Houston Family Magazine

Home Buying 101 for Women
Buyer, Be Aware!
Victory Over Fat
Nature Nutures
Do It Herself
Talk to Men (So They Hear You)
Money Matters
Ah, Massage!
Working Mom Diaries

Home-Buying 101 for Women
Nine simple steps to confidently purchasing your dream home
By Cindy Westlund, Signature Title Agency

    Owning a home is one of the key elements of the American Dream. In addition to the basic pride of ownership, people want to pay toward equity rather than paying monthly rent simply for a place to live. You actually own your home, and what’s in it, and can (within reason) do as you like to decorate and remodel it to suit your unique preferences. When you leave, you can sell it to recoup the purchase price and, with any luck, earn a profit too.

    According to the National Association of Realtors, women make up 20 percent of the nation’s home-buyer market, and single women are the fastest growing segment of the real estate market. In fact, they are buying homes at more than twice the rate of single men, acquiring one out of every five properties sold in the U.S. For many women, it is a wise financial move to purchase rather than rent. Before diving into the home-buying frenzy, however, follow these 9 simple steps to ensure that the road to getting the home of which you dream is as smooth as possible.

    Finding “just the right home” is a very personal matter. When it comes to finding that dream home, Robert S. Maurice, Real Estate Consultant with Keller Williams Realty, formerly of Sugarland, TX, advises that, “Women should not be afraid to ask a lot of questions, and never waive a home inspection.” Carola Jacobson, ABR, GRI, Real Estate Consultant/Realtor, Keller Williams Realty, says that most women, especially single women, make decisions on what home to buy based on “location, personal safety and security of the property, as well as the condition of the property.”

    “Based on my experience,” says Carola, “the biggest concerns for women are the location of the home (for personal safety reasons, easy access to cultural and recreational activities, close proximity to their workplace, etc ...); security demands (many single men will consider living in a marginal neighborhood, but a woman may feel differently about this); and financial considerations (can they afford the monthly payments, what could the cost of home repairs be, etc.). Women purchasing homes are more realistic and pragmatic when it comes to a purchase. They are willing to accept a starter home with the hope that they can build up their equity and eventually sell it for something better.”

1. Get your financial house in order.
    Before staring the hunt for the perfect home, shape up your credit if needed, and determine your budget range. Since you most likely will need to get a mortgage to buy a house, make sure your credit history is as clean as possible. Credit reports are kept by the three major credit agencies: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. A few months before you start house-hunting, get copies of your credit report. Make sure the facts are correct, and fix any problems you discover. To get a copy of your reports and your credit scores, try Fair Isaac's MyFICO.com, which charges about $39 for all three reports and scores, as well as an explanation of your score and tips for improving it. Errors are not uncommon; if you find any, you must contact the agencies directly to correct them, which can take two or three months to resolve. If the report is accurate but shows past problems, be prepared to explain them to a loan officer.

2. Get pre-approved.
    By getting pre-approved, you save yourself the grief of looking at houses you can't afford. It also puts you in a better position to make a serious offer when you do find the right house. Not to be confused with pre-qualification, which is based on a cursory review of your finances, pre-approval from a lender is based on your actual income, debt and credit history.

3. Choose carefully between points and rate.
    When picking a mortgage, you usually have the option of paying additional points, a portion of the interest that you pay at closing, in exchange for a lower interest rate. If you stay in the house for a long time, say five to seven years or more, it's usually a better deal to take the points.

    Sarah Mara of Signature Title Agency says, “I suggest getting the names of reputable mortgage brokers/lenders by asking friends, family or coworkers for referrals. Additionally, our “family,” as we refer to our employees at Signature Title Agency, work with many great mortgage teams and we are happy to suggest some with whom you can work confidently.” The lower interest rate will save you more in the long run. Choose your lender carefully.

4. Don’t worry if you can’t put down 20 percent.
    There are a variety of public and private lenders who, if you qualify, offer low-interest mortgages that require a down-payment as small as three percent of the purchase price.

5. Get professional help.
    Even though the Internet gives buyers unprecedented access to home listings, it's still a good idea to use an agent. Look for an exclusive buyer-agent, if possible, who will have your interests at heart and can help you with strategies during the bidding process.

    Signature Title Agency “recommends and advises the parties in a real estate transaction use a licensed realtor. There’s no sense in having to navigate the complex process of a real estate transaction by yourself. Realtors have information and access to resources that significantly enhance your strategic home-buying experience—elements that individuals outside of the industry do not have.”

6. Shop for a home you can afford.
    The rule of thumb is that you can buy housing that runs about two-and-one-half times your annual salary. Sarah Mara of Signature Title Agency says, “Internet calculators are great to provide a high-level overview of what you may be able to afford. But you'll do better to speak with a reputable mortgage broker/lender that can accurately calculate your income, debts and expenses and pre-approve you based on your specific portfolio details.”

7. Do your homework before bidding.
    Your opening bid should be based on the sales trend of similar homes in the neighborhood. So before making it, consider sales of similar homes in the last three months. Consult with your real estate professional, who can advise you on the best strategies for making an offer and negotiating a deal.

8. Buy in a district with good schools.
    In most areas, this advice applies even if you don't have school-age children. When it comes time to sell, strong school districts are a top priority for many home buyers, thus helping to boost property values. Maurice says, “My experience has proven that, good schools, neighborhood, and a safe place for kids to play are a few of women-buyers’ biggest concerns when purchasing a home. I always suggest that clients do a significant amount of research. Buyers today have excellent information available via the Internet, such as schools report cards and crime statistics.”

9. Hire a home inspector.
    Don’t confuse a home inspection with an appraisal. Your lender will require a home appraisal. This is the bank's way of determining whether the house is worth the price you've agreed to pay. Separately, you should hire a home inspector who has extensive experience. The home inspector’s job is to point out potential problems that can require costly repairs down the road. According to John Westlund of J. Dewey Property Inspection, “Some of the top items that women need to think about when they receive a home inspection report are: roof, plumbing, and heat and air systems. Water intrusion is the biggest enemy of your home, so any potential water issues need to be checked and monitored closely. Some key areas to examine for leaks are the roof, above or under sinks, and the hot water heater.” If these or other areas are not problematic at the time of the inspection, John says that inspectors are happy to show any buyer the “costly” areas that should be monitored. “This way they can have them repaired before they become more expensive problems,” says Westlund.

    Owning the home of your dreams … a lot of money. Raising children … a whole lot more money. Sitting back on the patio of your very own home watching your children play in the backyard … priceless.

    Signature Title Agency is dedicated to meeting every client’s real estate needs, providing title and escrow services and resources that anticipate and respond to diverse requirements. To serve buyer’s, lenders, and real estate investor’s, Signature Title Agency issues preliminary title reports, title insurance, or customized reports. Cindy Westlund is co-owner of Signature Title Agency and a married mother of 4 children; a 5-year-old and 2-year-old triplets. cindy@signaturetitleus.com or www.signaturetitleus.com.

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Buyer, Be Aware
Car talk with industry experts helps women purchase with confidence.
By Lyn Wolford

Women either buy or influence purchase decisions for more than half of all new automobiles sold in the United States today, and automobile manufacturers spend millions of dollars annually on campaigns targeted specifically toward women—so why is it that so many women are intimidated by the car-buying experience?

I was scared,” says communications professional Natalie Aprill about buying her car six years ago. She was 23, and had heard the scary stories about buying a car as a woman: dealers will take advantage of you; women pay more for their cars; you’ll be patronized or “tricked” if you go to a dealership alone; women don’t know anything about cars.

Whether these fears are based on horror-story myths or legitimate pitfalls, the fact remains that women purchasing cars should arm themselves with information to help them feel confident with their choices, and the process, before driving off the lot. So how does one do this? Houston Family has interviewed numerous firsthand industry sources and compiled a list of reliable resources to help women get in the driver’s seat when purchasing an automobile.

Rely on Research
    Although women do face some unique challenges when it comes to purchasing an automobile, there are also some useful tools that women tend to utilize much more frequently than their male counterparts—tools that give them a distinct advantage when evaluating options. “We’ve found women to be more thorough researchers than men. So when women go on the lot, they’re in a much better place to get a better deal,” says Consumer Reports Associate Director of Auto Price Services Rob Gentile.

    According to a number of Houston dealerships, no matter what you want in a car, it is crucial to begin your process with research. Know your own needs, research what it is you are looking for, and narrow your search to a few models or manufacturers that meet your criteria and price range. Include in your search not only features and pricing for different cars, but performance and safety ratings, as well as other key components important to you.

“Do all of your research up front,” recommends one Houston dealer. “Every manufacturer has their own Web site these days, so women can get a lot of preliminary information before even setting foot onto a car lot.” Many Web sites, such as Consumer Reports, AAA, Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds.com also provide detailed reviews on everything from safety, reliability and performance to owner safety and fuel economy.

Asking others who own the same type of car you’re considering is also a great way to gather information about whether it’s right for you. And, of course, there is always your own track record with a particular manufacturer. Ann Martin, a Houston professional, owned several Hondas before purchasing another one two years ago.

“Because I’d owned a Honda before, I knew what to expect and felt comfortable purchasing another,” she says.

Logic on the Lot
Once you have narrowed your search to a few manufacturers and models that meet your price and feature requirements, then you are ready to approach a dealership. It is unanimous among the industry contacts we interviewed that you should visit at least two separate dealerships and make it clear from the outset that you are an informed and serious shopper.

“Let them know up front that you are shopping a couple of different dealerships and are going for the best deal possible on the model that you have selected,” says one Houston dealer. Let them know, also, that you have done extensive research, including price comparisons, and that you are most definitely not making an impulse decision. “If a dealer thinks you are making an impulse decision or are poorly informed, they will work you for the most expensive price and feature additions possible,” another dealer clarifies. “Get written quotes from both dealerships and clarify that you are price-shopping to get the best deal on an automobile you have already thoroughly researched,” he continues. This will enable you to confidently secure the best price possible for the car.

Another word of caution is to beware ads in newspapers. Do not base your research and pricing expectations on “hook” advertisements placed in newspapers intended to get impulsive consumers looking for a deal through the doors. “Don’t believe every ad you see,” cautions an industry source. “These ads do not reveal hidden costs; they result in much less competitive deals for shoppers than approaching dealerships with solid research and pricing information acquired from diligent comparisons and reviews.”

Get Real About Value
It is important to keep in mind when researching the value of automobiles, whether pricing cars to purchase or the trade-in value of the car you already own, that values listed are not always 100 percent accurate. According to numerous industry sources, “Every car has its problems and resources like Consumer Reports can be slightly biased.” Especially when estimating the trade-in value of your own automobile, there are many variables that will impact its ultimate value, despite Kelley Blue Book or other reliable pricing projections.

“A full-size Chevrolet Suburban, for example, may have a Kelley Blue Book trade-in value of $29,000,” explains a Houston dealer. “Current demand for vehicles and our ability to ‘move’ them off the lot, however, drastically impacts the actual value of the automobile. With the dramatic rise in gasoline prices and current trend toward fuel-efficient cars, this same Suburban would currently qualify for a much lower trade-in value.”

Another important component of ensuring the best long-term value on your investment is the financing method you choose. Automobiles are typically fairly long-term investments, so it is important to select a financing option that limits mark-up and interest to enable you to pay off the principal as quickly as possible without unnecessary costs added.

“It is always cheaper to get your own financing through credit unions,” say numerous Houston dealers. “Dealerships get the same rates as you do from credit unions, but then there is a mark-up you can avoid by acquiring financing on your own directly through the credit union.”

Timing is Everything
One thing that may not occur to those shopping for cars and who don’t have the “sales mentality” is that shopping for a car at the end of the month can make a tremendous difference in the deal one can acquire. The end of the month is the best time to approach dealerships to make a purchase for one key reason: dealers need to make their manufacturer quotas.

By the end of the month, dealerships have either not made their quotas and need to make them quickly, or they have met their quotas and receive additional money from manufacturers for selling more automobiles. This additional monetary incentive for dealers far surpasses any discount amount that they may take off of an individual automobile to make a sale, so they have a lot more room to work with to give you the best deal possible.

Access Assistance
For those who wish to purchase a car but simply do not have the time or inclination to undertake the process themselves, resources like AAA even offer purchase programs to find a car for you, and negotiate the price—without you ever having to visit a dealership. Once you provide AAA with your personal specifications and criteria, including price restrictions, whether you are looking for a new or used automobile, and manufacturer models in which you are interested, they will do the searching for you and even arrange for you to test-drive potential options. AAA then negotiates with the dealer on your behalf and will even assist you with financing options if you have not made arrangements on your own.

Across the board, the most important thing is to educate yourself and take advantage of the resources and information available to you before rushing out to the lot. Don’t rely solely on information provided by dealers and those making the sale—be an informed consumer and coordinate your search in a way that promises confidence, value and peace-of-mind.

Web Sites to Check Out

AAA
www.aaa.com

Consumer Reports
www.consumerreports.org

Edmunds.com
www.edmunds.com

Kelley Blue Book
www.kbb.com

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Obesity is increasing at an alarming rate, reducing the quality of our lives and the lives of our children. Hyperactivity, attention-deficit, drug use, poor self-esteem and numerous health problems are just a few of the potential effects of not teaching children to properly supply healthful nutrients to their brains and bodies. But with all of the fad diets and weight-loss products advertised today, how do you know what the best fitness plan for family wellness really is?

As a firm believer that education is the only way to help parents avoid passing on poor eating and exercise habits to their children, my new book ensures you Victory over Fat with 6 Steps to Permanent Fat Loss and Super Health . Thoroughly explaining how to complete each of six steps vital to solving the permanent fat-loss puzzle, this book teaches parents how to lose their own excess fat--and how to help children get and stay lean and healthy.

What are these mysterious six steps that we should all take to be lean, healthy and enjoy life more fully? Explained fully in Victory over Fat , a brief overview will get you started on your way toward balanced health ...

Step 1. Find Your Reason to Be Lean
Why do you want to be lean? Answering this question is the first and most important step you must take, because until you find your reason, your desire, you will do nothing else. After the decision to lose excess fat has been made, the rest of the steps are relatively easy once you learn what they are and how to complete them.

Step 2. Discover and Eliminate Your Causes for Excess Body Fat
People overeat and have excess fat either because of emotional or physical issues. Frequently, a physical issue can lead to an emotional issue, or vice versa, creating a vicious cycle. It is important to identify the reasons why you overeat and address those triggers so you can break the destructive pattern. If the causes are eliminated, one need not rely on Herculean effort or willpower to get or stay lean. The main reason that diets only lead to temporary fat loss is because the causes are still there; this is why people typically regain the fat soon after the diet ends. Eliminating the root cause, therefore, is a vital step if you want to stay lean without a struggle.

Step 3. Learn What, Why, How and When to Eat and Drink
It has been said that ignorance is bliss. But when it comes to eating, ignorance is excess body fat and poor health. It has also been said that knowledge is power. For healthful eating, it is the ultimate power. Knowledge is your key to understanding the relationship between food, calories and your body, and the only way you will discover your other powers and how to most effectively use them.

Many natural laws exist, and their cause-effect consistency applies to eating, too. If you break a nutritional law, you will experience negative consequences as surely as if you challenge the law of gravity by jumping off a cliff. You cannot fool Mother Nature, nor should you try. Once you know and understand nutritional laws--whether you choose to follow them or not--you will know what reaction you will get from each action. Knowledge also provides reasons to follow the laws of nature and to stop sabotaging your goals.

Eating well is far more than just knowing what to eat. You must know how to eat and when to eat. You must learn what foods are right for your unique body, what to eat at specific times of the day, what foods to eat together and what to eat during different seasons of the year. Another vital concept is when to drink water. Many people have lost five pounds in a week just from making this simple change. Understanding the why of what you are doing is motivating and it helps you know how to eat in different situations. It also helps you to develop your own favorite fitness-minded meals.

Step 4. Harness the Six Powers that Make People Fat to Make You Lean
Extremely strong powers are working today to make us a fat population, and they are difficult to overcome using willpower alone. For most people it is an impossible task. It does not, however, have to be that way. The trick? Harness these same powers on which advertisers and fat-proponents prey and use them for your own constructive purposes. Learn how to use these powers to help make and keep you lean. Make your enemies your allies and the war ends. You can then spend your time and money in worthwhile pursuits instead of constantly fighting the "battle of the bulge." With these powerful forces at your command, the only way to fail is to choose not to use them.

1. Nature--Nature supplies nutritious, balanced foods full of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, enzymes and other nutrients your body needs to be lean and healthy. Satisfying your body's needs with natural foods eliminates abnormal cravings and makes it difficult to overeat.

2. Habit--All success is based on repetition. Once people find what works for them to make money, stimulate happiness or anything else, all they have to do is keep repeating it to continue being successful. If you exercise regularly and eat well most of the time, you will experience success at being lean and staying healthy. After a behavior is repeated enough times it becomes a habit. By repeating healthy behaviors, you will soon replace the habits that made you fat and unhealthy with habits that will keep you lean and healthy.

3. Inertia--This law of physics essentially states that a body at rest tends to stay at rest and a body in motion tends to stay in motion unless acted upon by an outside force. Learning how to use this power is vital to get and keep you moving toward your goals.

4. Momentum--This power creates the "snowball effect" that often causes problems to progress faster and faster. For example, after people gain some excess body fat, their systems become less efficient. This makes it easier to gain body fat because they must now eat more in an attempt to supply the nutrients they need. Decreased muscle mass slows the metabolism, which also makes it easier to gain excess body fat. You can learn how to replace the numerous negative cycles now working against you with positive cycles that will work for you. Momentum can reverse the snowball effect and make losing fat easier as you progress. After you have achieved your goal, the power of momentum will help keep you lean.

5. The Subconscious Mind--I believe that this is our greatest creative power. It is extremely important and relatively easy to learn how to use this awesome power to create the leanest and healthiest body genetically possible for you.

6. Love--This is the ultimate power we can experience and harness. Once this is done, the other powers are simple to learn and use. If we do not love ourselves, we may feel unworthy of having a lean and healthy body. Without love, no amount of effort will accomplish much of anything. Even if you do not love yourself, you may still be able to achieve your goal if you love someone else enough to do what is necessary to keep your body healthy.

Step 5. Shape and Strengthen Your Body
1Strong, well-developed muscles have numerous benefits. They shape your body, making it more attractive, and make you more resistant to injury, stress and other health problems. A stronger body also keeps you feeling younger and gives you the ability to get more enjoyment from and perform better at physical and mental activities. More muscle mass also increases your metabolism, which makes it easier to get and stay lean.

Step 6. Be a Lean Person
Being fat usually comes from thought and behavioral patterns we have developed--so does being lean. Luckily, it is rarely too late to change the patterns that create your appearance and your life. And it is relatively easy to do once you understand the simple keys.

Dr. Ric Alexander is the author of Victory over Fat. This doctor of chiropractic has studied and practiced balanced nutrition and safe, effective exercise for more than 39 years and has helped others to lose fat and enjoy better health for more than 20 years. For information about his book, go to VictoryOverFat.com or www.Amazon.com. To learn about him and his unique therapy, go to DrAlexander.com.

The local handyman may soon become obsolete as more and more women are strapping on the tool belt and tackling home improvement projects on their own. A recent poll for Home Depot by Roper ASW found that one out of every four women ages 25 to 49 do most or all home improvement projects themselves, while 80 percent of women planned on doing at least one home improvement project during the year.

That fact that women are now the second largest group of homebuyers after couples may be influencing this trend. But many women simply enjoy taking on the tasks, finding that many can be done easily and inexpensively, and can significantly increase the equity in a home.

Below are instructions for three common home repair and improvement projects. But don't stop there. Resources are readily available that provide step-by-step instructions on how to fix just about anything (see sidebar). Rather than making a costly call to contractor, plumber or electrician, consider setting aside a little time, a toolbox, and some elbow grease.

Laying tile can be one of the most time-consuming and daunting of all home improvement projects. But according to Scott Fogarty of Home Depot, it is much easier than many people think, and can save about $3 per square foot.

Selecting the tile and adhesive: When tiling a kitchen, bathroom, or pool deck, use a more textured tile that will provide water and slip resistance. Self-sticking tiles are available, but Fogarty says exposure to heat and water can eventually cause them to shift. The adhesive (or thin-set) seals the tile to the base floor. Fogarty recommends using a latex-modified thin-set such as Versabond (about $14 per bag, which tiles 80 to100 square feet).

Preparing the surface: It is crucial to start with a smooth, flat surface. Otherwise, it can ruin the appearance of the new tile or cause it to crack. "Your floor is only as strong as your sub-floor," warns Fogarty. Remove old tile by chipping away at the grout first, then breaking loose the tile. The chipped pieces of tile can be very sharp, so wear protective clothing, gloves and safety glasses. Vinyl is best removed by cutting the surface of the vinyl with a utility knife, then pouring very hot (or even boiling) water on the surface. The water will seep through the cuts and make the vinyl easier to remove. Once the tile or vinyl is removed, use a razor scraper and hot water to remove the old adhesive. Adhesive remover chemicals are available, but Fogarty warns they are extremely toxic, and hot water usually works just as well. Remove the baseboard trim, appliances, and toilet if laying tile in the bathroom.

Planning the layout: Many professionals recommend starting from the exact center of the room. But Fogarty suggests justifying the tile to the area that is most conspicuous, such as the front entranceway or hallway, since those areas won't be hidden with furniture. "It's important to remember that where you start will dictate where you end," said Fogarty. When tiling a hallway that is perpendicular to an adjoining tiled room, begin tiling at the intersection of those two areas. Layout is especially critical when using different colors and patterns of tile. But keep in mind that even when using one tile color, it will have a grain that can be tiled in one direction or alternated. After planning the layout, use a chalk line as a guide.

Cutting the tile: Tiles are cut with a score and snap (starting at $20) or a wet saw (starting at about $90). The wet saw will allow you to do L-shaped cuts that may be necessary, while the score and snap will only do straight cuts. Plan for as few cuts as possible by adjusting the layout of the tile, and hide cut tiles along less visible walls and under the baseboard trim.

Applying the adhesive and tile: Fogarty recommends mixing a half-bucket of adhesive at a time to keep it from drying out. It should be slightly wetter than peanut butter. Using a notched trowel, spread an even coat of adhesive, enough for about one to four tiles at a time. Follow the chalk lines made from the layout, and lay the tiles into place without sliding them. Keep the tiles aligned with spacers and remove excess adhesive when necessary. It may be easier to lay the uncut tiles first, then cut and apply the rest of the tiles.

Grouting: After the tiled area is completely dry, fill in the spaces between the tiles with grout. It comes in powder form in premixed colors and should be mixed based on the manufacturer's instructions. Remove the spacers and clean out any adhesive in the grout lines with a scraper or bristle brush. Apply the grout with a rubber trowel and wipe off excess grout with a damp sponge.

Sealing: Apply sealer to the grout after it has dried completely. Sealer can also be used on porous surfaces like stone, slate, granite and travertine.

Fixing a Toilet
According to Sidney Mulherin of Home Depot, about 90 percent of problems with the toilet are caused by leaks in the fill valve (ballcock) or flush valve (flapper). These leaks cause the toilet to run or periodically flush on its own. Both are easy and inexpensive to repair (between $3 to $10 for replacement parts).

Diagnosing the problem: Place a few drops of dark food coloring into the tank of the toilet. Do not flush the toilet and wait about 10 minutes. If water in the bowl is colored, the problem is most likely with the flush valve. If not, the problem is probably with the fill valve. When repairing a toilet, shut off the water supply to the toilet located on the wall near the toilet. Drain the toilet by flushing it a few times. Sop up excess water with a towel.

Replacing valves: The flapper is similar to a tub stopper and allows water to flow from the tank into the bowl. Inspect the flapper to see if it needs to be realigned. If it is damaged (they typically need to be replaced every five years), pull the flapper loose and put a new one in place at the hinges of the overflow tube. If the fill valve is leaking, remove it by disconnecting the mounting nut. Be sure to buy replacement parts suitable for the toilet's make and model. If they don't fit correctly, the toilet will continue to leak. If the toilet is still leaking after replacing the fill or flush valve, the water may be passing through hairline cracks in the tank, in which case the tank will need to be replaced.

Water leaking from the toilet base: Replace the wax ring at the base of the toilet. Using pliers, disconnect the water supply tube from the bottom of the toilet, as well as the mounting bolts (usually covered by a plastic cover). Lift the toilet and place the new wax ring over the mounting ring on the floor. Set the toilet back, and sit on it, rocking back and forth to flatten the new wax ring to the toilet. Replace the mounting bolts and turn on the water supply to the toilet.

Warning: Toilets are very heavy and it often takes two people to lift or move one. When replacing parts, be careful not to screw nuts and bolts so tightly that it cracks the porcelain.

Replacing a Light Fixture
Before you get started : When replacing a light fixture, choose a new fixture that has a base the same width or wider than the old one to avoid repairing the ceiling after replacing the fixture. If the new fixture is much heavier than the old one (or is being replaced with a ceiling fan) be sure the electrical box is equipped to support it. In most cases, an electrical box with No.10-24 sized screws will accommodate a fan or an equally heavy chandelier.

Warning: Always turn off both the switch and the circuit breaker to the light that is being replaced, and test the wires from the wall or ceiling with an electrical tester (about $2).

Replacing the fixture: Use a wire stripper to remove about half an inch of the protective insulation from the wire ends of the new fixture. Unscrew the light bulb and the old light fixture, and lower it so you can reach the wires. Without letting the wires touch, unscrew the wire nuts connecting them. Typically there will be a black (hot), white (neutral) and green (or bare copper) wire. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing the fixture, but this will typically only involve twisting the matching colored copper fibers of the new wire ends with those from the ceiling or wall. "Be sure to twist on the wire nuts tight enough that you can't physically pull the nut off," said Fogarty. "If it does fall off, it can trip the circuit." Fold up the wires and push them back into the ceiling box. Screw the new fixture into place.

Did you know? You can swap conventional light switches with dimmer switches by replacing the faceplates. Dimmers not only create a pleasing environment, they reduce electricity and save money.

Helpful Hint: When visiting your local hardware store, take along a digital camera that has photos of the problem or part. This will give the sales associate a visual. When possible, use coins or other common objects as size markers in the photos.

Clinics
Home Depot offers free "how-to" clinics and Do-it-Herself workshops. Classes are tailored to the individuals as much as possible. Call your local Home Depot for topics, dates and times.

Books
Dare to Repair: A Do-it-Herself Guide to Fixing (Almost) Anything in the Home
By Julie Sussman and Stephanie Glakas-Tenet
$14.95

The Complete Photo Guide to Home Repair
By the editors of Creative Publishing International
$34.95

The children may be "nestled all snug in their beds" with vision of sugar-plums dancing in their heads, but mom's probably dreaming of something else showing up in her Christmas stocking - like a gift certificate for a sumptuous massage.

How delicious it would be for mom to sneak out of the house for an hour to have her sore muscles kneaded while listening to relaxing music and taking in the heady scent of fragrant oils.

Indeed, receiving a massage is a luxurious experience! However, there are actually more benefits to it than indulgent pampering. Massage therapy relieves stress, improves circulation and muscle tone, aids the digestive system, increases oxygen to red blood cells, stimulates the liver and kidneys, and alleviates pain.

During pregnancy, therapeutic massage helps a woman's body adapt to the tremendous changes that occur. It relieves swelling, lower back discomfort, sciatic pain and headaches.

Tedi Jo Taylor, mother of two boys, ages 7 and 11, and two girls, ages 16 and 18, sees a massage therapist recommended by her chiropractor for pain relief affiliated with fibromyalgia. "Massages help ease my pain and balance my body," she says. Treatment "has helped me heal from severe whiplash and keeps me loosened up enough from the fibro to be able to keep functioning somewhat normally."

Nancy Manos, a stay-at-home mom of two daughters, ages 10 and 12 says her chiropractor recommended massage therapy to treat headaches, shoulder pain, and low back discomfort. Deep tissue massage also relieves tightness in her upper back and shoulders caused from excessive computer work.

"I feel so pampered when I go in for a massage and it reminds me to slow down and take better care of myself," says Manos. "I love how relaxed I feel after having a massage."

First-Timers
If you've never had a massage and feel a bit shy about disrobing or having a stranger touch you, don't let your modesty get the best of you. All licensed massage therapists (LMTs) are held to a strict code of professional conduct, including maintaining client confidentiality, respecting the client's personal boundaries and keeping the client draped at all times. It's quite artful the way LMTs can move the sheets around to expose only the specific area they are working.

For pre-massage comfort, avoid eating a heavy meal beforehand, shower prior to arrival and be freshly pedicured. Make-up and hair get mussed up during a massage, so go natural or bring along cosmetics and hair accessories for afterward.

During your first visit, the LMT will review your health, address medical needs and establish a rapport. "We assure the client that it's a safe and comfortable environment," said Brenda Quaiver, massage therapist at the Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak.

After being asked to undress, the LMT leaves the room. It is only necessary for you to disrobe down to your own comfort level. Some spas provide a "spa diaper," a thin paper thong, upon request. Once you are on the table and covered, the LMT returns.

Don't worry about your body shape or level of fitness. LMTs work with all kinds of body types - pregnant, geriatric, overweight, children, athletes, the disabled, and post-mastectomy patients. Receiving a massage is not a beauty contest, and "letting go" assists the LMT in catering to your body's needs.

Some treatments will prove more beneficial or enjoyable than others, so be specific about personal preferences. For example, massaging the glutes is a very common technique to alleviate lower back pain, but if that's uncomfortable, let your LMT know. Also, feel free to change therapists the next time if you don't "connect" with your first one.

The Price Tag
On a budget? Try a student clinic. There are several in Houston, such as European Institute for Massage Therapy and Memorial Hermann Massage and Spa Therapy School. Prices range from $30 to $35 an hour. Both schools are licensed by the state of Texas as registered training schools, which means they must adhere to strict health and safety standards and are licensed to teach students the art of massage therapy. Not all schools are licensed by the state: to check the credentials of a student clinic, visit the Texas Department of State Health Services website at www.dshs.state.tx.us/massage/mt_rosters.shtm. Click on Roster of Massage Therapy Educational Programs for a listing of registered programs.

Massage therapists licensed by the state of Texas also are required to provide clients with an initial consultation prior to their first massage treatment. During this consultation, the massage therapist and client discuss the techniques to be used during the massage, the body parts that will be massaged or avoided, even how the client will be draped during the session. A document must be drawn up listing the particulars of the consultation and is to be signed by both the therapist and the client before any massage treatments can begin. If a massage therapist refuses to provide an initial consultation, you can report them to the Complaints Management and Investigative Section of the Texas Massage Therapy Licensing Program. A downloadable form is available at www.dshs.state.tx.us/massage/mt_complaint.shtm.

For a special treat, visit a local resort (It's not necessary to stay at the resorts to utilize their services). Massage therapy can be scheduled alone, or as part of a complete spa package. Expect to pay about $80 to $105 for a spa treatment.

Massage Envy offers affordable service at four clinics in Houston, as well as in-home visits. Fees vary by location, so call for details, but take advantage of the $39 massage for first-time customers. This one-hour session allows you to see if Massage Envy is the right fit for you, without signing up for a service contract.

Kimberly Allen, a school administrator, drives long distances to and from work. She says treating herself to a monthly massage makes her feel like she's really taking care of her needs. As a fitness enthusiast, she says massage "works out the kinks from upper body workouts." Although the hot rock treatment is her favorite, she also enjoys aromatherapy treatments.

Should you decide to opt for the convenience of in-home therapy, get a sitter for any little ones you have at home, and take the phone off the hook. The same professional policies and procedures apply to in-home massage therapies as elsewhere.

So there you have it - no more excuses for not getting a massage. It's time to put a massage at the top of your wish list.

• Swedish: Full body massage, light to medium pressure.
• Sports: Enhances athletic performance and prevents injury.
• Reflexology: Hands, feet and reflex areas corresponding to major organs.
• Acupressure: Balances body energy for pain relief and promotes general health.
• Shiatsu: Balances body energy.
• Cranial Sacral Therapy: Relieves migraine headache pain, TMJ, back pain, whiplash, sinus, and cervical disorders.
• Stone: Hot and cold stones are used to enhance other therapies.
• Aromatherapy: Adds essential oils for a relaxing, aromatic experience.
• Salt Glow: An exfoliating scrub, followed by a massage.
• Mud Treatment: Exfoliation followed by a Swedish massage and botanical mudpack.
• Body Wraps: Incorporates various herbs, seaweed, or oils, followed by a hot towel wrap.
• Pregnancy: Relieves pain in neck, lower back, legs and feet and improves circulation.
• Infant or child massage: For infants or children (parents are in attendance).
• Breast-surgery massage: Breast surgery massage reduces pain and scar tissue.
• Reiki: A holistic technique promoting deep relaxation and harmony.

The gas tank is on empty, your teenager needs a $100 pair of shoes and you just dug out the last remnants of your favorite $28 shade of lipstick. And while your bank account isn't exactly zeroed out, the $10 in it could use a few more zeros behind it so you can make it to payday next week.

Does this sound familiar? Do you panic when your bills are due, the car breaks down, and your kids are clamoring for more Coco Puffs? Does your daily mantra involve praying to the money gods that you win the lottery?

Of course you do! You take care of the kids, your spouse, parents, friends - you invest your focus and time on your family. This isn't a bad thing, but it does explain the panic you feel when you run out of money. Ever notice you don't run out of family before you run out of money?

"Every human being has a hierarchy of values that they focus on," explains Dr. John Demartini, a Houston-based self-help financial guru whose latest book, How to Make One Hell of a Profit and Still Get to Heaven , outlines a financial plan for those rich in spirit, but poor in bank account. "Women tend to focus on relationships/familial, physical beauty and social values and not on financial matters. Your energy flows to what you focus on. If you want to make money, then your focus must be on financial values. That's a challenge."

Demartini is quick to point out that making money and focusing on family are not mutually exclusive, as long as the two are connected in some way. Want to stay at home and take care of your kids, but still make money? Then find a work-from-home position that allows you to do so. Is physical beauty or social interaction important? Find a way to combine the things you love and are passionate about with the need for income, and money will flow your way, he says.

"If you look at your priorities and say, 'I'd love to travel, but I don't have the money to,' then guess, what ... you won't," Demartini says. "But if you find a way to travel and get paid to do so, then you've fulfilled your passion and brought in some kind of income."

Money is often a volatile issue in many relationships because of the emotions attached to it. If there is a perceived or real lack of money, then panic and fear occur. If there is an abundance of money, then happiness occurs. The key to becoming successful financially is to take the emotion out of money and look at it as a vehicle, Demartini says. And the only way to achieve that is by saving - at least 10 percent of your income, he advises.

By socking away 10 percent of your income, you are not only "paying" yourself, you're creating a cushion that allows you to take the emotions out of money. Afraid of taking the savings plunge? Demartini suggests taking inventory of the things money can buy you.

"Ask yourself, 'How will saving money serve the people I love? How will it serve my clients, my family, myself?' Write down the answers. Do it 100 times, if you have to," Demartini says. "Create a link between the benefits of saving money with the things you value in life, so your brain begins to build associations between the two. Money flows where it's most valued."

Does 10 percent sound impossible to save? Look for ways to cut costs, such as carpooling or riding the bus to work to save on gas and eliminating those grande lattes or power lunches at PF Chang's. Even if you only saved 10 percent of your $150 weekly grocery bill, in a year you would have $780 in the bank. Still sound implausible? Then start smaller, with 3 or 5 percent, suggests the Financial Planners Association. This is the amount an employer will still match for an IRA contribution. And if you deduct your savings amount and stash it away before your paycheck hits the checking account, you won't miss it.

If you have credit card debt (and who doesn't?), find a way to reduce and eliminate those payments. According to CardWeb.com, an online research firm that deals exclusively with information about payment cards, such as credit, debit, prepaid and ATM cards, the average American carries $8,000 in credit card debt. By paying off the higher interest cards first, you can save thousands of dollars and shave months off of your payment schedule.

How? By following a simple principle, found in Invest in Yourself: Six Secrets to a Rich Life, by Marc Eisenson, Gerri Detweiler and Nancy Castleman. Say you owe $2,500 on a card with 15 percent interest. Add only $3 per month to the minimum amount due, and you can save $881 and shave seven years off of your payback schedule. The more you add, the more you save - $25 more a month saves you $2,559 and 18 years. Eisenson et al believe getting out of debt doesn't have to be painful, and neither does getting your financial house in order. It's just a matter of figuring out what you want, and what it will take to get you there. Eisenson and Demartini also believe you should put a value on yourself - because if you don't, no one else will, either.

"When you really value self, the world will too," Demartini says. "The world around you reflects your self-worth. If you feel 'less than,' then the world will give you what you're worth. Acknowledge your magnificence and stand up to the plate - a woman who does this will get what she wants."

The Financial Planning Association. Helps you find a financial planner, browse articles, download brochures and more. 800-322-4237. www.fpanet.org.

CardWeb.com. Offers consumer information on all types of payment cards, including credit, debit, ATM, prepaid and phone cards. Includes comparison of rates, how to cut debt, and free newslettersInvestment Clubs

Want to join like-minded people and learn to manage and invest your own money? Try out one of these investment clubs:

National Association of Investors Corporation
Houston Chapter
Carla Burns, Vice President of Membership
membership@naichouston.org
www.betterinvesting.org/chapter/houston
This club, affiliated with the National Association of Investors Corporation, looks for members who are willing to make a long-term commitment to participate in the club. Benefits include education opportunities, networking, seminars and online information.

The Realty Investment Club of Houston
713-726-0657
www.richclub.org
Want to invest in the hot real estate market, but don't know where to start? This group provides information on finding an investment club, education opportunities, seminars and a monthly trade show. General meetings are held from 8 a.m. to noon the first Saturday of each month at the Hilton Hotel at the University of Houston, 4800 Calhoun.

Clear Lake Investment Club
Lisa Gonzalez: lisa@clearlakeinvestmentclub.com
www.clearlakeinvestmentclub.com
281-335-3938
Associated with REIClub.com, a real estate investment information site, The Clear Lake Investment Club helps members become educated about real estate investment.