Is Your Glass Half Full or Half Empty?

A psychologist walked around a room while teaching stress management to an audience. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected they’d be asked the “half empty or half full” question. Instead, with a smile on her face, she inquired: “How heavy is this glass of water?”

Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz.

She replied, “The absolute weight doesn’t matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, it’s not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I’ll have an ache in my arm. If I hold it for a day, my arm will feel numb and paralyzed. In each case, the weight of the glass doesn’t change, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.”

She continued, “The stresses and worries in life are like that glass of water. Think about them for a while and nothing happens. Think about them a bit longer and they begin to hurt. And if you think about them all day long, you will feel paralyzed – incapable of doing anything.”

Remember to put the glass down…

I found this on the internet of course, and could not find a source to give credit.  It was a very clear message and wanted to share it.  Enjoy!  ~Bill

 

Bill Nickerson has been in the Mortgage Industry since 1991.  Feel free to contact him at 978-273-3227 or email at bill@billnickerson.com

Old School Selfie

The true costs of Renting vs. Owning

There’s more to comparing the costs of renting and owning than the dollar cost of payments.

Even with numbers like these, some still say renting is better:

“Investing in a home is riskier than renting.”

No risk, no reward. Besides, even studies conducted by the Federal Reserve show that owning can provide a net worth that is from several to hundreds of times higher than that of renters.

“Home values have dropped in recent years.”

Which is one reason why ownership may now be less expensive than renting. As well, recent price trends in many areas have reversed, and values are once again on the rise.

“The tax deductions aren’t worth it.”

Some people benefit from claiming deductions for mortgage interest and real estate taxes. Others find a standard deduction more valuable. Even if you exclude the tax benefit, the real cost of owning can still be less than renting.

Equity for you or equity for your landlord?

With more or less equal payments, owning will always have an advantage in that you’re paying down principal and earning equity in your own home rather than the landlord’s.

Still renting and want to explore the path to ownership? Reach out, and we’ll be happy to help.

Factors used: $500,000 purchase price, 20% down, $400,000 30-yr. fixed loan at 4%/4.25% APR. Principal & Interest payment = $1909.66, taxes = $520.83/Mo. (1.25% of value), insurance = $120.83/Mo. ($2.90 per $1000 of loan amount) & maintenance = $208.33/Mo. (0.5% of value). Tax deductibility at 28%. Tax savings, principal paid and appreciation averaged over a 5-year period. Always consult with your tax adviser for tax advice specific to your situation. This is not a Good Faith Estimate nor an offer to lend. Rates, prices, taxes, insurance, etc., are subject to change at any time. APR calculations are based on closing costs of 3% of the loan amount. Actual fees can be less.

Bill Nickerson NMLS #4194 | Email | 978.273.3227

William J. Nickerson

The True Meaning of National Doughnut Day

National Doughnut Day started in 1938  as a fund raiser for Chicago’s Salvation Army. Their goal was to help the needy during the Great Depression, and to honor The Salvation Army “Lassies” of World War I, who served doughnuts to soldiers in the First World War.

Soon after the US entrance into World War I in 1917, The Salvation Army sent a fact-finding mission to France. The mission concluded that the needs of US enlisted men could be met by canteens/social centers termed “huts” that could serve baked goods, provide writing supplies and stamps, and provide a clothes-mending service. Typically, 6 staff members per hut would include four female volunteers who could “mother” the boys. These huts were established by The Salvation Army in the United States near army training centers.

About 250 Salvation Army volunteers went to France. Because of the difficulties of providing freshly baked goods from huts established in abandoned buildings near to the front lines, the two Salvation Army volunteers (Ensign Margaret Sheldon and Adjutant Helen Purviance) came up with the idea of providing doughnuts. These are reported to have been an “instant hit”, and “soon many soldiers were visiting The Salvation Army huts”.  Often, the doughnuts were cooked in oil inside a metal helmet of an American Soldier.  Salvation Army Lassies were the only women outside of military personnel allowed to visit the front lines.  Lt. Colonel Helen Purviance is considered the Salvation Army’s “first doughnut girl”.

Google “Doughnut Dollies” and click on Images.  Doughnut Dollies Served doughnuts right up until the Vietnam War.

Soon, these workers became known by the servicemen as “Doughnut Dollies”.

                       When receiving your free doughnut today, remember the true meaning of why you are receiving this today.

Enjoy!!!

Bill Nickerson~~Doughnut Connoisseur as well as Mortgage Professional

Bill Nickerson NMLS#4194