Para aquellos soldados que se han lesionado y necesitan solicitar los beneficios de Seguro Social por incapacidad, es importante que sepan que se le dará prioridad a su reclamación de beneficios. Este procedimiento de prioridad es para los soldados que se lesionan mientras están en servicio militar activo a partir del 1° de octubre del 2001, sin importar dónde se incapacitó. Es posible que la familia del soldado lesionado también tenga derecho a recibir los beneficios, dependiendo de la situación, incluso los niños dependientes del soldado y, en ciertos casos, el cónyuge también. Infórmese mejor visitando la página de Internet específicamente para los soldados en,  www.segurosocial.gov/espanol/militares heridos.

¿Sabía usted que el mes de mayo también está designado como el Mes nacional de aprecio del servicio militar? Esto se agrega a la lista de razones por las que debemos honrar a la milicia por el servicio que rinden por nosotros y nuestra nación.

Para informarse mejor acerca de los beneficios de Seguro Social para personas que han prestado servicio en las fuerzas armadas, lea nuestra publicación titulada, El servicio militar y el Seguro Social. Puede encontrarla por Internet en, www.segurosocial.gov/espanol/10917.html, o envíenos un correo electrónico (email) a OPI.Net.Post@ssa.gov, o llámenos al 1-800-772-1213 (TDD 1-800-325-0778) para solicitar que se le envíe una copia por correo completamente gratis.

El Día de Conmemoración de los soldados caídos es un buen día para recordarles a las familias de nuestros héroes militares caídos que posiblemente puedan recibir los beneficios de Seguro Social como sobrevivientes. Si la persona de quien usted dependía para su sostén económico ha fallecido, debe solicitar los beneficios para sobrevivientes. Infórmese mejor acerca de los beneficios de Seguro Social para sobrevivientes visitando la página de Internet, www.segurosocial.gov/espanol/pgm/sobrevivientes.htm.

Los hombres y mujeres de nuestras fuerzas armadas nos protegen todos los días. Nosotros, en el Seguro Social, estamos aquí para prestarles nuestros servicios a ellos también.

*Blanca Taylor

Congratulations to the team and coach Rene Pasencia.

Team members include: senior, Cody Decker; junior, Andres Arroyo; sophomore, John Profitt; junior, Caleb Licht; junior, Raul Ramirez; senior, Jared Lopez; sophomore, Kyle Decker; senior, Moises Diodonet; sophomore, Anthony Hurd; and freshman, Christian Arroyo.

“In today’s world, there are scary stories about land and mortgage fraud,” Haynie commented. “Checking your property records may keep you from becoming a victim of land fraud,” she concluded.

“My office has worked hard to make it easy for you to check your own property records online 24/7. Citizens simply need to go to my web site (www.occompt.com) and click on the words ‘Records Search.’ You can view and print your documents for free.”

If you find a suspicious document, you should get legal assistance from a real property attorney. You should also contact your local law enforcement agency (Sheriff’s Office or City Police Department) to report your suspicions.

If you have any questions or need assistance searching the Official Records, please contact the Comptroller’s Official Records Department at 407.836.5115.

Dogs are always learning, whether you’re intentionally teaching them or not. Teaching pets rules and using proper training techniques will prevent them from making up their own house rules and creating frustrating situations.

In order to help pets learn appropriate behavior, pet parents need to take an active role in canine education. Some of that learning can be accomplished at home, but many pet parents have found working with a professional dog trainer is much more effective – for them as well as their dogs.

“The goal of a good training program is to teach pet parents how to communicate effectively with their dogs,” said Debbie McKnight, training expert with PetSmart. “Positive, consistent communication helps create better relationships between dogs and their pet parents.”

McKnight says that professional training is not an alternative to training your dog at home, it complements it. “Pet training works a lot like education for children,” she said. “A teacher provides her students with basic knowledge, and then the student does homework to further learn the materials.”

While a number of different training methods are available, McKnight says that PetSmart’s six-week training classes are based on the effective principles of operant conditioning, which concentrate on positive reinforcement. In the simplest terms, positive reinforcement means rewarding the dog for doing the behaviors you want in order to get him to do those behaviors more often. “Not only is it the most effective way to train, but positive reinforcement is also the most humane and fun for both you and your pet.”

When you begin a training program, the Association of Pet Dog Trainers recommends that you:

• Have your dog wear the type of collar and leash specified by the trainer.
• Use high-quality training treats.
• Wear comfortable, flat, close-toed shoes and comfortable clothes allowing you to move easily.
• Make sure your pet relieves itself before class so they won’t need to go during the training session.
• Forgo feeding or only feed a very light meal before training so the treats will be desired by the dog.

“Proper pet training is key to your dog becoming a socially well-adjusted family member,” said McKnight. “Whether you have a new puppy or an adult dog, you and your pet can both learn some new tricks that will ensure a happy, healthy relationship.”

To learn more about training programs, and to find a program near you, visit www.petsmart.com/training.

A to-do list for brides-to-be

Preparing for the big day means planning a multitude of details; everything from the flower arrangements to that something blue must be decided upon well in advance of the ceremony. Here are some tips to help ensure your big day goes off without a hitch.

The Big Decisions

The decision to get married is the first of many big decisions you will be making in the weeks and months to come. Here are some things to consider right away:

—Pick a date. Talk with your fiancé and family (and your fiancé’s family) about potential wedding dates to ensure the important people in both your lives will be able to take part.

—Select your guests. The number of guests you invite will directly influence the cost of your wedding.

—Set a budget. Budgeting for your wedding is crucial, as this will have a great impact on every other aspect of your day, as well as your honeymoon. Plan for a little wiggle room for unexpected expenses.

—Choose a location. Because most popular bridal spots are just that — popular — you may want to start searching for a location quickly.

—Organize the bridal party. Make careful decisions about who you want supporting you leading up to the big day, and who will be displayed in front of everyone in your life.

—Pick a style. Many brides choose wedding styles that are reflected in their save-the-dates, invitations, ceremonies, receptions and thank-you cards. Choosing a theme and color scheme in the beginning will help narrow down options later.

—Hire a caterer. Take into account the dietary needs of your guests by offering a variety of menu options, including a vegetarian dish.

—Order the cake. Whether you choose a large multi-tiered cake or cupcakes, remember to keep your budget in mind—and pick flavors you and your fiancé truly enjoy.

—Make the announcement. Decide how you want to let the community know of your planned nuptials. Do you want to take professional engagement photos? Do you plan to contact your local paper? Will you include a link to a wedding day website on your save-the-date or your wedding invitations?

—Get the gown. On your wedding day, everyone will be awaiting a glimpse of your gown. Listen to your instincts and choose a gown that “feels right” and reflects your personality and style.

—Dress your party. Once you have chosen the wedding dress of your dreams, speak with your fiancé about his wishes for his suit, as well as the bridal party attire.

—Hire a photographer. Choose your professional photographer wisely. With a walk down the aisle, father/daughter dance and toast, your father is sure to get photographed, but your mother might get overlooked. Make sure to ask the photographer to get shots of your mother throughout the day as well.

—Choose your flowers. Once you set the date, discuss with your florists which flowers are in season to help narrow down your selection. You may love tulips, but if you have a winter wedding, they may be hard to come by, and may be more expensive.

—Book the entertainment. Do you want a DJ or a live band? Talk with your fiancé about your music preferences, as well as the types of tunes you want played at your reception to keep your guests on the dance floor.

Before the Big Day

—Create a website for your wedding to keep guests informed of events and for easy access to registry information. Provide accommodation information for those guests traveling from out of town.

—Insure your engagement and wedding rings against loss, damage, theft or mysterious disappearance. According to a survey conducted by Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company, 44 percent of married women either don’t insure their engagement ring, or don’t know for certain whether their engagement and wedding rings are insured. For a free, no-obligation jewelry insurance quote, visit www.insureyourjewelry.com.

—Make sure your marriage license, travel documentation and insurance information are ready to go and stored in a safe place in advance of the wedding day.

—Practice reciting your vows and speeches until you feel comfortable.

—Wear your wedding heels around the house to “break them in.” Pack a back-up pair of flats to wear during the reception.

—Remember to ask for help. Designate members of your family or close friends to specific assignments.

Wedding Day Details

—Provide bottled water for your wedding party. To ensure no one gets over-heated, hide water near your bridal party during the ceremony for emergencies.

—Choose meaningful gifts for your wedding party. Necklaces, earrings or bracelets are great for bridesmaids; cufflinks are perfect for groomsmen.

—Create individual envelopes for tipping drivers, caterers, musicians, etc. Separate envelopes will help ensure you don’t forget anyone.

—Plan for weather:

In case of rain — Order a tent or choose a venue with indoor space for last-minute protection from the elements. Offer extra umbrellas to usher people from their vehicles to the venue.

In case of heat — Place fans throughout the venue and provide plenty of water for guests.

In case of cold — Space heaters can be placed throughout the space to warm up the room in advance of the event.

—Over-estimate the amount of parking needed for guests.

Following the Honeymoon

—Open wedding gifts and keep an accurate list of each guest in correspondence with their gift.

—Write thoughtful, personalized hand-written thank you cards.

The Big Day Bridal Kit Supplies

Bobby pins, elastic hair bands

Hairbrush

Hairspray

Panty hose

Nail file, nail polish, remover

Baby powder

Makeup

Stain remover

Tissues

Sewing kit with scissors

Ballet flats

Pocket mirror

Extra post-earring backs

Static cling spray

Antacid

Pain reliever

Bandages

Deodorant

Dental floss

Eye drops

Bottled water

Breath mints

Duct tape — for last-minute dress fix-ups and to adhere to the bottom of slippery dress shoes

Tooth decay affects more than 25 percent of American children 2 to 5 years old, and half of children 12 to 15 years old – that’s more than any other chronic infectious disease, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Left untreated, tooth decay causes pain and infection, which can lead to problems in eating, speaking, playing, and even learning.

There is plenty that parents and caregivers can do to help prevent tooth decay and other oral diseases.

First Things First – The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) says that children should have their first visit to a pediatric dentist no later than their first birthday. The first tooth usually comes in between 6 and 12 months of age – schedule an appointment and get started on good oral health care from the beginning. The AAPD says that, in one study, children that saw a dentist before their first birthday had dental costs that were 40 percent lower in the first five years than costs for children who had not seen a dentist by their first birthday.

Establish Good Habits – Kids need help establishing good dental care habits. Make sure they brush twice a day, floss every day, follow a healthy diet and visit the dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings.

• Using a soft-bristled brush, kids should brush for at least two minutes. Some power toothbrushes have a built-in timer. Before teeth appear, clean baby’s gums twice a day with a soft cloth or baby toothbrush and water.
• Parents should floss young children’s teeth once a day, until they can do a good job themselves, at least until age 7 or 8.
• Make sure they eat foods with vitamin C, which helps gum tissue stay healthy, and calcium, for strong teeth.

Be Alert – Watch for signs of oral health problems. Talk to your dentist if you see warning signs such as:

• Changes in performance at school – listening, concentrating and learning.
• Sucking on cheeks or lips.
• Reluctance to smile.
• Problems chewing foods.
• Problems sleeping.
• Aching teeth or gums.

You can also talk to your dentist about sealants, which can be applied to the chewing surfaces of teeth. Sealants are one more way you can help prevent cavities and keep your kids’ smiles healthy and beautiful. For more information about kids’ dental health, visit http://ameritasinsight.com/tag/children/.

En octubre del 2011, después de haber sido incluidos en RealtyTrac,Inc las 10 primeras en la lista de ejecución hipotecaria en el país, la noticia sobre la venta y exhibición de casas nuevas es muy alentadora. Cuando analizamos en conjunto, las cifras de ventas y las ejecuciones hipotecarias podemos tener una imagen bastante precisa de si el mercado de viviendas esta teniendo altas o bajas. Mientras Realtor.com dice que las casas en venta en el área de Orlando bajó al 44% y estuvieron en el mercado 37% menos tiempo que en el 2010, hubo una noticia aún mejor para el estado del sol. “Los hogares en estos dos más afectados estados (Florida y California) representan 10 de las 20 áreas metropolitanas proyectadas para ver el mayor aumento de precios en las viviendas hasta el año 2016, de acuerdo con FiServ Case-Shiller Indexes,” señala Billie Passmore, Directora de Relaciones de Vivienda de InCharge.

“En cuanto a las ejecuciones hipotecarias, todavía hay algunas preocupaciones fundamentales como las estadísticas de la Florida del 2011 mostraron una tasa de 11.9% en ejecución hipotecaria y la tasa de desempleo del 9.9%,” dijo Passmore. “Tenemos la esperanza de que algunos de los recientes cambios propuestos en los programas de gobierno (HAMP, HAFA y HARP) resultarán en la disminución de ejecución  hipotecaria y retraso de pagos.”

La comunidad de Orlando es particularmente afortunada de tener a InCharge Debt Solutions aprobada por HUD localizada en esta ciudad. Ya sea que usted esté comprando una nueva casa, quiera aprender sobre el proceso de compra o se enfrente a la posibilidad de una ejecución hipotecaria, los consejeros certificados de vivienda de InCharge pueden ayudarle, tanto en inglés como en español.

La prevención de ejecución hipotecaria – si usted está enfrentándose a  dificultades inminentes o está atrasado en los pagos de su hipoteca, asesores de vivienda capacitados le darán una evaluación experta de su situación financiera mediante el asesoramiento telefónico (877-251-1882) o en sesiones personales, con cita en las oficinas de InCharge en 5750 Major Boulevard en Orlando.

Asesoría de pre-compra de vivienda – hecha por teléfono (877-251-1882) o personalmente con cita previa en las oficinas de InCharge. Averigüe cuánto puede pagar, aprenda sobre los términos hipotecarios, escuche sobre la importancia de las inspecciones de viviendas, y adquiera conocimientos acerca de cómo prepararse y que esperar en el cierre.

Educación para compradores de vivienda – InCharge ofrece mensualmente Talleres de Educación para Compradores de Vivienda en inglés y en español para aquellos interesados en aprender más sobre cómo ser propietario de su vivienda. Este curso aprobado por HUD incluye la instrucción en aspectos financieros y prácticos sobre la compra y mantenimiento de una casa, al igual que aprender las ventajas y desventajas de tener casa propia. Los talleres de InCharge se realizan los sábados de 8:30 am a 5:30 pm en el área de la Florida central en 5750 Major Blvd., Suite 150, Orlando, Florida 32819.

InCharge Debt Solutions, una organización sin fines de lucro 501(c)(3), ofrece asesoría de quiebra gratuita, asesoría de crédito y servicios de asesoría de vivienda para consumidores y miembros del servicio militar que necesitan educación financiera, orientación sobre la administración de su dinero y ayuda para encontrar la solución adecuada para su situación especifica.

Para más información, comuníquese con InCharge Debt Solutions:

• Para servicios de quiebra, llame al 866-729-0049.
• Para asesoría de crédito, llame al 877-486-4924.
• Para servicios de asesoría de vivienda, llame al 877-251-1882.
• Los miembros del servicio militar, llame al 877-258-9549.
• O visite nuestro sitio en www.InCharge.org

The Property Appraiser’s website has a simple and quick feature that allows residents to file online.  “The online filing option makes it easy for residential property owners to file from the convenience of their home for the up to $50,000 homestead exemption deduction; simply visit my website www.ocpafl.org” states Donegan.

All new homeowners were mailed a letter 4 to 6 weeks following the recording of their deed that contained information on filing homestead exemption.  Current property owners who have experienced a transfer of title, such as an addition or removal of a name on the title, name change from divorce, death of a spouse or establishing a trust, were also mailed a letter and will need to re-file for the exemption.

The letter contains an individually assigned user ID and password for safe and secure on-line filing.  Also enclosed are instructions to file by mail if no internet access is available.

“We are extremely pleased to be able to take the lead in Florida by offering this service to our customers,” Donegan said.  “In these busy times, the on-line application process delivers on my promise to provide easier, quicker and friendlier service to Orange County property owners.”

Junior Achievement of Central Florida (JA) recently kicked off its annual Bowl-A-Thon fundraiser where local companies recruit teams, find sponsors and then come together at local bowling centers to bowl and raise money for JA. This year your company can support JA by participating in the 2012 Bowl-A-Thon. Teams consist of at least 10 bowlers – and there’s no limit on team size.

The event will take place throughout the first half of the year at bowling centers across Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Volusia andLakecounties. In 2011, nearly 10,000 bowlers inCentral Floridaraised enough money to help JA provide practical economic programs to 77,000 students in local schools.

“For the past 20 years, hundreds of local companies and thousands of volunteers have participated in JA’s Bowl-A-Thon,” said Craig Polejes, president of Junior Achievement of Central Florida.  “It also serves as a fun team builder for companies. As one of our primary sources of funding along with corporate gifts, Bowl-A-Thon helps us raise the dollars necessary to deliver JA’s curriculum toCentral Floridaclassrooms. The programs we provide focus on financial literacy, workforce readiness and entrepreneurship.”

To receive more information about how your company can participate, contact Lauren Arndt (407) 898-2121, ext. 18 or larndt@jacentralfl.org.

The global economy remains in flux, and investors across the globe continue to witness a roller coaster ride with respect to their investments. Substantial gains one day are followed by a precipitous decline the next, and many investors are simply along for the ride and struggling to make sense of it all.

Though veteran investors are more familiar with such fluctuations, young investors might be more confused. Some might even delay getting started on their portfolios, which is one of the many mistakes young investors commonly make. As unpredictable as the market may be, investors are often much more predictable, often repeating the behaviors of those who came before them. The following are some of the more common mistakes young investors tend to make, each of which should be avoided no matter how difficult the market becomes.

Delaying the inevitable

Young people, particularly those who are just beginning their professional careers, often procrastinate when it comes to investing. This could be thanks to a host of factors, including inexperience, fear or simply wanting extra money in their pockets while they’re young. Each of these factors makes sense, but none of them should keep young people from investing. Most young people have seen the projections that show the staggering differences in money earned when a person begins investing at 25 as opposed to 35 (or even 30). Even something as simple as investing through a company’s 401(k) is a good place to start, and young investors should take advantage of the opportunity to do so as soon as they’re eligible.

When young investors put off investing, the results later on are not often pretty. That’s because of the tendency to overcompensate down the road. For instance, an investor who had the chance to invest in a particular asset but passed, only to see that asset grow significantly, might overcompensate the next time an opportunity presents itself. This is especially dangerous when it comes to investing, as fruitful investment ideas certainly don’t grow on trees. An investor who begins young and starts learning how to invest will feel more comfortable with his or her portfolio, and won’t feel the need to make up for lost years down the road.

Being an ill-informed investor

Young investors know about the need to invest, but many simply don’t ask enough questions about their investments. A young investor is in a great position for a number of reasons. Young investors are typically decades away from retirement and, as a result, can take on the most risk. The older an investor gets, the more risk averse he or she should become. Young investors commonly understand this principle, but that does not mean they should simply sit back and accept it when a risky investment does not pan out. While it’s good for young investors to take risks, if the risk doesn’t pay off, learn the reasons behind its failures. Doing so will lay a solid foundation for future investments.

Another thing young investors must learn is to avoid taking a risk for the purpose of taking a risk. While it’s true young investors can afford risks more than their parents or grandparents, that doesn’t mean they should simply invest in any and all risky opportunities with the hopes of one of those opportunities eventually paying off in a big way. Learn what makes some risks better than others, and don’t necessarily get married to a certain investment strategy. The markets are constantly evolving, and investors need to evolve along with them to be successful over the long haul.

Only investing “extra” money

Another common mistake young people make is the way they perceive investing. Many young people approach investing as something they will do when they get some “extra” money. Unfortunately, the day young people get this extra money rarely, if ever, arrives. Additional expenses, including vacations with friends or nights out on the town tend to take precedence, and young people find themselves approaching or even in their 30s without an investment portfolio to speak of. Treat investments as a monthly expense like rent or a car payment. Then, if there is any extra money at the end of the month, add that to the amount already invested. Tomorrow never comes in the world of investing, and young investors in particular need to realize that and get started as soon as possible.