Q: I’ve heard I need to use a mortgage calculator to help determine whether I will qualify for a loan. Is this true; and how does it work?

A: A mortgage calculator helps homeowners assess what kind of home loan they can afford. To meet lender requirements, you’ll need to demonstrate that you have the financial ability to make your monthly payments. This helpful automated tool allows you to figure out what kind of loan fits within your budget and whether you can expect problems when you apply for a loan. This tool also helps potential buyers stay out of trouble by helping them avoid loans that may put them in financial peril further down the line.

You can use the following loan calculator to help asses what type of home you can afford.

	Purchase price: $ Down payment: % Mortgage term: years Interest rate: % Property tax: $ per year Property insurance: $ per year PMI: % First payment date: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Amortization: show by year show by month © Mortgage Calculator Loan amount: $ Loan term: years Interest rate: % First payment date: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Amortization: show by year show by month © Loan Calculator

By Nathaniel Hutchinson
Financial Expert

Q: I’ve done a lot of online research, and I keep coming across talk of an Ab Circle pro scam. I’m having trouble losing weight around my stomach and was hoping this product might yield results. What should I believe?

A: There are a lot of products that claim to be able to provide targeted weight loss; however, almost all of these prove ineffective. To lose weight around your stomach, you need to create a caloric deficit by exercising and eating less. No type of crunching or twisting exercise will cause the body to burn fat around the midsection; that’s simply not how the body works.

Indeed, there are a lot of online complaints regarding an Ab Circle pro scam; however, the manufacturer clearly states that the machine is meant to be a part of a routine based on regular aerobic exercise and a reduced-calorie diet. In reality, the latter two strategies will work fine without the machine, which many users have associated with painful knee and back injuries.

If you want to learn safe, effective ways to trim your waistline, read this article explaining how to lose belly fat quickly. Avoid potentially dangerous diet drugs, such as Lipo6 and HydroxyCut, as well as fad workout contraptions that are more likely to cause boredom and injuries than anything else.

To achieve your goal, you need to adopt a lifestyle centered on regular exercise and proper eating habits that will speed your body’s metabolism and promote a leaner physique and better overall health.

Although the Ab Circle pro scam may be fictional, there a lot of complaints about the product, with many claiming injuries and others describing cheap parts that wear prematurely. In the end, you don’t need to spend your money on any type of abdominal exerciser; instead, engage in aerobic activities, such as jogging, jumping rope or low-impact exercises that get your heart pumping. This will create a caloric deficit and speed your metabolism – the two fundamental keys stimulating fat loss anywhere on your body.

Paul A. Achoa is a health and fitness expert and not a licensed physician.

By Paul A. Achoa
Health & Fitness Expert

Q: I heard that Kate Middleton ate a special diet called the Dukan Diet attack phase to help her fit into her wedding dress. What is this plan and could it work for me?

A: You are referring to a single portion of a greater dieting plan invented by a French physician. Although an important part of this eating strategy, this phase is not intended to be used alone as a way to meet weight loss goals.

The Dukan Diet attack phase is the first of a four-part program aimed at changing the way people eat. During this stage, dieters eat only oat bran and protein-rich meats, while drinking plenty of water. After five weeks, this phase ends, and dieters are supposed to then move on to the next phase.

During the second and third phases, dieters keep eating lean-protein, water and oat bran, but also slowly introduce certain types of vegetables and more varieties of whole grain foods. Once they’ve pushed past the first three phases, dieters are instructed to eat from an allowed food list for the rest of their lives.

Although the attack phase may result in rapid weight loss, it isn’t necessarily a healthy way to eat and should be limited in duration and supported with the final three stages of the Dukan Diet.

Paul A. Achoa is a health and fitness expert and not a licensed physician.

By Paul A. Achoa
Health & Fitness Expert

Q: I’ve heard about a fancy new menu Kate Middleton supposedly used to fit into her wedding dress. What is it, and will it work for me?

A: You’re referring to the Dukan Diet food list, a menu created by a French physician to go along with an eating strategy meant to change dietary habits and promote weight loss. Although this menu is designed to encourage healthy habits and promote healthy body fat ratios, it’s not meant to be used alone.

In addition to the menu, dieters are required to go through three preliminary stages of eating. In the initial Dukan Diet attack phase, dieters eat only lean meats, water and oat bran. During the second and third phases, they start eating specific fruits, vegetables and other types of whole grain foods. Finally, once they enter the fourth phase, dieters are allowed to eat pretty much anything as long as it’s found on this Dukan Diet allowed food list.

Remember that, although this weight loss strategy has proved successful for many people, it is predicated on strict adherence to the program. If you choose to stray from the plan, you aren’t likely to successfully reach your dieting goals.

Additionally, you shouldn’t begin eating from the Dukan Diet food list until you’ve met all the requirements of the first three phases; otherwise, you are likely to have limited success that will ultimately lead you to quit too soon. You should also commit to a regular exercise program that includes cardiovascular workouts or consistent walking, depending on your age and physical abilities. Finally, you should always meet with a physician to have your health checked before you adopt any type of new exercise or dieting plan.

Paul A. Achoa is a health and fitness expert and not a licensed physician.

By Paul A. Achoa
Health & Fitness Expert

Q: Not that I’m interested in being one, but I’ve always been fascinated with cannibals. In some cultures, cannibalism is common; however, I never have heard anyone comment on the flavor. What does human flesh taste like? Is there any way to know for sure without trying some yourself?

A: While not as common as it used to be, cannibalism appears throughout history in multiple cultures around the world. Although many explorers have visited these cultures, few have participated in their man eating customs.

However, there was one famous journalist from the New York Times who actually did participate in the West African Guere tribe’s custom of eating human meat. In the early 1900s, William Buehler Seabrook visited Guere tribe to research a story. According to Seabrook, he asked a chief what man meat tasted like; however, he wasn’t able to attain a straight answer.

Ultimately, Seabrook agreed to sample the cooked flesh of a man who’d recently fell victim to an accident. Later, he recounted the experience in his book, Jungle Ways, writing that the flavor was most similar to veal, though the texture was a bit tougher.

Although other reports have compared the human flesh taste to sour pork, experts have suggested that the actual flavor is dependent on the individual’s diet and lifestyle, as well as the particular cut of meat. According to Seabrook, he sampled roasted loin and rump steak during his time with the Guere tribe.

By Ronald J. Bushwell
Historical Expert

Q: I’ve heard the phrase frequently, and I know it has something to do with Republicans; but what is the GOP?

A: The acronym you refer to stands for “Grand Old Party.” It is a nickname associated with the Republican Party.

Originally, GOP stood for “Gallant Old Party.” Abraham Lincoln, the first Republican president, helped earn this nickname when the party was still relatively new. Many gave the Republican Party significant credit for helping to win the Civil War, though this isn’t universally accepted as truth.

At the time, Republicans who were already fixed within the Federal Government began using the term “Gallant Old Party,” which was ultimately shortened to GOP, which subsequently became known as a shortened version of the term, “Grand Old Party.”

What is the GOP symbol?

The Republican Party is also known for having an elephant as its representative symbol. The origin of this dates back to 1874, when Thomas Nast, a political cartoonist for Harper’s Weekly, crafted a cartoon depicting a donkey in a lion costume frightening other animals at the zoo. One of the frightened animals was an elephant wearing the label, “The Republican Vote.” Ultimately, this cartoon had the power to impress this image on voters’ minds, and the elephant has continued to represent the Republican Party ever since.

By Ronald J. Bushwell
Political Expert

Q: I want to turn my basement into an office and gym. Unfortunately, I don’t have the money to refinish it with hardwood or tile. What type of concrete floor coatings are available, and which one would be best suited for this type of project?

A: There are a variety of products well-suited for this type of project. If you were only going to turn the basement into an office, a simple acrylic floor paint would work well. On the other hand, if you’re thinking of using part of the basement as a gym, paint may not be durable enough to endure dings from heavy weights. In this case, you could apply a durable epoxy coating. This type of finish is perfect for floors forced to endure a lot of abrasion, a big reason why people apply them to garage floors.

The only problem with both of the above indoor decorative concrete floor coatings is that you must employ specific preparation strategies to get them to stick. New finishes won’t adhere unless the floor is roughened with an acid etch. Typically, contractors use a muriatic acid etching solution for this task; however, this process is fraught with danger. There are some milder, citric-based solutions available; however, I’m not sure how effective they are.

If you don’t want to deal with all of the preparation hassles, you can apply an acid stain. Just be sure to seal the finish with a solvent-based poly, or you may ultimately end up with patches of fading.

Jim Dugan has over 20-years of experience as a professional contractor.

By Jim Dugan
Home Improvement Expert

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Q: The rails around my pool are ugly and showing rust. I’ve searched but haven’t been able to find a finish specifically intended for these types of rails. What is the best pool railing paint, and where can I get it?

A: I don’t know of any finish specifically designed for this purpose; however, if you’re looking for a pool railing paint, you don’t have to go any further than your local home improvement or paint store. An enamel will work just fine for this, as long as it’s specifically formulated to resist the corrosive effects of chlorine.

If you’re planning to paint your actual swimming pool or the surrounding deck and walkway, you have to use a finish specifically made for this purpose, such as Deck Kote pool paint or a similar product that will hold up against chemicals and abrasion. This isn’t as critical on rails, which tend to support any sort of durable oil-based enamel.

Just remember, if the swimming pool rails are metallic and showing rust, you must seal the oxidation or it will make its way through the paint. Apply an iron-oxide primer before adding your first coat of pool railing paint. I’d also recommend scrubbing the rails with a degreasing cleanser to ensure that adhesion problems do not occur.

On the other hand, if the rails are wood, you can use an acrylic primer and a durable water-based acrylic pool paint.

Jim Dugan has over 20-years of experience as a professional contractor.

By Jim Dugan
Home Improvement Expert

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Chat with Jim Dugan Now!

Q: My friend says she’s lost a ton of weight stepping, and I’d like to follow her lead. Is losing weight with a stepper a fast diet plan, or will it take a long time for me to see results?

A: Stepping is a great way to drop unwanted pounds; however, you aren’t likely to lose weight fast or at least not any faster than you would jogging or running. Though highly effective at burning calories, stepping isn’t going to provide quicker results than any other aerobic activity will. On the other hand, if you enjoy this type of exercise, you may be less prone to quitting.

To effectively lose weight using a stepper, try exercising in intense intervals with short breaks in between. This has proved effect in many studies, because it is thought to shock the body and prevent it from easily adapting.

For best results, do a single set of step-ups as quickly as you can for about one minute. Then, rest for 15 seconds and repeat the process. You can change it up according to your individual needs and fitness level. Just be sure to get a thorough physical before beginning any new workout routine and couple your stepping exercises with a sensible, high-fiber diet.

Paul A. Achoa is a health and fitness expert and not a licensed physician.

By Paul A. Achoa
Health & Fitness Expert

Q: Years ago, I had some unavoidable financial problems that put me way behind on bills. Since then, I’ve worked hard to repair my financial reputation and am now planning to buy a house. Unfortunately, I’m only a waitress and am worried that the lendor will look down on this. Does my job affect my credit score, or will this not matter in the eyes of the underwriter?

A: Your job does not affect your credit score; however, the opposite can be true. Many employers consider a good credit score rating as a sign of responsibility, and some refuse to hire people with subpar credit histories.

In your case, you don’t have to worry about your job affecting your credit rating; however, since waitresses don’t usually make a lot of money, the underwriter may determine that you can’t afford a mortgage loan. On the other hand, if you are married or qualify for a low-income government loan, your credit score and income levels may not be that important.

In the end, the lender will consider your job to see if you can afford the monthly mortgage payments. The fact that you are a waitress will not affect your actual credit rating, but it could torpedo the loan, especially if you haven;t reported all of your tips throughout the year.

By Nathaniel Hutchinson
Financial Expert