Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
"Americans have 1.5 billion pairs of unworn shoes lying in their closets." Donate: http://ping.fm/D5QJk
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
One week till the holiday! Have you calculated thawing/roasting times for your bird? http://ping.fm/pgcGO
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Monday, November 16, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Now more than ever - come support our troops downtown, Saturday @ 10am: http://ping.fm/MrF3Z Weather should be glorious for 10th annual!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
RT @DarylDaughtry: Facebook, Twitter users beware: Crooks are a mouse click away - http://ow.ly/viFM
Protect your identity! Everyone needs to use a shredder to process mail. Resources available this week: http://ping.fm/CGRta
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Monday, October 12, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
HUD's New RESPA Rule FAQ's
HUD is requiring that loan originators provide borrowers with a standard Good Faith Estimate that clearly discloses key loan terms and closing costs and that closing agents provide borrowers with a new HUD-1 settlement statement. New RESPA regulations were published November 17, 2008 and are scheduled to take full effect on January 1, 2010. The "New RESPA Rule FAQs" were comprised from industry questions and are posted to facilitate implementation of these new requirements.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Friday, September 4, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Before September 11...
Today, our family joined thousands of others to pay respect to our military at the Welcome Home parade in downtown Colorado Springs.We saw babies, children, adults and seniors joining to support our soldiers, sailors and airmen. We saw a couple of war protestors, but they both carried signs supporting our troops and acted in a respectful manner.
The flyovers were awesome, but I was struck by two things: the diverse group of men and women who protect the freedoms we too often take for granted, and the occasional looks of pride I could detect on their almost stoic countenances when we cheered.
After the parade, we went to a restaurant for lunch. Soon, a man in uniform and his family were seated next to us. As the only gesture we could possibly offer in addition to thanking him for his service, we asked the hostess to use a 20% discount coupon we had for that family's bill without telling them who did it. We felt good about doing a small thing, and it didn't cost us anything.
What can you do to thank a serviceman or woman? Socks and beef jerky are popular for our troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, and you can mail a flat rate box overseas for only $11.95. You can write a letter with your child to a homesick sailor. You can take your dog to visit veterans in a nursing home (ask first, but our yellow Lab is a favorite in Walsenburg).
September 11 is approaching. Won't you please do something to show you haven't forgotten? While you're at it, let your public safety workers know you appreciate them, too.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Good news from Rose Kelly, Licensed Mortgage Planner
Now that the real estate market is beginning to show signs of stabilization, the VA/FHA 3/1 and 5/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgages are becoming more attractive.
3/1 ARM 3.875%* (APR 4.25%)
5/1 ARM 4.25%* (APR 4.625%)
This is how they work, they are fixed for 3 or 5 years at the start rate (3.875% or 4.25%* today), they will adjust annually after the first adjustment.
How much can it increase: maximum 1% annually after the first adjustment, 5% over the life of the loan.
The 3/1 ARM is fixed for 3 years The first adjustment is 11/2012 to a max of 4.875%, and will adjust every year thereafter.
It could adjust to the max of 8.875% by 11/2017
The 5/1 ARM the first adjustment is 11/2014 to a max of 5.25% and will adjust every year thereafter.
It could adjust to the max of 9.25% by 11/2019
What will rates be in 2017 or 2019…your guess is as good as mine. Based on historical data mortgage rates could be at 12% or higher.
3/1 ARM 3.875%* (APR 4.25%)
5/1 ARM 4.25%* (APR 4.625%)
This is how they work, they are fixed for 3 or 5 years at the start rate (3.875% or 4.25%* today), they will adjust annually after the first adjustment.
How much can it increase: maximum 1% annually after the first adjustment, 5% over the life of the loan.
The 3/1 ARM is fixed for 3 years The first adjustment is 11/2012 to a max of 4.875%, and will adjust every year thereafter.
It could adjust to the max of 8.875% by 11/2017
The 5/1 ARM the first adjustment is 11/2014 to a max of 5.25% and will adjust every year thereafter.
It could adjust to the max of 9.25% by 11/2019
What will rates be in 2017 or 2019…your guess is as good as mine. Based on historical data mortgage rates could be at 12% or higher.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
ABC's of Organization
C - contribute. Contribute what you can to worthy causes.
The very stuff that has become a burden to you can be a blessing to someone else.
How many vegetable peelers can you really use at once? If you keep your favorite, and it breaks (although I've never seen that happen), could you purchase a new one in a reasonable period of time for a reasonable price? Of course you could. Get rid of the other two.
Now, apply that principle to your closet; to your garage; to your excess office supplies. Choose a charity and take a trip there today (discards that stay in your home even one week tend to stay forever)! I like to donate to the Salvation Army Family Store two miles from my house. I can drive up, get help unloading, receive a tax receipt for my donation, and even get a discount coupon sometimes for things I actually need in their store. Find something convenient so you won't hesitate to fill a bag regularly.
Be a blessing!
The very stuff that has become a burden to you can be a blessing to someone else.
How many vegetable peelers can you really use at once? If you keep your favorite, and it breaks (although I've never seen that happen), could you purchase a new one in a reasonable period of time for a reasonable price? Of course you could. Get rid of the other two.
Now, apply that principle to your closet; to your garage; to your excess office supplies. Choose a charity and take a trip there today (discards that stay in your home even one week tend to stay forever)! I like to donate to the Salvation Army Family Store two miles from my house. I can drive up, get help unloading, receive a tax receipt for my donation, and even get a discount coupon sometimes for things I actually need in their store. Find something convenient so you won't hesitate to fill a bag regularly.
Be a blessing!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
ABC's of Organization
B - buy. Buy only after careful consideration.
If you had known what you would spend over a decade dry cleaning that sweater in the back of your closet, would you have purchased it? If not, use that knowledge to make better purchases in the future.
Consider the cost of maintaining, cleaning, insuring and storing the next item that gives you the "I want's." Is it still a bargain buy?
Should you measure the space you intend to fill with the new item? Is it possible you already have something that will do the job just as well?
How often will you use the new item? If only once or twice, can you borrow or rent one?
In any case, it is good advice to shop around before making any major purchase. There are many sites which offer price comparisons. One site even tracks prices before you buy: http://www.priceprotectr.com/.
Are you in the majority of people - those who have made more purchases that they regret than lost items which "got away" due to inaction?
If you had known what you would spend over a decade dry cleaning that sweater in the back of your closet, would you have purchased it? If not, use that knowledge to make better purchases in the future.
Consider the cost of maintaining, cleaning, insuring and storing the next item that gives you the "I want's." Is it still a bargain buy?
Should you measure the space you intend to fill with the new item? Is it possible you already have something that will do the job just as well?
How often will you use the new item? If only once or twice, can you borrow or rent one?
In any case, it is good advice to shop around before making any major purchase. There are many sites which offer price comparisons. One site even tracks prices before you buy: http://www.priceprotectr.com/.
Are you in the majority of people - those who have made more purchases that they regret than lost items which "got away" due to inaction?
Thursday, July 23, 2009
ABC's of Organization
A - accept. Accept your limitations.
I took piano lessons as a child, at least until my parents grew weary of nagging me to practice. Truth was, I had read a passage of The Amityville Horror and was sure that the pig was watching me through the window on the opposite side of the room from the piano. I remember being relieved when I would hear the buzzzz of the stove timer telling me I was through for the day.
I will never be a concert pianist.
What false dreams, or dreams of others (your mother, your father, your six-year-old self) are you holding onto? Release yourself from them.
Or perhaps you save every newspaper and magazine that crosses your threshold, certain that the secrets to your success can be found within. Or perhaps you have many interests as verified by your massive, dusty book collection.
You'll never have time to read everything that interests you. And, libraries (and good friends) lend books for free!
No need to hang onto the exercise equipment that bores (or sores!) you. Let it go.
Today, I ask that you accept yourself as you are, but also as the better person God knows you can be. Accept your limitations, but strive to be all that He made you to be.
I took piano lessons as a child, at least until my parents grew weary of nagging me to practice. Truth was, I had read a passage of The Amityville Horror and was sure that the pig was watching me through the window on the opposite side of the room from the piano. I remember being relieved when I would hear the buzzzz of the stove timer telling me I was through for the day.
I will never be a concert pianist.
What false dreams, or dreams of others (your mother, your father, your six-year-old self) are you holding onto? Release yourself from them.
Or perhaps you save every newspaper and magazine that crosses your threshold, certain that the secrets to your success can be found within. Or perhaps you have many interests as verified by your massive, dusty book collection.
You'll never have time to read everything that interests you. And, libraries (and good friends) lend books for free!
No need to hang onto the exercise equipment that bores (or sores!) you. Let it go.
Today, I ask that you accept yourself as you are, but also as the better person God knows you can be. Accept your limitations, but strive to be all that He made you to be.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Tax credit for home purchase could rise, by Stephanie Armour, USA TODAY
Lawmakers and businesses are calling for expansion of a tax credit for first-time home buyers that has helped spark home sales in an otherwise dismal real estate market.
With the tax credit scheduled to expire in fall, some business groups say the amount of the credit, now capped at $8,000, should be raised to $15,000 and applied to anyone who buys a home.
First-time buyers make up a hefty 40% of home purchases, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), which is about 5 percentage points higher than the historical average.
The credit, introduced in July 2008, was expanded in February as part of the economic stimulus package. The proposals may face headwinds amid growing public criticism of government spending to rescue the economy and the widening budget deficit.
Some economists say a tax benefit is vital to spur home buying and help stabilize prices.
"I'm fairly confident that (Congress) will extend the tax credit, because it is so important that housing come back," says Bernard Baumohl, an economist at the Economic Outlook Group. "But raising the tax credit will be difficult because it reduces taxes even more."
The White House had no immediate comment.
Current proposals:
•A Senate bill to expand the tax credit to $15,000 for any home buyer regardless of income was introduced this month by Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga. It is co-sponsored by Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd, D-Conn.
"It would go a long way toward inducing trade-up buyers into the market," says Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the NAR.
•A House bill to keep the $8,000 credit in place until June 2010 and expand it to all home buyers was introduced last month by Rep. Kenny Marchant, R-Texas. It also would provide a $3,000 credit to homeowners who refinance. (article courtesy of Rose Kelly)
With the tax credit scheduled to expire in fall, some business groups say the amount of the credit, now capped at $8,000, should be raised to $15,000 and applied to anyone who buys a home.
First-time buyers make up a hefty 40% of home purchases, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), which is about 5 percentage points higher than the historical average.
The credit, introduced in July 2008, was expanded in February as part of the economic stimulus package. The proposals may face headwinds amid growing public criticism of government spending to rescue the economy and the widening budget deficit.
Some economists say a tax benefit is vital to spur home buying and help stabilize prices.
"I'm fairly confident that (Congress) will extend the tax credit, because it is so important that housing come back," says Bernard Baumohl, an economist at the Economic Outlook Group. "But raising the tax credit will be difficult because it reduces taxes even more."
The White House had no immediate comment.
Current proposals:
•A Senate bill to expand the tax credit to $15,000 for any home buyer regardless of income was introduced this month by Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga. It is co-sponsored by Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd, D-Conn.
"It would go a long way toward inducing trade-up buyers into the market," says Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the NAR.
•A House bill to keep the $8,000 credit in place until June 2010 and expand it to all home buyers was introduced last month by Rep. Kenny Marchant, R-Texas. It also would provide a $3,000 credit to homeowners who refinance. (article courtesy of Rose Kelly)
Friday, June 12, 2009
First-Time Homebuyer’s Credit by Craig A. Vidal, CPA
Individuals who qualify and buy homes this year may qualify for the first-time homebuyer’s credit.
The credit is 10% of the purchase price of the home up to $8,000 and is claimed on their 2009 tax return. The house must be purchased between January 1, 2009 and before Dec. 1, 2009. They also have the option to take the credit on their extended 2008 income tax return or by amending a previously filed 2008 income tax return. They can get the money sooner by claiming the credit on their 2008 tax returns. However, each situation is different and must be evaluated based upon the individual's facts and circumstances.
To qualify, a first-time homebuyer is defined as someone who has not owned a primary residence during the three years prior to the date of purchase. For a married couple, neither of the spouses can have owned a primary residence within the past three years. A primary residence is defined as the home in which you live for the majority of the time.
Unlike the credit for 2008 first-time home purchases, the credit for 2009 purchases does not have to be repaid as long as the buyer or buyers remain in the home for three years from the date of purchase.
The first-time homebuyer credit begins to phase out for taxpayers whose modified adjusted gross income exceeds $75,000, or $150,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly.
NOTE: The credit cannot be claimed until the purchase of the home is final.
The credit is 10% of the purchase price of the home up to $8,000 and is claimed on their 2009 tax return. The house must be purchased between January 1, 2009 and before Dec. 1, 2009. They also have the option to take the credit on their extended 2008 income tax return or by amending a previously filed 2008 income tax return. They can get the money sooner by claiming the credit on their 2008 tax returns. However, each situation is different and must be evaluated based upon the individual's facts and circumstances.
To qualify, a first-time homebuyer is defined as someone who has not owned a primary residence during the three years prior to the date of purchase. For a married couple, neither of the spouses can have owned a primary residence within the past three years. A primary residence is defined as the home in which you live for the majority of the time.
Unlike the credit for 2008 first-time home purchases, the credit for 2009 purchases does not have to be repaid as long as the buyer or buyers remain in the home for three years from the date of purchase.
The first-time homebuyer credit begins to phase out for taxpayers whose modified adjusted gross income exceeds $75,000, or $150,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly.
NOTE: The credit cannot be claimed until the purchase of the home is final.
Take advantage of the new homebuyers' tax credit with JumpStart
Click on the title line above to read details about CHFA's new JumpStart program for first time homebuyers and those who have not owned a home in the last three years.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Good news from the Kelly Team
The best housing news we've seen lately is that homes now are very very affordable. In fact, the National Association of Realtors reported that homes haven't been this affordable since they began calculating their Housing Affordability Index in 1970. This measures the degree to which a typical family can afford the mortgage payments on a typical home. When the median family income is the same as the income needed to qualify for a mortgage for the median priced home, the reading is 100. The preliminary Housing Affordability Index for February was 173.5, meaning the median family income is 73% higher than necessary to qualify for a loan on a median priced home. The highest previous number was 154.8, back in 1972. This historic level of home affordability is the result of both historically low mortgage rates and reduced home prices. First time homebuyers also benefit from an $8,000 tax credit if they close on their purchase before December 1, 2009. If inflation happens, as some fear, buying now is particularly smart, as you wind up paying back your mortgage with devalued dollars. Bottom line, this is a terrific time to buy a home.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Tax notes from Sundahl Financial
Deducting 529 Plan Losses
Thanks to their beneficial tax treatment, qualified tuition programs (QTPs—commonly referred to as 529 plans) have become the plan of choice for many taxpayers trying to save enough money to cover the ever-escalating costs of getting their child or grandchild through college.
Standard Mileage Rates for 2009
Beginning January 1, 2009, the standard mileage rates for the use of an automobile (including vans, pickups, or panel trucks) are 55 cents per mile for business miles, 24 cents per mile for medical or moving purposes, and 14 cents per mile for service to a charitable organization.
Purchase of a Taxpayer's Home by an Employer
Sometimes, when an employee is transferred to a new location, the employer will purchase his or her home. The amount paid can be fair market value (FMV) as established by appraisals, a guaranteed percentage of the employee’s cost basis in the home if the appraisal is less than the basis, or any other amount agreed to.
Repossessing Real Estate Sold on the Installment Basis
Recognizing real estate sales gains using the installment method is a popular way to defer taxation when seller-financing is provided.
Thanks to their beneficial tax treatment, qualified tuition programs (QTPs—commonly referred to as 529 plans) have become the plan of choice for many taxpayers trying to save enough money to cover the ever-escalating costs of getting their child or grandchild through college.
Standard Mileage Rates for 2009
Beginning January 1, 2009, the standard mileage rates for the use of an automobile (including vans, pickups, or panel trucks) are 55 cents per mile for business miles, 24 cents per mile for medical or moving purposes, and 14 cents per mile for service to a charitable organization.
Purchase of a Taxpayer's Home by an Employer
Sometimes, when an employee is transferred to a new location, the employer will purchase his or her home. The amount paid can be fair market value (FMV) as established by appraisals, a guaranteed percentage of the employee’s cost basis in the home if the appraisal is less than the basis, or any other amount agreed to.
Repossessing Real Estate Sold on the Installment Basis
Recognizing real estate sales gains using the installment method is a popular way to defer taxation when seller-financing is provided.
Tax Credit for Homebuyers
Signed and sealed…a $787 Billion Stimulus Plan made up of tax cuts and spending programs aims at reviving the US economy. Although the package was scaled down from nearly $1 Trillion, it still stands as the largest anti-recession effort since World War II. Home owners and potential homebuyers stand to gain from key provisions in this stimulus plan.
Here is what we know as of today: first-time homebuyers who purchase homes from the start of the year until the end of November 2009 may be eligible for the lower of an $8,000 or 10% of the value of the home tax credit. Remember a tax credit is very different than a tax deduction – a tax credit is equivalent to money in your hand, as opposed to a tax deduction which only reduces your taxable income.
The tax credit starts phasing out for couples with incomes above $150,000 and single filers with incomes above $75,000. The 2008 credit-interest free loan is not taxable income. However, it is repaid as additional tax. The 2009 credit is not taxable. In the event the taxpayer disposes of the principal residence in 36 months, the recapture rules of the 2008 law will apply—it becomes an interest free loan to be repaid.
(Submitted by Rose Kelly, Sales Manager, Universal Lending Corp.)
Here is what we know as of today: first-time homebuyers who purchase homes from the start of the year until the end of November 2009 may be eligible for the lower of an $8,000 or 10% of the value of the home tax credit. Remember a tax credit is very different than a tax deduction – a tax credit is equivalent to money in your hand, as opposed to a tax deduction which only reduces your taxable income.
The tax credit starts phasing out for couples with incomes above $150,000 and single filers with incomes above $75,000. The 2008 credit-interest free loan is not taxable income. However, it is repaid as additional tax. The 2009 credit is not taxable. In the event the taxpayer disposes of the principal residence in 36 months, the recapture rules of the 2008 law will apply—it becomes an interest free loan to be repaid.
(Submitted by Rose Kelly, Sales Manager, Universal Lending Corp.)
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Discounts announced for members of Faithful Organizers, NAPO, MOPS, and military members!
Kathy Peel, America's Family Manager Coach, announced new discounts for members of groups geared toward helping busy families live happy, organized homes.Members of Faithful Organizers will now receive a 25% discount off Family Manager University tuition. If you want to grow an existing business with leads and media opportunities from familymanager.com and Kathy Peel, add Family Manager Coach certification to your credentials as a professional organizer, life coach, home stager, nanny, or other profession.If you enjoy helping people reach their goals for their home, family, and personal life and you want to own your own business, we hope you'll consider becoming a Certified Family Manager Coach. Family Manager University offers state-of-the-art online training and the tools you need to build a successful business.For more information, email carip@familymanager.com.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Cari named Director of National Outreach by Family Manager Network
After two and a half successful years as a Certified Family Manager Coach, Cari has been named as one of three directors of Family Manager Network.Family Manager provides training and resources for women and families through a national network of certified Family Manager Coaches trained through the Family Manager University online campus.Kathy Peel, America's Family Manager, created the Family Manager System in her own quest to be a good mom and successful manager of her home. The Family Manager System uses the same skills and strategies that successful business managers use, such as delegation, team-building, and standard operating procedures, to create a smoothly running home.If you or someone you know needs help at home or is interested in becoming a Coach, contact Cari at carip@familymanager.com.
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