I don’t have much time.  How often/how long do I need to workout to see results?

For people who are already in shape, plan to spend 30 minutes a day, 4-6x’s a week of moderate-intense activity. If you’re looking to lose weight or make dramatic changes, you’ll have to invest more time.

What are your favorite exercises that can be done at home without equipment?

The best exercises are the ones that involve multiple muscle groups. Push-ups, dips, planks, squats, lunges, supermans, and abdominal torso rotation are just a few.

What are the benefits of using a trainer versus going the fitness route alone?

There are plenty of 90-day programs out there, but if you were able to see a program like that through to the end you wouldn’t be reading this. Even if you could, a personal trainer could motivate you to do more and to go harder. That means better results…faster!

Are personal trainers affordable?

YES.  If you’re goal is to get in shape and you are unsure about how to start, hire a professional that knows what they’re doing. Would you hire a contractor to build a house, or would you YouTube it and figure it out for yourself? Your body and health is the foundation of life. When it comes to improving your quality of life and building a strong foundation for your future, it’s worth it.

I am intimidated by personal trainers—they seem mean!  How can I make sure I will enjoy my workouts?

I believe the correct term is “tough”. The job of a personal trainer is to prescribe appropriate workouts to their clients and motivate them to achieve personal goals successfully. Our job is more involved than just blowing a whistle and yelling profanity. That’s actually the easy part. Good personal trainers are tough because they want their clients to give maximum effort. When you’re able to squeeze into that little black dress or when you take your shirt off at the beach and all the women start to drool, you’ll thank them for it.

How do I choose a personal trainer?  What questions should I ask?

The best way to find a personal trainer is to ask people who are in great shape. Scope out the gym scene and observe the trainers while they’re doing their thing. If you like a trainer’s style, chances are, they’re right for you.

YuDu would like to thank Nancy Burnham, a personal trainer, running coach, and Crossfit L1 coach, for serving as the resource for this article.  If you would like to learn more about her services, you can email her at neburnham321@gmail.com.

How has the economy impacted the housing market?  Right now it is certainly what is known as a “buyer’s market.”  This simply means that there is more housing inventory than potential buyers, so this puts the potential buyers in an excellent position to negotiate.

Do I need to hire an attorney if I am purchasing real estate?  Yes, the laws of South Carolina require that attorneys manage and conduct real estate closings.

What does a real estate attorney do as part of a typical closing?  If you are purchasing a home, the attorney will typically examine the title to the property and determine that the title is insurable, they will prepare the required documents (including the deed), they will review the loan package and assist you in properly executing the loan documents.  After the closing, the attorney will record the necessary documents with the Register of Deeds, disburse funds in connection with the closing, follow through in meeting the requirements of the lender, title company and IRS.  Finally, they will send you your recorded documents and policy of title insurance (if one was purchased).

What is an REO?  An REO (Real Estate Owned) is property that is owned by the mortgage company.  This typically happens when there is an unsuccessful foreclosure auction.

How do you purchase a foreclosed property?  A property that has been foreclosed on can be purchased by being the successful bidder at a Master’s Sale (foreclosure auction).  If the successful bidder at the foreclosure auction was the mortgage company, many times the mortgage company will list the property with local real estate agents.  Most local agents have a list of REO’s and can assist you with locating them and submitting an offer.

How much do real estate lawyers charge?  This varies attorney by attorney and depends on the work that needs to be done.  Many attorneys will charge flat fees for closings, so you know how much you will pay from the start.  Some attorneys will bill by the hour instead of charging flat fees.  You will need to contact your attorney’s office to ask about their charging procedures.

At what point in the process should a buyer/seller seek the advice of a lawyer?  The best time to consult with an attorney is prior to signing a contract.  That being said, many people wait until the contract has been signed to retain counsel, however, at that point it is too late for the attorney to help you with obtaining financing and inspection contingencies, etc.

How can a professional photographer capture my wedding memories without interfering with the fun?

The best way to get the most candid and truly emotional images is by being a fly on the wall when photographing a wedding.  There is a fine balance between engaging people so they feel comfortable with a photographer around and then stepping back to allow the natural flow of events to occur.

I don’t have a very big budget—what kind of packages are available for me?

Everyone is tightening their belts with the economy the way it is today.  What I prefer to do with my clients is to listen to their needs and budgets and see how to best utilize my time and maximize the money being spent.  There is so much that goes into planning a wedding, and the photographs are the only thing that will remain as a tangible memory of the day.  I offer everything from one-hour elopement packages complete with a bouquet and officiant to full wedding day packages with albums.  I also offer payment plans so that my clients can tell me how they are most comfortable paying for my services.

What should someone look for when they are hiring a photographer?  What questions should they ask?

When someone is looking to hire a photographer I believe it is important that they feel a sincere connection with the person.  The client is inviting a stranger to share in a day in their life.  There is a trust factor there.  Trust not just in getting great photos, but that the finished product is also handled in a professional and timely manner.  So asking questions about how long they have been in business, whether their photography business is full or part time, how long it takes to see the work, and how much the investment in photos will be after the session are all important.

It is so important that the photographer catch the vision of the client. For me visual storytelling and documenting a day in the life, a wedding or any event can only work its magic when I KNOW my client!

Do you have any picture taking tips that can prevent common mistakes novices make?

One of the biggest mistakes the novice photographer makes is shooting into the sun.  This will make the image you are photographing dark while your background is blown out.  The person taking the photo should always have their back to the sun.  Another tip when taking a photo, especially of a person, is to notice the background.  Some people will take a great photo and there is a tree that looks like antlers on the head of the person in the shot or a building that looks like it is sitting on their head! Notice and focus!  Composition will make your photo.

YuDu would like to thank Lea Dales of Lea Dales Photography for serving as the resource for this article.  For more information, visit her website or give her a call at 843-452-3175.

Cleaning the house does not usually come in at #1 on most people’s list of things they want (key word here—want—not have) to do this weekend.  In fact, I would venture to say it doesn’t even make the top 10!  It is hard to find a chunk of time big enough to get all the cleaning done in so it often gets done room by room, and it can be defeating to feel like you are constantly cleaning but never really achieving a “clean house.”  As if there aren’t already enough hurdles to tackle, how do you decide between the hundreds of cleaning products out there?  More and more products with household names have been cleaning up their acts so to speak.  The professionals at MaidPure offer their tips on the benefits of “green” cleaning, why going with a professional can make sense and how to find the right cleaning company below.

Why should someone use “green” cleaning products?  Are they as effective as regular products?

Why not? They are safer, cheaper and often times more effective. Plus, what’s best, they are safe for you, your loved ones and the environment. The products we use at MaidPure are 100% natural and clean 99.9% bacteria.

Do most cleaning companies tackle one-time cleaning projects (party prep, moving in/out, etc) or is it necessary to have them come in on a regular basis?

Absolutely not! MaidPure is all about pampering our clients whether that be on a regular basis or for a one-time cleaning…but trust me, you’ll be addicted after one cleaning!

What should someone look for/what questions should they ask when choosing a cleaning company?

Choosing a cleaning company is a daunting task! It’s almost as important as choosing a nanny or dog sitter. Trust is a big issue which is why we were honored to have been named “Charleston’s Most Trusted” cleaning company. Other factors to consider when choosing a cleaning company:  Are they licensed? Is their staff contracted out or are they employees of the company? Do they perform background checks? How does the company maintain consistency? MaidPure is licensed, bonded and insured and uses people we would trust in our own homes. Our staff is considered employees of our company and work directly for us.  They are NOT 1099.  Most of our clients enjoy seeing the same smiling faces each cleaning, but if we need to make changes, we notify our clients before their cleaning. What’s more, EVERY job is checked to ensure the utmost quality and perfection.

What are the advantages of using a cleaning company versus doing it yourself?

Using a cleaning company frees up time for you to spend doing other things…think about it this way….how much is your free time worth?

Do you have any cleaning tricks using common products found around the home that you could share?  

There are lots of tricks!  Here are just a few that come to mind:

*Lemon or orange peels in disposal – cleans and give wonderful fragrance

*Cotton balls with essential oils in your vacuum for a wonderful aroma around the house.

*Club soda on windows

*Olive oil on furniture…use sparingly!

*Dryer sheets in your pockets to ward off mosquitoes!

There are so many great tips to share….follow us on Twitter and we’ll give you a tip a day!

YuDu would like to thank the professionals at MaidPure for serving as the resource for this article.  For more information or to schedule a cleaning, check out their website or give them a call at 843-284-8272.

Orchestrating a get together of more than a handful of people can be a monumental task requiring lots of planning, shopping trips to multiple stores, and days of food prep.  Not to mention the coordination required to make sure the house is clean, the food and drinks are set up and ready for the first guest, and that you’ve had time to shower and get ready.  With all of the stress that goes into party planning it can be hard for the host or hostess to find the time to relax, have fun and enjoy their guests—which is precisely why we have parties in the first place!  This is where a professional catering company can help. Casey Crites, with Foodeze Executive Caterers, shares some helpful tips for making sure your next party is a much less stressed success!

Should people who are having a small gathering (say 25 people or less) consider catering some or all of the food?

Absolutely. When you factor in the time and finances it takes to put together even a small gathering of friends and family such as planning the menu, purchasing the ingredients, preparing the food and setting up the space, the cost of hiring a catering company is often more economical than going it alone. Throw in the added benefit of enjoying your guests instead of constantly having to make sure things are running smoothly and catering, even for small groups, makes even more sense.

How should someone decide what to make themselves versus use a caterer for?

It does depend on the type of gathering you are planning. If you are interested in doing a small, at – home gathering for a few friends and you are interested in contributing, then having a caterer come in and take care of the main dishes would be a good option and the host/ess can contribute some side dishes and/or sweets that are easily prepared in advance. If, however, you are planning a more formal gathering with a larger crowd, then I recommend having the entire event catered.

Can catering be affordable?

Yes! The key is to find a caterer that is able to work within your budget. At Foodeze, for example, we take great measures to create custom menus to fit any price point.   When putting together a menu, I always make sure to include a few pricier items that will truly wow your guests and then fill in with other selections that are still very tasty, but more economical.

What are the advantages of using a caterer as opposed to making food yourself?

The main advantage is a reduced stress level and having the time to enjoy your company as opposed to worrying about all the small details.  This is especially true when hosting larger gatherings.

Do you have any suggestions for people who have difficulty choosing a menu?

First, I suggest that you select items that you enjoy.  As much as you are trying to satisfy and entertain your guests, you also want to make sure that you are pleasing yourself.   Choose one or two items to start with, and then ask your caterer for suggestions that would compliment your choices.

YuDu would like to thank Casey Crites of Foodeze Catering for serving as the resource for this article. Check out their website or email Casey at casey@foodezecatering.com for more information.

To some people, the idea of redecorating the living room or remodeling their kitchen gets their creative juices flowing with the thousands of possibilities that the space could take on.  For the rest of us, these types of projects can be overwhelming because of all the choices that exist or because we lack the vision needed to picture the end result.  Perhaps you have a particular style you like but don’t know how to implement the look in a cost-effective or practical way, or maybe you just don’t have the time to spend scouring the stores and internet in search of the perfect pieces to complete the room.  Regardless of your design dilemma, it might make sense to bring in an interior design professional.  A professional can use their vast resources and experience to ensure you explore all of the options (and stay within budget!) so that you end up with a room you love for years to come.  Need help deciding whether to approach an interior designer in the first place?  Read on for some great advice on when to seek the help of a professional.

1. What kind of redecorating projects should someone tackle on their own and which are best left to a professional?

Any type of project that requires interior architecture, built-ins, and other fixed elements are best left to an interior designer.  A good example would be rooms like kitchens and baths that require a lot of design features.  Those rooms require cabinetry, wall coverings, fixtures, and countertops that once chosen are not easily changed like an accent pillow or lamp.  A design professional can help make these kinds of selections so that everything falls into place seamlessly without a less than satisfied outcome.  An interior designer is able to see the individual elements together as a whole; how they will relate and coordinate with other aspects in the room, which is often hard for people to visualize.

Projects that present a difficult design solution are also best left to a professional.  If someone is stuck or confused on how to decorate a space due to strange architectural details, a multipurpose space that needs to be utilized in the most functional way, or there are certain elements already established that are making it difficult to find a solution, an interior designer is a good person to bring in for help.  It’s a challenge, but a fun one, when a designer has multiple variables and goals to accomplish in a design project.  It is our job to take all requests and requirements into account and make them a reality.

2. What information or ideas should people have with them when they first sit down with an interior designer?

Explain what type of project it is, i.e. kitchen or bath renovation, updating a bedroom, or redecorating the first floor of the house.  There are three key points that a potential client should be ready to discuss with an interior designer.

First, explain what activities need to take place in the space, how the space needs to function, and who will use the space once completed.

Second, give an idea of the overall feel and look desired in end.  What type of design style, color scheme, and existing pieces are to be reused in the space?

Third, be thinking of a budget that you are comfortable with.  It can be hard to estimate exactly what a project will cost, but it’s helpful tostart out with a ballpark figure.  Evaluate the amount you would like to spend and be upfront from the beginning.  An interior designer can help determine if the project is feasible due to the budget and if not give ideas and solutions for ways to make it happen.

3. How can someone be sure they are selecting an interior designer that they will work well with and that will carry out their vision? (i.e. what questions should they ask when interviewing)

Do your research.  Ask for referrals.  Once you have a few in mind, check out a designers website, look at their portfolio and type of work, and see if they are listed in any local design magazines.

You want to find a designer that meshes will with your personality.  The interview is not just a time for you to learn about their expertise, but also a time to feel them out and see if they work well with you.

Some questions to ask are:

Is the project doable with the allotted space?

How long will it take to complete the project?

What is the next step after our initial consultation?

4. I have a small decorating budget, should I even consider getting the help of an interior designer?  Is there such thing as too small a project?

Yes, you should consider using an interior designer even if your budget is small.  At Ink Interiors no project is too small or too big.  Many people think that hiring a designer is going to cost more because of design fees, but if you are upfront with a designer from the start, they should be able to accommodate your budget.  Interior Design fees are different among designers, so where one might be to high for a small, price conscious budget, another may be able to do it because of a different fee structure.

An interior designer can help facilitate a small budget because we know where to best source furnishings and fixtures.  Our wealth of knowledge and abundant resources can help guide a client to get the best bang for their buck.

5. How do you tell an interior designer you don’t like what they’ve picked out for you without hurting their feelings?

You just have to be up front.  Interior Designers try really hard to get to know the client and their personal taste.  We want the space to reflect the client when finished, not the interior designer.  There are instances, however, when a client may not like something simply because they don’t, and the designer has no way of really knowing.  If this is the case, speak up.  It’s your space and you should love every part of it.

It’s important to let a designer know if you do not like something, but also important to listen as to why they selected it. It might play a big roll on the overall look of the space.  If it’s something you really don’t like, then it should be replaced, but often times once the designer gives an explanation it might make more sense.

6. If I don’t have a whole room or house to re-do does it make sense to consult an interior designer?  What if I only need a few pieces of furniture spread across several different rooms in the house?

Not all design projects have to include decorating an entire house.  Addressing one room or space at a time is perfectly doable.  If you want a professional opinion and someone with a trained eye, then you should consider consulting an interior designer.  No project is too small or insignificant.

YuDu would like to thank Jesse Phipps of ink Architecture LLC for serving as the resource for this article.  For more information, visit their website or call 843.882.7810.

Ok, I hope by now you’ve realized the many advantages of delegating and have an idea of what tasks in general you could use help with.  Now it is time to put pen to paper and figure out when delegation makes the most sense for you.

To determine when delegation will be most useful, ask yourself the following questions:

• Is this a task that will recur, in a similar form, in the future?
• Is this a task that someone else can do, or is it critical that you do it yourself?
• Does the task provide an opportunity to grow and develop another person’s skills?
• Do you have enough time to delegate the job effectively? Time must be available for adequate training, for questions and answers, and opportunities to check progress.

If you answered “yes” to several of the above questions, then you should consider delegating the task.  If cost is the concern, calculate your hourly value. This is a little easier if you are running your own business and charge by the hour.  If you don’t have an hourly rate, take what you would like your annual salary to be and divide it by 261 working days (accounting for vacation and weekends), then divide by 8.  Then consider not only how much you would have to pay someone to do the job, but how long it would take you to do it and whether or not you would enjoy the work at all.  All of these factors are valid considerations when deciding whether to outsource to someone else.  If the holdup is your belief that it will take you longer to explain it to someone than to do it yourself, start by delegating recurring projects or tasks so that you can justify the upfront “cost” of your time.

The purpose of the above exercise is to help you overcome your initial fears surrounding delegating.  Outsourcing tasks that you are “perfectly capable of doing yourself” is hard.  It is important to accept that you have time limitations and both strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes.  Delegation can be liberating, but you have to learn to step back and let others help you.  Use your new-found time and energy to focus on the parts of your life or business you enjoy most and bring the most value to.

What aspects of a financial strategy make sense for people to handle themselves?

At the ground level, it’s a good idea to have a handle on your budget and overall cash flow— you should be aware of where your money is coming from and where it’s going. An advisor will be able to provide some worksheets and materials to facilitate this process, and an excellent (and free!) online resource is www.mint.com. From a big picture perspective, it’s great to see people that have taken the time to understand their core values and unique life goals. When it’s time to consult a professional, being able to effectively articulate what’s important and why will help determine and validate the best course of action going forward.

When (at what age or at what point in their careers) should people start thinking about their retirement?

As soon as possible with conditions. Even if you’re just getting started or don’t have much contribute, the power of tax deferred gains and compounding interest over time is significant. Unfortunately, we’re at a point where the consumer is becoming more responsible for their retirement income and long-term health care expenses; therefore, the earlier you take action the better. The conditions are primarily a function of priority as it relates to developing a financial strategy. In short, this process addresses the “controllables” in this order: cash flow, risk management, accumulation, and distribution. If you are maxing out your 401K at work but don’t have an adequate emergency fund in place and something comes up (assuming you’re younger than 59 ½), you’ll either be forced to take an early distribution from the 401K with a 10% penalty on top of the income tax or put it on plastic; neither of which are a good option. Shifting gears to risk management, in real-world situations and case studies it’s not uncommon to see people effectively plan for retirement but fail to properly mitigate the risk of a premature death or loss of income during the accumulation years.

The next most important question beyond ‘when?’ is ‘which one?’ It’s imperative to know the differences and opportunities associated with the different qualified plans such as a 401K / 403B, Roth IRA, Traditional IRA, SEP, SIMPLE, etc. One of the hottest topics currently is the taxation of future distributions from qualified plans. Although the future tax environment is unknown, having a strategy that can hedge your exposure to income tax down the road is key.

What are the benefits of using a financial advisor versus trying to manage your money yourself?

If managing your own finances without assistance interrupts time with loved ones and the things that are most important, think about seeking the assistance of a financial professional and get back to what matters. Educating yourself is a great thing and if you’re selective, there are great websites, books, and speakers that can be a valuable resource. That being said, most mistakes are made in the lack of execution, practical application of suitable products and holdings, and not building a customized strategy that meets your specific needs. Last but certainly not least, most people have a certain bias towards their own personal situations and their finances are no different. Finding an independent advisor or firm with the proper designations and team of specialists who provide advice tailored to your situation will simultaneously help allow you the time and lifestyle you desire while increasing your probability of success.

What is the value of a full service broker versus using a discount online trading platform?

Many of the online platforms have come a long way with technology, research capabilities, and operational integrity; seldom does ‘discount’ mean ‘less sophisticated’. The E*Trades of the world have provided the general consumer the opportunity to get more involved with their research and trading which is a great thing. It goes without saying that a professional broker brings value to the table and may have access to holdings or knowledge that you and I may not; this all comes at a price of course. Try not to think in terms of ‘this is too expensive’, but rather ‘am I getting what I’m paying for?’ If the answer is no, that means it’s too expensive.

Is there a minimum amount of money that someone should have before they consider using a financial advisor or planner?

Certain advisors, institutions, money managers, and platforms do have a minimum account value associated with participation for various reasons. There are many advisors that do not have a minimum requirement or operate on a fee-based or fee-only agreement as well. I would recommend seeking independent and professional guidance for which one works best for your particular needs and why. People come in and out of money on a daily basis and the proverbial ‘market’ is beyond our control. Find a professional that understands your unique life goals and shares similar values, and you will create a relevant relationship that has little to do with numbers and everything to do with parity.

YuDu would like to thank Jon Carroll, financial advisor with Commonwealth Financial Group, for serving as the resource for this article. For more information, visit www.commonwealthfg.com or drop Jon email at Jon.Carroll@commonwealthfg.com.

Registered Representative and Investment Advisory Representative.  Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Securian Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Commonwealth Financial Group is independently owned and operated.  Neither Securian Financial Services, Inc. nor Commonwealth Financial Group are affiliated with YuDu, or the other companies listed on this site.  DOFU 4/29/11 316183

The responsibility for overseeing one’s financial situation and making financial decisions cannot be delegated to a Financial Advisor.  A Financial Advisor can work with a client to educate them on financial matters, and help them make quality financial decisions, but those financial decisions must be made by the client. This information should not be considered as tax advice.  You should consult your tax advisor concerning your own tax situation.

Despite the obvious benefits of good bookkeeping, if the thought of torture is more appealing to you, you should consider yourself the perfect candidate for delegating this task to a professional!  Even if you are a whiz with numbers, bookkeeping is a time-consuming task that requires diligent, error-proof attention, which, quite frankly, most small business owners have little of to spare. While you don’t have to outsource all aspects of your company’s bookkeeping, it makes sense to weigh the pros and cons of keeping some or all of it in-house versus seeking the help of a professional. Read on for some great tips on bookkeeping from the professionals at Gage Bookkeeping.

What advice do you have for small business owners attempting to do their own bookkeeping?

First things first—take a basic bookkeeping course. It also makes sense to have a professional bookkeeper come in and determine what your bookkeeping needs are. The bookkeeper can then set up your bookkeeping system based on the specific needs of your business and train you or a staff member on the bookkeeping system. The hardest part is dedicating time to bookkeeping on a regular basis. Be sure to block time daily or weekly to post every financial transaction your company performs in your bookkeeping system.

What are the benefits of outsourcing to a professional bookkeeper?

There are many advantages to outsourcing bookkeeping aside from saving your sanity! It can help you save money. You pay a trained professional who provides accurate financial data for only the services you need. You save on full time salaries, benefits and accounting fees. It also allows you to keep your focus—as a business owner, you know your business best, and building your business should be your top priority. Ever wonder why you are not making a profit? Having your books in order allows you to clearly see where improvement is needed, which can help improve cash flow. There may come a time come when you need a loan, and it’s crucial to have accurate financial data. Filing taxes is a breeze when you have a bookkeeper maintain your books year round. It also offers peace of mind—giving you security that you know the financial status of your business at all times and that your records are in order for the bank and IRS.

Can I keep some of the bookkeeping in house and outsource the rest?

Many businesses outsource only a part of their bookkeeping. For the do-it-yourselfer, consider keeping the following as in-house bookkeeping operations: paying bills, invoicing clients, and making deposits. Leave the bank and credit card reconciliations to the bookkeeper, as they will have an objective eye to determine any discrepancies. Request that the bookkeeper generate financial statements to determine your financial position for a given time period (monthly, quarterly, year to date) to help you plan your cash flow.

YuDu would like to thank Deborah Gage from Gage Bookkeeping LLC for serving as the resource for this article. For more information, check out her website at

www.gagebookkeeping.com or email her at dgagebooks@gmail.com.

In terms of deciding what to delegate, you should start by creating a list of what you do everyday. Separate that list into things you do daily, weekly, monthly, and the as needed ones.  Now mark your priorities, and then circle those that truly require YOU (and only you) to do.  Be honest with yourself, and you will have your starting point for what to delegate. I strongly suggest that entrepreneurs delegate bookkeeping, legal, some HR, and some marketing to professionals (unless, of course, this is your business or niche!). Even if you remain hands-on and involved, these are very time-consuming tasks that take your focus away from what you are truly good at and what actually makes you money.  So go ahead, start thinking about what should be the first job you outsource and who the perfect person for the job is.  Use your friends, family and colleagues as a resource to get recommendations for trusted professionals.  Talk to and get quotes from at least 2-3 different people before you decide who to work with.