David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  Over the last ten years 40 million people a year have moved to new homes.  The New York Times recently ran an article describing moving as one of life's most stressful experiences- oftentimes not made any easier by the moving company you hire.  In an industry with little regulation and lots of scams, homeowners are often taken advantage of at a very vulnerable time in their lives.  My tip today: Don't get ripped off.  Visit Moving.org for expert advice in making an informed decision on hiring a professional mover you can trust.  I'm David Bach. For more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner.  And visit davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  The FBI reports foreclosure fraud is at an all time high- having received more than 35,000 mortgage fraud reports last year- totaling almost 1 billion dollars.  Foreclosure fraud usually involves a company claiming that they can help you keep your home.  These "rescue scams" result in the homeowner losing the equity in their home or even signing away ownership completely- without even realizing it.  If anyone approaches you with an offer that sounds too good to be true.  Walk away.  Instead, contact your lender directly for a bona fide work- out strategy.  I'm David Bach.  For more tips on smart homeownership, visit my website at davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  In many areas right now, homes are both taking longer to sell and they're selling for less money.  According to the National Association of Realtors, sellers assisted by an agent get a price for their home that's 16% higher than those selling on their own.  Realtors offer their services and expertise for about a 6 percent commission of the sales price.  In this market, they have to work hard to make that sale, yet their fee is often negotiable.  My tip today: Sell your home quickly and for a better price.  Visit Realtor.com to find a professional in your area.  I'm David Bach.  For more tips on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and visit davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  Do you own savings bonds? There's currently more than 35 million matured, but unredeemed savings bonds being held by owners who, quite possibly, have simply forgotten about them.  Once a savings bond matures it stops earning interest.  My tip for today: Dust off those savings bonds that you've been storing in a safe place all these years. Then log on to treasury.gov for the complete list of savings bonds that are no longer earning interest and follow the instructions to redeem them. The site also lets you know who to contact if your paper savings bonds have been lost, stolen or destroyed.  I'm David Bach.  Get 14 days of free financial coaching.  Visit FinishRich.com for details.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  When you're buying a home, your lender requires a real estate appraisal before you can get a mortgage.  In this fluctuating environment, mortgage investors and lenders are being extra conservative and careful.  They're looking to only fund mortgages on homes where an accurate value has been identified by a licensed appraiser, doing a traditional home site visit.  My tip today: Ask your Realtor for a referral to a large, financially stable lender- then get your home appraisal done by a professional who has been sanctioned by that lender. I'm David Bach.  For more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and visit davidbach.com for details.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  You wouldn't buy a home without first having it fully checked out by a professional home inspector.  But what do you know about the condition of the community you plan to live in?  I recommend extending your home inspection to include a full environmental report of your area.  My tip for today: Get your pollution report card by visiting scorecard.org.  Search by zip code and within seconds receive a FREE, in depth pollution report covering air and water quality as well as toxic chemical levels in your neighborhood,  I'm David Bach.  For more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and visit davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  Our government reports that there is currently over $32 billion dollars in unclaimed property funds- How about you, does any of that money have your name on it?  Log on to the National Association of Unclaimed Property and visit their website at Unclaimed.org to find out.  Last year, property totaling almost 2 billion dollars was reclaimed and paid out to close to 2 million people- property including abandoned checking accounts, savings accounts, stocks, dividend checks,  paychecks, and more.  This free site allows you to search by state so be sure to check each state that you've lived in.  I'm David Bach.  Get 14 days of free Finish Rich coaching.  Visit FinishRich.com for details.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  In 2005 Hurricane Katrina devastated the gulf coast- wiping out over 275,000 homes- leaving hundreds of thousands of people homeless.  The senate is now considering legislation to better help families who lose their homes to natural disasters and Habitat for Humanity is leading the support effort.  My tip today: visit Habitat.org and click on "Take Action" to send an email to your senator in support of this legislation.Hurricane season is at its peak. Together we can work to provide an appropriate housing response and recovery plan to avoid another disaster like Katrina.  I'm David Bach.  For more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and visit davidbach.com. 

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  If you find yourself in a car lease that you can no longer afford, there are now alternatives to breaking that lease- which could potentially save you thousands of dollars.  My tip today: Read the fine print in your agreement to make sure your lease allows for a lease transfer.  Then visit LeaseTrader.com or SwapALease.com- two big players in the auto lease transfer business.  Each offers an online service to match leaseholders who want out of their contracts with those willing to take them over.  The process isn't free but will save you tons of cash considering the alternatives.  I'm David Bach.  If you liked this tip, you'll love my free newsletter.  Subscribe at davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  New homes are often far from perfect.  In fact, a study done by Consumer Reports revealed that 15% of newly constructed homes had serious defects. And J.D. Power and Associates recently reported a 7% increase in construction complaints by new homebuyers last year.  My tip today: If you're considering buying a newly built home, don't assume that just because it's new, there's no reason for a home inspection before you buy.  Visit the American Society of Home Inspectors at ASHI.org to hire a professional.  And be sure to attend the inspection yourself.  I'm David Bach.  For more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and visit davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  The news is filled with stories about mortgage lenders shutting down or struggling to find the funds to send to the closing table.  In fact, over the last nine months, 120 mortgage lenders have closed their doors.  My tip today: If you're buying a home, check out your lender’s financial standing first. Select a stable company that has operated prudently under federal regulation.  Enlist your Realtors' help to identify lenders that can weather this environment.  Eventually the mortgage and real estate industry will find an even keel, but for now, be a careful, educated buyer. I’m David Bach. For more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and visit davidbach.com for details.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  One of the smartest things you can do when you run your own company is to make the decision to Pay Yourself First by setting up a self employed retirement account- yet many small business owners simply don't do it.  This is a big mistake.  In fact, taking advantage of the government's generous tax breaks for small business owners can truly make you rich.  My tip today: Visit SBA.gov or talk to your accountant about your options.  From SEP IRA's to solo 401(k)'s there's a plan out there that's right for you.  Don't let another year go by without saving for your future.  I'm David Bach.  Get 14 days of free Finish Rich coaching right now when you visit FinishRich.com for details.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  An increasing amount of home insurers are now basing deductibles- especially for damage caused by natural events- on a percentage of the value of your home.  More than likely this means a higher out of pocket for you.  The Wall Street Journal recently confirmed that millions of homeowners are now being affected by this new policy.  How will you know if your deductible has changed?  My tip today: Call your insurance company and ask or at the very least read the "declarations page" that's included in your renewal notice that you receive in the mail. I'm David Bach.  For more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and visit davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  If you're familiar with my books you know that I'm a big believer in supporting your favorite charities.  But it's important to  ensure that the charity to which you're giving your hard earned dollars, really uses these funds to help the people or causes it's supposed to be helping.  My tip today: Before you give, visit sites like GIVE.org- the web site of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance. Here you can find out if your charity of choice meets specific standards for accountability.  Other helpful sites for research include JUSTGIVE.ORG and GUIDESTAR.ORG.  Be a smart giver. Do your homework first.  I'm David Bach.  Get 14 days of free Finish Rich coaching.  Visit MyFinishRich.com for details.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  Do you know if your mortgage contains a pre-payment penalty clause?  Many sub-prime mortgages do- which means if you refinance you'll be responsible for paying a fee that could amount to thousands of dollars or more.  My tip today: If your loan requires that you pay a penalty for refinancing sooner than you agreed to in your closing documents, talk to your lender.  If you're having trouble making your mortgage payments and a refinance would help, your lender might be able to waive the prepayment penalty.  But you won’t know for sure until you ask!  I'm David Bach.  For more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and visit davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  There are over half a million newly built homes sitting on the market.  The National Association of Home Builders reports that 56% of builders are now offering huge incentives to home buyers- from thousands of dollars in upgrades to offers to pay a few month's of mortgage payments.  This could be your chance to get a great deal on a new home.  My tip today: Be a smart buyer.  With a pre-approval from your lender in hand, ask to see the builders best deals on finished homes that they have in inventory- then don't hesitate to negotiate.  I'm David Bach.  For more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and visit davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  Reverse mortgages are gaining popularity.  In fact, over 76,000 seniors took out a reverse mortgage last year.  If you're age 62 or older you can apply for a reverse mortgage to convert your home's equity into tax-free money.  You don't repay the loan until you sell your home or no longer live in it as a primary residence.  There's no income, employment or credit check to qualify.  And although most reverse mortgages offer an adjustable rate, lenders are now starting to offer fixed rate products as well.  I'm David Bach.  Find out if tapping your home's equity through a reverse mortgage is the right choice for you.  Visit my website at DavidBach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.? Summer's over and for many of us it's back to work! September is the perfect time to check whether you're on track to fully fund your retirement plan.? If you're under 50, you can save up to $15,500 pretax in your employer's 401(k) plan in 2007.? For those over 50, there's a $5,000 catch- up provision that allows you to save up to $20,500.? If you're not on track to max out, ask your HR department how you can increase your contributions from now until the end of the year. I'm David Bach.? Automating your finances has never been easier check out my new Automatic Money Manager.? For details and a 30-day free trial, visit my website at FinishRich.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  According to financial services giant Credit Suisse, next month alone we'll see a record breaking $50 billion in mortgages reset to a new rate.  Again, that number is just for October.  If you're a regular listener of the FinishRich Minute, you've already heard me give the advice to call your lender if you have an adjustable rate mortgage that's going to reset this year.  My question to you today is, have you made that phone call yet?  Find out what your new monthly payment will be and discuss your options with your lender if you anticipate problems affording the new payment.  I'm David Bach.  For more information on smart homeownership.  read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and visit finishrich.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  Did you know that nearly 1.6 BILLION people worldwide live in substandard housing? Wow... Habitat for Humanity has launched an online initiative to raise awareness of poverty housing issues in the United States as well as across the globe.  They're asking for visitors to their site to become advocates for affordable housing by contacting our elected officials in congress to ask them to vote in favor of policies that support affordable housing.  Visit Habitat.org to register for details.  In full disclosure I am a board member of Habitat because I really believe in their cause.  We all have the power to make a difference.  Let your voice be heard.  I'm David Bach.  Learn how you can give  back by reading my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and visiting davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  The Wall Street Journal reports that the IRS is reviving its random-audit program.  Effective October, thousands of taxpayers will be selected for a random audit even if there's no reason to suspect them of cheating.  The IRS is aiming to collect on an estimated 290 billion dollars that it should be collecting each year, but doesn't. These audits will be intensive so if selected, come prepared with as much supporting documentation as possible- neatly organized and ready to go. Consider enlisting the help of a professional accountant or for simple returns, a tax preparation firm can help for less money.  I'm David Bach. The FinishRich Minute is now available on Itunes as a podcast.  To subscribe visit DavidBach.com. 

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  If you're shopping for a new home, consider an Energy Efficient Mortgage.  An EEM as it's called, takes into consideration that an energy efficient home costs less to operate.  An EEM enables a borrower to qualify and afford a larger mortgage because they'll be spending less on energy costs.  And it's not just applicable to new homes!  If you're buying an existing home and plan to make significant energy improvements, an EEM could be right for you.  So ask your lender if they offer an Energy Efficient Mortgage and if so, how your home can qualify.  I'm David Bach, for more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and visit davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  If you're among the 50 percent of employees who have less than $25,000 saved for retirement, there's one thing you can do TODAY that will fundamentally change the course of your future.  Sign up for your 401(k) plan at work or if you're already signed up, increase what you put in the plan.  Most participants save only 3 percent or less of their income.  Others only save the minimum required in order to get their employer's match.  That's a huge, huge financial mistake!  The maximum contribution you can make this year is $15,500.  If you're over 50, it's $20,500.  Make it your goal!  I'm David Bach.  Get 14 days of free Financial coaching by visiting davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  If you work from home, here's a tip just for you. According to a recent survey, many homeowners were not aware that their standard homeowner's policy does not cover any personal property or equipment that's used for business.  Not only that but if a client was to get hurt on your property, those injuries would not be covered through the liability portion of your homeowner's insurance.  My tip today: if you use your home for business purposes, make sure you have proper coverage.  Buy a separate business policy.  I'm David Bach.  For more information on being a smart homeowner, read my #1 bestseller The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner.  Download a fee chapter by visiting davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  When it comes to protecting yourself against identity theft, it's a smart idea to subscribe to a credit monitoring service.  Frank Abagnale, a renowned expert on Identity theft and author of Stealing Your Life recommends choosing a credit monitoring service that monitors all three major credit bureaus- Equifax, Experian and TransUnion- and also notifies you within 24 hours whenever someone has applied for credit in your name.  You'll pay a monthly fee, but like insurance, it's a small price to pay for the peace of mind and protection. I'm David Bach.  You Get 14 days of free Finish Rich coaching.  How?  Visit FinishRich.com for details.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.? When you get a mortgage, your lender must provide you with a good-faith-estimate and truth-in-lending disclosure forms revealing your loan costs.? A recent FTC survey confirms that because mortgage agreements have become so complex, key mortgage costs (including restrictions like prepayment penalties) oftentimes are not communicated clearly enough for the average borrower.? My tip today: protect yourself by questioning any items that you don't understand before you go to closing.? The most important items to know- your full loan amount, term, interest rate, monthly payment- including taxes and insurance- and how much you'll need at closing.? I'm David Bach.? For more tips on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and visit davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  If you have credit card debt, you're not alone- the average American has about $10,000 in credit card debt.  I've coached millions of people on how to get out and stay out of debt through a simple method I call DOLP- which stands for Dead on Last Payment. Dolping your way out of debt will give you the momentum you need as you systematically paying off each card, one by one.  My tip today: visit my website at DavidBach.com for access to my free resource page to find out how you can apply the DOLP method to reduce your debt.  I'm David Bach. Get 14 days of free Finish Rich coaching- on my website by visiting FinishRich.com for details.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  Over the next year you'll find some great opportunities for homebuying in certain hot spots around the country.  Two years ago a record number of condos were built in places like Florida, Vegas, Phoenix and Denver.  Many properties were bought by investors hoping to flip them for a quick profit.  These overdeveloped markets now have exploding inventories and record foreclosures.  My tip today- use a site like realtor.com to keep track of home prices in these areas.  They may sell for half the price of what they sold for in 2005- so you might find a great bargain.  I'm David Bach.  For more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and visit davidbach.com for details.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  Homeowners, it's important to know the difference between actual cash value coverage and replacement cost coverage when it comes to your homeowners insurance.  With actual cash value coverage,   you're only covered for what it will cost you for repairs or replacement- LESS any depreciation costs.  Replacement cost coverage insures the FULL cost to replace or rebuild, regardless of depreciation.  The difference can amount to thousands of dollars.  So check your policy to see what type of coverage you have on your home and its contents.  Then call your insurance agent to make any necessary changes.  I'm David Bach.  For more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and visit davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  The Wall Street Journal reports that the number of older Americans either currently holding down a job or looking for work has been on the rise for the past 15 years.  Why?  With increasing life expectancies, the end of traditional pension plans and rising health care costs, many retirees find that they need to return to the workforce to supplement their retirement income.  My tip today: take advantage of a number of websites that specialize in matching older workers with employers.  Visit sites like RetirementJobs.com or RetiredBrains.com to start a new career or to find part time work in your area. I'm David Bach. Get 14 days of free Finish Rich coaching. Visit FinishRich.com for details.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  A recent survey reveals that many homeowners don't really know exactly what's covered under their homeowner's insurance.  Do you? Sixty eight percent wrongly assumed that if their car was damaged on their property, the loss would be covered through their policy.  Fifty-one percent thought that their policy would cover damage from a main water line break and 31 percent assumed damage as a result of termites would be covered.  My tip today: Don't make assumptions on your insurance policy.  Avoid costly mistakes by knowing what's covered and what's not.  Then inquire about buying supplementary coverage where necessary.  I'm David Bach.  For more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and visit davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  The New York Times recently reported on a student loan investigation that revealed some surprising facts.  Many lenders are awarding loans to students based on which college they attend and not on their actual credit worthiness.  Colleges are categorized based on factors like graduation rates and history of alumni repayment.  So a student attending a prestigious university may pay 8% for a loan, while a student with equal or better credit who attends a local community college may pay 11%.  My tip today: Shop and compare rates from several lenders- and don't rely solely on the college's list of "preferred lenders."  I'm David Bach. If you liked this tip, you'll love my free newsletter.  You can subscribe at davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.? When it comes to buying a home, the bottom line isn’t how much houses cost.? It's how much you can afford to spend.? Most people can afford to spend 29 percent of their gross income on housing costs- including the mortgage payment and property taxes- and as sometimes as much as 41 percent, if they have no debt.? You should also consider your other savings goals, medical expenses, ongoing household repairs and maintenance, and even how secure your job is.? Once you calculate your magic number, play it safe by knocking off an additional 10-20%.? I'm David Bach.? For more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and visit davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  When it comes to buying a home, the bottom line isn’t how much houses cost.  It's how much you can afford to spend.  Most people can afford to spend 29 percent of their gross income on housing costs- including the mortgage payment and property taxes- and as sometimes as much as 41 percent, if they have no debt.  You should also consider your other savings goals, medical expenses, ongoing household repairs and maintenance, and even how secure your job is.  Once you calculate your magic number, play it safe by knocking off an additional 10-20%.  I'm David Bach.  For more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and visit davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  If you own your own business, one of the smartest moves you can make is to buy the space on which your business is located. Chances are, five years from now the real estate on which your business sits will be worth more than the business itself.  If your business fails, you can still cash in by either renting the space or selling it.  My tip today: do whatever you can to buy the building your business uses- even if you have to start small.  Grow your own net worth, not your landlord's.  I'm David Bach.  For more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and visit davidbach.com for details on my new FinishRich Coaching program.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  Does your 401(k) Plan offer an asset allocation option? Also known as lifecycle funds or target dated mutual funds, these smart investment vehicles are designed to do all the work for you when it comes to diversification.  They offer just the right mix of stocks, bonds and cash all in one fund- depending on your expected year of retirement. They also provide automatic rebalancing of your investments- so as you get closer to retirement, your investments become more conservative.  Ask your benefits manager if your plan offers a lifecycle fund.  Then set it up and let it go to work for you.  I'm David Bach.  Get 14 days of free Finish Rich coaching.  Visit FinishRich.com for details.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  Your home's equity can be a smart source for cash- maybe to pay for the kid's college or start a business.  But, one in three Americans use home equity to pay down their debt.  If you pull cash out of your home for this reason- something I don't recommend- it's absolutely critical that you change your spending habits.  Paying off debt by refinancing or taking out a home loan can turn into a financial nightmare if you're not careful.  Wiping the slate clean only to max out your credit cards will only bury you even deeper in debt.  I'm David Bach. For more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and visit davidbach.com for details on my new FinishRich Coaching Program.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  If you're self-employed, you have an amazing opportunity to build wealth.  I see many entrepreneurs who run as many expenses as they can through their business so at the end of the year, they show little profit and pay less in taxes.  Don't make this mistake.  Instead, take advantage of the benefits that are offered to the self employed and open a SEP IRA.  This year, you can save up to $45,000 pretax!  That's $29,500 more than an employee can save in a 401(k) plan! Smart business owners finish rich. Open your self employed retirement account today.  I'm David Bach.  Get 14 days of free Finish Rich coaching.  Visit FinishRich.com for details. 

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  Here's a fact.  The average homeowner is worth 35 times more than the average renter.  If your dream is to own your own home, start by taking action TODAY.  Open your home savings account and fund it automatically by direct depositing part of your paycheck every month.  Once you've saved 3 month's worth of mortgage payments, seek out lenders who offer First Time Homebuyer Programs.  Get pre-approved for a mortgage but aim to borrow 10-20% LESS than what your bank is willing to lend you.  This will prevent you from buying more home than you can afford.  I'm David Bach.  For more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and visit davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  If you're in the market to buy your first home, congratulations! After all, your home will probably end up being the single most important investment you'll make in your lifetime. Here's my tip for today: Don't think you have to go out and buy your dream house. Instead, think of this purchase as your first step toward helping you to buy your dream house in the future.  You may even have to settle on buying a place that’s not as nice as what you're renting now. That's ok.  The sacrifice will be worth it in the long run.  I'm David Bach. For more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and visit davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  There's a growing trend in the U.S. that allows consumers to pre-pay utilities in order to encourage energy conservation. Once a pre-payment is made, customers track their credit balance via a small, electronic meter in their home.  These "smart" meters are programmed to display how much electricity you're using each hour and how that translates into dollars spent.  Experts predict that over the next few years,  prepaid electric will become the norm.  If you want to keep better tabs on your energy use, call your utility provider to see if a pilot program is available in your area.  I'm David Bach.  Get 14 days of free Finish Rich coaching.  Visit FinishRich.com for details. 

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  Have you heard the new public service announcements aimed at homeowners who are having trouble paying their mortgage?  This nationwide campaign took root after a study showed that 61 percent of delinquent borrowers don't know that they can get help from their lender if they’re falling behind on their mortgage.  The ads encourage borrowers in need not to ignore their mortgage issues and to either reach out to their lender or to go online and visit ForeclosureHelpandHope.org. The tagline for the campaign: Nothing is worse than doing nothing I'm David Bach.  For more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  In 2006, there were over 9 million cases of identity theft in this country.  My tip today: stop yourself from becoming a victim by keeping your social security number private.  You'll find that there are many businesses and organizations that will request your social security number simply because it's "on the form."  But just because you're asked for the information, doesn't mean you have to give it.  Who does have a right to it?  Your employer, the DMV, welfare and tax departments and institutions that handle transactions involving your taxes, like your bank.  I'm David Bach.  Get 14 days of free Finish Rich coaching.  Visit my website at FinishRich.com for details.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  The recent sub-prime shake-up in the mortgage industry has forced some lenders to tighten their lending policies- in some cases even close their doors.  With little or no notice, borrowers can find themselves days away from closing- WITHOUT the mortgage they were promised.  My tip today- in case your loan DOES fall through, protect yourself by adding a "mortgage contingency" clause to your purchase contract.  This will let you walk away from the deal and recover your deposit from the seller if your loan doesn't come through.  I'm David Bach.  For more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner.  You can download a free chapter today by visiting davidbach.com. 

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  When buying a home, be sure to "run the comps" this means research what comparable houses in the same neighborhood are selling for or have sold for.  Your realtor will be able to do this for you at no cost or visit web sites where you can do it yourself.  Sites like zillow.com or homegain.com are free and their great- you can get wonderful reports on any given area.  The key- bottom line- if you want to know about an area don't guess what the prices are, know the facts.  Your purchase decision should be based on hard facts, not hunches.  I'm David Bach, for more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and visit davidbach.com. 

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  Smart women know how to LIVE RICH.  Statistics show that women are starting businesses at a rate of THREE times that of men and for different reasons too.  Women start businesses in order to achieve freedom, control and flexibility more than they do for money. Women also have the unique talent for building communities that support them in their success.  If you're a woman with a business idea who dreams of living and finishing rich, visit LadiesWhoLaunch.com.  From networking to funding- the help you need to grow your ideas and start a business of your own is out there. I'm David Bach.  The FinishRich Minute is now available on Itunes as a podcast.  To subscribe visit DavidBach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  The secret to buying a "fixer upper" is to buy one in the nicest area you can afford.  To put it simply, it should be the worst house on the best block.  Make sure you get at least three first rate contractors to give you estimates of what the work will cost and how long it will take.  Then add 50 percent and ask yourself if you really have the time and money to pursue the project.  If yes- ask your lender about home improvement loans that you might qualify for.  I'm David Bach, for more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and visit davidbach.com for details.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  The median debt for graduates with bachelor's degrees is over $19,000.  If you're a recent college grad struggling with student loan debt, here's a tip for you.  If you're having trouble paying back your loan, call your lender right away.  You may qualify for an extended repayment plan, loan deferral, forbearance or consolidation.  Do all that you can to avoid defaulting on your loan payments, which will leave you with a damaged credit report- and will affect your ability to rent an apartment, buy a home or car- and may even prevent you from getting a job.  I'm David Bach.  My new Finish Rich coaching program can change your life when it comes to money.  Put an end to your financial worries and visit DavidBach.com for details.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  Tighter lending practices may not initially sound like great news for future homebuyers.  But here is the bottom line, improved regulations within the mortgage industry will help prevent predatory lending practices, and that will put families in homes they can truly afford in the long run.  If you're saving to buy a home, here's my suggestion, work hard at protecting your credit rating.  Pay all your bills on time and aim to eliminate outstanding debt.  Once you're ready to buy, you'll have a better choice of mortgage products at lower interest rates.  Before you know it, you'll be living out your dream of homeownership.  I'm David Bach.  For more information on being a smart homeowner, read my #1 bestseller The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and visit davidbach.com for details.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  A record one million vacation homes were purchased last year.  With vacation homes, taxes can be a bit more complicated than they are for your primary home- especially if you rent the house out for more than two weeks a year.  By doing so, you may not qualify for a deduction on your mortgage interest and you’ll need to pay taxes on the rental income you earn.  However, you may be able to claim repair and maintenance costs as business expenses.  My tip today- talk to a professional tax advisor to find out how current tax rules apply to your situation.  I'm David Bach.  For more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner.  And visit davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  The average amount spent on a wedding last year was almost $28,000.  A growing number of brides and grooms are now purchasing wedding insurance to protect themselves from unexpected losses on their big day.  Policies cover everything from expenses incurred if you have to postpone due to weather to your photographer failing to show or even your wedding gifts being lost or stolen.  Call your insurance broker or visit wedsafe.com to find out more information.  Premiums range from $95 to $1000 depending on the level of coverage chosen- a small price to pay for such a large investment.  I'm David Bach.  My new Finish Rich coaching program is changing people's lives.  Put an end to your financial worries.  Visit DavidBach.com for details.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.? We often hear about the nationwide housing slump but did you know that there are many cities across the country that are currently experiencing a housing boom?? That's right- in Portland, Seattle, Salt Lake City, Boise, Houston, Austin among others, home values are rising which proves the real estate market isn’t national, it's local. The only real estate market that matters is the one you live in.? If you're experiencing a slow market, be extra conservative with your finances, taking care not to overextend yourself.? A closer watch on expenses and increased savings should give you that added security until the market improves.? I'm David Bach.? For more smart tips on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and visit davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  Retailers are required to limit credit card numbers printed on electronic receipts to the last five digits- as well as omitting the expiration date.  Retailers were given to December 4th of last year to make the necessary changes to their merchant software but the Wall Street Journal recently reported that there have been over 100 federal lawsuits against big merchants who have not yet complied.  Here's what you need to do- protect your credit card information from being stolen by checking your receipts before you toss them and if you toss them, make sure you shred them.  I'm David Bach.  The new Finish Rich coaching program is changing people's lives, let it change yours.  Visit my website at DavidBach.com for details.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  Given the recent increase in mortgage delinquencies- investors, lenders, regulators and legislators are discussing many proactive solutions for consumers who need help.  It'll take some time since they have to figure out a way to do this within the current system.  But the truth is, if you're having trouble paying your mortgage now, you don't have time to wait for their solution.  You have to take matters into your own hands- immediately.  My suggestion today- protect yourself and your home by calling your lender ask them what can they do to help you.  I'm David Bach.  For more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and visit davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  More than one trillion dollars in adjustable rate mortgages are scheduled to reset this year.  How will you be affected? Have you called your lender to determine what your new monthly payment will be and when it will take effect?  Your lender might send you a letter shortly before the new payment amount goes into affect but by then your higher rate and payment will be ready to- kick in.  Instead, call your lender 120 to 180 days in advance and allow yourself enough time to work out your options for refinancing.  I'm David Bach.  For more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and visit davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.? Here's a phenomenal money saving tip for any traveler paying too much for airfare this summer.? Log on to YAPTA.com to earn money back when the airfare prices drop.? YAPTA stands for Your Amazing Personal Travel Assistant and once you've purchased travel tickets directly from an airline, this software will track prices for your particular flight and notify you immediately if prices drop.? You're then guided to call the airline directly to request? a voucher or refund for the price difference- in accordance with that airlines' policies.? During testing, the average user of YAPTA received about $85.? So check it out! I'm David Bach.? Visit my website at DavidBach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  If you're buying a home, will you need private mortgage insurance?  Because it's riskier to loan money to people who make small down payments, lenders require homeowners who borrow more than 80 percent of the cost of their house to purchase private mortgage insurance- or PMI.  PMI covers losses the lender may incur if a borrower defaults and it can cost $50 to several hundred dollars a month.  Here's good news- effective this year premiums for households with a gross income of $100,000 or less are now tax deductible.  I'm David Bach.  For more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and visit davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  Buying a home?  Now more than ever it's important to find a mortgage advisor you can trust- who will provide you with options you can afford long term, and at the best possible rate.  Look for an advisor with a minimum of three years experience who has arranged at least 24 purchase mortgages in the previous year.  Find out the kinds of mortgages your potential advisor recommends and why.  If you're not comfortable with their explanations, keep interviewing.  Remember, getting the right mortgage can be the biggest financial decision you'll ever make. I'm David Bach.  For more tips on choosing a great mortgage advisor, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and visit davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  Looking for your dream home?  Rather than selling your current home in order to trade up to a bigger space, how about considering remodeling?  Remodeling can be a great solution without the hassle of selling- especially in today's tough market.  An added bonus to remodeling is that by updating your kitchen or adding on a new master bedroom, you can expect to recoup some of the costs if and when you do decide to sell.  Contact your lender to find out about a home renovation loan options to help cover your costs.  I'm David Bach.  For more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner.  You download a free chapter right now by visiting my website at davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  News reports say that Fannie Mae- the Federal National Mortgage Association- is working on initiatives to help homeowners who are having payment difficulties, refinance into more affordable mortgages. Fannie Mae itself doesn’t actually lend money—what it does is provide the financing that makes it possible for the banks to lend money to consumers.  My tip today- if you're having payment problems, call your mortgage lender to see if your loan qualifies for these new, special loan options offered by Fannie Mae.  I'm David Bach.  For more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner.  Download a fee chapter by visiting my website at davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  The hottest days of summer are here- and we're all looking for ways to stay cool.  If you use an air conditioning unit that's more than ten years old- Listen Up!  It might be time to upgrade to a new, energy efficient model.  According to Energy Star, 10% less energy and you will save money on your electric bill.  Avoid the common mistake of buying a unit that's too large for your space, which can end up being less effective, rather than providing better cooling.  For help in determining the best size for your room, visit EnergyStar.gov.  I'm David Bach.  For more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and visit davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  If I could give you only one gift, it would be the gift of freedom- the gift to be the person you were put on this earth to be.  True freedom is achieved through financial security and independence.  If you're worried about your money and your future, more than likely you're not living as free a life as you'd like.  This Independence Day, make the decision to stop worrying about money once and for all.  Make the decision to start living the life you're meant to live. Visit my website at DavidBach.com and click on the coaching button to get started on your journey toward financial freedom.  I'm David Bach.  Wishing you and your family a Happy and Safe Fourth of July!

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  Hybrids cars operate on both gas and electric, which significantly increases your miles per gallon.  And they're finally becoming more affordable!  According to the Wall Street Journal, it once took up to 15 years for the cost savings on gas to offset the hybrids' higher price.  But now buyers are seeing a shorter length of time to recoup their investment- for some models the break even period is less than a year!  If you're buying a new car, consider a hybrid.  What's more- your purchase may even qualify for a tax deduction.  Visit IRS.gov to check their list of qualified vehicles.  I'm David Bach.  My new Finish Rich coaching program is changing people's lives- let it change yours!  Visit DavidBach.com for details.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  How high is your home energy bill?  A comprehensive home energy audit uncovers trouble spots in your home and identifies costly problems you can correct now, in order to save money over the long haul.  Call your local utility company to see what they offer- many give free audits to customers.  If not, ask for a referral to a professional.  Expect to pay 100 to 400 dollars for an inspection, depending on where you live and the size of your house.  The investment is well worth it though.  The inspection pays for itself with the money you'll save on your monthly bill.  I'm David Bach.  For more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and visit davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  Mortgage closings are going high tech!  Through a service called ClosingStream, some major lenders have begun offering online closings to homeowners who are refinancing or taking out a home equity loan.  The closing itself is a virtual meeting that takes place on a conference call while participants are logged onto a private page on ClosingStream's website.  Lenders say the process is not only more convenient but also less costly for borrowers.  So save yourself some time and money.  Check with your lender to see if they offer ClosingStream.  I'm David Bach.  For more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner.  Download a free chapter at my website at davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach. The average car loan today extends to 70 months long- up from 62 last year.  Some car loans cover seven, eight, even nine years- which means that car buyers are likely to owe more on their loan than their car is actually worth.  My tip today- be a smart consumer and consider the total cost when purchasing a vehicle, rather than only looking at what your monthly payment will be.  If you've got to take out a six year loan on a car in order to afford the monthly payment, chances are you can't afford the car.  I'm David Bach.  My new Finish Rich coaching program is changing people's lives.  Let it change yours.  You can get details at DavidBach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  Imagine driving through a neighborhood and spotting the house of your dreams- and it's got a For Sale sign on the lawn!  In an instant you're able to access detailed information including floor plan, photos and asking price- all at the click of a button.  How? From your cell phone! The program is called SmarterAgent and it’s launching this summer. Download SmarterAgent software onto your cell and it uses GPS technology to search out listings from wherever you are.  Check it out at SmarterAgent.com.  I'm David Bach.  For more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner.  Download a free chapter by visiting my website at davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  To the 1.5 million young people who just graduated college- congratulations! As you pursue your dreams and settle into new careers, remember that one can become an automatic millionaire by simply Paying Yourself First.  Here's my tip today: enroll in your company's 401k plan as soon as you're eligible.  Saving just $10 a day, will grow to almost 2 million dollars over the next 40 years, assuming a 10% rate of return.  Thanks to the miracle of compound interest, the sooner you start saving. the less you'll need to put away.  So get started today.  I'm David Bach.  My Finish Rich coaching program is changing people's lives.  Put an end to your financial worries.  Visit DavidBach.com for details. 

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  Homeowners, there's a new option for tapping the equity in your home.  It's called a Rex Agreement and it pays out a portion of your home's equity in cash- in exchange for a percentage of any future increase (or decrease) in your home's value when it's eventually sold.  A Rex agreement may be a smart option for some homeowners who need cash for home renovations but it won't make sense for everyone.  My tip today: visit RexAgreement.com to learn more. Then talk to your financial advisor to see if it fits with your financial plan for the future.  I'm David Bach.  For more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and visit davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  Earlier this week I talked about ways to save on your homeowner's insurance. Did you know that certain home improvements may qualify you for additional discounts as well? A recent USA Today research study shows that installing a fire alarm may save you 5%, upgrading your plumbing may save you 10%, while installing hurricane shutters could actually save you up to 30%.  But you have to call your insurer today and find out.  Home improvements may not only save you money on your insurance premium, but your home will be safer and you'll increase your resale value too.  I'm David Bach, for more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner. To download a free chapter, visit my website at davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach. Have you lost track of your pension? The Pension Guaranty Corporation recently announced that approximately 133 million dollars in pension benefits have been left unclaimed. The federal agency that insures private pension plans- offers an interactive tool on their website for people who may have lost track of a pension earned during their career. Visit PBGC.gov where you can search to see if you're one of the 32,000 people who are owed money. Avoid becoming a missing pension participant by keeping a permanent file of pension information received throughout your career and notifying past employers whenever you move or change names. I'm David Bach visit my website at DavidBach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  USA Today reports that the annual cost of a homeowner's insurance policy has increased 46% over the past five years! Save money on your premium by first- comparing rates at sites like insure.com.  Shopping around can save you hundreds of dollars right off the bat.  Next, save another 15% by having both your car insurance and homeowner's with one insurer.  And lastly, consider raising your deductible.  According to the Consumer Federation of America, raising your deductible from $200 to $1,000 can save you up to 20% off your annual premiums.  I'm David Bach, for more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner.  You can get details at davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  This tip right now is critical- When you leave a company where you've been contributing to a 401(k) plan, don't lose control of your money by leaving your retirement savings behind.  Employers change plans, businesses shut down, and if you die, your beneficiary could face some serious roadblocks in tracking your money down through your old company.  Instead, inform your HR department that you want to do what's called an IRA rollover.  Your former employer will then transfer your retirement funds either to a new custodial IRA that you've set up at a bank or brokerage firm, or to the 401(k) plan at your new place of employment.  I'm David Bach, if you enjoyed this tip, you'll love my free newsletter you can subscribe at davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  Eco-friendly improvements to your home can save you money while doing the right thing for the environment.  But where do you start?  My tip for today: Have a comprehensive energy assessment of your entire home done to identify which areas are wasting the most energy.  Your local utilities company may provide this completely free- so call and ask! And don't forget, many green improvements will qualify for a tax credit this year-thanks to the 2005 Energy Policy Act.  To find out specifics, visit energy.gov and click on tax breaks.  I'm David Bach. For more information on being a smart homeowner, read my #1 bestseller The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and visit my website at davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach. Learn how to go from being an ordinary homeowner to an Automatic Millionaire Homeowner. Most people buy a starter home and eventually they sell it and use the proceeds to buy a bigger home. Instead consider renting out your first home, using the rental income to cover your mortgage and borrowing against the equity to buy a second home. Think of your home as a vehicle for building wealth and not just as a place to live. You can build a fortune by buying three homes over your lifetime by renting two out and living in the third. I'm David Bach. For more information on how to go from homeownership to being rich, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner. You can get details at davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach. Did you know that if you lose your cell phone, you're responsible for any charges up until the time you report the loss to your wireless carrier? This is unbelievable. Unlike a credit card, cellular contracts are not required to limit liability for fraudulent charges. So guard your cell phone like you would your wallet, like you would your credit card. If it's lost or stolen, notify your carrier immediately- noting the agent's name and the time and date of the call. If you're not able to work out a dispute with your carrier, contact the FCC, your State Attorney Generals Office and the Public Utilities Commission for help. I have written an entire article about this on Yahoo! Finance. You can find it by searching David Bach on Yahoo! Finance.

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David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  Want to avoid taxes on your real estate gains?  A 1031 exchange permits the deferral of federal capital gains when you sell an investment property and apply all the proceeds to another investment property within 180 days.  Opting for a 1031 exchange is one of the best investment decisions you can make because it helps you preserve and build wealth.  This is what the rich do.  Essentially, you're receiving an interest-free, no-term loan from Uncle Sam.  Not all investment properties qualify, so be sure to check with your tax advisor and review IRS publication 544.  I'm David Bach.  For more information on 1031 exchanges, visit my website at davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  If you're taking a summer vacation, here's a tip to reduce your utility bill while you're away.  Before you leave, unplug everything that you can, including your computer, tv, washer, dryer- even your cable box and cable modem.  Why?  Because appliances that are off but still plugged in, believe it or not, they still use energy.  In fact according to the government's Energy Star program, in the average home, 40% of all electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are actually turned OFF.  So be smart.  Unplug it before you go- save money and conserve energy.  I'm David Bach.  If you liked this tip, you'll love my free newsletter.  To subscribe visit my website at davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  The internet is playing an increasingly larger role when it comes to buying and selling real estate.  Now, you can hire a Realtor® who specializes in working specifically with internet consumers. They're called "e-PRO's" and they're trained and endorsed by the National Association of Realtors.  E-PRO's use technology-email, online tools, advanced software and more, to streamline your entire transaction from showing to closing-saving you both time and money.  Look for the "e-PRO" symbol after an agent's name or to search for an e-PRO realtor® in your area, visit realtor.com. I'm David Bach.  For more information on smart homeownership visit my website at davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  The summer is a great time for volunteering. Since 1976, Habitat for Humanity has helped build more than 200,000 homes for more than a million people in 3,000 communities worldwide.  In the U.S., Habitat for Humanity builds or renovates homes, then helps low-income families buy them with no-interest loans and low down payments. As a volunteer, you literally raise the frames and pound the nails to help build a home for a family in need.  So this summer, consider giving something back.  Find out how you can help by visiting habitat.org.  I'm David Bach.  For more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  Are you having trouble saving for retirement? According to the 2007 Fidelity Research survey, fifty eight percent experienced barriers that kept them from saving for retirement.  One such barrier?  Too much credit card debt.  While you must pay down debt, I personally advise to save at the same time.  Apply half of your money toward your credit cards and half toward savings.   By doing both at the same time, you feel your progress-financially, psychologically and most importantly emotionally.  Wait until all your cards are paid off and you might be waiting years before you start saving.  Don't make that mistake. Get started saving today.  I'm David Bach.  If you enjoyed this tip, you'll love my free newsletter which you can get at davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  Mortgage lenders are tightening their standards. If you're planning to purchase a home in the future, it's important now more than ever to improve your credit score.  Your credit score ranges from 350 (the lowest) to 850 (the highest).  Anything over 700 is considered good.  Score 750 or higher and lenders will give you their best deals.  A score below 500 means you will have trouble getting a loan no matter how high an interest rate you're willing to pay.  Visit MyFico.com for tips on how to work toward improving your credit score.  It takes time so get started today.  I'm David Bach.  For more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and visit davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  If you can avoid it, don't use a debit card when paying for a hotel stay, car rental- or even at the gas pump.  When you do, the bank puts a block on a certain amount of money in your account until the entire transaction is completed and posted- which could take days.  In the meantime, with your money tied up, you won't be able to access it.  You might even incur fees for an overdrawn account.  For times like these, when it's better to use a credit card, just be sure to pay that balance in full when your bill arrives.  I'm David Bach.  If you like this tip, you'll love my free newsletter and you can subscribe at davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  With mortgage delinquency and default on the rise, sub prime borrowers will find it increasingly difficult to get approved for a mortgage loan.  One alternative is to consider applying for a loan backed by the Federal Housing Administration.  Since 1934, the FHA has helped more than 30 million people become homeowners. They don't lend money directly, rather they guarantee loans- which makes lenders more willing to provide loans to subprime borrowers.  To learn more about FHA loans and to find an FHA approved lender, visit their website at FHA.gov. I'm David Bach.  Read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner.  Download a free chapter at davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  If you have an Adjustable Rate Mortgage, this is an important tip.  Your lender may contact you just before your monthly payment adjusts to a higher amount- known as resetting.  But waiting til then may mean getting stuck with a new monthly payment you simply can't afford.  Instead, be proactive.  Pull your loan documents out today- ideally between 120 and 180 days before your mortgage resets.  Call your lender to determine what your new payment could rise to. Then ask about refinancing options.  Remember, your home is probably your best investment and your largest asset.  Do all you can to protect it - and yourself.  For more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner.  Download a free chapter at davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  Many banks are now offering their members sophisticated tracking and savings tools right on their site.  With features similar to popular software programs like Quicken and Money, these new web tools are a sensible way to keep track of what you're spending and saving-and the best part is it's all done automatically. Create spending reports to help you track your latte factor by seeing exactly where your money is going.  You can also create a savings plan using built in calculators that help you set your monthly target amounts. Then monitor your progress at the click of a button.  So now log on and see what your bank has to offer!  I'm David Bach.  If you liked this tip, you'll love my free newsletter. You can subscribe at davidbach.com. 

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David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  Do you own all the latest, expensive electronic equipment?  Have you recently splurged on a plasma TV or fancy home theater?  If you've been upgrading your home electronics, it may be time to add a special "rider" to your homeowner's insurance policy.  Without one, your policy may not be sufficient to cover a brand-new replacement. Ask your agent if your coverage for home contents is high enough- and if you should add a rider to cover expensive high-tech gear in case it's damaged by fire, lightning or theft.  I'm David Bach.  For more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner.  You can download a free chapter right now at my website at davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  Using a debit card is convenient and can keep you from racking up debt, but there are risks.  If your debit card information is ever stolen, thieves have direct access to your bank account.  My tip today: Call your bank and find out the liability policy specifically for your debit card.  Ask what your liability is when your debit card is used for PIN-based transactions versus signature-based transactions.  Your bank requires you to report fraudulent debit card use within certain time limit, ranging from 2 to 60 days.  If you don't, you can be liable for the entire amount of the purchase.  I'm David Bach.  The FinishRich Minute is now available on Itunes as a podcast and it's free.  To subscribe visit DavidBach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  If you're having trouble paying your mortgage, call your lender immediately.  Talk to the loss mitigation department and be completely honest when discussing possible work out options.  If you make your situation out to be better than it actually is, you'll get a workout agreement that really won't help you, leaving you worse off than you were before you started.  If your situation sounds more dire than it is, your lender may conclude that you can't afford your home at all and only offer liquidation options.  Be candid, open and honest for the best results.  For more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner.  Download a free chapter at davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  Help your kids get rich by becoming homeowners! For parents willing and able to help their adult children purchase a home, consider a shared equity financing arrangement.  In a shared equity deal, the parent acts as an investor, typically contributing all or part of the down payment and possibly closing costs, in exchange for earning equity in the home.  In a deal like this between family members, you may be tempted to keep it informal but my advice to fully protect all family members, is to hire an attorney and get everything in writing.  I'm David Bach. For more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner.  You can download a free chapter right now by visiting my website at davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  Memorial Day Weekend kicks off the season for summer road trips with the family.  This can mean spending a lot of money to fuel up that minivan along the way.  Gas prices in some parts of the country right now are as high as $3.30 per gallon.  Stations within the same town can fluctuate in price- sometimes by 25-30 cents per gallon or more!  My tip today: Plan out your trip before you go.  With the help of websites like GasBuddy.com or GasPriceWatch.com, you can identify gas stations along your driving route that have the lowest prices.  Enjoy your trip!  I'm David Bach, if you enjoyed this tip, you'll love my free newsletter.  To subscribe, visit davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  If you're considering renting out your home to tenants, your existing homeowner's insurance won't necessarily provide you with the correct coverage. It's often overlooked, but when you become a landlord, your homeowner policy should be revised to a landlord policy. Not changing it could result in costly damages.  My tip today, talk to your insurance broker or go online to sites like insureme.com to get a quote. Remind your new tenants that they should have their own renter's insurance as well because they're not covered under your landlord policy. I'm David Bach.  For more tips on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner.  You can download a free chapter right now at my website at visit davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  Thanks to the Pension Protection Act of 2006, employers can now automatically enroll new workers into the company 401(k) plan.  Although your employer is allowed to set aside up to ten percent of your paycheck for your retirement, most plans will only defer around three percent.  My tip for today:  If your employer enrolls you automatically, that's great BUT it’s up to YOU to increase the percentage you’re saving.   In 2007, you can save a maximum of $15,500 if you're under age 50.  So stop by your HR department and ask how you can increase your contribution.  I'm David Bach.  Download all of my daily tips to your ipod for free.  To subscribe, visit davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  Becoming a landlord can lead to great wealth over time.  However, the biggest challenge of being a landlord, is finding the right tenants.  My tip today- have each prospective tenant complete a standard rental application which you can find online at a site like findlegalforms.com and charge an application fee of $50 to $100.  This will help you cover the cost of doing a background search, both financial and criminal.  Your local landlord association can refer you to a professional screening company that can also run these for you.  I'm David Bach.  For more tips on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner.  You can download a free chapter right now at my website at visit davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach. Green is in! Did you know that Eco-friendly features can help make your home more attractive to buyers? A few inexpensive improvements can actually transform your home to one that is environmentally friendly.? Start by replacing all your incandescent light bulbs with energy saving fluorescent ones. Then swap out your traditional showerheads and sink faucets with water saving alternatives. Use non-toxic paint to spruce up the walls. If you're going to be replacing windows or appliances, be sure to choose those with an energy star label. I'm David Bach, for more information on smart homeownership, read my #1 bestseller, The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner. To download a free chapter, visit my website at davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  Now that the Pension Protection Act of 2006 made Roth 401(k) plans permanent, you're going to see more and more companies offering them to employees as a retirement savings option.  Unlike traditional 401(k) plans, contributions to a Roth 401(k) plan are made with after-tax money.  Your savings grows tax deferred and once you turn 59 1/2, withdrawals are tax free.  Determining which type of 401(k) plan is right for you depends on your income, your age, and your goals.  My advice is to talk to your accountant or other financial advisor to see if a ROTH 401(k) plan makes sense for you.  I'm David Bach.  The FinishRich Minute is now available on Itunes as free podcast.  Go download it now!

for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.? One of the best ways I know of to pay your house off early, is to sign up for an automatic bi-weekly mortgage plan.? With a bi-weekly mortgage, instead of making your mortgage payment once a month, you pay half-every two weeks.? By year's end you've paid the equivalent of 13 monthly payments instead of 12, which cuts years off the term of your loan and can potentially save you tens of thousands of dollars- maybe more.? Call your lender today to have your plan set up.? If your lender doesn't offer this type of payment plan, you can go with an outside company like Paymap.com.? I'm David Bach.? If you enjoyed this tip, you'll love my free newsletter.? You can subscribe at davidbach.com.

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David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  Smart women have an amazing talent for building community.  Look at all the money clubs popping up in cities nationwide.  These clubs are all about women sharing ways to be smarter with their money.  Unlike traditional investment clubs, money clubs are free and cover all areas of personal finance- not just investing.  Members rely on each other for support and accountability and together they strive to reach their dreams of wealth and success.  Anyone can start their own money club!  Have your group meet on a regular basis to share ways to cut spending and start saving.  A supportive community can be your key to success.  If you enjoyed this tip, you'll love my free newsletter. Subscribe at davidbach.com.

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David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  Recently I was asked if it makes more sense putting extra money toward prepaying your mortgage or instead, investing it in stocks and bonds for better growth.  In my experience as a financial advisor, my clients all had their greatest gains in real estate.  Those who paid their homes off early were able to retire 10 to 15 years sooner than those who didn't.  What keeps people working is having fixed overhead.  My tip today:  Pay down your mortgage debt.  You always have the option to go back and tap that money.  I'm David Bach.  For more information on being a smart homeowner, read my #1 bestseller The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner.  Download a free chapter at  davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  The average American has less than one month's worth of expenses set aside.  With so little in savings for an emergency, it's no wonder personal bankruptcies have reached record highs in recent years.  The best way to protect yourself from the financial uncertainties of life is by building a cushion of money for emergencies.  Don't use your checking account.  Instead open a separate high interest savings account. Check your bank's current rates or go online to sites like emigrantdirect.com or ingdirect.com.  Make the savings process automatic by having part of your paycheck deposited directly into your emergency account.  I'm David Bach.  The FinishRich Minute is now available on Itunes as a podcast.  To subscribe visit DavidBach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.

David Bach's Finish Rich Minute is brought to you by Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, a division of Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Equal Housing Lender and founding sponsor of The Great American Homeowner Challenge TM.

Hi, this is David Bach.  If you're having trouble paying your mortgage, realize that your lender wants to avoid foreclosure too.  They don't want your house or the high costs incurred with a default.  So call your lender's loss mitigation department as soon as possible.  After reviewing your situation, a specialist will determine if you qualify for what is called a loan forbearance or loan modification- allowing you to either delay payments or alter the monthly payment owed.  If your current financial situation is temporary- perhaps due to a job loss- you have a very good chance of qualifying.  Remember, don't delay getting help- be proactive.  I'm David Bach.  For more tips on smart homebuying, read my #1 bestseller The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner and visit my website at davidbach.com.

Visit davidbach.com for mortgage information and to find a branch near you.