The spokesperson is just an actor- period
Not only is Fred Thompson a spokesperson for the RM but Henry Winkler (The Fonz from Happy Days), Robert Wagner and James Garner, too- all actors. My guess is they were chosen because those eligible to do a RM (age 62+) would somehow trust them because we grew up watching them on TV. Same went for Dennis Weaver doing Ameriprise Financial commercials. None of them are financial experts-just actors.
My advice (and I do have financial experience) is to make a wish list of what needs to be done and what you "desire" to be done. Be honest in making those lists. If your needs list is much larger than your wallet, I would ask that you spread out the work. Cut eating out, runs to the store without lists, etc. Get at least 3 quotes for all the jobs. Let each of them know that you are looking at other contractors. Make sure they quote you on the same job, materials, and timeline so you are comparing apples to apples. Then if you truly need these things done at once, get a home equity loan. Shop for that too. Go to your "local" bank as well as the big ones too. Ask questions and understand the loan. And finally don't borrow more money than you need. Good luck!
Last edited by AUQuilter; 11-20-2013 at 11:33 AM.