Letters to the Editor

Feel better financially

As a country, we’re fiscally out of shape. In fact, eight out of 10 Americans blame the economic crisis for stress in their lives, according to a recent poll by the American Psychological Association. Although the economy has been challenging, we all have a responsibility to take what control we do have over our monetary well-being. Like our physical health, financial wellness takes dedication and hard work.

As a banker for 27 years, I’ve observed characteristics that apply to most people who are “financially fit.” Oftentimes their first step was developing relationships with advisors to get a handle on where their money comes from and where it is going. They always live within their means and stick to a budget, regardless of how much money they have. They’re keenly aware of and meet financial obligations while also pursuing long-range goals that include retirement.

If you want to help improve your financial health, here are a few tips to consider:

-Know your debt-to-income ratio and devise ways to lower it.

-Keep a pulse on your credit score to ensure that credit limits are reported correctly.

-Acknowledge and overcome bad spending habits.

-Pay bills on time and pay down revolving credit. Making the minimum payment on time is better than paying more after the due date.

-Check financial statements, even if they are auto-pay or online, to avoid identity theft or incorrect charges.

-Create a retirement plan that is right for you and your family. It’s never too early to start planning.

-Make low-risk, long-term investments to offset any high-risk ventures.

For more information on each tip, contact a trusted financial advisor, bank representative or other professional source.

—Howard Pulker

Vice president at the Central Florida affiliate of Fifth Third Bank

Be sure pests haven’t invaded your winter home

As many “snowbirds” return to winter homes in Central Florida, owners of second homes should be aware that their houses may have been occupied by termites, spiders, cockroaches and ants while they were away.

It’s very upsetting for people to open their cabinets or enter rooms that have been unused for months, only to find that pests have taken up residence while they were away during the summer. If you don’t properly pest-proof your home before you leave, nature may find its way in through cracks, crevices, holes, vents and chimneys.

The following tips will help as you inspect your home for signs that pests may have taken up residence during the time you were away:

-Termites, ants, spiders and cockroaches may not have survived the entire time you were away, as evidenced by any carcasses or body parts left lying around. Check near windowsills, in your kitchen, bathrooms, laundry room and garage for this telltale sign of a pest infestation.

-Another sign that pests may have invaded while you were away are pest droppings. Check all rooms, particularly those that have access to a water supply, for droppings that are typically black or brown and look similar to coffee grounds.

-Be sure to check outside living spaces as well for signs that pests may have raided while you were away. Pests often occupy carports, garages and outdoor patio areas. Remains, droppings, egg casings and wood shavings are usually left near decaying wood as well as near light and water sources.

If you have recently returned to your winter home to find any signs of an infestation, Massey Services can help. Massey offers property inspections at no charge and will help devise a treatment plan that’s right for you. The technicians at Massey Services can also work with you to develop a pest prevention plan that will ensure pests don’t take control of your home when you leave during the summer months.

To contact a trained technician at Massey Services for your free inspection or to learn more about preventing pests in your home year-round, call 888-2-MASSEY(262-7739) or visit www.masseyservices.com

—Doc Nichols

Technical and training director for Massey Services

Reduce greenhouse gases now!

Transportation contributes one-third of the greenhouse gas pollution in the U.S. Florida needs a plan that can be implemented within the next few years with well-defined strategies for increasing green transportation choices and reducing pollution.

The Florida Department of Transportation is creating a long-range plan for the future of transportation infrastructure in our state. While this is a great start, investment in public transit and improved infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists should happen now, not years from now.

We need a plan that will provide transportation choices for all Floridians while reducing our oil dependence and greenhouse gas pollution from transportation in both the short- and long-term.

Any plan going forward should be in line with recommendations already made in Florida's 2008 Energy and Climate Action Plan. The time for making Florida's streets safer and more accessible for pedestrians, cyclists, seniors and transit riders is now. FDOT should ensure these improvements are front-loaded in its long-range planning to move us beyond oil.

—Karla Kizzort

Orlando

Remember public transit and pedestrians

The Florida Department of Transportation is in the process of creating a long-range plan for the future of transportation infrastructure in our state. While this is a great start, investment in public transit and improved pedestrian and cyclist pathways is necessary.

We need both a short- and long-term plan that will provide for all Floridians while reducing our oil dependence and greenhouse gas pollution.

The time for making Florida's streets safer and more accessible for all is now.

The DOT should ensure that these improvements are front-loaded in its long-range planning.

—Teresa Denardo

Sanford