Terrylynn's Blog

The Cost of going Green (Sustainable) just keeps getting more affordable.  Did you know that per the IRS news release on 10/28/09 "Energy-Saving Steps This Year May Result in Tax Savings Next Year".  The notice goes on to say: 

"Home Energy Credits Updated 10/28/09 The Internal Revenue Service today reminded individual and business taxpayers that many energy-saving steps taken this year may result in bigger tax savings next year. The recently enacted American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 contained a number of either new or expanded tax benefits on expenditures to reduce energy use or create new energy sources.

Tax Credits for Home Energy Efficiency Improvements Increase Homeowners can get bigger tax credits for making energy efficiency improvements or installing alternative energy equipment. “These new, expanded credits encourage homeowners to make improvements that will make their homes more energy efficient,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. “People can improve their homes and save money over the long run.” ARRA provides for a uniform credit of 30 percent of the cost of qualifying improvements up to $1,500, such as adding insulation, energy-efficient exterior windows, and energy-efficient heating and air conditioning systems. The new law also raised the limit on the amount that can be claimed for improvements placed in service during 2009 and 2010 to $1,500, instead of the $500 lifetime limit under the old law. In addition, the new law has increased the energy efficiency standards for building insulation, exterior windows, doors, and skylights, certain central air conditioners, and natural gas, propane or oil water heaters placed in service after Feb. 17, 2009.

The new law also eliminates the cap on the 30 percent tax credit for alternative energy equipment, such as solar water heaters, geothermal heat pumps and small wind turbines, installed in a home. The cap generally has been eliminated for these improvements beginning in the 2009 tax year. The IRS today issued Notice 2009-41, which explains the effects of this change. "

I've been wanting that Toto Toilet, new 90% efficient furnace and SOLAR, maybe now is the time to look into the REAL cost of purchasing such items.  The tax break can make it attactive and doable in the near future.  Let's give it a look, shall we? For more information go to the IRS website   http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=206869,00.html

- Terrylynn has been a Realtor in Contra Costa County for over 32 years.  She works with Diablo Realty in Walnut Creek and is consistently a top producer.  Terrylynn is a local expert, please contact her for any Real Estate needs, or with a question about the area.

www.BuyConcord.net
Buy Concord was created to encourage residents to purchase their products and services in Concord.  In this economy, it is good to support your local businesses.  The categories include:

Apparel, Automotive, Electronics, Entertainment, Food, Floral, Furniture, Gifts, Health & Beauty, Home Improvement, Hotels, Jewelry, Pets, Professional Services, Restaurants and Sports.

- Terrylynn has been a Realtor in Contra Costa County for over 32 years.  She works with Diablo Realty in Walnut Creek and is consistently a top producer.  Terrylynn is a local expert, please contact her for any Real Estate needs, or with a question about the area.

ATM Machines:
I found some websites you can look at to find No-Fee ATMs near you.  Fees can be as high as $5 a transaction, and that definitely adds up!

www.allpointnetwork.com, just enter an address or zip code to find a no-fee ATM near you.

www.moneypass.com, also includes driving directions.

Going Out:
My daughter subscribes to www.goldstar.com.  If you like going out but don't like paying full price, this site is for you.  She receives almost daily emails with discounts on events in our area.  These include comedy shows, plays, live music, art events and more. It's a great way to do fun things in your area without spending too much money!

Need more (or less) stuff?
Try www.freecycle.com.  Freecycle is a yahoo group you join for your local area.  You can post to the group asking for items you need or offering items you no longer need.  Everything just has to be free.

- Terrylynn has been a Realtor in Contra Costa County for over 32 years.  She works with Diablo Realty in Walnut Creek and is consistently a top producer.  Terrylynn is a local expert, please contact her for any Real Estate needs, or with a question about the area.

• Police in Wichita, Kansas arrested a 22 year old man at an airport hotel after he tried to pass two counterfeit $16 bills
• The Chico, California City Council enacted a ban on nuclear weapons, setting a $500 fine for anyone detonating one within city limits
• A bus carrying five passengers was hit by a car in St. Louis, but by the time police arrived on the scene, 14 pedestrians had boarded the bus and began to complain of whiplash, injuries and back pain
• When two service station attendants in Iona, Michigan refused to hand over the cash to an intoxicated robber, the man threatened to call the police. They still refused, so the robber called the police and was arrested

Statistics

• The city with the most Rolls Royces per capita: Hong Kong
• Men can read smaller print than women; women can hear better
• The amount American Airlines saved in 1987 by eliminating one olive from each salad served in first class: $40,000
• State with the highest percentage of people who walk to work: Alaska
• Percentage of Africa that is wilderness: 28%
• Percentage of North America that is wilderness: 38%
• Percentage of American men who say they would marry the same women if they had it to do all over again: 80%
• Percentage of American women who say they would marry the same men if they had it to do all over again: 50%
• The cost of raising a medium size dog to the age of eleven: $6,400
• Average number of people airborne over the US any given hour: 61,000
• Percentage of Americans who have visited Disneyland/world: 70%

- Terrylynn has been a Realtor in Contra Costa County for over 32 years.  She works with Diablo Realty in Walnut Creek and is consistently a top producer.  Terrylynn is a local expert, please contact her for any Real Estate needs, or with a question about the area.

Thanks to:
Rex Lock & Safe
3511 Clayton Road, Concord, ca
1-800-901-LOCK

Bode & Bode Lock & Safe
1215 21st Street, Sacramento, ca
916-443-1967

Tracy Lock & Safe
1020 B Street, Tracy, ca
209-839-6557

I received a mailing from my local water district reminding me it is time to reduce outdoor watering.  According to their mailer at this time of year, even if the weather is warm, we can reduce our watering to:

Lawns: 1 to two days per week
Shrubs & Trees: No more than 1 day per week

My local water district also offers coupons for discounts on garden mulch and car washes that recycle their water, rebates on high efficiency toilets and clothes washers, free water-use surveys and more.  It may be worth checking with your own local water company to see if they have freebies and/or incentives!

- Terrylynn has been a Realtor in Contra Costa County for over 32 years.  She works with Diablo Realty in Walnut Creek and is consistently a top producer.  Terrylynn is a local expert, please contact her for any Real Estate needs, or with a question about the area.