General Contracting Stint #4

One of my career options is to do house flipping or building. This is my fourth general contracting stint (#1 Bathroom #2 Kitchen #3 Attic). Here's my days work on the patio conversion that I'm currently working on. Exterior was done last week by someone I hired. My husband and I finished the demo and I installed the fiberglass insulation. Drywall will be done tomorrow. I will do the trim carpentry, painting and possibly the hardwood floor installation. Nothing like on-the-job training and a friend with skills and tools that he's willing to share.

Count Down to WIN 1st Mtg

I attended an 'investment' seminar (along with 7 seniors) at the Wellesley Library. Now I know how to find all the research materials that my tax dollars already pay for. Finding the time to research stocks, funds and ETFs is hard enough - doing it at the library will be even harder so we'll see what I end up utilizing there. I think my favorite resource presented was the online 'Morningstar Investment Research Center'. I'll probably go back in March to get an in depth training on it since it can compare two or more stocks, funds or EFTs to see how they can work together in a portfolio.

I already have a Scottrade Account online - I think I'll finally buy my first investments after the WIN meeting (January 26th).

Dreaming about Building

The investment book I'm currently reading recommends real estate or a business if you want to get a better return than the stock market. Say no more! Now I'm dreaming about building a house. I met with my friend/realtor to go over potential lots and comps for completed houses. I've spoken to a bank and am researching modulars. I'd like to be the General Contractor which means that I need to get a license first. I see this as something that would be better when Cooper is in school because I'd like to do the finish carpentry and painting myself to get some sweat equity. Of all the options for me - this one excites me the most.