Check out those Theme Parks

Memorial Day is quickly approaching, and that marks the start of the summer vacation season. It also means many families will be paying a visit to an amusement park. The rides can be a lot of fun....but before you jump on that roller coaster, Ferris wheel, or the famous tea cup ride, you may want to jump on the web first, and find out the scoop on your favorite amusement park.

With just a few clicks of the mouse you can find out everything you want - and don't want - to know about popular theme parks in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia, simply by visiting www.themeparkinsider.com. Once on the site, hit the "Safety" link and view a complete list of verified accident reports, reports awaiting verification, and learn tips on how to keep you and your family safe on theme park rides.

Additionally, click on the "Browse Parks" link and review the ratings and reviews of popular theme and amusement parks, or browse the top ten favorite parks, best attractions, best roller coasters, and even the "most disliked" attractions, so you don't get stuck wasting your time waiting in line for a bad ride.

You can even look up your favorite theme or amusement park and learn the history, get directions, find out the best time to visit, where to purchase tickets, review safety reports specific to the park, and view the list of attractions and their ratings. You can also research dining options, shop hotels, and review featured articles like "How to Save Money with Theme Park Deals and Discounts".

Summer is short, so do your research now and enjoy the ride!

First Class seat...without the hefty price tag

Ever boarded a plane, walked through the First Class section and wished that you could be one of those passengers seated in a large comfy chair, drink in hand, and plenty of leg room to stretch out? Sure, we've all been there, but maybe felt that the price for a First Class ticket was too expensive. Instead, we just continue to tolerate the headaches of the economy class, complete with getting smacked in the head by passengers trying to cram their bags into the overhead compartment, climbing over other passengers to wedge yourself into your cramped seat, and having your knees crushed when the guy in front of you reclines his chair.

But now...there's a way you might be able to put yourself into a First Class seat...without the hefty price tag. Here's how it's done.

The next time you hit the web to find the lowest coach fare, search out one with a special code like "Q-up", "Y-up", or "Z". These fares are just starting to create a buzz, and although they may cost a little more than bargain tickets, you greatly improve your chances of being upgraded to that cozy First Class seat, especially if you are a frequent flier. And even better...you do not have to use up your frequent flier miles to get upgraded to that seat in First Class; you actually earn air miles when you purchase a Q-up, Y-up or Z coach fare.

So why would an airline offer a seat in First Class with a coach fare rate?

Airlines have introduced these fares as a way to generate additional revenue. According to the Air Transport Association, the airline industry has lost more than $42 billion since the start of 2001, and has had to drastically cut expenses and place restrictions on upgrades to generate revenue. Typically, most of the passengers sitting in First Class seats are not paying the First Class price; they have merely cashed in frequent-flier miles to secure that comfy seat. For example, many passengers purchase the cheapest ticket available, and then use air miles to upgrade to First Class.

But the airlines make little revenue when passengers upgrade using miles, and have been forced to restrict this practice and find a way to fill First Class with individuals that are actually paying for the seat. Consequently, airlines offer an undisclosed amount of seats at a Y-up, Q-up or Z coach rate to generate more revenue. And finding the Y-up, Q-up and Z fares online is fairly easy. With a few clicks of the mouse, you can visit any of the popular travel websites like Expedia, FareCompare, Orbitz, or Travelocity and search out these fares. In fact, FareCompare has a link for Y-up and Q-up fares right on their main page. Simply enter the departing city and a list of all destination cities will appear with the cost.

These fares have been a well kept secret for quite some time, but now are creating quite a stir. The next time you visit your favorite travel website to compare fares, be sure to look into the Q-up, Y-up or Z fare and try to score a bit more legroom for that cross country flight!

Fed Hikes Rates Again

The Fed is at it again. For the sixteenth time in the latest series that started in June of 2004, they've hiked the Fed Funds Rate by .25%. Why are they hiking rates? Only to keep the economy from growing too quickly, which can result in inflation and drive prices higher on the goods and services we purchase and use every day. Equally important to the rate hike itself was the Policy Statement from the Fed, which is always dissected and analyzed very carefully, as it often gives clues as to the likelihood of future rate hikes. The Fed statement indicated that although inflation appears to be controlled at the present time, further rate hikes may be needed. However, they stressed that the economic news over the coming weeks would be watched very closely in that decision making process.

So what does this mean to you, your friends, family, coworkers and clients? Here's the scoop.

The Fed Funds Rate impacts many things...and it directly affects the Prime Rate, which most Home Equity Lines of Credit are based on. It is also closely tied to the index of many Adjustable Rate Mortgages. A large number of Americans have either a Home Equity Line of Credit or an Adjustable Rate Mortgage...or may even have both. Those rates and indices just jumped again, which may be putting pressure on making monthly payments, or causing concern as to where that rate might go in the future. Moreover, there may be better financing options.

In this frequently changing financial environment, it may be time to take a look at the type of mortgage financing currently being held to find out if it might be time to consider a different strategy that is a better fit for present market conditions.

For Buyers... Get A Home Inspection

Why a Buyer Needs a Home Inspection

A home inspection gives the buyer more detailed information about the overall condition of the home prior to purchase. In a home inspection, a qualified inspector takes an in-depth, unbiased look at your potential new home to:

· Evaluate the physical condition: structure, construction, and mechanical systems:
· Identify items that need to be repaired or replaced:
· Estimate the remaining useful life of the major systems, equipment, structure, and finishes.

Appraisals are Different from Home Inspections

An appraisal is different from a home inspection. Appraisals are for lenders; home inspections are for buyers. An appraisal is required to estimate the market value of a house and to make sure that the house is marketable.

Be an Informed Buyer

It is your responsibility to be an informed buyer. You have the right to carefully examine your potential new home with a qualified home inspector. You may arrange to do so before signing your contract, or may do so after signing the contract to purchase as long as your contract states that the sale of the home depends on the inspection.