Janie Masterson Realtor GRI CLHMS Trusted Real Estate Resource

Clarksville Leads the Nation in Economic Stability - Erika Kurre Local Fox News

As cities across the country struggle to keep their budgets in the black, one middle Tennessee city is among the fastest-growing in the nation! Clarksville is not only expanding, it's recovering from the recession quicker than others.

Clarksville-Montgomery County planning director David Riggins says, "We're not at all surprised we've been ahead of the curve." While most cities are in the red, Clarksville has a green light for growth. Riggins says, "Where other places have become stagnant or actually gone backwards in the economy, we've at least held our own and in some cases advanced." Riggins is talking about his hometown where real estate values are on the rise, as the ninth fastest growing city in the nation.

A Moody's report rated Clarksville as one of just 23 cities in the country, where the recession is turning around. Mayor John Piper believes there are several reasons and attracting business is key. Piper says, "We have an education system-- both through our school system and APSU, which has been a great partner with hemlock. We have a workforce at ft. Campbell which turns out highly qualified people that are willing and capable of working. And with the southern hospitality, it's just a great combination."

Among the most recent additions to the economy-- a 77,000 square foot nursing and rehabilitation center. TN Health Management COO Mark Davis says, "We operate 31 other facilities here in Tennessee but this is the largest investment we've made so far." Health Management chose Clarksville to grow and expand-- putting dozens of Tennesseans to work as early as next week. Davis says, "There's gonna be a few new jobs. I'm gonna say about 30-40 new jobs will be created." This 14-million dollar investment is just one of several developing in Clarksville now. The biggest among them-- Hemlock Semiconductor Group now in it's construction phase. City officials say their hard work is paying off. Piper says, "Its just continuing to do the things that seem to be working." Mayor piper also credits Ft. Campbell for the city's stability. Clarksville has reorganized it's debt and is also building a 30-million dollar marina, along with new trails and pedestrian ways.

http://tinyurl.com/ykm4zsb

Household finance is more about everyday money management and a lot less 'sexy' than some other types of high-flying financial advice available. It is because that much of it is common sense - things that we already know (but fail to put into practise!) - that it isn't headline material. But the truth is, poor household financial management can be at the core of a family's financial problems. I know from personal experience, It's hard to sit down and create a budget and to stick to it! It's hard not to pull out that debit card when you see something that you just "have to have."

Because people generally stay with the same employer over time, and their wages remain constant, it is possible to prepare a budget that is manageable. Most household finance expenses do not fluctuate very much from month to month. Of course, from time to time, we might need new tyres on the car or a new washing machine - by these larger expenses can be averaged over a 3-5 year period and be included in your budget.

With Realtors and other Independent Contractors it's quite different, you may receive a check for $2,000.00, but may not know when your next income check will come. That can be very frightening and cause a great deal of stress in your life. A budget will help to alleviate some of this stress.

The trouble is that most families just can't be bothered, or are afraid to, honestly analyse their income and expenditure. This can often result in, with the help of credit cards, more money going out than coming in. When this is the case, the ability to repay the debt diminishes and the household finance budget spirals out of control.

Importance Of A Budget for You and Your Family

When your household budget revolves around a family, it is even more important. Preparing it will take time - but consider it an investment in your future financial security. Because your decisions will impact your family's future, it is even more important to get it right. The larger the family, the more important it becomes to have funds on standby for emergencies. Without a good financial plan, living payday to payday will become a risky way of life.

Smart money management is much more than merely making sound spending decisions. It involves of course, planning a budget, limiting or cutting expenses, and, very importantly, putting a specific amount away each month to a dedicated savings plan.

Be mindful that simple errors on the part of a sales assistant or your bank can impact on your budget. Examine every transaction and receipt carefully.

Having your wages paid directly into your bank account, and withdrawing funds as they are needed (subject to bank charges for small withdrawals), and having a nominated amount moved to a untouchable savings account, is a good start.

Once you begin spending to your budget, you will be amazed at the things you would have previously opened your wallet for. Do you need to buy a newspaper everyday (read online!), or that cappuccino on the way to work (would 'instant' at work really affect your lifestyle??), and instead of fast food for lunch, why not take some leftovers from home? Small, steady changes in your spending habits will have a huge impact on your household financial budget - and there is no time like the present to start!

http://tinyurl.com/yh47y86

It is with much excitement that I write this Blog for you today! Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate has just opened a new office in Clarksville, TN and I get to be a part of that. I have not changed companies, but my company has affiliated with one of the best Real Estate Companies in the United States. For over 25 years, The Vaughn Team has focused on serving the needs of homebuyers and sellers in the Clarksville, Montgomery County, and Fort Campbell area. Our commitment to customer service and satisfaction in every area of the real estate transaction has enabled the company to flourish.


In today's fast moving world of real estate, it is crucial to be aware of every opportunity to better serve our clients and customers, and we are very proud of our progress and accomplishments. We must now take the next opportunity to enhance our customer experience, so it is with great pleasure that we announce our affiliation with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate®. Our Company's new name is Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Hometown Connection. You can still reach me on the same phone numbers and email address.


Joining forces with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, one of the most recognizable consumer brands that share a true passion for the home, will enable us to market your property with the same high quality sales associates that you have come to know and trust. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Hometown Connection will be one of the strongest real estate companies in the area, with a continued respect for tradition and with an eye on innovation.


If you want to learn more about how Better Homes and Gardens Hometown Connection can make a difference in your Real Estate needs, contact me and I'll set aside some time for us to talk or get together.

Janie Masterson
931 801-3348 Posted by Janie Masterson,

According to the latest reports from CNNMoney, Clarksville, TN is the number 4th best city to start a new business.

With a population of 261,220 and 4,126 small businesses, Clarksville is a great place to work and to raise a family. Market values for Clarksville, TN for homes has increased steadily 6+ % over the last two years.

"A few decades ago, Clarksville could have still been classified as a small town: it's grown out of the agricultural and tobacco trade, and the presence of nearby Fort Campbell meant that when soldiers were deployed to conflicts, they and their families emptied out of the city. But over the years, the city has nurtured its own hub of commerce, helped along by the presence of Austin Peay State University and spillover growth from Nashville, located 50 miles away. Military personnel now look to settle in Clarksville and develop their own businesses when they retire.

In December, Hemlock Semiconductor announced an initial investment of $1.2 billion to build in Clarksville a new manufacturing facility for the production of a key raw material for solar cells and semiconductor devices. The site is expected to employ up to 800 people, as well as 1,000 construction workers over the next several years, and local business leaders say it will provide an opportunity for the small business community to service the growing green energy sector. The city's so buzzy right now, in fact, that what publishers say is Clarksville's first business magazine began printing in September." -Tina Peng

http://tinyurl.com/ygqwqw3

Clarksville Leads the Nation in Economic Stability - Erika Kurre Local Fox News

As cities across the country struggle to keep their budgets in the black, one middle Tennessee city is among the fastest-growing in the nation! Clarksville is not only expanding, it's recovering from the recession quicker than others.

Clarksville-Montgomery County planning director David Riggins says, "We're not at all surprised we've been ahead of the curve." While most cities are in the red, Clarksville has a green light for growth. Riggins says, "Where other places have become stagnant or actually gone backwards in the economy, we've at least held our own and in some cases advanced." Riggins is talking about his hometown where real estate values are on the rise, as the ninth fastest growing city in the nation.

A Moody's report rated Clarksville as one of just 23 cities in the country, where the recession is turning around. Mayor John Piper believes there are several reasons and attracting business is key. Piper says, "We have an education system-- both through our school system and APSU, which has been a great partner with hemlock. We have a workforce at ft. Campbell which turns out highly qualified people that are willing and capable of working. And with the southern hospitality, it's just a great combination."

Among the most recent additions to the economy-- a 77,000 square foot nursing and rehabilitation center. TN Health Management COO Mark Davis says, "We operate 31 other facilities here in Tennessee but this is the largest investment we've made so far." Health Management chose Clarksville to grow and expand-- putting dozens of Tennesseans to work as early as next week. Davis says, "There's gonna be a few new jobs. I'm gonna say about 30-40 new jobs will be created." This 14-million dollar investment is just one of several developing in Clarksville now. The biggest among them-- Hemlock Semiconductor Group now in it's construction phase. City officials say their hard work is paying off. Piper says, "Its just continuing to do the things that seem to be working." Mayor piper also credits Ft. Campbell for the city's stability. Clarksville has reorganized it's debt and is also building a 30-million dollar marina, along with new trails and pedestrian ways.

http://tinyurl.com/ykm4zsb