I just ran across this ad that made me laugh.  But before we get to the ad, let’s talk bills.  Medical bills are a hard reality for many.  According to a government study cited in this Bloomberg article, 1 in 4 families struggle to pay medical bills, and 1 in 10 can’t pay them at all.  With Obamacare just around the corner, my monthly premiums will rise significantly.  I hope I can continue paying my bills….

I admit — I was browsing the classifieds while at work, planning for the summer.  I had to laugh when I ran across the following ad from a guy selling his beloved boat, purportedly to cover medical expenses.  The final line takes the cake and is typical of our society today.  🙂

FOR SALE:

This boat is great for the whole family. Trailer has new tires& rims, axel bearings with bearing buddy kit. Storage cover etc. I have invested $12,000.00 in boat alone plus almost $2000.00 in toys and accessories above – asking for $8950.00 OBO. Call or Text (Xxxx) at (xxx-xxx-xxxx).

Interest persons can see the boat in (Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxx). Trying to pay down medical bills but may consider some on trade, I.E. Jet skis, guns, ATV, small fishing boat/canoe, Gold, Silver coins etc.

I love it!

Now, I don’t mean to make light of those struggling with medical bills.  Unexpected medical expenses can be crippling.  However, it would be interesting to dig into the government study on medical bills and see how many of those people have boats, huge-screen tv’s, jet skis, ATVs, guns, and are jet setting around the world.

Everybody wants a deal, and a lot of people ask about foreclosures.  There are a lot of foreclosures out there, but they’re often more work that you’d believe.  The other day, I was with a client viewing homes when we found this DISASTER.  It was a foreclosure, and apparently the previous owners didn’t understand the value of taking care of their home, or they were ticked off at the bank for foreclosing on them.

As you can see from the pictures, there were holes in the walls, doors were kicked in, fixtures were torn out, the basement still reeked of pet urine despite the carpet being torn out, doors beaten in with a baseball bat, and the home was generally in “foreclosure-condition.”  My client, who was excited to be getting ready to buy his first home for him and his boys was in shock.  Unfortunately, with all the repairs and maintenance required for this home, my client couldn’t buy this home.

I can’t believe these people.  This is my dream home!  I would give anything to have this home.  What is the secret?.  They were given a huge gift, and they just threw it away!  What is the secret to be able to get such a nice home?  If I only knew the secret, I would be so happy.  Client, 1st time home buyer.

This is the message of Homes in Order.  I’ve been through way too many homes just like this home.  People are given a gift, and they literally waste it.  Whoever owned this home previously were at one time and excellent managers of money.  They had saved their money, worked on their credit scores, and had proved to the bank that they could manage their money.  I don’t know what happened to this family, but I hope they have happier days.

And in answer to my client’s question, here’s the secret to getting a home.

1. Live within your means.
2. Work hard.
3. Save.
4. Take care of what you have.

And here’s the big secret to how to avoid foreclosure.

1. Live within your means.
2. Work hard.
3. Save.
4. Take care of what you have.

In the book, Rick talks about homeowners, and any homeowner was at one point in time an excellent manager of money.  Sadly, it is after people get into their dream home when the financial problems begin.  They think they’ve arrived, and they start spending money on things when they can least afford to start spending money.Continue Reading