There is an awful lot of “wisdom” out there, and many people have the tendency to believe that their opinion is as good as anyone else’s. Well, they are often very wrong. One of the biggest proponents of this viewpoint is Jack Kornfield. In his latest book, Man Who Said You Lose Nothing, Kornfield sets out to dispel this myth and establish the facts about opinions:
“One of the saddest aspects of human nature is that we worship what is beautiful and good, while avoiding what is ugly and bad. This tendency causes us to focus on surface appearances and ignore what lies beneath. We are attracted to charm and charisma, but avoid people who are annoying or unpleasant. We are so focused on what is wrong with the person talking to us that we fail to see what is right. This is why we need more people like Dr. Jack Kornfield, who can remind us that we need to look beyond appearances.”
Kornfield is a clinical psychologist and a renowned authority on meditation, who has been practicing meditation for over 40 years. In his practice, he has noticed that people often avoid confronting their problems and feelings. They prefer to hide from the “uncool” people, the problems, and the discomfort that they cause. They may say that they want to remain “unpredictable” or that they “don’t like to show how they feel.” This, in turn, makes them prone to anxiety and depression. One of the most interesting things about Kornfield’s approach, which is based on Buddhist meditation principles, is that it encourages people to look at their behavior and ask themselves why they do the things that they do. It also helps them to become more intimate with their emotions, accept them, and work with them rather than against them. In short, it helps them to cope better with life’s problems.
Kornfield’s goal in Man Who Said You Lose Nothing is to help us all become a bit more “Buddhist.” He wants to encourage people to look for the good in others, to trust their feelings, and to find a way to feel relaxed and at peace, even in the face of anger or fear. So, he has written a book that provides us with a guide to developing and following our own personal philosophies of action and meditation. He shows us how to become more receptive to our innermost thoughts and feelings and how to express them consistently and convincingly, regardless of whether we are acting or speaking. In short, he wants to help us “own’ our minds’ and learn to trust our instincts.” This, in turn, makes us better decision makers and, ultimately, happier individuals. We can gain a lot by reading this book.
The Four Steps to Take Before Applying for a Mortgage
The most important thing to do, if you’re thinking about getting a mortgage, is to prepare yourself to be approved for one. There are several steps that you should follow before you begin filling out the paperwork, as Kornfield outlines in his book. These are:
1. Do Your Homework
One of the first things that you should do, if you’re planning on getting a mortgage, is to do your research. It’s a good idea to visit several different mortgage sites to get a rough sense of what is available. You should look for an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM), as they tend to have the most favorable terms and conditions. If you have a poor credit score, you may need to look into home equity loans, which are commonly offered by credit card companies and banks. However, you should still do your research and determine which type of mortgage is right for you. There are several different types of mortgages out there, and you should find one that suits your needs. For instance, if you’re looking for peace of mind, you may want to consider an adjustable rate mortgage with a fixed rate for five years or more. After that, you would pay a bit more each month, but it would be worth it.
2. Understand The Process
Once you’ve found a suitable mortgage, it’s time to move on to the next step. Before signing any forms, it’s important to understand exactly what is entailed in the process. Most mortgages come with several pages of documentation, which you need to carefully study. You should also consult a lawyer, who can help you wade through the maze of legalities and understand what you’re getting into. If you’re applying for a mortgage in California, for example, you will need to prove that you’re a U.S. Citizen. It’s also important to understand how your credit score will matter throughout the process. You’ll need to have a decent credit score to be approved for a mortgage, so it’s important to work on improving it. This, in turn, may require you to make some significant financial sacrifices, for a short term boost to your credit score. It’s a good idea to meet with a credit counselor to brainstorm and create a plan to raise your score, before you begin applying for a mortgage. They may be able to give you some guidance as to how you can raise your credit score, without harming your financial situation. In the end, you should not be afraid to ask for help, as you will have a team of people supporting you throughout the process. Most importantly, be patient and do your best to follow the rules, as you’ll need to satisfy the bank in order to receive the loan. If you do your research and follow the right steps, you’ll be able to find a mortgage that suits your needs and stays within your budget, for the long term.
3. Look Into Financing Options
Once you’ve been approved for a mortgage, and the dust has settled, it’s time to look for financing options. This is where things can get a bit tricky. The key is to find a lender that suits your needs. If you have any doubts or concerns, it’s a good idea to ask the lender for a formal commitment letter, which states what you’re being asked to pay, and when you’re expected to pay it. Ideally, you’ll want to find a lender that offers in-house mortgages, as they can often negotiate the best rates and terms for you. If you have an excellent credit score and can show that you’re willing to make a significant down payment, you may be able to find a mortgage with no cosigners, which means that you’re the only one responsible for repaying the loan. In-house mortgages can also mean that you’re not required to put down a large down payment and you may be able to finance the rest. In other words, in-house mortgages tend to be very flexible and, for the most part, easy to work with. If you do your research and find an in-house lender that suits your needs, you can rest assured that you’re making the right choice. Working with an in-house lender also means that you can get the best advice and guidance from loan officers who are experienced in this field.
4. Make Sure You’re Insured
One of the most important things that you need to do before you apply for a mortgage, is to make sure that you’re insured. If you’re applying for a mortgage in California, for example, you’ll need to make sure that you’re covered by homeowners insurance. Ideally, you’ll want to have two policies: one that covers the inside of your home, including your appliances and personal property, and one that covers your outdoor recreational area, including your boat (if you own one) and other vehicles. Having more than one policy should not be a problem, as long as you notify your insurance company of any changes in your situation. For instance, if you get a raise or a new job, you’ll need to notify your insurer
As you can see, there are several steps that you need to take before you begin applying for a mortgage. Following these simple guidelines, and doing your research, will put you on the right track to securing the financial future you want.