FLORIDA HEALTH CARE

Florida health care is one of the finest in the country. Because the Sunshine State is home to such a diverse age and demographic population, top flight health care is a must. From children to retirees, college students and middle-age career people, Florida boasts some of the best hospitals and insurance plans in the United States. Florida even has satellite Canadian health care facilities for our neighbors of the Great White North. From sports injuries to routine check ups to prenatal care to eclectic surgery, the peninsula has a wide range of health care options.

Florida Hospitals

Be it south Florida or the panhandle or anywhere in between. Some of the most prestigious healthcare facilities are scattered all across the Sunshine State. Nationally recognized and ranked facilities have award winning departments in: oncology, neurology and neurosurgery, gynecology, gastroenterology, cardiology  and heart surgery, pulmonology,  pediatrics and orthopedics. The list of outstanding hospitals is long. Regardless if you are visiting or living in south Florida, along the Gulf coast or up  into the panhandle: Shands at the University of Florida, University of Miami, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Tampa General Hospital, Miami Children's Hospital, Orlando Regional Medical Center, Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, All Children's Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Florida in Weston and Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa.

Florida Health Care Plans

Florida also has great health care plans available. Among the best are: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Humana Medical Plan, Unitedhealthcare, Aetna Health, Wellcare of Florida, United Healthcare of Florida, Avmed, Careplus Health Plans, Coventry Health Care of Florida and Health Options.

Florida Medical Research and Education

It's not only the hospitals in the state which provide cutting edge technology. There are a number of universities in the Sunshine State which are among the nation's leaders in both medical research and health care education. These include but are not limited to: The University of Florida in Gainesville, the University of Miami, Florida State in Tallahassee, University of Central Florida in Orlando and the University of South Florida in Tampa. Visitors and residents alike can rest assured some of the best treatment options and health care insurance plans in the United States are right in the state of Florida.

Florida Wading Birds

Florida Keys A Bird's Eye View of Paradise (Aerial View)

www.lowerkeys-homes.com Florida Keys A Bird's Eye View of Paradise from an aerial view in the sky. Let us take you to new heights as we explore the islands of Marathon and the Lower Keys from the sky! Call Team Mullins at 305-304-5341 or email at teammullins@bellsouth.net. Visit our website at www.lowerkeys-homes.com. Key West / Florida Key Aerial View Video Series Team Mullins Fred Mullins, Donna Mullins, Erin Biby Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company 1201 White Street Ste. 101 Key West, FL 33040 305-304-5341 teammullins@bellsouth.net www.lowerkeys-homes.com www.placeinparadise.com

FISHING IN FLORIDA

Why is Florida the Fishing Capital of the World?

Florida has a huge variety of sportfish species, from largemouth bass in nearly all our fresh waters, to redfish along shorelines and sailfish offshore. More International Game Fish Association records are set in Florida, and more anglers come here to fish than anywhere else in the nation. Best of all, in the Sunshine State, fishing is great year round.

Saltwater Fishing Destinations

Florida’s inshore, nearshore and offshore waters have a large diversity of saltwater fish available to anglers. With 2,276 miles of tidal shore, Florida has the most diverse saltwater fishing on the continent. No other state offers such a range of tropical, subtropical and northern species of fish, nor more productive fishing waters. No wonder anglers worldwide are drawn by Florida’s outstanding fishing opportunities. Florida has four geographic regions of the state that provide tremendous fishing diversity and opportunity. The North Zone is populated with cobia, redfish and spotted seatrout. In the South Zone bonefish, tarpon and permit abound. Along the east coast consider redfish, spotted sea trout and tarpon; and the west coast provides snook, redfish and tarpon. In addition, Florida has several award winning state parks that provide outstanding access to saltwater fishing.

Freshwater Fishing Destinations

There are scores of Florida fishing sites which are consistently good destinations for quality recreational fishing. However, with 7,700 named lakes and so many rivers and streams, opportunities are nearly limitless. Recreational fishermen can explore a diversity of habitats from pristine streams to man-made canals, and from natural lakes to artificial reservoirs. During various times of year, different species will be most active, so plan to try an array of different fishing techniques. Florida's fishing industry provides huge opportunities to wrestle sport fish larger than the average man. There's also plenty of flats for bass fishing. Mangroves along the shorelines provide excellent opportunities to snag some redfish or snook. And there's plenty of spearfishing to go around. Near or far of the east and west coast, spear and sport fishing are ubiquitous. In the Sunshine State, it's best to keep two tackle boxes--one freshwater/brackish water and saltwater. Tackle shops can be found in nearly any locality and bait is just a net's cast away. Shore, bridge, pier, wading, kayaking or boating, there's no end to fishing opportunities in the state of Florida. For Key West Charter Fishing contact Jim Sharpe at Seaboots

Home Improvement Loans--What You Need to Know

Home improvement loans are a specialized type of home equity loan which homeowners can use in order to make improvements. Since these improvements are designed to bolster a home's value, banks and credit unions often look at these debt instruments as an investment. But the amount of a home improvement loan, its term and the interest rate will all be determined by a few factors. Obviously, the more equity the owner has in a property the better. But even homeowners without a lot of equity can get a home improvement loan.

Secured Home Improvement Loans

A mortgage or auto loan are considered secure loans. They are classified as "secure" because there is tangible collateral involved. If a homeowner or motorist defaults, the lender can simply retrieve the collateral and sell it. Homeowners without substantial home equity might have to pledge their property as collateral. In the event if the homeowner defaults on their home improvement loan but keeps the mortgage current, the lender can still foreclose.

Unsecured Home Improvement Loans

Homeowners with considerable equity will probably qualify for unsecured loans. So, if they wind up defaulting on their home improvement loan, the lender cannot foreclose. But that doesn't make the borrower immune. The lender can still sue, attach a lien, seek a bank levy or wage garnishment.

Getting a Home Improvement Loan

Before most consumers make a large purchase, they shop around for the best deal. Don't assume your current mortgage lender will give you the best rate. It's best to compare several lenders and make a checklist of pros and cons. In today's information-on-demand age, it won't take long to determine which lenders are right for your particular situation.

Compare Rates

Take time to compare fees, interest rates and terms. Like refinancing, there will be some cash needed up front in many cases. But that shouldn't be the only determining factor. Paying a little more now may mean saving a lot more in the long run.

Read the Fine Print

There's a reason the font size is shrunk to near nothingness. Don't be afraid to ask questions, after all, it's your money. While it might be the lender that initially forks over the cash, you, not them, have to repay it.

Be Responsible If you get a home improvement loan, it doesn't mean you have to spend every penny. It's better to remain frugal and watch every dime. It's not winning the lottery, you are responsible for the money and have to repay what you take out.  For more information about Relocating to Florida see http://www.flarren.com

Keeping Good Credit in Six Simple Steps

If you have ever had to repair your credit, you want to make sure you never go there again. Unless you are a sucker for punishment a second time around, read on into the following paragraphs for tips on how to keep your good credit rating high.

From now until the end of time, make every payment you owe anyone on time. For structured loans, this builds credit. For more casual arrangements, this means engendering trust with the person you owe money to.

Use prepaid cards for your credit needs. This way you never spend more than what you have, but you also get regular reporting to your credit history.

If you do have an unsecured credit card, only go with one that has very high levels of security. Higher credit scores are more susceptible to identify theft and credit fraud, so make sure that your boosted credit score is protected by your credit card company.

Even though you might feel tempted to close old accounts and walk away from bad memories, do not do it. Having open accounts for long periods of time means that you have regular and steady streams of data and information being compiled on your credit reports, boosting your overall scores.

Think about switching to a credit union. You need a different story to tell and lifestyle, so switching away from mainstream banks is a great step to take.

Do not file for bankruptcy. This will not only obliterate your credit report, it will do so for seven full years, possibly ten.

Keeping things simple keeps you out of traps you do not want to be in. Apply the ideas presented here to take care of yourself. Doing so will protect your credit history, reports, ratings and money, which just means a brighter financial future ahead.

For help with Upper Keys Real Estate and Mortgages contact Kim Bagnell

Seven Ways to Get Your Home Sold Fast

Selling your home can be quite a challenge these days, give the state of the economy. The following article is going to provide you with tips to not only get your home sold quickly, but to also get the most for it.

Choose your realtor wisely. If you pick an inexperienced or uneducated realtor, you are going to have problems getting your home sold. To find a good realtor in your area, go online and view their reviews. If a particular realtor has good reviews, go with them.

Before putting your home on the market, it is important that it looks nice on the outside. This means making sure the roof is in good shape and that the paint looks fresh. The first thing a potential home buyer notices about a home is its exterior. When the exterior doesn't look nice, they are going to think the interior is not up-to-speed either.

In addition to improving your home's exterior appearance, it is also wise to make sure your landscaping is up-to-date. Again, this is one of the first things a person notices about your home and you want it to look good to give off a good impression.

When placing your home on the market, do not overprice it. A potential home buyer will not even want to work with you if your home's price is through the roof. If you are unsure of what amount to price your home, look at comparable homes in your area. Also, your realtor should know what a fair price is.

Before having anyone come to look at your home, be sure to pick up any clutter you have in your home. Potential home buyers are going to be turned off by your home when it is messy; they may think that because your home is not clean that there are problems with it.

As you can see, there are many ways to get the most out of selling your home and to get it sold quickly. Use these tips wisely and you will be well on your way!

For help with Key West Homes for sale Contact The Mullins Team

Easy Steps You Can Take To Improve Your Personal Finances

If you ever needed money for something and did not have it, you know how valuable it is to have enough money. And if you know that, you know how important it is to keep your finances in order. By keeping your finances in order, you can give yourself more discretionary income and less stress in your life. All you have to do is to take some easy steps to make financial security a reality. Here are a few personal finance tips that will help you get your financial house in order.

1. Start with a positive mindset and a firm commitment. Everyone thinks about improving their personal finances, but things get in the way. The most important part of any financial program is to go into it thinking you will succeed. You have to make the decision to make a change, and you must make sure you aren't deterred by the things that can happen in life. Commit before doing anything else by listing reasons that motivate you to secure your finances.

2. Concentrate on one credit card. If you have multiple credit cards, you are paying different levels of interest and might be putting yourself in more debt. When you focus on one card, you only have one avenue available when you need to make a purpose. That makes things a lot easier; you can more easily track expenses, and you only have one card to pay off.

3. Use personal finance programs such as Mint.com to help you keep track of your budget. There are many finance tools available to you to help you track your expenses and to categorize your spending. Make them part of your routine. For example, after you check your email in the morning, head over to your finance program. These tools make it simple to look at your finances all at once, and lay out the information in a way that is easy to understand. 

4. Have a savings account. If you do not already have a savings account, get one. This can be extraordinarily helpful when you have an emergency. Not only that, but it can be a nice place to save for things like birthdays and holidays. For best results, have money automatically deposited from your paycheck or checking account so you don't even notice the money is gone.

5. Set aside a small amount for spending however you like. When people set out to create a budget and get their finances in order, they view luxury spending as something really bad. The truth is, if you allow yourself a chance to spend a little here and there, you will be less likely to go and splurge on something you really can't afford. Don't go crazy, just give yourself a little leeway to enjoy your money.

Once you start applying the tips in this article to your life, you will find that your finances start to fall into place. Once you have your finances settled, you can go on to enjoy your life to the fullest.

Enjoying Your Travels

When you travel you want to make sure that you do all that you can to enjoy yourself as much as possible. This is because you want to maximize your time on Earth as much as you can while you are here. There are a lot of things to do, foods to taste, and places to explore on this planet. Take note of the following information to see what else you can learn about how to enjoy your travels.

Do not travel unless you have the money to do it. Make sure that you save up enough money to travel and that you are not putting a dent into your wallet. A big problem a lot of people have is that they try and live a lifestyle they cannot manage and they travel too much. Don't get yourself into debt with traveling, you can budget your money better than this. Try your best to save up as much as you can before you travel so that you do not have to hurt your bank account in the process.

When you do travel leave a copy of your itinerary at home. You should check in with your loved ones from time to time to let them know that you are doing fine. If something were to happen to you it will be a lot easier for your loved ones to figure out the whereabouts of your last location because they know where you were located and where you were headed. This is a good precautionary measure to take, because you never know.

Double check to make sure that you have all of the documentation that you need before you travel. Do not lose time or get left behind because you forgot your passport, or did not bring any form of identification with you. You are going to want to double check to make sure that all of your documents are up to date and if not, then take the necessary measure to redo them.

Always keep cash on you just in case. If you are traveling to another country make sure that you keep that currency on you as well. At times you may come across a place that does not accept any of your credit cards, and this can leave you in a tough situation. Avoid getting into a situation like this, and always bring cash on you.

Periodically check your bank account. You never know if something might have been double charged or if a card is stolen. It is a good idea to look at your activity from time to time so that you can have an idea of how much you have left to spend as well. It does not take a lot of time to do this and you can save yourself a big headache in the future.

Ensure that you can enjoy your travels as much as possible with all of this advice. When you follow the information from this article you can make your whole traveling experience that much more enjoyable for you to experience.

Create a Dedicated Work Space for Home Improvement Projects

If you will be embarking on some home improvement projects on your own, either now or in the future, you could benefit greatly from having a dedicated work space for your tools and supplies. Having everything you need at your fingertips can make everything run smoothly, and eliminate the need to rent tools or run out for unexpected supplies. Read on for some ideas on making your workshop functional and accessible when you need it.

Choose a specific area of your home and dedicate it as a workshop for your projects. It doesn't have to be a large space, as long as it is functional and dedicated. Make sure that everyone in your home knows what the purpose of that space is, and that they agree to always replace any supplies they use, and return tools after using them. 

Be sure that your work space has the basics that will make things easy and accessible. Install benches and tables, as well as shelving and tool boxes. If you will be using things such as power tools or tile cutters, give them their own dedicated space, without the need to set them up every time that you need them. This will contribute greatly to efficiency, convenience and safety. Be sure that you unplug these appliances after using them, and put covers or protective devices on them to keep young children from accessing them at any time. 

Remember to include space for storage of supplies and equipment, and keep it organized. Plan ahead what tools and miscellaneous items will need to be stored, and build the space specifically to meet your needs. This will ensure that everything has a place and that it will fit. 

Make a list of basic tools that are generally needed for most projects, and purchase them ahead of time. If you know that you will be doing projects that require special tools, look for them on sale throughout the year, and buy them at appropriate times. This could include off season sales and specials. You may also want to determine whether renting these sometimes expensive tools when needed is a better way to go. 

Install adequate lighting in your work area. This can contribute to better end results, as well as safety. It will also make your work area cheerful and inviting, encouraging you to spend more time there planning and completing your special projects. 

It is important that your workshop is properly ventilated, especially if you will be using solvents or other potentially toxic supplies. It will also be more conducive to work if it is heated in the winter and air conditioned in the summer. Purchase any needed safety gear, as well, for yourself and anyone who may be assisting you. This could include masks, harnesses and first aid equipment.

These basic things will go a long way toward giving you a workshop that is functional and safe. Taking the time to cover these basics is a sure way to get the results you want for home improvement projects and for general efficiency in your home throughout the year.

Adding A Little Curb Appeal To Your House

Often times, people view home improvement projects as things you can do inside your house, while neglecting the things that you can do outside your hose. The first impression a person gets of your home is from the outside looking in, so there is no better way to add value to your house than to improve how it looks from the outside. Whether it is a well maintained yard, a new coat of paint or even a nice looking door knocker, you should never forget to upkeep the outside of your home. This article will give you some great tips on how you can add some curb appeal to your home without breaking the bank. All it takes is a little time and effort and your home will look better than it ever has before.

Perhaps the best way to ensure that your house always looks as nice as possible is to make sure that your yard is well maintained. Nothing is more unappealing to visitors and neighbors alike than an unkempt yard full of dead plants and weeds growing everywhere. Make sure that you mow your lawn each week and that you pull any weeds as soon as you see them to prevent them from spreading. Keep all plant life well watered so as to prevent them from dying out and making your yard look dreary. 

While on the subject of plants, it is important to note that you can use them to enhance the decor of your home. Simple greenery along with your lawn does little to catch the eye of passersby. You may want to consider adding a bit of color to your home by planting some colorful plants to your yard. You'd be surprised how a few strategically placed colorful plants can transform your home into something beautiful. 

Another great way to improve the look of your home is to stain or re-stain your porch or deck. As time progresses, your wooden deck will look more dull, making the rest of your home look drab. Alleviate this problem by staining your porch about once a year ensuring that your home will always look inviting to whoever happens to visit. 

Yet another great way to improve the look of your home is to get some window treatments that accent the look of your home. Get some treatments that will pop and get noticed by people all over the neighborhood. This is a simple and easy way to add value to your home without spending too much money. If you aren't sure of what sort of treatments to get, don't hesitate to ask around for ideas. Pick the idea that you feel most comfortable with.

These are just a few home improvement projects you can undertake easily to improve both the look and the value of your home. Choose to do one or all of the suggestions listed, but no matter what you decide to do, understand these are projects that must be maintained and proper upkeep in necessary.