Articles written by John F Mann - Page 3

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About me - John F Mann

Resisting unfairly strong urge to oH~pen with sarcastic (ironic?) "obit"......*sigh*.......say La Vee.

Though I write.....rather quixotically at times......I have not (yet) announced myself as a fuLL bLown writer.

Starting at what was very nearly "The End",

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Home & Garden > Home Repair (Other) How to repair roof trusses: 1 of 1
Prefabricated wood roof trusses have been used in the US for more than 30 years in house construction. Builders often use trusses to reduce costs compared to site-framed roof framing. After the house is built, roof trusses are often modified when home owners and contractors make alterations. Many such modifications are not m... More..
Personal Finance > Retirement How Social Security benefits are calculated: 1 of 1
Calculation of Social Security is based on standard procedures that anyone with some grasp of basic math can understand. However, Social Security regulations must be applied correctly. You can obtain a good understanding of how benefits are calculated by reading information provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA... More..
Home & Garden > Home & Garden (Other) Roof framing: Design to resist wind: 1 of 1
The vast majority of home buyers have a basic understanding that roof framing (rafters, joists and supporting beams) must resist downward force from the weight of building materials, persons walking on the roof and snow if applicable. Often not understood (even in areas where hurricanes occur) is that roof framing must also ... More..
Home & Garden > Home & Garden (Other) Safe removal of columns in a basement: 1 of 1
Removing one or more columns in a basement requires careful evaluation, especially for a two-story house. Guidelines below provide basic information for initial planning. However, home owners should consult with a qualified professional engineer to perform a complete evaluation. If the project is to move forward, the enginee... More..
Personal Finance > Retirement Tips for understanding your Social Security benefit statement: 1 of 1
By law, the Social Security Administration (SSA) must send a statement of estimated benefits to every worker, age 25 or older, that has a Social Security Number (SSN) and is not receiving benefits on their own record. Your statement (officially termed Social Security Statement) should be mailed three months before your birth... More..
Business > Small & Home Business The impact of Social Security reform on small businesses: 1 of 1
Understanding Social Security taxes and regulations is important for small business. Keeping track of changes is necessary to ensure your business complies with the law. Basic Requirements The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers the Social Security program. Basic requirements are as follows; 1. Ensure that each ... More..
Home & Garden > Home Repair (Other) How to fix sloping floors: 4 of 7
House floors are very often not level, especially in houses more than 40 years old. Before any attempts to "fix" the floor are made, the following two basic issues must be addressed; 1- Any structural damage to floor framing members or supporting elements 2- Whether the floor, or any part of the floor, can be leveled at an a... More..
Business > Business Strategy The weak economy and investing in the education industry: 2 of 3
As the economy slows and unemployment increases, companies that provide continuing education often do well. Unemployed workers seek to upgrade their skills for new jobs. Many employed workers tend to take courses as a way to fend off a layoff by moving up in the company or by learning new skills to be prepared in the event j... More..
Home & Garden > Landscaping Planning for a raised patio: 3 of 4
For improved durability and appearance compared to a wood deck, home owners often consider a raised patio formed with stone, concrete pavers, brick or concrete. The surface of a raised patio is above the ground (grade). Most often, the patio is at the same elevation as the first floor of the house. Compared to an at-grade pa... More..
Personal Finance > Mortgages & Home Loans Accelerated mortgage payments: Bi-weekly mortgages explained: 5 of 5
The bi-weekly mortgage is best understood as a structured way to save more money for the long term. The money you invest this way earns a rate of return equal to your mortgage rate, which is likely in the range of 5 to 7 percent. Compare this to current (September 2009) money market interest rates, which are generally around... More..