A host of tax provisions enacted in 2001 and 2003--commonly referred to collectively as the "Bush tax cuts"--expire at the end of the year. While it's possible that new legislation could extend some or all of these expiring tax provisions, election-year politics make it difficult to predict what action, if any, Congress will take. With that in mind, here's what you need to know about the major changes that are scheduled for 2011.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Health Care Reform - Fact versus Fiction
The health-care reform legislation that passed earlier this year was incredibly broad in scope, so it's probably not surprising that there's a good deal of confusion, and a number of false or misleading claims being circulated. Here's the truth behind two of the claims that have gained the most traction lately.
CLASS Act
Professional Alliance member Sean Bleck shared the following information with us on the CLASS Act, a new payroll deduction for long term care coverage.
The health care reform legislation that was enacted March 23, 2010, included a novel public insurance model to cover some of the cost of long-term care for qualified participants. The program is called The Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act, but is universally referred to as the “CLASS Act.” Both widely heralded and savagely mali
Refinancing with a HARP Loan
With 30 year mortgage rates closing in on 4% there has been a strong demand to refinance. However many homeowners have not been able to without high fees due to the decline in their property’s value. In response, the government created a program called the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) which is available to homeowners whose loans are owned by either Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae, or approximately 95% of outstanding loans. The program allows you to refinance without mortgage insurance at today’s competitive rates and is most advantageous to those with high credit scores, a reasonable debt to income ratio, and a loan to home value of less than 93%.
Now for the caveats. The government is involved and the process is said to be slow and full of speed bumps. There is the risk that the process will get held up causing your loan lock to expire without the refinance going through. However the HARP loan is worth consideration for those who have already explored other options.
To determine if you are eligible, go to the Making Housing Affordable website and look up your property on the Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae website. If you have additional questions contact Professional Alliance
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Curry Salmon Patties with Mango Salsa
This recipe has a unique blend of flavors to get your palette dancing. Enjoy!
Personal invite to Goodwill's Glitter Gala
Please join Rocke and me at this year's Goodwill Glitter Gala on Thursday November 4th at 6 pm. It is a great party with a very entertaining fashion show put on by the Art Institute of Seattle using clothing from donations made to Goodwill. The silent auction are also items found in Goodwill donations. They have incredible jewelry and art pieces available at the silent auction. No live auction, just dinner and the fashion show followed by wonderful dance music.
The cost is $125 per person and Rocke and I will provide the wine for the evening. During the event there are three other opportunities to support the wonderful work at Goodwill: buy raffle tickets, give a donation during the "ask for donations" or purchase a centerpiece.
Please register at the Glitter Gala webpage and let us know if you will be joining us so we can have enough wine for the merriment. This is one of our favorite events and a great cause. We hope you will be able to join us.
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