Gene Mundt

If you're a golf fanatic like I am, you're always receiving a mountain of golf literature and marketing pieces in your mailbox. Beautiful, glossy pictures of warm destinations and the hottest new equipment arrive almost daily. Many times golf tips are included within this marketing literature, the promise being that if I read and follow them faithfully, I will improve my game so vastly that the next time you hear from me, I'll be on the pro tour.

I've learned some valuable things while reading these free tips and in a few areas have even improved my game, as promised. But it occurred to me while pouring over the latest free guide received, that many of the lessons found within it pertained to life in general, not just golf. A word changed here or there and they fit perfectly. Below are a few of the "tips" I recently received courtesy of GolfDigest.

See if you don't agree that avoiding these mistakes on the golf course, as well as in daily life, could improve both greatly. Enjoy!

• Misplaced Priorities ... Most amateurs try for maximum distance, every shot, every club, every time. Set realistic priorities for every hole .. then figure out the easiest possible way to achieve them.
• Not Practicing the Short Game ... 3 things about the game: It's boring to practice. It's one area where pros have no built-in advantages of skill or strength. It accounts for about 65% of your score!
• Not Reading the Green Before You Get There ... Don't wait until you're actually on the green to read a putt. Instead, start as you walk towards it ... giving your brain time and perspective to take in all the shapes, slopes and influences that will affect your roll.
• Not Trusting Your Swing & Playing With Confidence ... This can be tough, especially when the swing that served you well a few minutes ago decides to go off to play some other game. The more consistently you use these steps to creating a pro-like approach to your game, the more you'll find trust and confidence overcoming fear and doubt.

Excerpted from: Mortgage Update & News/Gene Mundt/Newsletter

Many myths and prejudices surround the topic of Reverse Mortgages. While it is true that these types of loans are not for every senior, in some instances they can provide well-needed benefits to some. With the consultation that is required for seniors thinking of utilizing this form of lending, seniors and their caregivers should be well-versed and educated about the benefits and drawbacks associated with their loan by the time a decision is to be made.

Following is a short synopsis and outline of many of the features of these loans. If you or a loved one of yours is of this age and you wish to plan for the future, please take the time to read and consider the information contained. The next step is to contact a qualified mortgage banker for clarification of any questions you have and additional information you require. Special certification is required to provide this type of loan, so make sure that you are working with someone that has the necessary education and certification demanded.

If you are 62 years of age or older, own your own home and reside within that home more than one-half of the year, you may be eligible for a Reverse Mortgage.

• Reverse Mortgages eliminate & payoff monthly payments or debt
• Reverse Mortgages never include monthly payments
• Reverse Mortgages are for those 62 yrs. & older
• Reverse Mortgage-holders retain title/ownership of home
• Reverse Mortgage-holders can receive a monthly, lump sum, or combination payment
• Reverse Mortgages DO NOT interfere with inheritances
• Reverse Mortgage consultation is FREE

Reverse Mortgages turn the value of a home into cash without making a move from the owner's home necessary. No income is needed from an applicant in order to qualify for a Reverse Mortgage. No monthly repayment of the loan is scheduled or needed. Cash proceeds received from a Reverse Mortgage can be paid out in several ways to a senior home owner. A one-time lump sum cash disbursement can be made.

A monthly "payment" advance or an account with a "creditline" are also options from which to choose and offer flexibility of timing and dollar disbursement amounts. A combination of payment methods is possible and an option for consideration. Typically, Reverse Mortgages are repayable upon death, the sale of the home, or permanently moving from the home.

Many older Americans are concerned about their relatives/caregivers migration to distant locales, increasing personal health issues, rising health care costs, financial legacy and estate taxation. Reverse Mortgages can provide alternatives and solid solutions to address many of these important concerns. For older children involved in the care and management of aging parents or relatives, the utilization of a Reverse Mortgage option can provide welcome financial and personal assistance to a family and budget stressed by health and monetary concerns. It can also make it possible to keep a loved one within their familiar and well-loved family home when it would be impossible to do so otherwise.

For seniors with health concerns, the flexibility, benefits and peace-of-mind reaped by securing this type of loan can be enormous. The usage of Reverse Mortgage proceeds can become a key component to estate planning. Seniors, or their caregivers, considering a Reverse Mortgage should consult with a qualified tax advisor, financial planner and their professional mortgage banker to discover their best individual and personal financial options and benefits.

"Mortgage Update & News" - Gene Mundt, Chicago Bancorp www.genemundt.com

Continuing in a similar vein from a previous blog, I wanted to tell of an upbeat and refreshing magazine I found. It was suggested to me from a contact on Twitter, just the start of the sort of information and ideas I hope are shared amongst members online.

The name of the magazine is www.ReferralSuccessMagazine. It's a virtual magazine that you can subscribe to free of charge. The tone of the magazine was optimistic, which feeds into my need for positives right now. The tone was infectious and left me feeling re-charged and good after reading it. Almost like exercise, I knew it was good for me to have a dose of its cheeriness and bright outlook.

Some of the content was not absolutely new, but it reinforced what I already knew to be true. I need to be vigilant in my attempts to network myself and services. But, it reminded me also that to receive referrals I must first give referrals. It's a two-way street and I must be a friend to receive friendship in return. Other ideas and suggestions are definitely worth a try if I tweak them to my personal situation and business.

So grab a cup of coffee and give this online magazine a try. You might find a new concept to try and brighten your day's outlook while doing it.

These days it's hard to find encouraging signs or words regarding the mortgage industry. All forms of the media grind out accountings of the fluctuations, stresses, and atrocities happening within it daily. I don't believe in being an ostrich burying my head in the sand, but I can't help but wonder if all the negative press doesn't somehow make our problems worse.

It's true that consumers and homeowners need vital facts and information to react and make sound decisions regarding their finances and credit. Especially now, they need to be educated about opportunities and options available that will truly assist their fragile or dire financial positions. The number of phone calls I receive picks-up dramatically after each newly received stimulus announcement. Everyone is anxious to hear if the miracle-performing medicines that will relieve their financial ills are contained within it. Dialogue such as this is important. Real answers and action can result from it.

The relentless pounding of negative news seems to panic and paralyze though. Fearful of making the wrong decision, no decision gets made. Questions and more questions are asked and asked repetitively. Days and weeks go by and no positive or forward action is taken. Unfortunately, the assurances and answers sought are sometimes elusive. A lender, even the most experienced and knowledgeable one, is not a fortune-teller. The future, particularly the financial future, cannot be predicted or predicted accurately 100% of the time, especially right now. That lender can only rely on their acquired expertise and gut instinct, hoping that it will be enough to calm the fears of their customers and referral partners.

If mortgage decisions are delayed, problems can grow. If consumers delay or forego purchases, financial repercussions have a rippling affect within the economy. It's a vicious circle of events, each creating and worsening the next.

After being in the mortgage business for 30 years, I have been through many highs and lows. Recessions have come and gone of varying degrees. As bad as this current recession seems, I choose to believe that it will be no different. I am focusing on the good news and the positives when they occur, trying to build upon them. I try to focus and speak of them when communicating with my customers and within my own industry. I truly believe positive thinking breeds positive results. Good karma, if you will.

Trying to act and remain positive and optimistic is a daily exercise we all need to perform. Your financial survival and success could depend on it.