As I talked about this on Monday March 22, here is a follow up to the California home buyer tax credit…

By: Tina Stern

On Monday, the legislature passed AB 183 (Caballero & Ashburn) which would provide $200 million for home buyer tax credits. The Governor is expected to sign AB 183 into law before the end of the week.

AB 183 is designed to help stimulate the economy and create jobs.  The bill allocates $100 million for qualified first time home buyers of existing homes and $100 million for purchasers of new, or previously unoccupied, homes. The eligible taxpayer who closes escrow on a qualified principal residence between May 1, 2010 and December, 31, 2010, or who closes escrow on a qualified principal residence on and after December 31, 2010 and before August 1, 2011, pursuant to an enforceable contract executed on or before December 31, 2010, will be able to take the allowed tax credit. This credit is equal to the lesser of 5% of the purchase price or $10,000, taken in equal installments over three consecutive years. Under AB 183 purchasers will be required to live in the home as their principal residence for at least two years or forfeit the credit (i.e. repay it to the state).

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tina Stern

By: Tina Stern

If you are one of the only people in Los Angeles who hasn’t noticed yet, there’s a new craze hitting the streets.. They’re rolling food trucks. Below are a few that I think are great.

You can track multiple trucks at: Mobile Cravings, Find LA Food Trucks, Road Stoves

Pastrami on Wheels

The Canter’s Food Truck Is Here

Follow this one on twitter @canterstruck

Canter’s—the classic 24/7 Fairfax deli that for decades has been home to drunk hipsters, retirees and celebs from Monroe to Ali—has gone and joined the 21st century
It’s launching with six sandwiches and a few soups and salads. To dial down your sodium intake, try the Lunch Box, with a half-sandwich, side, pickles, chips and an old-fashioned soda, like a Dr. Brown’s root beer.

Border Grill Truck

Street food twists on its Latino eats. Try the Peruvian Ceviche with lime and ginger.

Kogi BBQ

The Korean fusion tacos are fabulous. Try the short rib taco, wow!

The Gastrobus

Gentrified pub food with farmers’ market ingredients. Try the sweet-potato fries and daily specials like wild mushroom soup.

Dosatruck

Try the crisp lentils crepes with south Indian fillings or the Slumdog, with potato and paneer (cheese), wash it down with a ginger limeade – the truck has a great Sgt. pepper style paint job.

HAPPY EATING, these trucks are fun!

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tina Stern

Great News! The appliance stores are all having great Spring sales on appliances and now you can get even more savings with rebates from the government and the utility companies.

By: Tina Stern

The California Appliance Rebate program will begin April 22, 2010. The Energy Commission submitted its proposed Appliance Rebate Program design to the U.S. Department of Energy on October 14, 2009, and it was accepted by the DOE. Three residential appliance categories were selected to be eligible to receive rebates: clothes washers (rebate $100), refrigerators (rebate $200), and room/window air conditioners (rebate $50). These rebates are in addition to existing rebates offered by California’s utilities or appliance manufacturers. The Energy Commission used the list of “pre-screened” appliances from the DOE. To qualify, the appliances must be ENERGY STAR-listed, meet CEE tier standards, and certified to the Energy Commission as meeting all state and federal appliance efficiency standards.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tina Stern

By: Tina Stern

Swiss bank UBS recently released its tri-annual Prices and Earnings report revealing which of the 73 surveyed cities in the world had the most purchasing power (in terms of the local costs of goods) after taxes were deducted from the average hourly pay. Forbes Magazine further analyzed the data and listed the top 100 highest-Paid cities in the world. While this data isn’t all that useful in practical terms, it’s always interesting to see the facts and figures and how we fit into the global picture. Here are the top ten cities according to this data.

1. Zurich, Switzerland: Net pay per hour: $22.60 (Gross pay per hour: $30.30).
2. Geneva, Switzerland: Net pay per hour: $20.40 (Gross pay per hour: $29.20).
3. New York City: Net pay per hour: $19 (Gross pay per hour: $26.10).
4. Dublin, Ireland: Net pay per hour: $18.70 (Gross pay per hour: $22).
5. Luxembourg City: Net pay per hour: $18.20 (Gross pay per hour: $22.40).
6. Copenhagen, Denmark: Net pay per hour: $17.70 (Gross pay per hour: $32.80).
7. Los Angeles: Net pay per hour: $17.40 (Gross pay per hour: $23.90).
8. Oslo, Norway: Net pay per hour: $15.80 (Gross pay per hour: $24.40).
9. Helsinki, Finland: Net pay per hour: $15.70 (Gross pay per hour: $21.30).
10. Miami: Net pay per hour: $15.70 (Gross pay per hour: $21.10).

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tina Stern

How many times have you looked back on life and wished that you had started investing earlier?

By: Tina Stern

Talk to your children or grandchildren about the value of saving money for specific purposes. Simple lesson: if you want something, you have to save your money for it.
Once they’ve learned to save to achieve their goals, it’s time to teach them how to earn money through interest accumulation. Learning the benefits of compound interest will help to encourage them to invest their money in income producing instruments.

It’s important to stay involved with them as they learn to build a secure financial future. Most children consider a parent or grandparent a primary source of financial information.

Be a good role model by demonstrating good financial habits yourself.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tina Stern

Ensure your teen buckles up every trip, whether driving or riding.

By: Tina Stern

Ensure your teen buckles up every trip, whether driving or riding.
Law or no law limit the number of passengers they are allowed to transport.
(With every added passenger the crash risk of your young driver increases significantly)
Restrict the use of any type of cell phone and discuss the dangers of other distractions.
Encourage them to go to www.oprah.com and sign up for a no texting contract. It’s a great program and gaining huge support.

Be a good role model and show your teen that you follow safe driving rules too.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tina Stern

Hosted by Maximilians Restaurant

By: Tina Stern

Adjacent to Valley Village and Studio City, the increasingly hip NoHo is home to one of my favorite restaurants in LA, Maximilians. On September 19th from 11am – 5pm, Maximilians will host the 1st annual Hungarian Fest. This family friendly event will host authentic Hungarian food, folklore dances, merchants, pastries, art show and a raffle. First place will receive a $300 gift certificate and second will go home with a large gourmet Hungarian gift basket.

Actor and winemaker Bela Lugosi Jr. along with Emmy winner Cynthia P. Romo will host the event to help this first year become a success. All you have to do is show up at Maximilians Rose Garden on September 19th and pay $5. Don’t miss it.

Maximilians Restaurant Rose Garden and Lot
5270 Tujunga Ave. North Hollywood, 91601
818.760.1300

View Google Map

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tina Stern

Be prepared for our next quake

By: Tina Stern

If you’re like most people, after every California earthquake you tell yourself, “I’m going to get prepared for the next one.” Then you don’t do a thing about it.

Well, now you can do something about it. Just by reading this page, doing what it says and saving it. Many earthquake experts in Southern California recommend the following tips to minimize damage in the event of an earthquake.

1. Put together a kit of basic emergency supplies. Include a portable radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit and handbook, wrenches to turn off gas and water valves, and food, water and medication for every member of your family for at least one week.
2. Secure your hot water heater. If your hot water heater falls over during an earthquake, the gas line can rupture and create sparks which can lead to a fire or explosion.
3. Know where your gas, electric and water main shutoffs are and how to shut them off.
4. Secure your tall and heavy furniture. Bookcases, entertainment centers and china cabinets can easily fall over during an earthquake.
5. Put some extra nails in heavy objects that are off the floor such as shelves, mirrors and large picture frames.
6. Hunt for hazard areas in your home. Teach your children to stay away from windows, mirrors and tall furniture.
7. Search for safe places in your home. Show your children how to take cover under a table, desk, or against inside walls.
8. Have a plan to reunite your family after an earthquake. Travel may be difficult and phone lines may be down, so don’t drive or call anyone unless it’s a real emergency.
9. Check for injury or damage after the shaking stops.
10. Above all, do not panic.

Practicing earthquake drills with your entire family and being prepared with the above instructions will put you in a safer position during any ground motion. Stop rumbling about how you’re going to get ready for “the next one.” Prepare for it today. The County of Los Angeles has an Earthquake Survival Program (ESP) with easy monthly preparedness steps.

For more information, call the Office of Emergency Management at (213) 974-1166 or visit the ESP website at www.espfocus.org

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tina Stern

Help identify lost possessions in case of disaster

By: Tina Stern

Photographing the interior of your home is a great way to document your belongings & most valued possessions, just in case disaster strikes. While it is never convenient for theft, natural disaster, or fire to damage your property, unfortunate things do happen and being prepared can give you a great head start in rebuilding your life.

To create a digital inventory of your home and possessions, simply use a digital camera to take shots of each room at varying angles, while making sure to include all valuable objects. These digital images can later be used to identify your exact losses.

Photos should be stored on a flash drive or CD-R and kept in the safe or safe deposit box, and this digital inventory should be updated every few years.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Tina Stern

How to stay a little happier

By: Lisa Stanley

Okay, today I start a weekly blog about little tips to a potentially happier existence. In these interesting times, people tend to worry, have anxiety and basically concentrate on the negative in their life. Not only is this unproductive, it perpetuates more of the same.

That said, today’s little tip is to stay in the now. When you are being choked by situations hanging around your neck, just step out of it and look at nature, or notice your surroundings. It is a nice tool to get away from something that is not happening at this moment, which is irrelevant anyway. Remember this quote:

“The greatest disappointments are those which never come.”

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.

Lisa Stanley

LIFE IS A SONG From the moment Lisa Stanley made her entrance into this world, she came out "singing." Lisa's mother says that she came out crying. No one had to slap her. No, Lisa's too smart for that. Lisa lives life with a song in her heart, always.

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