OPEN HOUSE IN WESTERVILLE!

OPEN HOUSE!

by Rich Johnson

Sunday, October 2nd, from 1-3 pm

~6111 Baneberry Dr, Westerville, OH 43082~

CUSTOM TWO-STORY HOME ON OVER 1/3 ACRE SCENIC, WOODED LOT! 

Two-story, wood Foyer. 1^st floor Den/5^th Bedroom with closet and full Bath access (perfect for In-Law Suite). Fully applianced Kitchen has new appliances, hardwood floors, walk-in pantry and doors to a paver patio. Two-story Great Room has new carpet, dry bar and back staircase to the Upper Level. Vaulted Master Suite has plant ledge, walk-in closet and whirlpool Bath. Finished Basement has new carpet and two Recreation Areas. Many upgrades throughout. 4 BRs and 4 Baths. Over 3,700 SF! Westerville Schools. Only $419,900!

Creating an island paradise: Tips for adding an island in your kitchen renovation

(BPT) - Custom cabinetry, granite countertops, reclaimed wood flooring and accents, and top-of-the-line, high-tech appliances - what more do you need to make your kitchen renovation perfect? How about adding an island? Designers and builders across the country are pointing to the addition of an island as the must-have upgrade for kitchen renovations this year.



Homeowners are embracing the island, and what's not to love about it? Adding an island can dramatically alter a kitchen's appearance, provide additional storage space and work area, and create a fresh focal point for family meals. What's more, common challenges that have historically held homeowners back from adding islands - such as the difficulty and high costs associated with adding plumbing drainage in the center of the room - are easier to solve than ever.



Plumbing problem solved



While you could add an island without plumbing, having a sink in an island can improve the workflow in a kitchen and open up counter space elsewhere. Plumbing an island can be problematic, however, if your home is built on a slab or a crawl space. The cost of cutting through concrete and adding piping can be prohibitive.



Above-floor plumbing can solve the problem. Manufacturers make a variety of pumping systems that can eliminate the need to cut concrete and reduce the cost of installing plumbing in a new island.



"Cutting through concrete to install plumbing can easily account for 50 percent of a renovation budget," says Chris Peterson of Saniflo. "Homeowners may decide to abandon the idea of an island altogether when they face that kind of cost. Above-floor plumbing allows them to add an island, hide a single drain pipe in a decorative column, and achieve the kitchen of their dreams at a fraction of the cost of traditional plumbing options."



Top island trends



Islands are increasingly becoming the focal point of kitchen renovations, serving both practical purposes and as design statements.



More homeowners are replacing traditional dining tables and breakfast nooks with spacious islands that feature seating. "Islands are replacing tables," said Audrey Macdonald of Creative Interiors By Audrey in Mississauga, Ontario, in the National Kitchen & Bath Association's 2015 Kitchen & Bath Style Report.



In addition to seating, homeowners are incorporating restaurant-quality fittings into islands, adding charging stations for the family's personal digital devices. They're also choosing architectural and design touches such as decorative legs, and countertops and cabinetry that contrast with those around the perimeter of the kitchen.



Kitchen renovations continue to be among the most popular home improvement projects and can offer homeowners a high return on their investments. A major kitchen remodel costing about $56,000 can recoup nearly 68 percent of its cost when you sell your home, while a minor remodel in the range of $19,000 can yield a 79 percent ROI upon resale, according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report.

Six simple steps to financial success

1. If your employer offers a 401(k) plan, use it. For a variety of reasons, it is often going to be your most attractive investment opportunity. Most employers will match a portion of your contributions, making your effective returns higher. If you contribute $1,000 to your plan, for example, and your employer matches that at 50 cents on the dollar, your contribution is actually worth $1,500. A 401(k) also offers tax advantages on contributions and investment gains. Finally, it puts your contributions on autopilot via systematic payroll deductions. That makes it less likely you'll skip contributions, and also lets you take advantage of the powerful benefits of dollar-cost averaging. (Dollar cost averaging does not ensure a profit, nor does it protect against losses in a declining market. Because dollar cost averaging involves continuous investing, investors should consider their long-term ability to continue to make purchases through periods of low price levels.)



Simply put, your regular, fixed-dollar contributions buy more shares when prices are low, and fewer when they're high.



2. Understand your investment horizon. Many people underestimate how long their retirement savings will need to last, which can lead to a host of mistakes. Some invest too conservatively, making it hard for their portfolios to keep pace with inflation. Others draw down their assets too quickly in retirement, boosting the odds that they'll run out of money in old age. The average 65-year-old in good health can expect to live about 20 more years. Your investment strategy should reflect the possibility that you will not only meet, but perhaps exceed, the life expectancy averages.



3. Don't underestimate the corrosive effects of inflation - even at low levels. At a rate of just 2 percent, inflation cuts the buying power of a dollar by a third in about 20 years. At 3 percent, it does the job in 14 years. Make sure your portfolio includes some assets, like stocks, that historically have outperformed inflation over long periods of time.



4. Diversify your investment portfolio, but understand that you will need to do more to mitigate longevity risk. Diversification is the simplest and most effective approach to managing investment risk, but is ineffective at managing many other threats to your financial security. Longevity risk, for example - the risk of outliving your savings - is best managed by pooling your risk with other investors. One way to do that is with an annuity contract issued by an insurance company. Certain annuity contracts work like old-fashioned pension plans, paying a fixed income for life. (Guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company.) Some include escalation clauses that increase your payout over time to keep pace with inflation. Knowing that you have provided for your basic living expenses with an annuity can provide the reassurance you need to take a long-term perspective on stocks and other growth-oriented investments - the ones your portfolio needs to keep pace with inflation.



5. When investing in stocks, don't confuse where a company is headquartered with where it earns its money. Many people are looking to capitalize on investments in the fast-growing emerging economies of Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe. Often, though, emerging-market companies are not fueled by growth in their own economies. Many are mining or other natural resources firms whose results are driven by global commodity prices. Rather than investing directly in emerging markets, a better alternative for many people is to invest in U.S. companies that do business globally. Many of these companies have brands that are household names in emerging markets, and some even earn more overseas than they do in the U.S. In fact, a large share of the profits of the companies in the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index is generated outside the U.S. Bottom line, you already enjoy substantial global diversification with U.S. stocks.



6. Don't be afraid to ask for help. The ever-expanding array of alternative investments can seem overwhelmingly complex, and may require frequent and ongoing attention. Rather than trying to do it yourself, consider working with a financial professional. Getting their advice on matters critical to your financial well-being will usually make good fiscal sense.



Editor's Note:

Insurance products issued or offered by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Appleton, WI. Not all products are available in all states. Securities and investment advisory services are offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc., 625 Fourth Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55415, 800-847-4836, a FINRA and SIPC member and a wholly owned subsidiary of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Thrivent Financial representatives are registered representatives of Thrivent Investment Management Inc. They are also licensed insurance agents/producers of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.



Deposit and lending services are offered by Thrivent Federal Credit Union, a member-owned not-for-profit financial cooperative that is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration and doing business in accordance with the Federal Fair Lending Laws. Insurance, securities, investment advisory and trust and investment management accounts and services offered by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans or its affiliates are not deposits or obligations of Thrivent Federal Credit Union, are not guaranteed by Thrivent Federal Credit Union or any bank, are not insured by the NCUA, FDIC or any other federal government agency, and involve investment risk, including possible loss of the principal amount invested.

For additional important disclosure information, please visit Thrivent.com/disclosures.

665918

NEW LISTING IN ROSEVILLE!

JUST LISTED!
~6200 Tignor Rd.~

NEWLY BUILT RANCH HOME! Perfect for a starter home or an empty nester. Home is built to accommodate walker or wheelchair. This property comes with 1 acre of land to expand or to plant an extensive garden. A piece of country heaven! Listing features a 2-car carport, a 10x15 shed, and a 16x40 barn. Located 11 miles from Zanesville, close to shopping and restaurants. Located 7 miles from Eaglesticks Golf Club and just minutes from Lake Isabel and Lake Isabelle Club! 2 BRs and 1 Full Bath. Maysville schools. Over 950 SF. Only $89,900! Call DeLena today!

Decked out and Defined: Fashion Week Columbus 2016

On covers of publications such as Vogue and In Style, It is always a glossy eyeful to see where fashion trends are headed nationwide, and a true glimpse at what all of the beautiful people will be wearing for the season. The same type of experience that many can catch in world-class cities such as Paris and Milan will be taking place right here in Columbus beginning October 7^th, with a flurry of activity, awesome new outfits, and attractive individuals gracing the different stages. Sponsored by up and coming innovative names such as Easton, RG Barry Brands, Baggalini, and Dearfoams, the title sponsor this year is Charles Penzone, one of the best names in the skincare business.

During the first day of the festivities, the Kid's Fashion Show takes place at the Columbus Children's Theatre, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Ronald Mcdonald House Charities of Central Ohio. Brittany Begley from 10TV will again be hosting, and Frozen's Queen Elsa and Princess Anna of Arendelle will be making a special appearance. This show will feature designs from Homage, 8-yr old designer Tanatswa, lululemon, and Nuha Gebremedhin.

On October 8^th at the Grand Event Center, the High Fashion Tea and Wedding Show will take up the space on the stage: The featured wedding designers will wow every single soul in attendance, and this sold all of the way out last year! During this event, sounds will be provided by the Columbus Symphony String Quartet, and hosting duties from Cameron Fontana and Alisa Henry, of the CW, Fox 28, and Good Day Columbus. Here you can swoon over wedding designs from Joan's Bridal, Melissa Koch, Persona Custom Clothiers, and teas provided by Sweet Simplicities.

October 9^th at Copius, you can check out the Cher Gowns by Bob Mackie presentation: These are all-original Cher worn gowns that you can gaze over while enjoying couture cocktails and hors d' oeuvres set to the background music of Cher tunes. Seeing these works of art in person is going to be not only a delightful blast to the past, but the opportunity to celebrate one of the coolest eras of fashion. The next day on the 10^th, the Hair Meets Fashion Event takes place at the Charles Penzone Grand Salon, wher you can get up close and personal while viewing the best hair products available in the state. Desserts, drinks, giveaways and more will all be happening here, at this complimentary event that requires an RSVP.

The Fashion is Art Event takes place during the 11^th at the Hilton Columbus Downtown High Street Gallery, and is where you can get the official first look at the Finale Runway Show, and a sneak preview of each of the very wildly talented designer's work of art. This is where the real excitement gets flowing in a major way, and the climax of the show will begin to build as the models strut their stuff. The next day on the 12^th, the Philanthropy Meets Fashion Bash hosted by CCAD ramps up, and provides an opportunity to meet with industry star Adolfo Sanchez. Here you'll get to listen to someone talk about their exciting journey in the world of fashion, while Camelot Cellars will be pouring samples of their tasty brand of wine.

October 14th is the Fashion Industry Mixer hosted by IL Moda PR at Dahlia Bar & Lounge at 6:30pm.

On October 15^th, the finale runway show will take place at Brewmasters Gate, and will absolutely shake things up as far as anything that proceeded it during the Fashion Week Columbus lineup. 8 very talented local designers and headliner Adolfo Sanchez will grace the stage, and the entire venue will be understandably buzzing with excitement. 

Make sure you make your way out to one of the most anticipated events of the year this coming month: whether you are dying to see what your favorite local diva is wearing, or wanting to learn more about the scene as far as fashion in Columbus is concerned, this star-studded annual event will be sure to appease and allure you.