It’s true. Credible scientific research has now confirmed the ingredient to a longer life. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic, reporting on a study that spanned three decades, have found that optimistic people live about 19 percent longer than pessimists. “It’s confirmed our common-sense belief,” said Toshihiko Maruta, a psychiatrist who was the lead researcher in the project. “It tells us that mind and body are integrally linked and that attitude has an impact on the final outcome, death.” The findings came from a look at 839 people living in the Minnesota county where Mayo is headquartered. They were among a group given a personality survey between 1962 and 1965 which detected how people habitually explain the causes of life’s events and then classified them as optimists, pessimists, or a mixture of both. In looking at the test subjects 30 years later and comparing them against their expected survival rates, the researchers found that those classified as “optimists” had a significantly better survival rate, while there was a 19 percent increase in the risk of death for pessimists. The report, published in the February 2000 issue of the Mayo Clinic Proceedings, did not try to explain why a positive attitude was equated with longevity. It simply said that optimists may be less likely to develop depression and helplessness or they might be more positive in seeking medical help and taking care of themselves – with less fatalistic thinking about their own health. Martin Seligman, a psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania, said pessimism is identifiable very early in life, and can be changed. He said it might be possible to put people into programs to change their way of thinking and actually lower their risks of physical illness.
The Federal Reserve now estimates that rising home values have added over $1.2 trillion to our housing wealth over the past three years according to a recent Business Week article. The housing wealth is widespread, because over two-thirds of our households now own homes. That’s almost 70 million families. There are many ways these homeowners can tap into this “real money.” Here are some examples: During a recent dip in interest rates, many homeowners refinanced their homes. They not only lowered their monthly mortgage payments, but some even came away with additional money in their pockets. How’d they do it? By cashing-in on the appreciated value of their homes. Other homeowners may have used their equity for special financial needs. The interest on home loans is at least partially deductible. Under the 1997 tax reform law, married homeowners who sell after living in their home for two or more years can keep up to $500,000 of their profits – tax free! Single homeowners can keep up to $250,000 tax free. That single change immediately increased homeowners wealth, nationally, between $15 and $20 BILLION dollars! If you’re thinking of withdrawing some of your wealth by selling your home and moving up to one you like even better – OR, you’re ready to become a homeowner for the first time and start reaping the automatic wealth-building benefits of homeownership, give me a call at 815-394-1823. And don’t miss my Free money-saving special reports available by referencing my “Insiders Free Money-Saving Resources” page included with this newsletter.
If you’ve struggled with diets and exercise programs, but just can’t seem to shed those unwanted pounds and inches, maybe it’s time to look to a higher authority. The Weigh Down Workshop uses faith in God to allow participants to “rise above the magnetic pull of the refrigerator,” according to promotional material posted on the internet. The program is the opposite of dieting, which suggests the problem is in the food. Instead, the Weigh Down Workshop uses videos, audio cassette tapes, workbooks and Bible lessons to show how people can be delivered from the slavery of being overweight. “God can change your desire so that you do not desire to eat the second half of the candy bar if you are not truly hungry. It teaches people that head hunger is not true physiological hunger, but rather spiritual hunger,” says the internet advertisement for the program. The Biblically based program has been spreading across the country, and around the world, like a kitchen grease fire…and currently offers more than 30,000 locations where people can participate in seminars. Two seminars are offered. Cost for the main 12-week “Exodus Out Of Egypt” seminar is $103, with additional family members $50 each. If you want to go through the program a second time, the cost is $55, and if that tummy just won’t go away, the third time is free. To find the location nearest you, call (800) 844-5208, or visit their web site at wdworkshop.com. Real Estate Question Corner… Question: What Things Should I Consider Before Making An Offer On A Home? Answer: Even before starting to look at homes, find out what price home you can afford. In general, you can afford by buy a home equal in price to three times your gross annual income. More precisely, however, the price you can afford to pay for a home will depend on 6 factors: 1. Your income, 2. The amount of cash you have available for down payment, closing costs, and cash reserves required by the lender, 3. Your outstanding debts, 4. Your credit history, 5. The type of mortgage you select, and 6. Current interest rates. The process of buying a home is much easier if you start out by getting pre-qualified or even pre-approved with your lender for a home loan. This amount will let you know how much home you can buy, and makes you a more credible buyer. To get a free money-saving report, “8 Secrets For Saving Thousands When Finding, Buying And Financing Your Home,” please see my special “Insiders Free Money-Savings Resources” page in this newsletter. It’s free as part of my consumer service program.My analysis will take only about 45 minutes of your time…time I promise will be well worth it. It’s a special Free service I provide to my clients and close friends. To schedule your Home Audit at a time convenient to you, please call my direct line at 815-394-1823.
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