“Strategically defaulting – deciding to stop paying your mortgage regardless of your ability to actually carry the debt – will have a far-reaching, long-lasting impact on your ability to secure future credit,” says Maxine Sweet, vice president of public education for global information services company Experian, one of the three large credit reporting companies that receive and update consumer credit histories which are scored to help predict risk. “It’s by no means a move to be undertaken lightly.”

About 355,000 borrowers strategically defaulted in the first half of 2009, according to research conducted as part of the Experian-Oliver Wyman Market Intelligence Reports. Interestingly, Experian and Oliver Wyman found that the homeowners most likely to strategically default were also those with the highest credit scores.

While it may seem like a good move to simply stop paying and walk away from a bad investment, keep several factors in mind when you consider strategic default:

* It’s very final. Strategic default will lead to foreclosure by the lender. Foreclosure will negatively impact your credit report and scores. In fact, only bankruptcy will affect your scores more adversely than foreclosure.

For more information on just how severe the impact can be, VantageScore LLC recently completed a study that evaluates the effect that foreclosures, bankruptcies, short sales, and various mortgage programs have on consumers’ VantageScore credit scores.

* The default will remain on your credit report for seven years. Since credit scores are based on information in your credit report, the foreclosure will greatly impact your credit scores during those seven years. Securing other credit at reasonable terms and rates will be very difficult, if not impossible, during that time.

* Potential lenders aren’t the only ones looking at credit reports these days. Insurers, employers and even cell phone companies are considering the creditworthiness of those who want to do business with them. By impacting your credit report, a strategic default may affect your ability to get a job, secure insurance and enter into important service contracts.

* Fannie Mae, the government-controlled mortgage giant, announced on June 23 policy changes that will make you ineligible for a new Fannie-Mae-backed mortgage if you walk away from a current mortgage that you actually could afford to pay. The ineligibility will last for seven years from the date of foreclosure.

* Finally, in some cases, the debt that foreclosure “erases” may be recorded as income, which means you will have to pay taxes on it.

“Strategic default may seem like ‘walking away’ from a bad debt, but it’s really anything but,” Sweet says. “While you will no longer have to pay the actual debt, you’ll almost certainly ‘pay’ in other ways, in the form of lowered credit scores and a drastically curtailed ability to secure future credit for the next seven years. Higher interest rates and unfavorable terms could end up costing you more in the long run than continuing to pay on an upside-down mortgage.”

photo credit: katialo

Follow these five simple ways to keep it frugal and fabulous:

Be thoughtful and unique.
Apply the simple law of supply and demand to your advantage. Seasons, times and locations that are “hot” for weddings will inevitably break the bank because they can. Avoid paying a premium for your “day” by considering options like a cozy mid-winter Sunday brunch or an outdoor Thursday evening cocktail reception in early fall. Think about choosing a time of year or location that is unique and special to you for an unforgettable wedding that gives an extra boost to your budget. You will find that it pays to be different.

Be crafty and do it yourself.
They say time is money, but that is not always true, as small investments of your time can save hundreds of dollars in wedding planning. From invitations to seating cards, programs and ceremony or reception decorations, an abundance of beautiful do-it-yourself wedding project kits are available on-line and at popular retailers. Also consider saving money by purchasing flowers from an online wholesaler and then assembling bouquets yourself. If you’re not set on floral centerpieces, try buying ornate glass bowls from an antique shop to fill with beautiful items (rose petals, sea shells, floating candles, etc.) that coincide with your theme.

Not the craftiest of sorts? Tap into the creativity of close friends or family members and recruit them for a wine and cheese night accompanied by invitation, favor or centerpiece assembly.

Be beauty conscious, early on.
When it comes to bridal beauty, timing is everything. It’s an easy element to put off until last minute, but recognizing your beauty needs at the beginning of your planning can save you a lot of money. If a bright white smile is on your checklist, prep a couple months before your wedding and take advantage of less expensive tools versus more expensive, last minute teeth whitening. Celebrity dentist Dr. Debra Glassman recommends brushing with Starbrite toothpaste and chewing two pieces of sugar-free Orbit White gum after meals and drinks like coffee or red wine as an affordable way to keep smiles white and wedding ready.

Also, a few months before the big day, consider consulting a make-up specialist about your wedding day make-up and then keep an eye out for major department stores sales to stock-up on the necessary beauty essentials.

Be your own disc jockey.
Bands and DJs can be expensive. Instead, use your MP3 player. Handle your wedding day music needs the “no hassle” way by loading your player with everyone’s favorite tunes and renting speakers from a local party store.

Choose your music-obsessed teen cousin or a juke box-loving friend to be in charge of the music during the reception in case the system freezes or you need to accommodate a special song request. Keep your mix upbeat and include classics as well as modern songs, so you’re sure to appeal to all crowds.

Be thrifty and do your research — online.
It pays to be tech savvy when you’re planning on a dime. Virtually everything found in stores can be bought online and often for less. Coupon Web sites provide discount codes to online merchants and can be easily found by typing the retailer’s name and “coupon code” in your search engine. Deals range from major price cuts to free shipping, so think beyond the ceremony — a rehearsal dinner dress, bridesmaids gifts, even centerpieces can all be found online.

Using the Internet also allows you to research wedding vendors from the convenience of your laptop. Free online resources like www.OneWed.com, the Web site with the largest searchable online database of local wedding vendors, let you easily browse thousands of vendor profiles, with ratings and reviews from brides across the country. Save time and money by taking advantage of previous brides’ feedback when choosing your preferred vendors.

Use some of the money you save to give Your Other the gift that has long symbolized truth, sincerity, loyalty, and faithfulness. Want to know what it is?

For most of us there has been less wiggle room in the budget, and less time it seems, for spontaneous dining out at local restaurants with friends. Even if you’re OK in that respect chances are that more than a few of your regular friends are feeling the pinch and may drop out from the get togethers.

The camaraderie you get from socializing is more important than the location or sampling the more interesting menu items at your local bistro. With just a little planning you, and each of your friends as well, can keep the relationships rolling by making your house or apartment the friendly meeting place and entertainment center.

Here is a list of just a four items to have on hand that make it easy to entertain, no matter how little time you have to prepare. Everything can easily be adapted to your budget and the culinary tastes of your friends as well.

1. Food

Dinner parties are about the food. No getting around that. If your group has a very favorite local restaurant with a specialized or unique menu then you can draw on that for inspiration. Depending on your culinary skills you can either try to duplicate parts of their menu or craft your own variations.

You don’t have to be a professional chef to craft great meals. We all have our personal collection of recipes and cooking books but there is one particular book that I would recommend to even the most experienced dilettante chef, Ratio: The Simple Codes Behind the Craft of Everyday Cooking. Alton Brown of Food Network fame reviewed the book and said that “having a ratio in hand is like having a secret decoder ring that frees you from the tyranny of recipes”. Much of the book is focused on baking but there is plenty of other material to work with for things like custards and dinner and dessert sauces.

Every menu plan should include an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert. Depending on your time available, budget, and expertise you can swing for the fences on all three or pick just one to make it as special as you can. Believe me, people will remember a great appetizer as much as a five star entree.

One possibility for the main course are any of the new, packaged steam-prepared dishes. The big advantage with prepared dishes is time savings. You can pop a complete main course in the microwave and serve it up minutes later without ever touching a pot or a pan. No clean up either. Try a few of these prepared dinners on your own before serving them to your guests. I’ve found a few that are pretty good but as with anything culinary personal taste is just that.

2. Music

You can assemble a dinner-time playlist for your iPod in no time at all. You can vary the mix for the mood or even for the geography of the cuisine. A docking station with speakers is the only other thing you need to have enjoyable background music always available.

3. Candles

People respond viscerally to flame. Even a tiny candle flame imparts warmth, comfort and friendliness. Keep a drawer full of small candles on hand to warm things up. Better to stick with unscented candles so you don’t trigger an allergy. Besides, you do not want any other aroma competing with your table.

4. Water and Wine

Inexpensive wine does not mean inferior wine. You would be surprised at how inexpensively you can build a formidable wine cellar just on grocery store specials. Experimentation is essential – and perfectly enjoyable too. Try different wine growing regions. Chilean wines are often on the low end of the price scale and more than adequate for the job. If some of your guests are wine snobs then decant the wine first and never show them a bottle.

Mix up the Big Reds, like Merlot and Cabernet, with some whites like Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio and you will have the bases covered. You will quickly develop your palette, and with the feedback you get from your dinner guests your wine list will become something everybody will look forward to.

Water, water everywhere. It doesn’t have to be bottled. Too expensive. If you or your crew are dead set against tap water then get one of those pitcher-filter outfits. Leave it on the counter next to the sink so your friends can see it and know you filter.

Grocery store brand carbonated water is a must. Slice up a few lemons and you’re good to go. For something a little different have quinine water on hand also. It has a different taste that some will find quite refreshing – even without the rum.

Bake, grill and microwave at the touch of a button with convection microwave ovens. For convenience at a great price look at a Sharp convection microwave oven like the Sharp R-820JS.

Whether it’s hitting the snooze button, mindlessly surfing the Internet or even “watching and waiting” for the water to get hot enough in the shower, everyone wastes time throughout their day. Five minutes here or 10 minutes there – it all adds up. Be aware of common daily time wasters; and by eliminating some (or all), you’ll be able to get much more out of your day.

To determine where you waste the most time, first think about your habits. Keep track of how long you spend completing everyday tasks. Do you check your home e-mail multiple times each day? Or does time slip away while you’re frantically looking for household items? By realizing how you spend your time, you’ll be better equipped to determine where you can save valuable minutes, so you can spend that time wisely on life’s more important things.

Lists that work for you

Making a to-do list is supposed to help you stay on track, right? If your list is too long, however, it may actually prevent you from crossing things off. Instead of moving on to the next item, you get overwhelmed by everything that’s still left to do. Try creating a shorter list that includes only your top three priorities each day – you’ll get a major self-esteem boost when you can cross off all three tasks, day after day, motivating you to do more in the same amount of time.

Knock off routine tasks by batching them together. Don’t file each piece of paperwork as it comes; instead keep everything together so that you file at least five items at once, turning a five-minute everyday job into a five-minute weekly one. For example, make all your telephone calls at the same time so you can work through your entire call list. Stay stocked up on greeting cards for all occasions; that way you won’t have to run to the store to pick one up at the last minute. And be sure to write out, address and stamp all of your greeting cards for the month at one time, so all you need to do is drop them in the mail when it’s time for them to go out.

Do you tend to aimlessly walk around the grocery store aisles, not knowing which meals you’re going to cook that week? If so, you’re wasting time – and money – in more ways than one. Try creating a meal plan for the entire week; it not only helps to streamline your grocery shopping, but it also cuts out extra trips to the market to pick up forgotten items. You’ll save money since you’re doing all the shopping in one trip, using less gas, and you’ll cut out extra minutes and stress each night wondering what to cook since it’s already decided.

Watching, waiting and searching

Don’t waste your time babysitting household items. Instead of watching and waiting for your shower to get to the perfect temperature or for the bath to fill, let the latest technology help save time. The new ioDIGITAL digital showering and bath system from Moen is like having your own personal digital “butler,” so you can spend that time living, instead of waiting. You can program your vertical spa to deliver personalized, precise temperature and flow; turn on the shower with a remote from across the room or while still in bed; or fill your bath to the perfect level and temperature with the touch of a button – no more watching and waiting. Best of all, ioDIGITAL’s intelligent interface provides quick, visual feedback, with LED indicators that will tell you when your water is ready – no more guessing if your shower or bath is ready and no more time wasting. For more information about ioDIGITAL from Moen, visit moen.com/iodigital or call (800) BUY-MOEN (800-289-6636).

Searching for everyday items such as keys, purses, sunglasses, paper and pens because you’re disorganized is another major time waster. To help, create designated spaces to store each of your “must have” daily items: keep your keys and purse on hooks or shelves near the front door, and add a magnetic paper and pen caddy to the fridge for lists and messages. You’ll spend less time frantically searching and have an easier and more enjoyable day. Finally, assemble a non-emergency, emergency kit with just-the-basics; keep it stocked with spare batteries, a measuring tape, light bulbs, duct tape and a flash light, so when you need something, it’s all in one, convenient, easy-to-find location.

Quick tips

Looking for more easy tips to eliminate daily time wasters? Try out some of these suggestions to add an hour or more to your day:

* Stock a set of cleaning supplies in a caddy on each floor of your home to prevent running up and down the stairs when you need something.
* Keep kitchen garbage can liners in the bottom of the garbage pail for easy refilling.
* Stash disinfecting wipes in every bathroom for quick clean up.
* Book the first appointment of the day with doctors and dentists, while they’re still on-schedule. Always book future appointments before you leave the office to avoid making an extra call.
* List credit card numbers on a single index card and keep it in a safe place as a quick reference when ordering online or over the phone.
* Speed up the mail opening process with a letter opener and don’t even bother with junk mail – toss it straight into the recycling bin or shredder.
* Arrange to have at least one monthly bill (your cell phone, for example) paid directly from your checking account or credit card account.

By realizing and avoiding these time-eating traps, you’ll soon find yourself enjoying at least a few extra moments each day.

A leaky, un-insulated garage door may not be an obvious culprit in rising monthly utility bills, but it’s worth a second look if you have an attached garage.

Replacing an older garage door with a new, energy-efficient model can reduce energy loss through the garage door by up to 71 percent, according to a comparison study conducted by Clopay engineers.

“Since attached garages typically share one or two common walls with the house, any hot or cold that travels through a door will ultimately affect the adjacent living areas,” says Mark Westerfield, director of product development for garage door manufacturer Clopay Building Products. “An insulated garage door can help stabilize temperatures in the garage to reduce heat losses or gains from common house walls.”

Depending on the specifics of your home and attached garage plans, a well-insulated door can help keep your unheated garage 10 to 20 degrees warmer on a cold winter day. “That can have a significant impact on the comfort of family rooms or bedrooms located above or next to the garage,” says Westerfield.

Homeowners who purchase an energy-efficient garage door now through Dec. 31, 2010, will not only save on their heating and cooling bills, they may qualify for up to $1,500 in federal tax credits, thanks to the new stimulus legislation. Certain criteria apply. Visit www.clopay.com or call (800) 225-6729 for more information and a list of eligible models.

Helpful tips
More than 40 percent of the current housing stock was built prior to the era of energy efficiency, according to a report by The Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. If your garage door is a hold-over from the dark ages, here are some things to look for when making an upgrade:

* Two inch-thick, three-layer “sandwich” construction including environmentally safe, chlorofluorocarbon-free insulation layered between two sheets of heavy-duty galvanized steel.

* R-value or U-factor – these are measurements of the thermal efficiency of a door’s insulation. The higher the R-value, or the lower the U-factor, the more energy-efficient the insulation.

* Energy Tax Credit eligible – available for garage doors with a minimum factor of 0.30 installed on a homeowner’s primary residence.

* Insulation type – There are two different types of insulation used in garage doors; expanded polystyrene and polyurethane. Doors constructed using either kind qualify for the Energy Tax credit, and both are strong and durable.

* Design – Get the most out of your garage door upgrade. Choose a model that complements your home’s architectural style.

Protecting your home means you’re pitted in a constant struggle against the forces of nature. Products and improvements that help you beat the weather are a smart investment.

Look for “weather beater” products that are low maintenance or that provide solutions to harsh climates and moisture. Remember, weather damage can occur in any season, whether it’s from hot or freezing temperatures, driving rains or rising flood waters.

First line of defense

Water damage can happen to any home in an instant, ruining valuable electronics or priceless family heirlooms. Even if you’re not in a flood zone, it is wise to invest in a main sump and battery backup pump.

“When storms hit or snow melts off, the ground gets over saturated and the water can enter your home,” says Tony Ferrante, vice president sales and marketing, Wayne Water Systems. “Sump pump systems are easy to install and provide years of worry-free service.” And, he advises, if you’re in a water-prone area, the sump pump should have a reliable battery backup pump, since power tends to go out during storms. For removing standing water in an emergency, such as pipes bursting or a sink or washing machine overflowing, utility pumps also come in handy. Many are portable and submersible.

A complete basement protection system is a minor investment compared to the extensive damage water can do to property and sentimental items that can’t be replaced. It is your first line of defense to protect your biggest investment: your home. Visit www.waynepumps.com for more information or go to amazon.com and key in Wayne Pumps.

Decks that endure

Moisture can be your deck’s worst enemy if it’s made of wood or has wood content. Decking and porch materials are available that have the rich looks of wood, but are resistant to moisture, insects and freeze/thaw conditions. The home exterior experts at AZEK Building Products say the latest innovations are cellular PVC deck boards and porch planks that stand up to weather with a durable, natural looking surface.

“It resists any type of food stains you can dish out, including red wine and barbecue sauce,” says Brian Kincaid of AZEK Building Products. He cautions to always ask for a code report for any decking product, since many building permits require this.

An outdoor haven with classic looks

Rain or hot sun does not have to limit your outdoor enjoyment. Enhance your entryway or backyard with a beautifully crafted pergola featuring rain-resistant or waterproof canopies in a range of colors and designs to add comfort and protection from weather.

For example, Walpole Woodworkers features pergolas in natural wood or low-maintenance cellular PVC to withstand the elements. With the added option of a manual or motor-driven retractable canopy, homeowners can enjoy shelter from rain, UV-rays and even add privacy with retractable side panels. The company offers free pergola or canopy design consultations at (800) 343-6948 or www.walpolewoodworkers.com.

Caulk goes above and beyond

Water damage and energy leaks can threaten your home and drain your wallet. Caulk delivers more bang for the buck than expensive technologies like solar, according to a March 6, 2009 Wall Street Journal article. A third of the energy loss in homes could be stopped by simple caulking and insulating, the article says.

One way to head off moisture or beat extreme temperatures is to buy the best caulk you can find. One example is LIFETIME Caulk from Red Devil, recognized for its durable “lifetime” seal with a warranty against weather damage for the life of the home. “Caulk is easy to apply and can result in up to 20 percent savings on utility bills,” says Jason Ringling of Red Devil.

Homeowners who want to protect their homes, increase resale value or enjoy low-maintenance exteriors can make sound product choices now, rather than pay big bucks to repair problems later. It is possible to stay one step ahead of Mother Nature.

Do you picture yourself one day standing in front of 26 or more pairs of eyes, filling the brains of students of various ages with the information they will need to graduate from high school and go on to a fulfilling life? If molding young minds is your dream, you may be able to get federal help in fulfilling it.

Jobs will always be available in the field of education, and the prognosis for the next several years is that demand for teachers will grow an estimated 12 percent through 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The BLS goes on to report that most job openings will result from the need to replace the large number of teachers expected to retire during the next seven years. Subject areas with the highest demand include elementary education, math, science, bilingual education, reading, special education and foreign languages.

In order to help fill the need for new teachers, the federal government created the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) grant program offering undergraduate and graduate students up to $4,000 per year for tuition. Students who receive the TEACH grants sign an agreement to serve as a full-time teacher for four years at a low-income school in a high-need field once they’re finished with school.

“Teaching is a perfect second career for me,” says Chastity McGraw, 35, of Charleston, W.Va. McGraw received a TEACH grant through Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, where she’s pursing a master’s degree in elementary education.

TEACH grants require applicants to be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen and enrolled as an undergraduate, post-baccalaureate or graduate student in an educational institution that is participating in the TEACH grant program.

GCU has seen a dramatic surge in students applying for the grant money.

“This grant only became available this academic year, and we already have 267 students taking advantage of it,” says Dr. Cindy Knott, dean of GCU’s College of Education. “The students are high quality and committed to their careers — there’s no doubt that this program is going to have a major impact on the quality of teachers over the next decade.”

In addition to the TEACH grants of $2,000 per semester, GCU offers scholarships for high academic achievers attending classes on campus. Other financial aid may be available for online students.

Once she graduates, McGraw will be required to serve four out of eight years — not necessarily consecutively — at a public or private elementary or secondary school designated as a high-needs area. But she isn’t concerned about the commitment.

“Our entire state is full of eligible schools, so there’s no worry of not being able to serve in a high-needs area,” she says.

For more information about GCU and the TEACH grants, visit www.gcu.edu or call (877) 860-3951.

More children are logging on instead of getting on the bus this back-to-school season. The economy, technological advances and parent demand for high quality public education alternatives have a record number of kindergarten through 12th grade students enrolling in virtual public schools for the 2009-2010 school year.

About 1 million children are learning online, and their ranks grow by about 30 percent each year, according to research by Evergreen Consulting. Currently, 44 states have significant supplemental online learning programs, or significant full-time programs, in which students take most or all of their courses online.

“One reason families are turning to free, full-time virtual public schools is that parents desire a more personalized public education for their children, where students’ studies are tailored to their abilities and interests, and they are empowered to work at their own pace,” says Dr. Steven Guttentag, senior vice president and chief education officer for Connections Academy, a leading online public school. “These schools are a great public school alternative for students who just aren’t thriving in a traditional ‘bricks and mortar’ classroom setting.”

The desire for a customized learning experience prompted the Trang family of Portland, Ore., to enroll two children in a full-time virtual public school. Both students are musicians and academically gifted, and weren’t feeling challenged in their local public school. Parents Timothy and Thu Ha enrolled their children in a virtual public school, where they could do advanced-level work. Mom, an accountant, even gave up her full-time job to serve as the kids’ on-site “learning coach” in their virtual school.

The tough economy is another reason some families turn to free virtual public schools. The Ridenour family of Ohio used to have its kids enrolled in a private school, but the children are now students at a free virtual public school. Mom Mary Anne says her primary motive for switching the kids was finding a high quality educational alternative for her children.

However, she notes that an added benefit is the monetary savings. By eliminating expenses on everything from tuition and uniforms to medical bills – the kids don’t get sick as much since they’re not exposed to typical classroom germs – the family has saved “$7,000 to $10,000 a year per child by switching to the free virtual school,” Ridenour says.

In most full-time virtual public school programs that kids attend from home, families get tremendous flexibility in when and where school takes place, flexibility that helps them meet job and family needs. So children reap the benefits of a high-quality public education and important time with parents, and working parents don’t have to choose between seeing their kids, or seeing them off to school.

Parents who are required to travel for work can share unique opportunities instead of leaving the family behind. And families can enjoy significant savings on educational expenses.

In many states, parents can still enroll their children in full-time virtual public school programs for the coming school year. To learn more about virtual public schooling and if it’s right for your family, visit www.ConnectionsAcademy.com.

As children head back to school, parents face another season of fighting cold and flu germs. In an average year, children catch six to 10 colds. In families with children who are in school, the number of colds per child can be as high as 12 a year, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease.

“The change in weather during back-to-school season is the ideal environment for cold- and flu-causing viruses to thrive,” says Lauren Feder, M.D., author of Natural Baby and Childcare (Hatherleigh Press. 2006). “And with crowded classrooms, your children are more likely to come in contact with germs that could get them sick. That’s why now is the best time to learn what you can do to reduce the chances of your family getting sick.”

Here are some must-know tips from Feder to combat illness as kids head back to school:

1. Humidity and hydration are a must
Dry nasal passages are more vulnerable to cold and flu viruses. When humidity levels are low, consider using a humidifier to add moisture to kids’ bedrooms when sleeping and in other areas of the home. Drinking lots of fluids like water and juice is also a great way to stay healthy and hydrated.

2. Killing germs is easy
Some viruses and bacteria can live from 20 minutes up to two hours or more on surfaces like cafeteria tables, playground equipment and desks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The good news is that cold and flu viruses can easily be killed with hand washing. Insist kids wash their hands with plain soap and water around the house and while at school.

3. Catch symptoms at the onset
To better chances of nipping symptoms in the bud, be prepared by updating your medicine cabinet with choices that address early symptoms. Also consider over-the-counter options beyond antihistamines, decongestants or cough suppressants since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have questioned the safety and effectiveness of these ingredients for children. Oscillococcinum (Oscillo), a homeopathic flu medicine used around the world for 65 years, now offers children cough, cold and flu medicines. Children’s Coldcalm Pellets and Children’s Chestal cough syrup work safely and naturally without causing side effects or interacting with other medications. The sweet taste of the quick-dissolve pellets and honey-based syrup are kid-friendly and more appropriate for younger ages than most other drugs.

4. Pack some personals
It’s polite to share; it’s not polite to share germs. Smart parents will pack a few items like a small personal crayon pack, an individual mini pencil sharpener or mechanical pencils to reduce kids sharing germs. Packing a travel size hand sanitizer and pocket packet of tissue in their backpack is also a good way to combat illness while they are at school.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the common cold is the No. 1 reason why children miss school. The CDC estimates that nearly 22 million school days are lost annually due to the common cold alone.

“Colds and the flu don’t only affect children, adults need to take days off to care for their kids and can get sick themselves,” says Feder. “That’s why these simple tips are important. They can help any family combat sickness so they can live their lives the way they want to.”

The average price of a light vehicle has risen to $28,715, according to the Comerica Index. For most Americans, this means their car is the second largest investment they will make in their lifetime.

With the average age of a passenger car in North America being 9.4 years according to R.L. Polk & Co. — and the current economic conditions — motorists are working to stretch the life of their vehicle even longer. To help maintain this significant investment, extending the household cleaning ritual to the family vehicle is more important than ever.

Incorporating a vehicle into any cleaning routine can be easy. Start by examining the car from top to bottom, checking everything including tire pressure, tread depth, wiper blade wear and parts that should be replaced. Regular maintenance tasks and recommended intervals are often outlined in a vehicle’s manual.

“For anyone looking to extend the life of their vehicle, maintaining its interior and exterior routinely is essential. Motorists appear to be following this advice, as the automotive industry has seen an increase in regular vehicle maintenance being completed,” says Mark Ferner, Shell Lubricants technical specialist and ASE-certified master technician. “Maintaining a vehicle by cleaning interior and exterior with appropriate products and completing manufacturer-recommended engine maintenance can save money on expensive repairs down the line and potentially extend its usable life.”

Ferner recommends lifting the hood of the vehicle next to check the motor oil, which is considered the lifeblood of the engine. Just like dust and dirt can build up in a home, sludge can build up in an engine. To clean sludge out of the engine and restore responsiveness, drivers should use quality full-synthetic motor oil such as Pennzoil. By using Pennzoil motor oil, motorists can clean out up to 15 percent of engine sludge in the first oil change. With Pennzoil Platinum full synthetic motor oil motorists can clean up to 46 percent of engine sludge in the first oil change and it has the ability to continue to clean the engine further during the next oil change.

If a vehicle’s maintenance history is unknown or questionable, and if low-quality gasoline has been used in the vehicle, treat the car with a fuel system cleaner to help restore the engine to its peak condition. In older, high-mileage vehicles, special care may be required to clean out the tough, built-up gunk that has collected in the fuel system over time. Products such as Gumout Fuel System Cleaner are designed to help clean the combustion chamber, fuel injectors/carburetors and intake valves and ports of an engine, which can lead to improved fuel economy and engine performance. Regular use of a fuel-system cleaner is suggested for those who use a low quality fuel to continually clean the engine and keep it clean of any gunk or deposits.

“When cleaning a vehicle in an effort to maintain its usable life and value, it is not only the drive train that requires attention, but also the interior and exterior as well,” says Ferner.

For example, a vehicle’s wheels are subjected to a high amount of wear and tear. Tight, intricate wheel spaces can be particularly difficult to clean and polish, as dirt, dust and grime can get into those hard-to-reach spaces. The new Black Magic Bullet Wheel Polishing Tool is designed to polish your whole wheel — corners and all — in just minutes by using absorbent foam and gentle microfiber so that only the softest, safest material makes contact with the wheel.

For additional automotive cleaning hints and tips, visit pennzoil.com, gumout.com and blackmagicshine.com.