MMG Monthly - Views You Can Use

Provided to you Exclusively by Phil Jensen Phil Jensen Senior Mortgage Consultant Amerifirst Financial Office: 480-682-6613 Mobile: 602-692-7445 Fax: 480-374-6987 Email: Phil@JensenTeam.com Website: www.Philip.Jensen.com   For the Month of August 2010 --- Vol. 5, Issue 8     IN THIS ISSUE...           What's in a name? This month's edition is all about names. For instance, the Financial Reform bill was recently signed into law. But does this new law really reform the financial system, as the term suggests? The first article below provides a brief overview of the changes in the law. You'll also find two articles below that can help you remember names of people you meet, while protecting your own good name from identity theft! Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes - Are the new Financial Reform changes really worth singing about? It pays to have a good memory - Give your networking or job search a boost with these techniques. Q&A: Identity protection? - Follow these simple steps to make sure your identity is protected! If you have any questions or need any help at this time, just call or email to discuss your unique situation. And, please forward this newsletter to friends, family members and coworkers who may find the information helpful.     Are Financial Reform ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes Worth Singing About?           They say the only constant is change... and more change is coming! Last month, the sweeping Financial Regulation Bill was signed into law and promises to bring a wave of new changes to the financial system. But the question is: what does this change mean to you? Here's what you need to know. Generally speaking, the law calls for a new consumer protection agency and prohibits banks from taking risky bets. While those things are important, it's also important to realize that this legislation... over 2,000 pages worth... amazingly does nothing to address the core reasons for the financial collapse. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are completely left out of this legislation. Additionally, the credit rating agencies - which may have played the largest role in the financial collapse - also go unmentioned. In fact, when former Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan was asked about Financial Regulation, he noted that this was the first time the Fed was not asked to write a regulation of this kind. He also said that there are "unintended consequences" in every page of this bill. And one consequence we've seen already is that corporations are hoarding cash, and are somewhat stuck like a deer in the headlights due to the uncertainty that this and other pending legislation is creating. And when corporations hoard cash, they don't typically hire workers, and job creation is crucial to our recovery. What all this will mean for our economy and home loan rates remains to be seen... which is why now is the perfect time to act, while home loan rates continue to be some of the best they have ever been! If you or anyone you know would like to learn more about this exceptional opportunity, please don't hesitate to call or email. Or forward this newsletter on to anyone you think may benefit and I'd be happy to talk to them free of charge.     It Pays to Have a Good Memory           In today's tough job market, it can pay (quite literally) to have a good memory. That's because a good memory can help you stand out from the competition - whether you're networking and trying to remember names or researching a potential employer and trying to remember specific points. Unfortunately, many of us have trouble remembering the name of someone two minutes after we shake her hand. If that sounds like you, don't worry. you're not alone. It's actually an extremely common occurrence for many people. The good news is there is plenty of research on the subject and there are a number of simple, practical steps you can take to improve your memory now and long into the future. With that in mind, here are a couple of great tips for proactively strengthening your memory: Tip #1: Neurobic Exercise You know all about the wonderful effects aerobic exercise has on the heart, but have you heard of neurobic exercise for the brain? According to Lawrence Katz, co-author of Keep Your Brain Alive: 83 Neurobic Exercises, the best exercise for the brain is to force it to form "new patterns of association" or new pathways. In other words, challenge your brain every day. take it off autopilot and make it relearn or create new associations with the most routine activities of your day. Katz's book offers numerous examples of small changes you can make to activate your brain, including: brushing your teeth with the other hand; taking an alternative route to work; moving your wastebasket to the other side of your desk; closing your eyes while putting your key in and unlocking the front door; and changing where you and your family members sit at the dinner table. So if you feel like your memory might be starting to slip a bit, try some of these simple neurobic exercises today! Tip #2: Mnemonic Drilling There are actually three steps or stages of memorization: acquisition, consolidation, and retrieval. That means, once we acquire new information, like someone's name for instance, the way in which we consolidate that data will directly affect how well we're able to retrieve it from memory. Whether you're a visual or auditory type of learner, there are many mnemonic devices that can help you to better organize or consolidate the new information that you need to recall. Here's an example of simple steps that might help: First, associate the data you want to remember with common images. For instance, let's say you meet someone named Jennifer Green. Imagine Jennifer playing golf, or picture her wearing all green clothes, or imagine her face painted completely green. Second, think of associations you can use to help you remember this person. For instance, link Jennifer to the quality that best fits her personality (use alliteration and rhymes whenever possible): Jolly Jennifer Green. Finally, connect sound to your memory by saying the name aloud. Do this regularly and, before you know it, you'll never forget anyone's name again! And that can give you a nice advantage in job interviews and networking.     Q&A: Identity Protection?           QUESTION: How can you protect yourself from identity theft? ANSWER: According to statistics released by the U.S. Department of Justice, about 1.6 million households experience theft of existing accounts other than a credit card (such as a banking account), and 1.1 million households discover misuse of personal information (such as their social security number) annually. Here are some important tips for keeping your information safe and sound: Just the facts - Rather than give unnecessary information (like your date of birth and income level) when you fill out things like warranty cards or supermarket club cards, start sharing only what's really necessary in every situation. Navigating the net - Never post your address or your full date of birth on any social networking sites because both are pieces of information needed to steal your identity. Also, when applying for a job, thoroughly investigate companies before you submit your resume and check the privacy policies of any online job boards to make sure they won't sell your information. Number no-nos - Never keep your Social Security number in your wallet, glove compartment, or any other easy-to-access place. Also, never have it printed on your checks or use it as your password. Finally, if you use an online job site, never give a potential employer your Social Security number until they are ready to hire you. Shed it - When you are ready to get rid of old documents that contain important information, make sure you shred them. The bottom line is this: When it comes to your personal information, share it on a need-to-know basis only!           The material contained in this newsletter has been prepared by an independent third-party provider. The material provided is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, financial, real estate and/or mortgage advice. Although the material is deemed to be accurate and reliable, there is no guarantee it is not without errors. As your Trusted Advisor, I always want to make sure you are clear on all details of the home financing process. If you or someone you know are interested in purchasing or refinancing a home, give me a call today! In the unlikely event that you no longer wish to receive these valuable market updates, please USE THIS LINK or email: Phil@JensenTeam.com If you prefer to send your removal request by mail the address is: Philip Jensen 1910 S. Stapley Dr., Ste.209 Mesa, AZ 85204 .

---

NOTE: THIS IS A CONFIDENTIAL AND PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATION. This transmission is intended only for use by the individuals or entities to which it is addressed, and contains confidential and/or privileged information. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please send a reply to us and permanently delete the e-mail from your computer.

Posted via email from philipjensen's posterous