I don't have experience with the specific product I linked below, but Turncraft makes very good fiberglass reinforced polymer columns that I used for my house. The literature states that they use a UV inhibited vinyl so I wouldn't expect they would yellow, and these are a matte finish so it *should* look less like plastic. I definitely understand your concern as far as looking too much like plastic. I have seen many fake looking vinyl turned columns. Turncraft posts can be found in many places. Around my parts Lowe's and HD carry them as well as the full service lumber yards. I bought my twenty or so Turncraft columns from Pacific Columns(www.pacificcolumns.com). They beat everybody else hands down on price when I bid them out. Here is a link that might be useful: Turncraft PolyClassic Post

In talking to a young couple regarding how to develop a good money management system, I suggested that a good way to start is to keep track of every expenditure, to assist in evaluation. I suggested that they set up a page, probably in a loose-leaf binder, to deal with their cash operation, with date, description, and three (possibly 4) columns, with one for individual expenses, (possibly a second to add several expenditures). One column for cash income as withdrawn from bank account, or other source, etc., and a column at the right for keeping track of balance. It's important to check amount in wallet against recorded balance on hand frequently at the start, as often there appears to be more cash reported in record book than wallet ... as one (or more) expenditures had not been entered. I was informed that they didn't do much cash business, but dealt extensively with debit card. I was going to suggest later that they set up several columns to the right, to break out the expenditures into the various types, with a column for each. How to deal with the debit card transactions? I thought that it might be wise to enter each transaction, either as it happens (which I thought preferable), or as they get their monthly report from the bank relating to date and description, but not into the cash columns, as it was directly paid from the bank. To record each transaction only in the columns related to category. But - many pay bills also by cheque and by credit card. The reason for the cash columns is to ensure that every transaction is accounted for, but this is not an issue with the debit card transactions, for they show up totally in the bank report. Then when the bank report comes in, ensure that each transaction that you made is entered, and checked with the bank report, entering any that hadn't been earlier. That way, each of those two types of expenditure shows on the detailed page. I suggested that they keep a report of their bank account transactions on the back of last month's record, on the page to the left. The cheque register would show the various expenditures during the month on the full financial report of expenditures and would be entered either as they were written, or, I thought preferably, after the cash transactions for the month (possibly including the debit card activities, as well), had been finished. Then, one gets a report from one's credit card transactions and each transaction would be entered in the various relevant categories. As many report that Quicken is easy to use, and quite comprehensive, I'm quite sure that it'll have an easy way to deal with the debit card transactions. ole joyful

Nicole -- I'm with revamp -- there is no equity to tap into in the house I live in. I think Dave Ramsey is great -- actually, he's a friend of the family and a super nice guy. I would love to be debt free - unfortunately, the last 3 years have been one financial disaster after another (divorce, ex basically stealing $30K, car catching on fire and totalled, 3 months out of work, medical bills, and the 'evil' house). Realize that the debt I have now is directly connected to the money I have put into the 'evil' house. I have pretty much decided the only thing I can do is give the house back to the bank. It is probably not the MOST responsible thing, but I am not willing to lose everything I have (including the home I live in) for the 'evil' house. The foundation issue is the last straw for me. I am going to focus on repaying the money I owe because of the retaining wall and my other debt. Right or wrong, I guess I am justifying giving it back because I feel like I have done everything I can to get the house in shape and sell it. I made mistakes, but I really felt like what I was doing was the right thing. I am giving the bank a house I put $50K into that I will never get back. Ultimately, I hope that the guilt of defaulting on the loan will be overshadowed by the relief of not having the financial and emotional pressure of owning two homes and being a landlord. Revamp -- thanks again for the sympathy. I hope you are able to sell your 'evil' house soon!

Hi Everyone, I hope this post finds you all well. - The reason I'm reaching out is that I'll be painting my parents home here in a few weeks and am seeking some guidance/recommendations regarding their siding material. I'm not sure as to the specific name for this stuff, but I do know that it is very old asbestos shingle. I've attached some pictures to better depict what I'm dealing with, but for the most part they are intact and clean, aside from some areas with a mild degradation of the exterior paint and some spider crap/gunk. I'm aware that this stuff is fairly easy when it comes to taking paint, and this is great considering I'd rather not disturb the tile by removing it, nor want to undergo the massive safety project it might require to remove asbestos tile. So, my few questions are as follows: 1) Regrading prep: I've seen a few recommendations tossed around... some say pressure washer on the lowest setting, others say a long scrub brush with some green soap cleaner... any thoughts here? Is it necessary to hit every inch of shingle coverage, or simply just the areas that look dirty? I take it there's no real scraping to be done to the shingles themselves either? 2) Re: Priming.... I've also seen recommendations out there for both priming and NOT to prime given the nature of the material taking a good coat. - I would assume not priming is risky, but just wanted to hear everyone out on this front as well. 3) I've read that acrylic based paint is the best finish here, is this correct? Just looking for some insight by folks who've tackled a project like this before, with best results and speed in mind, as always! Again, pictures below, and I really do appreciate any help whatsoever ya'll might offer. Thanks so much!!