they are maintained and that they are cleaned out on a regular basis.  If they are left full of debris and working improperly the damage from clogs can be quite extensive.

Restore Concrete Sidewalks and Driveways

The winter time often makes the small, unnoticeable cracks of summer large noticeable safety hazards of spring.  As a home owner you are responsible for maintaining the sidewalks, walkways and concrete driveway surfaces.  Home improvement stores sell premixed concrete for repairs of just this nature.  You may find that after you repair the concrete, depending on the size of the original crack, that it is necessary to reseal the entire surface.  If you take the time to fill in the cracks while they are still relatively small you can save yourself the expense and hassle of relaying new concrete later on.  Basic maintenance prevents bigger issues in the future.

Re-Establish the Seals on Windows and Door Walls

The seals on your windows and doors have been through a lot with the large difference in temperature changes and could be in serious need of repair before turning the air on to avoid the summertime heat.  Many homeowners have already taken the time in the fall to make sure the seal is secure on the homes windows and doors to ensure proper heating in the winter.  The same process should be followed in the spring.  Caulk and re-seal doors, sills and windows that appear to be functioning below their capabilities.

These are just a few tips to prevent major issues from arising.  Smaller, general repairs and maintenance done to keep up on your house are far more cost effective and save homeowners time then major home renovations and remodels once repairs become impossible.  Small repairs and regular maintenance bring your home back to its original state without too much work for homeowners.

Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

Understanding Circuit Breaker Voltage

Circuit breakers are an electrical device that is used to automatically break a path that has become overloaded. They are used to prevent major fires or electrical disasters to your home or business as a safety precaution. In order to decide what breaker is the perfect choice for your needs you will need to consider the voltage that you will be using, the point at which you wish the circuit to trip and the overload protection needed.

The most common type of breaker that is used is a low voltage breaker which is ideal for residential use. There are several different types of breakers, low voltage are just the most common. Low voltage circuit breakers are easy to install because using them only requires the installation of one general breaker panel.

There are other types of circuit breakers including miniature circuit breakers, molded case circuit breakers, medium voltage circuit breakers and high voltage breakers. Depending on your need, commercial or residential, will depend on which type of breaker will be best for you.

Miniature circuit breakers are the lowest voltage breaker that is available. They are known to carry electricity of only 100 amps. Miniature circuit breakers are capable of holding electrical charges of no more than 1,000 amps.

Molded case circuit breakers are the ideal breaker for 1,000 amps of electricity. They safely disconnect when that goes beyond ten times the capacity. They are often called magnetic circuit breakers. They are called this because they use electromagnetic power solenoid’s to break the circuit when the flow exceeds capacity.

A medium voltage breaker has a capacity of between 1,000 and 72,000 amps before they break. The performance is relative to which brand and model you choose. You will often see these breakers used in larger buildings and businesses. You will find them in cabinets indoors and switchboxes which are enclosed. There are three breaker sub types within the medium voltage breaker category: SF6, air and sub-type breakers.

High voltage circuit breakers are those that are capable of holding more than 72,500 volts of electricity. These breakers are usually found outdoors with high voltage power lines. These circuits are controlled with a solenoid switch that activates the arc-chamber when too much electricity flows through.

When considering a breaker it is important to consider the voltage as well as the trip point. The trip point when the breaker will trip should be set at a point comfortable that it prevents your wiring from overheating. When your breaker is overloaded you want to be sure it trips and electricity current is no longer flowing. This is crucial to prevent major electrical accidents and fire from overloaded circuits.

J&P Electrical is a full service electrical equipment company. At J&P, we supply contractors, end users and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned and obsolete electrical equipment. Contact us today at https://jpelectricalcompany.com for all of your bus plug, circuit breaker, switchboard, fuses, disconnects and more.