Kiplinger's 10 Best States for Taxes on Retirees

Source:  Kiplinger.com 
Article by Sandra Block

"Retirees have special concerns when evaluating state tax policies: Are Social Security benefits taxed? Does the state impose its own estate tax? Are there property tax breaks for seniors? The answers can greatly affect the financial well-being of someone living on a fixed income."

Click HERE for Kipplinger article on 

10 BEST STATES FOR TAXES ON RETIREES.

Click HERE for state-by-state guide to taxes on retirees.
You will be able to click on any state. 

You will also find the following information.

Best Wishes for Peace and Joy This Holiday Season

As you are surrounded by family and friends, and as you think about those who may be separated by distance or circumstance during this holiday season, may you find peace and joy in the beauty and blessings of your life.

Best wishes for a holiday season filled with love and a New Year blessed with good health, good friends, and good times.

2015 Remodeling Impact Report

Source: National Association of REALTORS®

This information is only an estimate and actual costs will vary by location and by the specifics of any project.

Categories:

• Projects With Greatest Cost Recovery
• Projects That Make Owners Happiest
• Projects That Appeal to Buyers

VETERANS DAY MESSAGE

It is with grateful appreciation that I give heartfelt thanks to the men and women who have served in our armed forces, protecting our nation, and preserving the freedoms we cherish.

When I was a child, we celebrated "Armistice Day" to recognize the signing of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I and to honor those who bravely served and those who made the ultimate sacrifice on foreign soil.  The main hostilities of WWI were properly finished at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, with Germany signing the Armistice.   Red poppies were distributed by members of the American Legion Auxillary, as a remembrance of the sacrifices of those who served during the war.  

The symbolism of the red poppy began with the poem IN FLANDERS FIELDS,  penned by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) of the Canadian Army, after presiding over the funeral of a friend and fellow soldier and being moved by the poppy flowers that grew in the Flanders battlefields on the southeast edge of the town of Waregem, Belgium.  The imagery created by that poem remains an important symbol of the sacrifices of war today.  On June 1,1954, Armistice Day was changed to Veterans Day to honor all U.S. veterans.  

The following explanation of the poppy story comes from the American Legion  Auxillary website.

The Poppy Story

From the battlefields of World War I, weary soldiers brought home the memory of a barren landscape transformed by wild poppies, red as the blood that had soaked the soil. By that miracle of nature, the spirit of their lost comrades lived on. The poppy became a symbol of the sacrifice of lives in war and represented the hope that none had died in vain. The American Legion Auxiliary poppy has continued to bloom for the casualties of four wars, its petals of paper bound together for veterans by veterans, reminding America each year that the men and women who have served and died for their country deserve to be remembered. The poppy, as a memorial flower to the war dead, can be traced to a single individual, Moina Michael. She was so moved by Lt. Col. McCrae's poem, "In Flanders Fields," that she wrote a response:

. . . the blood of heroes never dies
But lends a luster to the red
Of the flower that blooms above the dead
In Flanders' Fields.

On impulse, she bought a bouquet of poppies – all that New York City's Wanamaker's Department Store had – and handed them to businessmen meeting at the New York YMCA where she worked. She asked them to wear the poppy as a tribute to the fallen. That was November 1918. World War I was over, but America's sons would rest forever "in Flanders' Fields." Later she would spearhead a campaign that would result in the adoption of the poppy as the national symbol of sacrifice.

In Flanders Fields

"In Flanders Fields" is a war poem in the form of a rondeau, written during the First World War by Canadian physician and Lt. Col. John McCrae. He was inspired to write it on May 3, 1915, after presiding over the funeral of friend and fellow soldier Alexis Helmer, who died during the Second Battle of Ypres.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

–Lt. Col. John McCrae

HAPPY 240TH BIRTHDAY TO THE USMC!

As in years past, it is my honor to share the annual birthday tribute to the United States Marine Corps presented by Bob Parsons, Founder and former CEO and Executive Chairman of Go Daddy.  Please click HERE to view this 240th birthday presentation.     

In addition to Bob Parson's annual birthday tribute, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, with support from Go Daddy, is partnering with the Semper Fi Fund and  America's Fund to raise money to help critically ill and injured members of all of the United States Armed Forces and their families.  This matching campaign has the potential to raise $20 million for wounded, critically ill and injured veterans.  It is one of the largest matching campaigns in the history of veteran non-profits. Beginning November 5th through December 31, 2015,  up to $10 million in donations will be matched, dollar-for-dollar.

You have the power to make a difference!
Click HERE to help the heroes who have given so much for our freedom.

SEMPER FI!

With love and thanks to my husband and his Marine Corps brothers for their dedication and service, and with heartfelt thanks to all who have served or are currently serving.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF BOB "HEAVY" PETRELLA

Today and always we remember with deep love and affection our dear friend, Bob "Heavy" Petrella, who was a USMC Captain during the Vietnam War and was a recipient of 2 Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for Valor.  

----

I invite you to check out this website for a painting titled

VIETNAM ELEGY

created by our dear friend, renowned artist, 

Denham Clements.  

https://semperfifund.org/match

2016: Homeowner’s Net Worth Will Be 45x Greater Than a Renter

Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/The KCM Blog

Posted: 26 Oct 2015 04:00 AM PDT

Every three years the Federal Reserve conducts a Survey of Consumer Finances in which they collect data across all economic and social groups. The latest survey, which includes data from 2010-2013, reports that a homeowner’s net worth is 36 times greater than that of a renter ($194,500 vs. $5,400). In a recent Forbes article the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) Chief Economist Lawrence Yun predicts that in 2016 the net worth gap will widen even further to 45 times greater. The graph below demonstrates the results of the last two Federal Reserve studies and Yun’s prediction:

Put Your Housing Cost to Work For You

Simply put, homeownership is a form of ‘forced savings’. Every time you pay your mortgage you are contributing to your net worth. Every time you pay your rent, you are contributing to your landlord’s net worth. The latest National Housing Pulse Survey from NAR reveals that 80% of consumers believe that purchasing a home is a good financial decision. Yun comments:

“Though there will always be discussion about whether to buy or rent, or whether the stock market offers a bigger return than real estate, the reality is that homeowners steadily build wealth. The simplest math shouldn’t be overlooked.”

Bottom Line

If you are interested in finding out if you could put your housing cost to work for you through homeownership, meet with a real estate professional in your area who can guide you through the process.

Contact your Member of Congress to Stop Patent Trolls

The National Association of REALTORS^® is supporting H.R. 9 - The Innovation Act to close loopholes in our legal system that allows patent trolls to thrive.  REALTORS^® are targeted by patent trolls at alarming rates for simply using common business technologies like dropdown menus and search functions on websites or scan-to-email technologies found in every office scanner.  Patent trolls exist solely to purchase old patents and to use the threat of expensive lawsuits to extort money from legitimate businesses.  Congress must pass common-sense comprehensive patent litigation reform to protect Main Street businesses and REALTORS^® from patent troll abuse.

Memorial Day 2015

All gave some... some gave all.

I have always found it strange to wish someone a Happy Memorial Day.  I can never bring myself to say those words.  Yes, we all look forward to the first long weekend that marks the unofficial beginning of summer and the first barbecue of the season, picnic, trip to the lake... or the Indy 500.  But, while all of those things make Memorial Day weekend a fun time, we need to remember the real meaning of Memorial Day... a day to remember and honor those who died protecting the rights we cherish. 

As I have done in past years, I'd like to share some information about how Israel honors its fallen heroes.  On Yom Hazikaron, the Israeli Memorial Day, a siren is sounded twice throughout the country during a 24 hour time period, from sunset to sunset. The first siren marks the beginning of Memorial Day at 8:00 p.m. and the second is sounded at 11:00 a.m, before prayers are recited at all military cemeteries.  When the siren is sounded, the entire nation observes a two-minute standstill of all traffic and daily activities.  For the entire day, all places of public entertainment are closed and all radio and television stations play music appropriate to the mood of the day and broadcast programs honoring fallen soldiers.  Everyone participates in honoring those who died serving their country. 

As we enjoy time with family and friends on this Memorial Day, let us be sure to take time to honor the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we cherish.

And, as we remember those who died in service to our country, let us give thanks to those who are serving now and to all our Veterans for their past service to our country. 

MEMORIAL DAY LINKS:

Memorial Day History
American Widow Project
The Origin of Sounding Taps 
Arlington Rememberance by Trace Adkins
Buglers at Arlington National Cemetery

Sojourner Center Partners With Lost Our Home Pet Rescue in Opening Pet Companion Shelter

Source:  Lost Our Home Pet Rescue/Jodi Polanski, Founder and CEO

It's Official! The paint is dry, the kennels are in place, and the ribbon-cutting ceremony is complete! On May 12, 2015 the Sojourner Center Pet Companion Shelter opened for business. We are truly blessed to be part of this wonderful partnership with Sojourner Center. We've cared for pets of families fleeing domestic violence at our shelter since 2008; now pets can stay together with their families at Sojourner Center. The healing power of pets can be shared by not only the family who owns the pets, but by families who don't have pets, but would love to snuggle up with a dog or cat to help healing. Those of us who are pet lovers know how powerful the gentle support of pets can be. Dr. Maria Garay, CEO of Sojourner Center, welcomed everyone and shared why the Pet Companion Shelter is so important to her. She thanked PetSmart Charities for their donation of $50,000 which made this shelter possible. Other donations came from Red Rover, the AKC Humane Fund, and an anonymous donor.   Jodi Polanski, Founder and CEO of Lost Our Home Pet Rescue spoke about the journey for the last year and a half, from when she and Dr. Garay met and first envisioned a safe place where families and pets could be together, to today's culmination of those dreams. Lost Our Home Pet Rescue has provided temporary pet care to families for many years, but this is the first opportunity for families to truly be together. This project has been a lot of hard work, but it is so rewarding to see the final product. A beautiful, welcoming place for pets to be safe while everyone heals from domestic violence How great to have Mayor Stanton at the ribbon-cutting. He talked about the impact of this ground-breaking center, and how Sojourner has been helping families for nearly 40 years break the bonds of domestic violence and begin new lives. Mayor Stanton also got to meet our first resident at the shelter: Clark the Cat. Clark is seen here with Mayor Stanton and his "brother", Robert. Robert said Clark is like a brother to him, and he'd rather sleep in the car than be separated from him ever again. Clark lived at Lost Our Home for 2 months while awaiting this shelter's opening. We are so happy we could get them closer together so Clark can hang out with Robert whenever possible. Then it was ribbon-cutting time! The young man in the front is Robert, who we mentioned above. Also in the picture are Dr. Maria Garay, Sojourner CEO; Jodi Polanski, Lost Our Home Pet Rescue Founder/CEO; Deborah Edwards, Lost Our Home Pet Rescue Board President; Michael Goodwin, CIO PetSmart Charities; and Dave Ryan, Sojourner Board President. And of course Petey was there! Petey asked for our help to choose which bow tie he would wear, and our Facebook Family overwhelming chose the paisley. Who better than Petey to personify overcoming personal struggles? He has never experienced abuse, but going through an amputation and keeping his fun-loving spirit throughout has been an inspiration to us all. We are sure he will continue to inspire those at Sojourner as they start their very important journeys of healing from domestic violence and moving forward to a safe and secure future. Leave a legacy of care, remember us in your will and trusts 2323 South Hardy Drive Tempe, Arizona 85282 (602) 445-7387 (PETS) info@lostourhome.org

Buying a Home is 35% Less Expensive than Renting!

Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/The KCM Blog

Posted: 18 May 2015 04:00 AM PDT

In the latest Rent vs. Buy Report from Trulia, they explained that homeownership remains cheaper than renting with a traditional 30-year fixed rate mortgage throughout the 100 largest metro areas in the United States. The updated numbers actually show that the range is from an average of 16% in Honolulu (HI), all the way to 55% in Sarasota (FL), and 35% Nationwide!

The other interesting findings in the report include:

• Interest rates have remained low and even though home prices have appreciated around the country (3.9%), they haven’t greatly outpaced rental appreciation (3.7%). “In the past year, these two trends have made homeownership even more affordable compared with renting.”
• Some markets might tip in favor of renting if home prices increase at a greater rate than rents and if – as most economists expect – mortgage rates rise, due to the strengthening economy.
• Nationally, rates would have to rise to 10.6% for renting to be cheaper than buying – and rates haven’t been that high since 1989. 

Bottom Line

Buying a home makes sense socially and financially. Rents are predicted to increase substantially in the next year, so lock in your housing cost with a mortgage payment now.

The Difference Your Interest Rate Makes

Courtesy of Keeping Matters Current/The KCM Blog

Some Highlights:

• Even a small increase in interest rates drastically impacts your budget.
• Securing a mortgage now while rates are still low means you can get more house for your money.
• Spend your money on your dream home, not on interest.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Today I'd like to share a very eloquent Mother's Day message that was posted on Facebook by my friend and colleague, Kirsten Johnson.   Thank you, Kirsten, for allowing me share this!

I want to share something that comes to mind not only on Mother's Day, but often....

I think of women I know who have not had the opportunity to have children either because of a medical condition or because they have not found the right person to have kids with, like in my situation. Please do not judge these women or ask them why they do not have kids, because I can guarantee it is not because of lack of want, it just is what it is right now. Be Kind. Be Loving. Be Understanding. Be Supportive of these ladies. It is a journey.

I think of people who I have met along the way who did not have a mother who was present in their lives either physically or emotionally. Their stories hurt my heart. Be Kind. Be Loving. Be Understanding. Be Supportive of those who did not have the true presence of a Mother. It is a journey.

I think of many of you who I know who have lost your mother and the "missing" her never goes away. The wanting to pick up the phone and call her to say Happy Mother's Day and I Love You doesn't go away. Be Kind. Be Loving. Be Understanding. Be Supportive of those who have lost their Mother. It is a journey.

I think of those mothers who have lost a child to sickness or tragedy. My heart hurts with you. No Mother should have to feel this pain. Be Kind. Be Loving. Be Understanding. Be Supportive of those who have lost a child. It is a painful journey.

I think of the nearly 17,000 kids in foster care in Arizona and the 500,000 in the United States that are confused and conflicted about their Mother, wondering why she abandoned, neglected or hurt them. Be Kind. Be Loving. Be Understanding. Be Supportive of our Kids in Foster Care. It is a scary and painful journey.

I want to recognize those mothers who have found their way to adopt or foster a child. Thank you for giving a child a sense of family and what it means to have a Mother. Biology has nothing to do with being a Mother. Love has everything to do with being a Mother. Be Kind. Be Loving. Be Understanding. Be Supportive of those who have adopted, fostered or are thinking about doing so. It is a journey. 

To all Mother's....your children are a gift! Thank you for giving them a loving home. Do not ever forget how important your role is to your children. Be Kind. Be Loving. Be Understanding. Be Supportive of yourselves, other mothers, fathers and your children. It is a journey.

We all have a story when it comes to our mother and our motherhood! Be Kind. Be Loving. Be Understanding. Be Supportive of One Another. It is a Journey.

Where Should I Retire?

Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/The KCM Blog

Posted: 01 May 2015 04:00 AM PDT

Some Highlights From The Report:

• 80% of all pre-retirees in the South Atlantic region plan to stay there in retirement
• 4 out of 10 pre-retirees plan to relocate in retirement
• Retirees in the South Central Region are most satisfied with their Cost of Living
• For more information or to read the full report: Click Here

Where the Wildflowers Are

Be sure to visit the Desert Botanical Garden website for up-to-date information on where to find beautiful wildflowers this season.


http://dbg.org/gardening-horticulture/wildflower-infosite

I'm now licensed in South Carolina!

 


I'm delighted to share the news that I am now licensed in both Arizona and South Carolina!

My SC license is with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/Carolinas Realty and my office is located in the Ballantyne Area of Charlotte, North Carolina, which is just north of the SC border.  Note that while I am licensed in South Carolina, my office services both North and South Carolina and my colleagues can help with any sales or purchases in North Carolina.  

Please check out my new BHHS website and be sure to get this awesome app that is the ultimate tool for mobile searching:  http://app.bhhscarolinas.com/BHHSCYKE

If you or anyone you know is looking to make a move to this beautiful part of the country, please give me a call! And remember that through a great referral network I can still help you with your real estate needs anywhere in the country - I'm LOCAL and I'm GLOBAL!

All the best!
Pook
 
Pook Bellini, REALTOR®, ABR, CMRS, CNE, e-PRO, SFR
Attention to Detail and Dedication to Exceptional Serviceazpook@gmail.com
Mobile:  480-628-7377

Great Small Garden Ideas

Only have a small space, but wanting to create a lush garden?  From a vertical veggie garden to a mini orchard, check out these awesome ways to pack the most garden into the smallest space. Here are some great ideas from Porch.com.

What a difference an hour makes...

Courtesy of Keep Current Matters/the KCM Blog

After living in Arizona for 38 years, where we always remained on Mountain Standard time, my husband and I get to "Spring Forward" this year.  So looking forward to an extra hour of daylight!  (Not so much losing an hour of sleep tonight.)

BTW, when did DST start happening so early??  

Here's the explanation from WEBEXHIBITS.ORG...

In the early 1960s, observance of Daylight Saving Time was quite inconsistent, with a hodgepodge of time observances, and no agreement about when to change clocks. The Interstate Commerce Commission, the nation's timekeeper, was immobilized, and the matter remained deadlocked. Many business interests were supportive of standardization, although it became a bitter fight between the indoor and outdoor theater industries. The farmers, however, were opposed to such uniformity. State and local governments were a mixed bag, depending on local conditions.

Efforts at standardization were encouraged by a transportation industry organization, the Committee for Time Uniformity. They surveyed the entire nation, through questioning telephone operators as to local time observances, and found the situation was quite confusing. Next, the Committee's goal was a strong supportive story on the front page of the New York Times. Having rallied the general public's support, the Time Uniformity Committee's goal was accomplished, but only after discovering and disclosing that on the 35-mile stretch of highway (Route 2) between Moundsville, W.V., and Steubenville, Ohio, every bus driver and his passengers had to endure seven time changes!

The Uniform Time Act

By 1966, some 100 million Americans were observing Daylight Saving Time based on their local laws and customs. Congress decided to step in and end the confusion, and to establish one pattern across the country. The Uniform Time Act of 1966 (15 U.S. Code Section 260a) [see law], signed into Public Law 89-387 on April 12, 1966, by President Lyndon Johnson, created Daylight Saving Time to begin on the last Sunday of April and to end on the last Sunday of October. Any State that wanted to be exempt from Daylight Saving Time could do so by passing a state law.

The Uniform Time Act of 1966 established a system of uniform (within each time zone) Daylight Saving Time throughout the U.S. and its possessions, exempting only those states in which the legislatures voted to keep the entire state on standard time.

In 1972, Congress revised the law to provide that, if a state was in two or more time zones, the state could exempt the part of the state that was in one time zone while providing that the part of the state in a different time zone would observe Daylight Saving Time. The Federal law was amended in 1986 to begin Daylight Saving Time on the first Sunday in April.

Under legislation enacted in 1986, Daylight Saving Time in the U.S. began at 2:00 a.m. on the first Sunday of April and ended at 2:00 a.m. on the last Sunday of October.

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 extended Daylight Saving Time in the U.S. beginning in 2007, though Congress retained the right to revert to the 1986 law should the change prove unpopular or if energy savings are not significant. Going from 2007 forward, Daylight Saving Time in the U.S.

    begins at 2:00 a.m. on the second Sunday of March and
    ends at 2:00 a.m. on the first Sunday of November

Would you like to buy a cave?

Source:  CBS Sunday Morning
Published on May 18, 2014

For the past 25 years, Ra Paulette has been carving out man-made caves from the sandstone hills of New Mexico, and then sculpting these spaces into works of art he calls wilderness shrines. Lee Cowan has the story of an artist who does his best work underground.

This cave digger is a master artist!  His work is beyond description.  And, just in case you'd like to buy one of these amazing caves, there may still be a couple for sale.

CAVE VIDEO

New Year's Greetings from South Carolina

As some of you already know, my husband and I have finally made the big move to South Carolina. We left Arizona on Christmas Eve and arrived at our home in SC on Sunday, December 28th, after a brief stop in Atlanta to visit our son.

Our wonderful memories of 38 years in Arizona will remain with us always, but we are thrilled to be back on the east coast, closer to family. With all the promise that a new year brings, we look forward to making new friends, discovering new activities to fill our days, and having many opportunities to spend time with family and friends. Our plan is to return to our cabin in Pinetop for a few months each summer, allowing us lots of time to get together with Arizona friends. 

On the business side, I’m maintaining my Arizona Real Estate license and look forward to continuing to work with old and new clients. In this wonderful age of technology, I can do almost everything on my computer and my phone and I am fortunate to have fabulous colleagues who I can count on to show property and be there for inspections and signings. And, if necessary, I can fly in or drive down from Pinetop in the summer to meet with clients personally. Arizona Best's affiliation with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World connects me with the best companies in the country and around the world, so I can provide great referrals anywhere. Additionally, I passed the SC real estate exam several months ago, so I will be licensed in both states. I'm really looking forward to working with clients here in our new community, Sun City Carolina Lakes in Indian Land, SC. It's wonderful to be local and global!

Wishing everyone a New Year filled with good health, good friends, and good times!