This is the first entry in what I hope will be a discussion forum about topics including the housing market and how it affects regular Joe and Joann; personal credit issues such as REALLY understanding how smart the credit card companies are and what you need to know when considering taking them up on their many offers to make your life easier and how in general to build your personal credit profile to be attractive and ultimately save money because you know how to handle money.

I have been waiting for 5 years to have a tattoo. I want a bald eagle clutching a scroll stamped onto my right arm. The riband will proclaim that I am a "Proud American Made in Canada".

I have had a love affair with the Granite State since I was 4 years old, spending many summer vacations at Hampton Beach.