Columns

Last month we celebrated the release of the 1940 U.S. Census online. Well I did. I do mix a fine Manhattan if I do say so myself! It’s been a month and not much has changed. The problem is that the government releases all the census images at the same time, but no one had a chance to index the names so we can search. Since there are 132 million people in the census, it’s taking quite a while to get the indexing done, In fact, as of this writing, only Delaware and Nevada have been indexed complete. So if …

Before I begin this story, whaddaya say we get an espresso to set the mood. And I know just the place. It’s a quaint little coffee shop that serves up the finest caffeinated Italian beverages along with authentic Italian (excuse me, Sicilian) pastries. Now let me tell ya, Starbucks it ain’t. Walk into this place and you’ll feel yourself immediately transported back in time. This storefront is more than 80 years old, with its original hardwood floors, oak doors and woodwork, and a copper-colored tin ceiling. The rough plastered walls are adorned with framed album covers of all the great …

A major new block of genealogy data has recently been released! Every 10 years, genealogists await the release of the U.S. Census Population Schedules. After a federally mandated 72-year waiting period, they release the names and data of everyone who was enumerated in the census. Prior to the 72-year wait, you can find demographic data, such as ethnic trends, but not the list of everyone’s name. When the 1920 census was released in 1992, there were no on-line genealogy web sites. The only way for people to look up their families was to go to the National Archives on 73rd …

Well, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac promised the world and delivered far, far less. Finally released in March, the Home Affordability Refinance Program (HARP) was supposed to facilitate refinancing among borrowers who are “underwater” (when the home is worth less than the outstanding mortgage). What we are seeing is that, unless you can walk on water, it will be hard to qualify for these loans. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have said that they will purchase these loans from banks, but not all banks are welcoming the program with open arms. Banks are saying that these loans are risky and …

t’s important to know the distinctions between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The number of individuals diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s is rising, but understand that the terms are not synonymous. In brief, dementia is a syndrome, or group of symptoms, that causes loss of intellectual function, and usually progresses over time. Alzheimer’s is the leading cause of dementia and the one we hear about the most. In other words, not all people who are diagnosed with dementia have Alzheimer’s disease. To explore it a bit further, consider that, according to the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, dementia is …

I cannot tell you how many times sellers focus on the inside of the home while neglecting the outside. Do you know how often buyers don’t even want to walk inside because of that? It is estimated that 90 percent of buyers start their search on the internet, and after seeing photos of the outside of the home, they do not want to see it in person. A seller should first walk outside, stand in front of their home, and pretend it is not their home while asking themselves the following questions: * What would you not like about it? …

It’s fitting to focus this month’s article on a personal friend of mine who truly needs no introduction in the city of Berwyn or the Chicagoland Italian-American community. My “someone you should know” is community leader and funeral director Joseph Russo, who is realizing a longtime dream of opening of his own funeral chapels. I’ve personally known, trusted and admired Joey for more than 25 years, so I’ll start from the beginning. Throughout our high school years, we were the ultimate Italians (not your Jersey Shore wannabes). We were proud of our heritage and we had to profess it with …

The Federal Reserve recently announced that it is going to keep short-term rates low until the end of 2014. This reflects an effort by the Fed to be more transparent with Wall Street as well as the American people In the past, the Fed has not been so open with their direction, but with the problems that our economy is facing, as well as the austerity problems that are occurring in Greece, Italy and Portugal, they are trying to keep the markets calm and rates low in the hopes of spurring the economy. What does this have to do with …

If you’re thinking about buying into a Continuing Care Retirement Community, you need to weigh your options carefully. The new Illinois Medicaid law that went into effect on Jan. 1, 2012, dramatically changes the treatment of entrance fees. Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) are communities that provide a full continuum of care for its residents. They have flexible accommodations designed to meet their residents’ health and housing needs as those needs change over time. They offer independent living, assisted living and nursing home care, usually all in one location. As a requirement for admission to most CCRCs, residents are required …

Many analysts suggest the financial crisis in the United States began in September of 2008, and since then there have been more than 3.2 million homes foreclosed on, with Illinois having one of the highest rates in the country at 5.4 percent. Investors looking to take their cash out of a low-interest savings account and purchase income property could potentially come out ahead with a foreclosed property. They can be very lucrative investment, but buying foreclosed homes is not for everyone! Many foreclosures have been abandoned by the previous owners and could have major damage to them. Bear in mind …