Bye-bye, 2018 Tax Deductions. Hello, Loopholes
5 TAX BREAKS THAT HAVE DISAPPEARED (SORT OF) The major overhaul of the U.S. tax code has left many homeowners confused this tax season. But the new Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) IS not as frightening as you might think with regard to 2018 ta ded...
6 Ways to Build Wealth Without Touching the Stock Market
HERE ARE SOME DIVERSE AND LUCRATIVE INVESTMENT OPTIONS There are so many ways to build wealth without relying on one of the most common wealth-building platforms: the stock market. To some, investing in the stock market might feel a bit risky today ...
“California Chic” is Alive and Well in Montecito
THE EFFORTLESS COOL LOOK SYNONYMOUS WITH CALIFORNIA STYLE If you already live in Montecito or just about any of the communities in or around Santa Barbara, there’s a good chance you’re already embracing “California Chic.” It comes easy for...
Next Housing Crash Prediction: Is One Coming?
5 reasons NOT to fear a housing crash As we head into 2019, it seems like everyone is awaiting the experts’ next housing crash prediction. Some of those experts do warn there’s trouble brewing in the U.S. housing market; asserting fear that an...
Is a Recession Coming?
Recessions happen. 5 warning signs to watch for. While our economy is at full steam right now, lately I’ve been hearing the question “Is a recession coming?” from clients and colleagues. A decade after the global financial crisis, the United...
Montecito Community Leadership Forms The Partnership for Resilient Communities
As our neighbors in Ventura and Los Angeles begin to recover from the Woolsey Fire, Montecito community leaders form The Partnership for Resilient Communities I’m thoroughly impressed with the Montecito community leadership that formed the Partner...
Fiscal Fitness: The Advantages of Investing in Your Health
The fitness industry and the world of finance might seem like an unusual pairing but they’re not as disparate as you might think Fiscal fitness is a piece of financial advice that is nothing to scoff about. It’s real. By investing in your health...
Capital Gains Tax: 3 Dreaded Words When Selling Your Home
Do you qualify for capital gains tax exemptions? Capital gains tax applies when you sell something for a profit. That means if you’re selling your home for more than you paid for it, you need to report that gain to the Internal Revenue Service. Th...
Another Fed Rate Hike? 7 Ways the Fed’s Decisions Affects Your Wallet
A Fed rate hike from tops economic news this week The Fed rate hike that was anticipated became a reality when newly appointed Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell announced a modest benchmark interest rate hike of between 1.5 percent and 1.75. Th...
Diversify Your Portfolio by Investing in Real Estate
Here are 3 ways to diversify your portfolio It's a new year and time to evaluate your finances and diversify your portfolio by investing in real estate. One of the biggest reasons investors diversify their real estate portfolio is to mitigate ri...