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.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
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.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Merry Christmas to you!
By now, your husband has probably returned from a last minute dash to the mall (mine made one this morning). Hopefully you have completed your shopping and also the food prep for tomorrow's meal. In any case, it's time to turn your attention to your family. Christmas isn't about giving the "right" gifts or cooking the perfect (fill in the blank). Tell your family how much you love them, and share God's love with others as well. There are so many people hurting this December due to job losses, retirement fund downturns, and the bumps and bruises that happen no matter what Wall Street's condition is.
Take stock of all the blessings you have. While you're at it, on a practical note, make note of what worked for you this holiday season, and what you want to do differently in 2009. Pick up only the items you know you'll use next year if you shop the post-Christmas sales.
If you're like me and dread "undecorating" the house, host a tree "untrimming" party. Ask friends to bring their leftover appetizers and cookies, make a crock of spiced cider (email me if you'd like a recipe for spiked maple cider) and have fun telling the story behind your ornaments as you pack each away. I put mine into red and green plastic totes, easily identifiable even in the garage rafters. I also have orange and black totes for autumn, a blue one for birthday paraphernalia and a pink one for Valentine's Day items.
May God bless you greatly, as he has already done with the gift of his Son.
Take stock of all the blessings you have. While you're at it, on a practical note, make note of what worked for you this holiday season, and what you want to do differently in 2009. Pick up only the items you know you'll use next year if you shop the post-Christmas sales.
If you're like me and dread "undecorating" the house, host a tree "untrimming" party. Ask friends to bring their leftover appetizers and cookies, make a crock of spiced cider (email me if you'd like a recipe for spiked maple cider) and have fun telling the story behind your ornaments as you pack each away. I put mine into red and green plastic totes, easily identifiable even in the garage rafters. I also have orange and black totes for autumn, a blue one for birthday paraphernalia and a pink one for Valentine's Day items.
May God bless you greatly, as he has already done with the gift of his Son.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
More holiday helpful hints
It's December (already!), so Christmas preparations are in high gear.
1. Skip the homemade cookie dough if what the kids enjoy is the decorating. Use refrigerated sugar cookie dough and get to the fun part in mere minutes.
2. Ask each family member for their favorite holiday dish. Make those and skip all the others. If everyone's favorites fall into the dessert category, make a quick pot of soup and some rolls for your holiday dinner and spend more time baking (and savoring) the sweets.
3. To discourage present shakers, use color coded dots for each member of the family instead of writing their names on tags. Be sure to make a key for yourself and tuck it away.
4. Send out Christmas cards to others as you receive theirs. Not only will you have their current address, but you will also save time by not sending cards to so many people. Let go of the guilt of not sending cards to your neighbor (from 18 years ago) and your dentist.
1. Skip the homemade cookie dough if what the kids enjoy is the decorating. Use refrigerated sugar cookie dough and get to the fun part in mere minutes.
2. Ask each family member for their favorite holiday dish. Make those and skip all the others. If everyone's favorites fall into the dessert category, make a quick pot of soup and some rolls for your holiday dinner and spend more time baking (and savoring) the sweets.
3. To discourage present shakers, use color coded dots for each member of the family instead of writing their names on tags. Be sure to make a key for yourself and tuck it away.
4. Send out Christmas cards to others as you receive theirs. Not only will you have their current address, but you will also save time by not sending cards to so many people. Let go of the guilt of not sending cards to your neighbor (from 18 years ago) and your dentist.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Resolved to get organized in 2009?
Register now for our next study of The Busy Mom's Guide to a Happy, Organized Home (Fast Solutions to Hundreds of Everyday Dilemmas) beginning Thursday, 1/8/09, at Mardel. We'll meet for eight weeks (9:15-11:15am, no childcare available) and benefit from discussion, accountability, and coffee! $30 includes the book and all sessions. Registration is limited to 11, so don't delay! Email cari@buysellorganizeandstage.com for registration details. If this day/time/location doesn't work for you, we can also do a study group at another location just for your friends!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Organized holidays
Christmas is fast approaching, so I'd like to share some of my favorite tips for enjoying a less stressful holiday season.
1. Write down what each present is on the gift tag as you open it. Save the tags in a sandwich bag until thank you note writing time.
2. Host a swap party: invite friends to bring their unwanted items, such as bath sets, clothing and toys, set up areas indoors like you would for a garage sale, and "shop" from each other's discards. At a recent swap, new owners went home with candles, Barbies, a dress, a slow cooker, loaf pans, scrapbooking tools and recent magazines, among other items. Some were brand new and can be given as gifts!
3. Share rarely used spices and such with neighbors. Compare what each of you has before buying pricey items that will lose their flavor before being used up. Then, divide the shopping list.
4. Compare shipping rates at http://www.shipgooder.com/ to find out which service is cheapest for your destination. Or, let online merchants ship your purchase directly to the recipient.
Check back soon for more tips!
1. Write down what each present is on the gift tag as you open it. Save the tags in a sandwich bag until thank you note writing time.
2. Host a swap party: invite friends to bring their unwanted items, such as bath sets, clothing and toys, set up areas indoors like you would for a garage sale, and "shop" from each other's discards. At a recent swap, new owners went home with candles, Barbies, a dress, a slow cooker, loaf pans, scrapbooking tools and recent magazines, among other items. Some were brand new and can be given as gifts!
3. Share rarely used spices and such with neighbors. Compare what each of you has before buying pricey items that will lose their flavor before being used up. Then, divide the shopping list.
4. Compare shipping rates at http://www.shipgooder.com/ to find out which service is cheapest for your destination. Or, let online merchants ship your purchase directly to the recipient.
Check back soon for more tips!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Free food - you'll thank me when you try it!
When was the last time you found a restaurant you like so much that you HAVE to go there once a week (OK, I went twice last week)?
Rod and I love Mu-Shu's. Not only is their "fresh Chinese cuisine" served up fast (and steaming hot), but it is the best darn food this side of P.F. Chang's, our former favorite. For only $5.99, you can try a lunch sized entree (no skimping here, it's plenty) with your choice of brown or white rice, and a spring roll or soup. But, don't miss the turkey potstickers. The sauce is so good, we order extra to bring home - not that there are ever leftover potstickers - but that stuff is great on just about anything. I was only half-joking when I suggested that Rod try it on his morning cereal.
Now, the free part: Mention my name, Cari Pemberton, and that you saw this on my blog, and you'll recieve free Crab Mu-Goons (several of their dishes have fun names) with the puchase of any entree. This offer expires 12/31/08, but don't wait to try them out. We need to support our locally owned businesses!
Rod and I love Mu-Shu's. Not only is their "fresh Chinese cuisine" served up fast (and steaming hot), but it is the best darn food this side of P.F. Chang's, our former favorite. For only $5.99, you can try a lunch sized entree (no skimping here, it's plenty) with your choice of brown or white rice, and a spring roll or soup. But, don't miss the turkey potstickers. The sauce is so good, we order extra to bring home - not that there are ever leftover potstickers - but that stuff is great on just about anything. I was only half-joking when I suggested that Rod try it on his morning cereal.
Now, the free part: Mention my name, Cari Pemberton, and that you saw this on my blog, and you'll recieve free Crab Mu-Goons (several of their dishes have fun names) with the puchase of any entree. This offer expires 12/31/08, but don't wait to try them out. We need to support our locally owned businesses!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Patriotic Girls
Publication:The Colorado Springs Gazette;Date:Nov 1, 2008;Section:Parent;Page Number:72Election FEVER
Presidential campaign offers opportunity to expand kids’ political awareness and teach the responsibilities of citizenshipBy Kate Jonuska
It’s a subject that’s usually complex, often passionate and always controversial. It’s a topic that you probably don’t want your child to learn about on the street or from TV. No, we’re not talking about birds and bees, but something almost as volatile and important in your child’s social education: politics. In this election year, when the presidential campaign invades our daily lives, more families are finding political issues cropping up at home and are using that opportunity to broaden their kids’ political awareness. For many families, talking about politics and government is an important way to shape a child’s moral character and their perspective of the world. “It’s our personal belief that just as you pass down your faith, you should help inform your children’s political outlook, explain why we believe what we do,” says Cari Pemberton, mother of this month’s cover models Bethany Salgado, age 12, and Erin Pemberton, age 6. Pemberton has gone to great lengths to get her daughters involved during this historic election year — they attended a McCain-Palin event as a family — because she wants them to grow into passionate and informed citizens. “Don’t be lukewarm. Be passionate about something,” she says to her daughters. “Apathy is a huge problem in America. If people were as passionate about politics as they are about football, our country might be in better shape today.”
Presidential campaign offers opportunity to expand kids’ political awareness and teach the responsibilities of citizenshipBy Kate Jonuska
It’s a subject that’s usually complex, often passionate and always controversial. It’s a topic that you probably don’t want your child to learn about on the street or from TV. No, we’re not talking about birds and bees, but something almost as volatile and important in your child’s social education: politics. In this election year, when the presidential campaign invades our daily lives, more families are finding political issues cropping up at home and are using that opportunity to broaden their kids’ political awareness. For many families, talking about politics and government is an important way to shape a child’s moral character and their perspective of the world. “It’s our personal belief that just as you pass down your faith, you should help inform your children’s political outlook, explain why we believe what we do,” says Cari Pemberton, mother of this month’s cover models Bethany Salgado, age 12, and Erin Pemberton, age 6. Pemberton has gone to great lengths to get her daughters involved during this historic election year — they attended a McCain-Palin event as a family — because she wants them to grow into passionate and informed citizens. “Don’t be lukewarm. Be passionate about something,” she says to her daughters. “Apathy is a huge problem in America. If people were as passionate about politics as they are about football, our country might be in better shape today.”
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