Mere 44% U.S. adults see homeownership as good investment ...

A summary of the surveys conducted by national homebuilder?PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE: PHM) shows that people are putting family first when making plans for their next move.? Whether it?s planning for more kids or anticipating relatives to move in, the 2012 survey results reveal that the economy is no match for family priorities.

?Across the board we are seeing more confidence in the market in general. ?Also, more families are making a deliberate choice to build a better bond among the generations and live closer to family and friends,? said?Deborah Wahl Meyer, senior vice president and chief marketing officer of PulteGroup.? ?PulteGroup?conducts the quarterly surveys in conjunction with our ongoing consumer research efforts to keep a pulse on consumer trends and understand what?s important to homebuyers and how they truly live in and enjoy their homes.?

Four PGHI surveys were conducted in 2012 and focused on a myriad of topics from retirement to first-time homebuyers. This year?s results revealed a variety of trends, highlighting consumer confidence in the economy and housing market:

  • 61 percent of?still-working Baby Boomers?plan to retire in less than 10 years and aren?t delaying retirement plans.? 73 percent say they are financially prepared to retire in 10 years or less.
  • 61 percent of?renters plan to buy?a home within the next two years.
  • Top reasons renters have increased their interest in buying a home:? They like being able to call themselves homeowners (49 percent) and they view it as a good financial investment (44 percent).
  • Renters are buying homes with?more space for family/kids?(36 percent) while current homeowners ages 18 ? 34 want a larger home for their growing families (68 percent).

The surveys also show the importance of family across all generations, and some significant changes in family dynamics that often influence their next new home plans:

  • Homebuyers do not want to sacrifice family when buying a new home.? Only 21 percent of homeowners said moving away from their family would be a trade-off to get their ?dream? home.
  • Twice as many households?as today expect to eventually share their home with their adult children or aging parents.? 31 percent anticipate at least one adult child moving back home; and 32 percent anticipate an aging parent living with them.
  • Family bonding was cited as the top reason for having adult children move back home (46 percent) and for aging parents (48 percent) to move in.
  • 84 percent of homeowners plan for their next home to be the same size or larger.
  • About 62 percent of Baby Boomers want their home in retirement to be within the same state they currently live.? This represents a 20 percent increase compared with two years prior.
  • 32 percent of Baby Boomers want to live within 20 miles of their children/grandchildren upon retirement.

?Our 2012 survey results are consistent with the trends we experienced with our communities during the year, and offer a peek at what may be in store for 2013 and beyond,? Meyer said.? ?Along with the renewed sense of optimism toward housing among all buyer groups, we are also seeing that family can have a significant influence on the decisions associated with buying a new home.?

About the Surveys

The PulteGroup Home Index (PGHI) surveys polled both renters and homeowners around the country to identify intentions as well as motivators and deterrents around the home buying process, sentiment toward the housing market, and housing trends and preferences.?PulteGroup, Inc.?worked with?Russell Research?to conduct the online surveys which were fielded throughout the year. Figures for gender, age, and geography were weighted where necessary to match their actual proportions in the population. More details about the methodology can be found in the individual research findings for each survey.

About?PulteGroup

PulteGroup, Inc.?(NYSE: PHM), based in?Bloomfield Hills, Mich., is one of America?s largest homebuilding companies with operations in approximately?60 markets throughout the country.? Through its brand portfolio that includes Centex,?Pulte Homes?and?Del Webb, the company is one of the industry?s most versatile homebuilders able to meet the needs of multiple buyer groups and respond to changing consumer demand.??PulteGroup?conducts extensive research to provide homebuyers with innovative solutions and new homes designed for the way people actually live today.? As the most awarded homebuilder in customer satisfaction, PulteGroup brands have consistently ranked among top homebuilders in third-party customer satisfaction studies.

For more information about?PulteGroup, Inc.?and PulteGroup brands, go to?pultegroupinc.com;?www.pulte.com;?www.centex.com;?www.delwebb.com.

?

Source: http://aimgroup.com/2012/12/31/mere-44-u-s-adults-see-homeownership-as-good-investmentpultegroup-finds/

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Tornado WATCH for Horry, Georgetown Co.

?

GRAND STRAND, SC (WMBF) - The Tornado Watch has been canceled in the Pee Dee but remains in effect for Horry and Georgetown counties until 5 p.m.

Around 12:30 p.m. they also issued a TORNADO WARNING for Robeson County until 1 p.m. That warning was canceled as the storm moved quickly out of that area.

The Tornado Watch has been canceled for everyone EXCEPT Horry and Georgetown counties.

Areas of the deep south experienced this severe weather on Christmas with an unofficial count of at least 30 reported tornadoes. These conditions will continue to affect drivers hitting the roads as the storms pass through the Carolinas.

WMBF Storm Team Meteorologist Jamie Arnold warns that the biggest concern for travelers will be strong winds at 60 mph or higher.

"Our probabilities for tornadoes are unusually high. Obviously late December you don't think of as your typical severe weather season but this is a very dynamic storm system," Arnold explains. "It's already produced a record number of tornadoes so far on Christmas day and we're going to see that threat continue into the Carolina's."

To break down the threat, Arnold says that areas along I-95 from Darlington to Bennettsville may experience effects as early as 9 a.m. Other inland areas from Florence to Marion can expect severe storms from 11 a.m. until around 12 p.m. Wednesday.

Coastal areas from Whiteville, to Conway and Murrells Inlet to Georgetown should be prepared for severe weather from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m.

Arnold says the system should move out of the Grand Strand around 4 p.m. Wednesday.

To stay on top of local weather conditions continue to tune into WMBF News on the air, online at WMBFNews.com or download the?free WMBF News Storm Team App?for your iPhone or Android phone.

If you don't have a smartphone just text "WMBFFORECAST", all one word, to 84300 to start receiving daily updates twice a day straight to your phone.

Copyright 2012?WMBF News. All rights reserved.

Source: http://hartsville.wmbfnews.com/news/news/50324-tornado-watch-horry-georgetown-co

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Attempting to Save on the Cost of Auto Insurance ... - ???????, ??????

31 Dec 2012


What?s a pre-owned low-profile auto? A simple definition is an used car that is less fancy to thieves and one that could have a repair cost in the event of an on Car Insurance Could be Less for a Low Profile CarParents generally consider such a car as this since the first car for their teenage driver in an attempt to help keep fresh drivers car insurance costs lower. Bearing in mind that protection is a major concern, if you?re contemplating purchasing pre-owned, you may want to consider examining its history before your purchase. Though that risk is reduced due to warranty protection.On one other hand, with an used car even though buying a new car there is an element of risk that element of risk is more of a problem. Most warranty protection has ended on pre-owned vehicles. How do you control your risk with an used car purchase? How do you learn about that car? Typically you just understand what you are told by the seller. If you don?t already are knowledgeable about the owner and the history of that car, think about the vehicle history report.Car Insurance Prices and Vehicle History are Both Important to ConsiderA vehicle history statement assessments that car?s living via its vehicle identification number which is distinctive and specific to that car. Number different automobile may have this variety. Armed with this data it is possible to look for accidents in its past. You may understand how often it?s been in the repair shop. You?ll have a great image of the maintenance and preservation of what you?re trying to buy.Remember that insurance is a business of risk management. On a level, your purchase of an applied car involves some personal risk management. Your threat is less if you?ve knowledge that what you?re considering is in fact what it appears to be.In addition to the vehicle record statement, you might wish to talk to a professional mechanic or if authorized by owner, get the car to a trustworthy, fair mechanic that will perform an evaluation for you. Dollars were earned by such professional expertise could identify areas of concern you may not be aware of.You will be paying hard for your car and insurance. Take some time to analyze your possible purchase. You will sleep better knowing you?ve performed all the due diligence you could to make sure that what you?re getting is reliable and secure.

Go to our website for more details about top firms

Source: http://katalogas.link-bin.eu/attempting-to-save-on-the-cost-of-auto-insurance-with-a-pre-owned-car-consider-an-automobile-background-statement/

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LIR: Secrets of Georgia Traffic Law and Legal Update. | Overlasting ...

LIR: Secrets of Georgia Traffic Law and Legal Update.
Legal  Law
Image by Old Shoe Woman
Members learned about recent legislation related to driving issues which came into effect this past July. In addition, they also learned about some of Georgia?s best kept traffic law secrets. Judge John K. Edwards, Jr., Instructor

LIR: Secrets of Georgia Traffic Law and Legal Update.
Legal  Law
Image by Old Shoe Woman
Members learned about recent legislation related to driving issues which came into effect this past July. In addition, they also learned about some of Georgia?s best kept traffic law secrets. Judge John K. Edwards, Jr., Instructor

LIR: Secrets of Georgia Traffic Law and Legal Update.
Legal  Law
Image by Old Shoe Woman
Members learned about recent legislation related to driving issues which came into effect this past July. In addition, they also learned about some of Georgia?s best kept traffic law secrets. Judge John K. Edwards, Jr., Instructor

LIR: Secrets of Georgia Traffic Law and Legal Update.
Legal  Law
Image by Old Shoe Woman
Members learned about recent legislation related to driving issues which came into effect this past July. In addition, they also learned about some of Georgia?s best kept traffic law secrets. Judge John K. Edwards, Jr., Instructor

Source: http://overlasting.dyndns.org/lir-secrets-of-georgia-traffic-law-and-legal-update/

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10 best-paying jobs for community college graduates

16 min.

With college tuition costs skyrocketing???an estimated $1 trillion in student loan debt now exceeds credit card debt in the U.S.???many families are rethinking the traditional path to career success. As it turns out, a four-year college degree isn?t the only way to land a good-paying job. A recent?study?by financial literacy website?NerdWallet, based on forecasts by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, reveals that jobs requiring only a two-year associate?s degree will have the highest average growth through 2020.

?The common, accepted advice is to go to school for four years or longer, but there are great opportunities to go for less time and still get a high return on your investment,? says Joseph Audette, VP of financial literacy and education?at NerdWallet. ?It?s not just about going to college. It?s about going with a plan for success.?

The average growth rate of all jobs by 2020 is just 14 percent, while high-growth jobs requiring an associate?s degree will grow by an average of 35 percent. At the same time, associate?s degrees have the shortest payback period. Lower tuition rates coupled with high median earnings on the job means these graduates pay off their tuition in just two years, on average.

Furthermore, many of the jobs that require only an associate?s degree pay more than those requiring a bachelor?s or master?s. ?Why go through additional years of school and have more debt when the job isn?t going to be paying as much?? asks Audette.

According to Nerdwallet?s analysis of the 10 best-paying jobs for associate?s degree holders,?air traffic controllers?come out on top, earning a median salary of $108,000. These students must attend a Federal Aviation Administration certified school and receive long-term on-the-job training. However, while it is very well paid, it?s also stressful and not expected to be a high-growth job.

When comparing the lists of the highest-paying jobs and the fastest-growing jobs that require only an associate?s degree, three jobs emerge as the best.?Registered nurses?earn a median of $65,000 and will grow by 26 percent, with a whopping 3.5 million jobs projected for 2020.?Medical sonographers, who administer ultrasounds, earn $64,000 a year and will grow by 44 percent, and?dental hygienists?earn $68,000 and will grow by 38 percent.

Many of these jobs are health?care and engineering support positions, driven by the aging baby boomer population and the increasing automation of technology and manufacturing machinery. Hiring more support positions versus highly trained professionals is more cost-efficient for employers, says Audette, who expects the trend to continue over the next few decades.

The full list of the 10 best-paying jobs:

No. 1: Air Traffic Controllers
Median Salary: $108,040
Job Description: Coordinate the flight paths of planes.

No. 2: Construction Managers ? ?
Median Salary: $83,860
Job Description: Plan and supervise construction projects.

No. 3: Radiation Therapists ? ?
Median Salary: $74,980
Job Description: Administer radiation treatments to patients suffering from cancer and other diseases.

No. 4: Nuclear Medicine Technologists ? ?
Median Salary: $68,560
Job Description: Scan patients, and prepare and administer radioactive drugs.

No. 5: Dental Hygienists ? ?
Median Salary: $68,250
Job Description: Clean teeth, examine patients and provide preventative dental care.

No. 6: Nuclear Technicians ? ?
Median Salary: $68,090
Job Description: Assist physicists and engineers with nuclear research and nuclear production.

No. 7: Registered Nurses ? ?
Median Salary: $64,690
Job Description: Provide and coordinate patient care.

No. 8: Diagnostic Medical Sonographers ? ?
Median Salary: $64,380
Job Description: Administer sonograms to diagnose medical conditions.

No. 9: Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians ? ?
Median Salary: $58,080
Job Description: Operate and maintain equipment used in aircraft and spacecraft production.

No. 10: Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians ? ?
Median Salary: $56,040
Job Description: Help engineers design and develop electronic equipment.

More from Forbes:

Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/business/10-best-paying-jobs-community-college-graduates-1C7753003

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A time to reflect and plan: 3 questions about end of life ? The ...

One of our most popular posts in 2012, was Dr Peter Saul?s call to action encouraging us to ?occupy death??at TEDxNewy.

In the spirit of Peter?s message our final post this year is?dedicated to people living with terminal illness and with dying this holiday period.

The end of the year is often a time to reflect on the year that was and a time to make plans for the year ahead. Planning for our dying however, is rarely discussed easily and less than 10 percent of Australians prepare by developing an Advance Care plan.

In this guest post from GP?Dr Edwin Kruys,?he?explores 3 common end of life questions.

*

3 end-of-life questions we all need answered

The transition from curative to palliative care sometimes feels like an emotional roller coaster. To reduce stress and fear of the unknown it?s good to have a look at what lies ahead.

I recommend that people talk to their GP in an early stage to discuss the issues surrounding dying. This is a difficult and emotional conversation for all parties, but usually there is a sense of relief afterwards. Here are three important questions patients and their family members always ask me when the end is in sight.

How long will I live?

This is always hard to say. I honestly often can?t tell, especially in the early stages. When people stop eating or drinking it is usually a matter of days. I urge people to do what they need to do when they still feel well. Start today ? don?t wait until tomorrow. This may include talking with family about end-of-life preferences and sorting unfinished business.

It is advisable to organise a will, power of attorney, and advanced care directives, as well as a funeral home. Talk together about support and/or counselling for family, friends and carers during the deathbed and afterwards.

Dying is a gradual process. The body is slowly shutting down. The dying person will experience loss of appetite, diminished energy levels, and weakness. There is a gradual loss of interest in activities. Uncomfortable symptoms can be treated, such as pain or shortness of breath.

What can we expect?

There is huge potential for growth of the mind during the last stage of life. This is a time when people look back on their lives in a philosophical, spiritual way and strengthen the bonds with their loved-ones.

Dying can also be very lonely, especially if the communication with others is limited. Friends and family members may not know what to say or feel uncomfortable talking to the dying person. This can lead to social isolation. Professional help, like counselling, is sometimes required.

During later stages the dying person will be less interested in social interactions. Contact with close family and friends becomes a priority. The patient will usually sleep a lot.

Image: When I was writing this article, my 3-year old daughter Jill made this drawing. I thought it was a beautiful illustration of the emotional roller coaster during the final stages of life. In my experience most people eventually find resolution and are able to die peacefully.

The patient may stop eating and drinking altogether and go into natural dehydration. There can be difficulties with swallowing and confusion may occur. Reduced urine output and less frequent bowel motions are common, as is incontinence. Shortly before death the breathing pattern changes. The colour of the skin may become bluish.

During this end stage people may have their eyes closed but can often still hear. It?s good to talk to the dying person. Some say we should let them know it is ok to let go.

Medication is available to, for example, reduce the sensation of thirst and manage confusion. In Geraldton we have a fantastic palliative nursing team that enables people to die peacefully at home or in a hospice if they wish to.

Will I be in pain?

No, in almost all cases it is possible to control the pain and keep people comfortable. Managing worries and anxiety also helps to reduce pain levels. Medicines can be given as tablets, capsules, liquids, patches, and continuous infusion.

Further reading: http://www.palliativecare.org.au

Dr Edwin Kruys is a rural GP in Geraldton, Western Australia. He writes a blog for the Panaceum Group.

Follow Edwin on Twitter: @EdwinKruys

*

Our thoughts are with the many family members and caregivers caring this holiday season.?If you are a caregiver there are some tips for caring during the holiday season?here.

We would like to thank Dr Edwin Kruys for contributing to the final GroundSwell Project blog for 2012. If you would like to contribute in 2013 please contact kerrie@thegroundswellproject.com for more information. In 2013 we are launching a national initiative that encourages greater awareness and promotes community actions about the experience of death, dying and bereavement. We look forward to sharing more details with you soon, in the mean time please follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Source: http://thegroundswellproject.com/?p=2353

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2007 Toyota Tacoma (Richmond Ford Used (Facebook)) $9,995

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Strangers pitch in to help find stolen dog | FOX6Now.com ... - WITI

Posted on: 2:57 pm, December 29, 2012, by Ben Handelman, updated on: 05:42pm, December 29, 2012

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MILWAUKEE ? He was stolen on Christmas Eve, but his owner?s pledge their efforts to find their 4 month old puppy are getting stronger, thanks to help from strangers.? MacGyver, an American Pit Bull Terrier was snatched from Sarah Malchow as she walked him near Hadley and Buffum on December 24th.? She describes the moment when two men ran up behind her.

?He picked me up from behind, and threw me down to the ground.? I don?t think they necessarily wanted to hurt me, but they definitely went after the dog.,? says Malchow.

dog1

MacGyver was recently adopted from the Wisconsin Humane Society.? His owners say they are fearful of what could be happening to their dog.

?Being the breed that he is, it?s hard, you don?t want anything to happen to him cause he was really good,? says Malchow.

Sarah and her husband Cory Malchow have been searching far and wide for their best friend.? And they have found some unexpected help.

A complete stranger has started a Facebook page in an effort to locate the dog.

?It makes you sick to think people would take someone?s dog, so I just wanted to help in any way that I could.? Cause if that happened to me I would want a lot of help,? says Chani Schambow.

Schambow, brought her sister and husband to meet with the Malchow?s Saturday to brainstorm ways to get him back.

?If you could check it out, share with your friends, if you talk with anybody, strangers, family friends, just get the word out, that is all we are asking,? says Cory Malchow.

Already, more than 500 have ?liked? the page.? MacGyver?s owners are offering a cash reward to anyone with information that may help bring him home.

?We just want him back, unharmed. We need him home,? says Sarah Malchow.

If you have information call Milwaukee police, or 414-617-9137.

Source: http://fox6now.com/2012/12/29/strangers-pitch-in-to-help-find-stolen-dog/

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Replacement Window Solutions Denver Colorado: New Vinyl ...

New Vinyl Windows Denver


When you are looking for new vinyl windows in Denver, let Wholesale Home Improvement be your source for windows.? For 20 years we've been offering windows, doors and siding at a discount to all of Denver and Colorado. We offer most major brands but due to our low overhead we pass the savings on to you.? We specialize in both residential and commercial projects. We carry windows for anything from fix and flip to custom built homes and light commercial buildings. Our courteous staff will provide you with all the information you need to make the right decision for you and your budget.? The combination of some of the best products available plus our experienced staff of installation professionals ensures you get the best home improvement for your money. We come right to your door with samples so you can make the best decision possible.? We also offer one year financing and free no obligation quote.? Locally owned and operated we pride ourselves in top notch customer service and the best possible pricing out there.? With over 20 years of building experience, when you need new vinyl windows in Denver give us a call.? We get the job done efficiently while saving you money!?

Source: http://www.replacementwindowsdenverblog.com/2012/12/new-vinyl-windows-denver.html

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