“How much can I get pre-approved for?” is almost always a loaded question. The answer depends on a variety of factors, including your financial goals. If your goal is to pay off your home quickly, perhaps a 15-year loan is what you want. Making the same payments on a 30-year loan will allow you to borrow more money, and therefore buy more house.

The real question is not, “How much money can you approve me for?” You should be asking, “What payment am I comfortable with?” As a loan officer, I can frequently pre-approve you for a higher payment than you are comfortable with.

After a home or business fire, the first priority is to account for the safety and well-being of those in and around the structure. Once that job is complete, peoples’ thoughts often turn to the work of cleanup and restoration that lies ahead.

When an insurance agent or adjuster receives notification of a fire and smoke loss, sharing a few simple damage mitigation steps with policy holders can be a terrific benefit. While these tips are not designed to complete the entire job, they are useful, safe and psychologically empowering steps a home or business owner can take to safeguard their property while restoration professionals are en route.

The Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center is strengthening ties with the Lake County business community by making a business adviser available at the Hammond INnovation Center.

Business adviser Bill Gregory will be on hand from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. the first and third Mondays of the month at the Center, 5209 Hohman Ave. To meet with Gregory, visit www.nwisbdc.org, fill out a business assessment and call (219) 644-3513 to schedule an appointment.

“He who hesitates is lost.” I first heard that phrase from my 9th grade track coach as I was practicing the high hurdles. Low hurdles were easy, but this was a new venture for me. As I approached the first hurdle with trepidation, I pulled back at the last moment…with disastrous results!

So it is with financial decisions, such as purchasing a home or refinancing your current mortgage. What are some reasons potential homebuyers and current homeowners hesitate?

On Saturday, May 12, Kennedy Mazda held a car show for its Kennedy Mazda Miata Club at their Valparaiso location.

The event saw over 40 participants on a beautiful Saturday, with Miata Club member Tim Miller winning “Best in Show” with his 1999 Sapphire Blue Miata.

Anthony Kuk has joined the Ports of Indiana as port director for the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor located in Portage, Ind. Kuk (pronounced "Cook") has been serving as general manager for Nexeo Solutions' Midwest operations, based in Chicago. Kuk will replace Peter Laman, who is planning to move back to his hometown in Michigan after a transition period. Kuk will start May 14.

"We're sorry to see Pete leave us but we're very pleased to have someone of Anthony's caliber to lead our efforts on the Great Lakes," said Rich Cooper, CEO for the Ports of Indiana. "Anthony's operational management and global logistics experience with a major industrial company make him a great fit for this role. We greatly appreciate everything Pete has done for the port in the last four years and we wish him the very best."