We apply for a mortgage for various reasons. But when you do apply for a mortgage, you need to have an idea about “how much mortgage can I afford” because no one wants to lose his house to foreclosure. Basically, it depends on two factors: income and the amount of debt.

Factors determining mortgage affordability
The factors which determine “how much mortgage can I afford” are given below:
 

• Basic earning: Lenders normally lend 3 to 3.5 times your gross annual income. Your gross annual income is your basic salary plus any guaranteed bonuses. Some people earn a basic salary. While some people such as recruitment consultants, working in a marketing division, earn a low basic salary but they earn lot of money through commission that is not guaranteed. Lenders will only look at the guaranteed chunk of income. 

• Debts: Lenders also look at your regular monthly debts and obligations such as instalments loans (bank loans, auto loans, etc), real estate loans, revolving accounts, etc. Your housing expenses and long-term debts must not be more than 33 percent to 36 percent of your gross monthly income. For Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans, this figure must not be more than 41 percent of your gross monthly income. Lenders consider monthly expenses extending more than 10 months as long-term debt.

If you analyze these two factors then you can get the answer to your question “how much mortgage can I afford”. However, there are various other factors that determine how much mortgage you can afford to borrow in reality. The mortgage calculator also helps in determining how much mortgage can you afford in reality.

Role of the mortgage calculator
There are many mortgage calculators available in the market (interest-only calculator, online-mortgage calculator, refinancing calculator, amortization calculator) that can give an idea about “how much mortgage can I afford to borrow”. The loan mortgage calculator helps you to calculate home loans and compare the cost options. You have to simply put the necessary data (total amount of loan, rate of interest and the total term of the mortgage loan) into the calculator. Then the calculator will help you to know about your monthly payment amount, length of time it will take to pay back your loan. It compares your monthly income with your upcoming monthly payments, how much of your payment will go towards repaying the principal and how much towards the interest. Thereby you will get can estimate about how much mortgage you can afford to borrow.

This video points out that, quite possibly, WaMu could have survived on its own and implies that perhaps the FDIC wanted JPMorgan Chase to take over WaMu.

I've had similar suspicions myself, thinking that there was some sort of grudge between Sheila C. Bair of the FDIC and somebody at WaMu. Was it Killinger? Rotella? Who? Anybody?

Who knows? When will the tell-all book come out? After all, this was the biggest bank failure in US history. Somebody smart should have something to say about it.

It's hosted by Amazon and it's filled with hundreds of personal finance books from authors like Jim Cramer, Andrew Tobias, George Soros, Peter Lynch, and Jim Rogers.

Check it out. There's still time to order before Christmas (I can say that, right)!

I saw on today's newspaper the big headline, "Mortgage Rates at All-Time Lows." Sheesh. Haven't we seen this TV show before?

Must we go down the same stupid road that got us here? I know, the credit standards are supposedly much higher now than they were in 2006-2007, where anybody with a pulse (and some even without) could get a loan for a piece of property. But I have heard random radio spots that hint that things really haven't changed much. Stuff like "no money down," "seller financing," and "no doc" loans…

I'm afraid we haven't learned a thing from our very recent past. I can't say I'm surprised.

The fundamentals of the market psychology hasn't changed: It still seeks short-term profits over long-term prosperity. Slow and steady hasn't kept the market happy for decades. It likes the hare, not the tortoise.

I also saw that gold hit $1200.

So how does one protect himself during these times? I'd suggest that you stick with the same old, same old:

• Stocks – still the best bet for long-term prosperity
• Cash – in case all hell breaks out
• Bonds – if interest rates ever go up again, they might become a little more enticing
• Gold – in case it gets worse than all hell breaking out
• Real Estate – your real inflation hedge

Depending on where you are in your life, you would do best to keep the bullk of your investable assets in stocks, some in cash, a little in bonds, very little in gold, and a bit in real estate. Note that I am not including your home in this assessment. If I did, most of us would have more than 50 percent of our assets in real estate (which might be a big part of the problem, right).

I still think the US is the place to be for innovation: IT, bio tech, medicine. But I think you may want to invest a considerable portion in foreign markets. China will not stop growing for some time. India is still going to improve. Latin America still has lots left, as does Canada, Russia, and Europe.

The world, as they say, is your oyster. Choose wisely, or else you may get one that's toxic.

Madison presents Summer Jobs for 11 Year Olds – Jobs for 11 Year Olds posted at Kids and Money.

Madison presents Student Loan Rates Will Drop to All Time Low posted at My Dollar Plan.

Finance Tips 101 presents Car Donations ? Knowing The Facts posted at Finance Tips 101.

Ishan @ ILoveFreeSoftware presents How to Setup Virtual Fax Machine for Free posted at I Love Free Software, saying, “Having a regular fax machine is expensive. The best alternative is to use Online fax services. However, most of the fax services come with a monthly fee. In this article I explain how to setup your own free online fax service completely free. No registration fee, no monthly fee, no setup charges. Totally Free.”
Yeah, not kids and money per se, but certainly a tip I wanted to pass along. FREE nowadays is a good thing (always has been, I suppose).

Pamela Parker presents Four Deaths, Four Different Reasons to Plan posted at Legacy.

Cindy Morus, The Money Mender presents Did Your Bank Flip You posted at Mend Your Money.com.

Barry presents Learn To Survive On A $100 Grocery Budget posted at Associate Money.

Steven Chang presents The Truth About Money – Money Blog – Money Making Tips and Money Management posted at Money Making Tips and Money Management, saying, “I hope this short blog post about wealth getting and preservation will benefit your readers.”

Chris McClelland presents In the long run, college will end up hurting your savings. posted at Lucrative Investing.

Chris McClelland presents The untimely death of celebrities has turned into quite a lucrative business posted at Lucrative Investing.

Jack Schmidt presents 7 Tools For Your Money Belt posted at SectorMatic Money Journal, saying, “SectorMatic Money Site – Personal Finance | Everything for the Big Spender on a Budget. Now you can live like a fat cat, even if you’re on a money diet. Laugh all the way to the bank with Jack Schmidt and SectorMatic. It’s for you!”

jim presents What is the Average Credit Score? posted at Blueprint for Financial Prosperity.

Ray @ Financial Highway presents Debt Reduction-Financial Planning Guide Step 10 posted at Financial Highway, saying, “Debt Reduction is the first step in building wealth, here are some strategies that can help you reduce your debt.”

Bobby Leong presents Tissa Godavitarne GDI Leaderboards Home Business posted at Global Domains International Tips.

Jack Schmidt presents Put A Little Passion In Your Wallet posted at SectorMatic Money Journal.

Praveen presents Students Beware! Colleges, Tuition, Loans, and Debt – Will Education Follow the Housing Bust? posted at My Simple Trading System.

Silicon Valley Blogger presents myFICO Score Watch: Equifax Credit Score Monitoring posted at The Digerati Life, saying, “Teach your kids the basics of credit and credit scores.”

Joshua presents Re-Using For The Family Budget posted at Family and Parenting, saying, “Recycling is not only good for the environment but also good for your family finances.”

Finance Tips 101 presents Tips To Help You Qualify For A Home Mortgage | Finance Tips 101 posted at Finance Tips 101.

One Family presents Southwest Airlines (LUV) – Stock Analysis posted at One Family’s Blog, saying, “An analysis of Southwest Airlines (LUV) stock.”

Nancy Miller presents The Problems of Implementing ICT in Secondary Education posted at Accredited Online PHD Universities.

josh andreson presents All Boxed Up: Types of Flash Media Packaging posted at Flash Media Packaging.
Another non-kids and money topic, but interesting nonetheless. I use flash media all the time. It’s awesome. And really cheap. I can see a day really soon where ALL your day-to-day data (including OS) is on a stick.

Jack Schmidt presents Real Estate: The Time to “Buy Low” Is Now posted at SectorMatic Money Journal.

Martin Russell presents “Conspiracy of the Rich”- A Review posted at Word of Mouth Marketing.

KCLau presents MoneyWise Interview on BFM 89.9 – The Business Station posted at KCLau’s Money Tips, saying, “was chatting with Patrick Michael on Business FM (BFM) 89.90 – The Business Station yesterday regarding some money lessons we can learn from watching the Transformers movies”

Save Money presents Revising and Simplifying My Budget (One More Time) posted at How I Save Money.net.

Chris McClelland presents Estate lessons we can all learn from Michael Jackson posted at Lucrative Investing.
It’s amazing to me how MJ’s demise has inspired all sorts of stories. I hate to think what’s going to happen to me, my stuff, and my family when I die, EVEN with a will. I guess there’s one good thing about not being rich and/or famous — nobody’s probably going to contest my will or challenge any trusts I set up…small victories…

Chris McClelland presents Your credit score may soon lead to targeted Google ads posted at Lucrative Investing.

PicktheBrain presents Top 10 Ways for Grad Students to Save Cash posted at Online Doctoral Programs.

Dan presents Kids Birthday Parties – Better at Home or Out for Theme Party? | My Dad Blog posted at My Dad Blog, saying, “This article considers the pros/cons of home birthday parties vs. themed parties like Bounce-U and Little Gym with topics spanning costs, convenience and fun.”
This is timely for me personally. I have a soon-to-be 2-year-old…last year, we had a party at a park. Happened to be the hottest day of the year (110)! It would have been nice to be able to go inside and get out of the heat. But then again, our house is too small to contain more than 6-8 people (somewhat comfortably), so our giant gathering would have had to take turns. I really like the idea of the Party Palooza type places.

Daniel Drew presents Line of Credit posted at My Business is doing well should I choose an SBA Loan?, saying, “”Lines of credit are generally paid off by opting for a permanent source of financing. In case of commercial property line of credit, the sale of the old property may help repay the line of credit”"

Ray @ Financial Highway presents Canadian Discount Brokerage Review and Comparison for TFSA and RRSP posted at Financial Highway, saying, “A look at Canadian Discount Brokers”

Brian McKay presents Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for Dependent Care posted at MonitorBankRates.com, saying, “A dependent care flexible spending Account (FSA) allows you to save money pretax to pay for dependent care in the process also lowering your taxable income.”

Billeater presents Dorm Life – Cheap College Living Tips posted at Billeater.

Silicon Valley Blogger presents Balance Transfer Credit Card Tips, Facts and Traps posted at The Digerati Life, saying, “One important area of finance to teach kids about? The use of credit cards. Here is some coverage on balance transfer cards to teach your kids.”
Credit nowadays is a necessity. But I wish it wasn’t. So easy to spend beyond your means.

The Smarter Wallet presents Best Security Software For Your Computer posted at The Smarter Wallet, saying, “We all need to protect our computers, even the ones used by our families. Here’s how to do it!”

Banker Saver presents How Safe Is Your Retirement Fund? posted at Banker Saver, saying, “Retirement is a ways away for your kids, but it’s something they should understand early on. Investing as early as possible pays off.”

Ray presents Is A Costco Executive Membership Worth It? posted at Money Blue Book.

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of kids and money using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

Technorati tags: kids and money, blog carnival.

Plus, you gain more exposure, too! And that’s really why you’re here. To be heard (or read, as the case may be).

Christopher B Williams presents Getting the Bait on Good Home Loan Terms Despite Bad Credit Score posted at The Real Loan Solution.

Barry presents Tips To Curb Impulse Buying posted at Associate Money.

Lee McCoy presents Opportunity.com Review posted at The Secret Affiliate Society, saying, “Opportunity.com Review by a user of the system”

Chris McClelland presents 10 Reasons Your Bank Never Wanted You to Read This posted at Lucrative Investing.

Ted presents Saving Money: 50 Tips for College Students posted at CampusGrotto.

John Russell presents No-Fault Auto Insurance Basics posted at The Low Cost Auto Insurance Guru, saying, “If you live in a state with no-fault auto insurance, you need to understand what it does and doesn’t do.”

Dr. Alan Singer presents When Mom is on Your Daycare Payroll by Dr. Alan Singer posted at FamilyThinking.com, saying, “Imagine the effect of paying your Mom to be your live-in Nanny for your twin girls like Dave and Kelly did. There is a lesson for kids, in that it’s better care (for the same money) to have Nanna look after you both than to drop you at a Day Care center each day.”

I can totally relate to this one. We’re in the process of choosing (again!) another day care center. We want our children (almost 2 and almost 4) to get the socialization and structured (somewhat) learning that a “pre-K” school offers, but man o man, none of them are close to ideal.

Chris McClelland presents The Best Places in America to Starve posted at Lucrative Investing.

Chris McClelland presents College graduation: A diploma in one hand and a mountain of debt ahead. posted at Lucrative Investing.

While an education is a great differentiator, it’s not worth going into debt. Financial aide, scholarships, and very low-interest loans (as a last resort) are all viable means of funding a college education. Consider community colleges for a couple of years and finishing off at a state college or university. Live and eat at home. Commute.

Chris McClelland presents The Most Financially Productive Areas to Live posted at Lucrative Investing.

Chris McClelland presents Income Streams for Life posted at Lucrative Investing.

Chris McClelland presents Signs a Stock is Going to Fall posted at Lucrative Investing.

Chris McClelland presents Can 18 wheelers be a sign of the economy? posted at Lucrative Investing.

KCLau presents The Most Common Habit of Rich People posted at KCLau’s Money Tips, saying, “About the common habits of the rich`”

jim presents How to Save on Primary Education posted at Blueprint for Financial Prosperity.

Dan at Everydayfinance presents New Discover Current Card – Like Spying on Your Kids? posted at Everyday Finance, saying, “A new card out there allows parents to track their kids’ every move. This has mixed implications to consider.”

Donald Latumahina presents How to Make More Money posted at Life Optimizer.

Jack Schmidt presents How to Know When You Need A Vacation posted at SectorMatic Money Journal, saying, “Personal Finance – Everything for the Big Spender on a Budget. Now you can live like a fat cat, even if you’re on a money diet. Laugh all the way to the bank with Jack Schmidt and SectorMatic. It’s for you!”

Bank Champ presents GMAC Bank Becomes Ally Bank posted at Bank Champ.

Patrick @ Cash Money Life presents Baby Coupons, Free Samples, and Discounts posted at Cash Money Life, saying, “Discounts, freebies, and coupons for baby items – including magazine subscriptions, diaper coupons, and more!”

Silicon Valley Blogger presents TradeKing Review: How Does TradeKing Measure Up? posted at The Digerati Life, saying, “Where should you open a new investment account for your child? I would suggest this brokerage because it has a wealth of investment materials and free tools that you can use once you sign up. It provides an awesome resource for budding investors to learn from!”

I agree. TradeKing is simply awesome. Very low cost, good tools, great resources…

Ryan Suenaga presents Finding Three Dollars posted at Uncommon Cents.

nickel presents The Worst 529 Plans – 2009 Edition posted at fivecentnickel.com.

The Smarter Wallet presents Kids and Money: Answering Your Children’s Money Questions posted at The Smarter Wallet, saying, “Thanks!”

freesoftware presents List of Best Free Software for New Computer posted at I Love Free Software, saying, “Here is a nice way to save some money in this economy – get all the software for free. This is the list of the best free software that you can install on your new computer. We searched all over the web, and compiled this list of best free software. Each one of these is best in its class, and still totally free. You are going to love these!”

Brian McKay presents Teen Drivers Are Hitting The Road posted at MonitorBankRates.com, saying, “In this country, cars kill more teenagers than cancer, gang violence, suicide, or drugs and alcohol. Hard to believe?”

Nope, not hard to believe at all. No doubt you, like me, know quite a few families devastated by this fact. Drinking and driving too fast are most often the culprits.

costseg presents cost segregation form 3115 | Society of Cost Segregation Audit Techniques Guide posted at Cost Segregation Audit Techniques Guide, saying, “read about form 3115 that is used in filling out segregation audits that are lately more and more popular on real estate market”

endowments presents Endowment Life Insurance Policy posted at Endowment Policy, saying, “What is endowment policy surrender value and how to make use of it to earn more money.”

Don presents Teaching Kids to Save, Start Early posted at Corvus Financial News Wire, saying, “I only wish someone would have taught me this habit”

No kidding! But you’re doing your part here. Let’s keep on passing along the “I wish I had known…” advice!

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of Kids and Money using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

Technorati tags: kids and money, blog carnival.

Lazy Man and Money presents Save Money at Baseball Games posted at Lazy Man and Money.

The Smarter Wallet presents Amazon Kindle Review: Electronic Book Reader Pros and Cons posted at The Smarter Wallet, saying, “Is the Amazon Kindle worth buying for the family?”

Silicon Valley Blogger presents Best High Interest Savings Accounts In Online Banking posted at The Digerati Life, saying, “Show your kids how to pick the right savings account.”

Jeff Rose presents 29 Good Reads About Kids And Money posted at Jeff Rose.

Pinyo presents College Students Should Take Responsibility For Their Financial Situation posted at Moolanomy.

Mark Montgomery presents Choosing the Right College Curriculum–How Much Choice Is Right For You? posted at Great College Advice, saying, “College-bound students sometimes believe that all college academic programs are the same. Not so. This post and short video explain a couple of very different alternatives students have in selecting the right college for them.”

KCLau presents Do You Have a Wedding Debt? posted at KCLau’s Money Tips, saying, “Most couples want to begin their married life auspiciously and free from the problems. However, it is not uncommon to hear about married couples who go into debt just to get married. Article explores the reasons.”

Talia presents Bitty Budget | backtobasics-talia.com posted at backtobasics-talia.com.

PicktheBrain presents Is a College Education Worth a Lifetime of Debt? posted at School Loans.

Travis presents Money for Time, or Time for Money? | personalwebguide.com posted at Personal Web Guide.

Concerning Kids presents Raising A Highly Sensitive Child posted at Concerning Kids.

John Russell presents In An Accident? posted at The Low Cost Auto Insurance Guru, saying, “You pay your premiums, but when your car is damaged, you balk because you fear a claim will mean higher insurance rates.”

Sonja Stewart presents How to Recession-Proof Your Family Life | Parenting Squad posted at Parenting Squad.

KCLau presents Bad Experience of Car Insurance Claim posted at KCLau’s Money Tips, saying, “a story of bad experience with vehicle insurance claim”

jim presents How To Get A Free FICO Credit Score posted at Blueprint for Financial Prosperity.

Paul Piotrowski presents The Importance of Saving Money posted at Inspired Money Maker.

FIRE Getters presents Why do we get laid off? A complicated corporate work culture …. posted at FIRE Finance.

Finance Tips 101 presents What You Need to Know about Academic Scholarships posted at Finance Tips 101.

nickel presents What is a 529 Plan? posted at fivecentnickel.com, saying, “An overview of college savings plans.”

Jack Schmidt presents 10 Really Fun Things You Can Do Today on the Cheap posted at SectorMatic Money Journal, saying, “Personal Finance | Everything for the Big Spender on a Budget. Now you can live like a fat cat, even if you’re on a money diet.”

Jack Schmidt presents How To Pick A Profitable Mutual Fund.

Brandon Rowe presents $160 Checking Bonus at FBOP Banks posted at Bromoney Internet Banks.

Alison presents What Does My Son Know About Money? posted at This Wasn’t in The Plan.

Patrick @ Cash Money Life presents Upromise Review posted at Cash Money Life, saying, “Earn free money for college savings with rebates from UPromise. The money can be used for college savings, current college expenses, or repaying student loans.”

Patrick @ Military Money presents Financial Planning For Military Families posted at Military Finance Network, saying, “Financial planning tips to help families prepare for emergencies and other life events.”

Bank Champ presents Failed Banks Not Required to Honor CD Rates posted at Bank Champ.

sherin presents My personal plan for creating investment portfolio for kid posted at THE MONEY MANIAC, saying, “Sharing my personal experience on creating a portfolio for my kid.”

Jack Schmidt presents Sign of the Times: “Going Out Of Business – Eat Fast!”

Jack Schmidt presents Starting Young: Teaching Teens to Save Money.

Barry presents How To Have A Baby Amid A Recession? posted at Associate Money.

jim presents Citi Forward Credit Card Review: Rewarding Responsibility posted at Blueprint for Financial Prosperity.

Dan at Everydayfinance presents What I Learnd at the Park – An Easy $400 per Hour! posted at Everyday Finance, saying, “This article highlights a unique and easy way teenage kids can make Hundreds of Dollars per hour this summer!”

Ted presents College Advice: 100+ Tips for Survival posted at CampusGrotto.

Bank Champ presents I Bond Fixed Rate Announcement (May – November 2009) posted at Bank Champ.

Jesse Michelsen presents Shopping Out Of Season posted at Personal Finance Firewall.

Patrick @ Cash Money Life presents How to Decide Whether to Be a Stay at Home Mom or Working Mom posted at Cash Money Life, saying, “These are some factors to consider when deciding between being a stay at home mom or returning to the work force.”

Patrick @ Military Money presents 25 Ways to Eat For Free (Really): Get Free Food! posted at Military Finance Network, saying, “How to get free food and save money while eating out at restaurants.”

nickel presents The Best 529 Plans – 2009 Edition posted at fivecentnickel.com.

Jack Schmidt presents Home Improvement Loans – Transforming Brick and Mortar.

RC presents From the Economic Stimulus Plan- 529 Funds Can be Used for Computers, Software, and Peripherals posted at Think Your Way to Wealth.

Jim DeSantis presents Divorce: What To Do About Medical, Life, Homeowners, and Auto Insurance! posted at On Line Tribune | Marriage Matters, saying, “Covering the insurance needs of yourself and your children after a divorce must be considered during pre-divorce settlement negotiations with your soon-to-be ex. This is largely a matter for lawyers but you need to think ahead to protect everyone who depends upon you.”

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of kids and money using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

Technorati tags: kids and money, blog carnival.

It’s tonight, April 23, at 8 PM ET and 7 PM PT (West Coast delay, what’s new?) – sign up here – Town Hall For Hope with Dave Ramsey (Click the “Attend the Event” yellow button).

Kids & Money

Welcome to the April 22, 2009 edition of Kids and Money.

mortgager presents Second Hand Endowment Policies posted at Endowment Policy, saying, “Read on how to act with second hand endowments easily during crisis.”

Talia presents Bitty Budget | backtobasics-talia.com posted at backtobasics-talia.com.

David presents Checking Accounts posted at Personal Finance Ology, saying, “Learn about the different types of checking accounts and how to keep more of your money!”

Nate Desmond presents Giveaway: Free TurboTax Online Premier Tax E-Filing posted at Debt-free Scholar.

Bank Champ presents Bank Promotions Are Taxed posted at Bank Champ.

John Russell presents 14 Auto Insurance Secrets posted at The Low Cost Auto Insurance Guru.

KCLau presents 5 Ways To Take Charge Of Our Finances posted at KCLau’s Money Tips, saying, “Are we doing the right things when it comes to managing our finances? Ask yourself five questions to know if you’re on the right track.”

Frank Vertin presents Just Buy Index Funds Directly posted at NO LOAD INDEX FUND, saying, “Buying an S&P 500 index fund through an investment counselor can substantially increase your initial purchasing costs and and drive up your annual management expense fees. Unfortunately, the vast majority of individual investors buy mutual funds and ETFs through brokers and investment advisers. Rarely do financial advisors recommend that you buy index funds with low fees. This is because low cost, no load mutual funds do not pay them as well as loaded, high fee mutual funds.”

Larry Russell presents Most Individual Investors Are Poor Personal Portfolio Managers | Personal Investment Management posted at THE SKILLED INVESTOR Blog, saying, “Young investors should learn early about investment efficiency, and they will then know more than most of their parents do about wise investing. Investors more easily understand investment costs that are directly measurable, such as fees deducted on investment statements. However, many investors ignore or are unaware of the opportunity costs of their sub-optimal investment behaviors. Opportunity costs are usually much more difficult to measure directly, but these investment costs can be even higher than more visible investment fees.”

Walter W. Fouse presents 7 Ways to Pick the Best Noload Mutual Funds and ETFs posted at Best No Load Funds, saying, “The vast body of investment research studies show that there really are better approaches to buying and owning mutual funds and ETFs. You do not need to frantically chase fund performance. Performance chasing simply does not work.”

Ben Jenkins presents Graduating From College posted at Self-Destruction in NYC.

Richard M. Rothschild presents The Top 14 Low Cost Taxable United States Bond Mutual Funds (Low Minimum Deposit) posted at Bond Market Index Funds, saying, “The top 14 low cost taxable US fixed income funds with a $10,000 or lower initial deposit. Low investment management fees are very important with fixed income funds. Simply put, if you pay higher bond mutual fund fees, then these bond management expenses tend just to be a deadweight loss to you. When you pay more in bond mutual fund fees, you are just wasting your money.”

Ralph Jean-Paul presents Building Self-Discipline posted at Potential 2 Success, saying, “The most disciplined business people are usually the most organized, efficient and successful. They are also the people that make the most money. Learn to build self-discipline in your personal and professional life and see the difference it will make.”

Big Cajun Man presents Canadian Personal Finance Blog » Blog Archive » Advice for New Grads? posted at Canadian Personal Finance Blog, saying, “When your kids do finally graduate from college, make sure they keep this in mind.”

Mike Pastore presents Thinking of saving money for your childs college education? IRA or 529a plan? | Mikes Millions.com posted at Mikes Millions.com.

Jeff Rose presents 10 Questions About College Savings Plans posted at Jeff Rose.

jim presents Best Student Credit Cards posted at Blueprint for Financial Prosperity.

Buck Weber presents Search for Scholarships posted at THE BUCK LIST, saying, “It’s that time of the year again for high school seniors. Testing for the ACT & SAT, filling out the FAFSA, gathering and sending transcripts, college applications and letters of recommendation are all part of the annual hectic last few months of the high school experience.”

Barry presents Buying Groceries From Auctions posted at Associate Money.

Madison presents Summer Jobs for Kids – Ideas for Summer Jobs for Kids posted at Kids and Money.

Verna Morris presents Five Experts Agree: You Need a TIPS ETF In Your Retirement Portfolio posted at ETFdb.

One Family presents Swagbucks – A Frugal Take posted at One Family’s Blog, saying, “A review of SwagBucks, a search engine that promises rewards for doing searches.”

KCLau presents Learning to be Happy with Less posted at KCLau’s Money Tips, saying, “How u can be happy with less material things”

Jim DeSantis presents 3 Reasons That Can Cause Your Family Budget To Fail posted at Free Family Budgeting eBook from On Line Tribune, saying, “Money is the only tool you have to secure your future and the future of your family and to live a good life today. Unless you get spending under control and start treating your household like the goldmine it really is, you are destined to struggle financially for the rest of your life.”

Jeremy Ulmer presents How To Cold Call Effectively: What To Say First posted at Sales Coaching | Business Coaching | Life Coaching, saying, “never too early for kids to start learning some of these skills…to make money…”

Clair Schwan presents Money Management – Making and Retaining Wealth posted at Frugal Living Freedom, saying, “This article provides an overview of basic money management concepts with an eye toward accumulating wealth by being more responsible with it.”

FIRE Getters presents What is the Rule of 72? posted at FIRE Finance.

Get800today presents Why Not Use Toll Free at Home? posted at Get800today.com.

Patrick @ Cash Money Life presents How Much Life Insurance Do You Need? posted at Cash Money Life, saying, “This is a question everyone should ask themselves – particularly if they have a family that relies upon their income.”

Silicon Valley Blogger presents Zecco vs TradeKing: Which Online Stock Brokerage Account To Choose? posted at The Digerati Life, saying, “Help your kids invest early by opening their first account with a solid online broker.”

Finance Tips 101 presents Scholarships Come In All Shapes And Sizes posted at Finance Tips 101.

The Smarter Wallet presents Can Your Kid Develop A Gambling Problem? posted at The Smarter Wallet, saying, “Thanks!”

Summer Munyon presents How To Find The Bottom Of The Real Estate Market posted at Tallahassee Real Estate Blog, saying, “If you want to know the beginning of the next phase of the market turn, just keep an eye on the green line in the graph below. You can visit this graph (updated twice per week) at The Market Bulletin.”

hall monitor presents Two Colts Neck High School students accused of counterfeiting money posted at DetentionSlip.org, saying, “To be filed in the “What NOT to do” column.”

Deposit Accounts presents Keep More of Your Money: Tips for Better Banking posted at Deposit Accounts.

MatthewPaulson presents Money Management Principles for Children posted at Fine-Tuned Finances.

Madison presents Frugal Ideas for Prom Season posted at Kids and Money.

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of Kids and Money using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

Technorati tags: kids and money, blog carnival.

1. First-time home buyer tax credit
2. Property tax deduction for non-itemizers
3. Energy efficient home improvements
4. Home office tax deduction
5. Moving expenses

Read the details here: 5 Hidden Tax Breaks for Homeowners