I would be willing to wager that most of you have either been affected by corporate restructuring or know someone who has. There are also a substantial number of people who lose jobs either because they or someone in their family becomes ill or are injured. In those situations would you be better off with $50,000 in an emergency fund to help you get back on your feet, pay doctor or home care bills, and allow you a cushion to find a good job instead of first one you could find or have $50,000 in equity in your house that you couldn’t access?

Now to finish up on wealth equation as it relates to home equity. One thing that most people don’t understand is their home equity is earning them a 0% rate of return. There are 2 components to your home value: what it cost to purchase it (basis) and appreciation. In 5 years your house will be worth same whether you have a mortgage or don’t. Any money you choose to put into house is simply a return of your investment.

If you are willing to rethink wealth equation and put your home to work for you it can be a great source for turbo charging your wealth. If you coordinate that with an integrated financial plan involving your planner, accountant and insurance agent then results can truly be outstanding!

For more info: www.rightwayunlimited.com or www.columbusmortgageloans.com

Jeff Blovits Prospera Mortgage Group Jeff@Columbusmortgageloans.com

A friendly face. Local classified sites let you meet person whom you're doing business with. Of course, you control if, when, and where this happens.

The test drive. Whether you're dealing with a car, a mattress, or a tennis racket, you can actually touch and try out your item before you put down cold hard cash. For sellers with product as promised, that makes closing deal that much easier.

Simple switcheroos. Local shopping opens up possibility of refunds and exchanges if you and person you're doing business agree.

More ample assortment than auctions. Imagine buying a refrigerator or a couch at an auction site. Then imagine receiving that package at your door! Not very realistic, right? These sorts of purchases and sales, though, become a definite possibility with local online classifieds.

No tax tests. You open a can of worms buying and selling across national and international borders when it comes to taxes. Who owes what? And whom? Local commerce simplifies whole issue, if taxes are applicable at all.

A step ahead of scams. Knowing whom you do business with, face-to-face transactions, simpler lines of communication-these qualities of local classified sites all reduce your risk of getting with shysters and scam artists.

A stronger community. Shopping around your hometown not only gives you a warm, cuddly sense of community. It also provides practical economic support that keeps communities and businesses vibrant and healthy.

So there you have it. There are no losers when it comes to online classified sites that allow you to do your shopping locally. Buyers and sellers enjoy an old-fashioned sense of community, while enjoying high-tech benefits of convenience, safety, and comfort that come with Web shopping. Let those auction risk takers have their Oaxaca, London, and Geneva. You've got your Houston, Texas