|
|
By Melissa Wynn
This month’s road trip takes us back to the ranch and out to a little piece of heaven, 40 miles west of Red Bluff, known as “R” Wild Horse Ranch.
I arrived early on a Sunday afternoon with my niece, Allyson, and nephew, Darin, in tow and eager to explore. After a quick check-in at the General Store (open to the public) and dropping our bags at our cabin we were off to meet Charli Hand for a prearranged tour of the spectacular 22 square miles that comprise “R” Wild Horse Ranch. Charli is a bubbly, charming lady and a prime example of the family atmosphere that permeates every acre of this outdoor adventure wonderland. She took the time to drive us around to get acquainted with the layout and to introduce us to all the main attractions.
The highlight of the tour for me was, hands down, the stable area and covered arena. Owners at “R” Wild delight in the free use of over 50 horses kept in this area for our enjoyment. I couldn’t wait to saddle up so Charli graciously arranged a trail ride for us the following morning. This was done by a friendly drive by conversation with another ranch owner/wrangler. No major formalities here; my kind of place.
In another area, kids of all ages were buzzing about on every kind of ATV and motorized toy you can imagine. I thought Darin would wiggle right out of his seat when we learned that the ranch has over 900 acres dedicated to miles of tracks and trails just for these sports. Boys will be boys.
Allyson was most impressed by the community recreation center; the social hub of the “R” Wild family. Activities abound here. How about a dip in the heated pool or hot tub? Perhaps the pool tables, foosball , board or video games are more for you. Basketballs hoops and tennis courts are on the menu of fun as well. Live music dances, hayrides and bingo are all thrown in there somewhere now and then just to mix it up. We spent our entire first evening at the happening recreation center and each made new friends. No strangers at “R” Wild Horse Ranch.
For those looking for some relaxation, a separate lodge just for adults, with its own heated pool, sits atop a hill with a breathtaking, sweeping view from the huge patio that reaches its peak at sunset. This area also houses the 20 room motel for those wanting more modern accommodations. These rooms and are available to owners and their guests for an unbelievable $20 per night.
As if that were not enough, Charli next took us to meet Jerry of Adrenaline Adventures, another owner, that is the go-to guy for a guided hunt for everything from Quail and Black Tail Deer to Wild Boar and Black Bear. Of course “R” Wild has shooting and archery ranges for target practice and even skeet shooting for those that prefer a non-living, moving target. They thought of everything.
Adding to the experience for lovers of the outdoors, Beegum Creek runs through the ranch and this where the kids and I opted to enjoy the picnic dinner that we’d brought along, just us and the dragonflies. The road in was a little rough for my small car but no real worries. When I left through the gate, Brian, from security, assured me that he would be along to make sure we made it out safely before dark. What a caring staff! Beegum Creek is great for fishing or splashing around in one of the swimming holes. More fishing is available in the always-stocked Tom Sawyer Pond in yet another gorgeous area of this gated outdoor paradise.
Long after dark, wet from our late night dip in the pool, we returned to our simple cabin (twin beds for five and a half-bath). We read awhile from the books we borrowed from the rec center. We soon drifted off to dreamland to the melody of the frog and cricket song; a soothing end to our fun filled day.
Early the next morning we met with Bernadette at the stables for our unforgettable trail ride. The staff carefully chose the gentlest mounts for Darin and Ally since they are beginners and at the ranch safety is priority number one. Four thousand acres of “R” Wild Horse Ranch are dedicated to unrivaled equestrian adventure. Bernadette chose a route that graced us with outstanding views, narrow trails, hills to climb and creek beds to cross just to ensure that we got a taste of each terrain there is to choose from. I wished it would never end.
“R” Wild Horse Ranch has something for everyone that loves to play outside. I thought the price to become an owner with a deeded interest was simply unbelievable. For a down payment of $2500 and $985 in annual fees, one can become an owner and part of the “R” Wild family. Unlike a timeshare that allows you to visit a few weeks a year, “R” Wild is yours and you are free to visit as often you like, whenever you like. Ownership allows you (and your guests for $20 per night) to enjoy all the amenities including the horses, shower houses, community kitchens, playground and so much more. Owners are also welcome to store their RVs, horse trailers, ATV ect. free of charge in a security monitored fenced in area. I was informed on the tour that ”With 156 RV sites with full hook ups, 148 cabins, the motel and campgrounds availability has never been an issue”. For the most economical way, ”R” Wild Horse Ranch is certainly my personal top pick of the summer, enjoy it all in Northern California. We had a blast.
Interested in owning a little piece of heaven? Local realtor® Charli Hand can further help you at 1-866-726-2494 where you can even schedule a tour that includes a complimentary 1 night/2 day stay. See for yourself how much “R” Wild Horse Ranch offers for so little. Visit their website at www.rwildhorseranch.net. The ranch is located at at 6700 Hwy 36. approximately 40 miles west of Red Bluff.
Share Mountain Valley Living with your friends:
Business
LOCAL… Please… LOCAL
In our little mountain town, I am sure I have mentioned that stores and vital services like banking and medical offices have closed .It seems our once-taken-for-granted conveniences seem to be drifting away, one by one. Our local hardware store needs our local support. Our grocery stores and service stations need our support. Is everybody lined up at the major retailers in search of that saved buck? Well, yes you will find some super deals to lure you in the door, but they are banking that you will stack up some of their higher priced offerings too.
A local person I know, who had long owned a computer headset she found at Lassen True Value in Westwood for $9.99, suddenly needed another. She had recently seen them still offered at the downtown retailer for $9.99, so she called to make sure they had one in stock. Turns out they did not. They had just sold out and were waiting for a new shipment. So this gal runs off to the big retailer, where national TV commercials had told her she should expect a much lower price. She was astounded when the exact same product cost her $17.99. On her way to the cash register, she admired a little patio set with a giant sign: $119 – 5 piece patio set. She resisted, though she KNEW this just had to be a great deal.
She could not resist stopping in at her local hardware store though, to show them the price she’d had to pay for the same computer headset. On the way in, she noticed an even nicer 5 pc. patio table set, made of anodized steel and powder-coated in a toasty mocha color. Almost afraid to look, she wandered over to the small price tag that hung from this True Value weekly special item. Astounded again, she read $99.99! Owner Alex comes out to tell her, “If you want another model, we can always give you free shipping from True Value to our store and”, he ponders, “we can have these by the weekend.”
If you are not a regular at visiting the small mom and pop’s that make up our unique communities, we urge you, as you stock up for the summer season, to visit your local small businesses like your Hometown Sears stores in Susanville and Red Bluff. Check out your local Billington Ace Hardware and venture into a lovely little boutique like Ayoob’s in downtown Quincy or the all new Hello Beautiful in Chico to see what they have to offer. Shop your local grocers like Young’s Market and Susaville Supermarket or the one right in your neighborhood. I think you will be surprised at the values you will find, while making a difference, a BIG DIFFERENCE, in your local community.
Share Mountain Valley Living with your friends:
Start your own business today with just $10! Jenave Demick is an Avon trainer. Become an Independent Sales Consultant and you will be making money in no time. Sell your friends and neighbors skin care products, make up, housewares, men’s items, and now even our new mom and baby line that everyone loves. You will get a free website where your clients can shop whenever they want…. from YOU! They will find all the lines and even OUTLET bargains from Avon.
Start your business today with $10 Share Mountain Valley Living with your friends:
By Brian Wilson
State Farm® Agent
Simply put…contributing to a Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA) may be a smart money move. The question then is…are you taking full advantage? The benefit of contributing to the Roth IRA is the money you put into one of these accounts grows tax free and distributions may be made tax free.
If you haven’t opened a Roth IRA, do it now. You have until your tax deadline (typically April 15) to set up an account and make contributions for the previous year. Annual contributions are limited; currently the maximum amount is $5,000. That means you can invest $5,000 for 2010, giving you a solid start to your savings.
If you’re just starting to invest, the Roth IRA should be one of your first options – even before you open a regular, taxable account or contribute to a workplace retirement savings plan. The only exception is if your employer offers a match on your 401(k) contributions. That’s free money you don’t want to pass up. You can invest in both a Roth IRA and a workplace retirement plan.
Not sure where to find money to fund your account? Consider investing your tax refund. The amount could be a great start for funding a Roth IRA.
There are specific income restrictions for contributing to a Roth IRA. Contributions are limited and based on the taxpayer’s filing status and Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI). When the taxpayer’s income exceeds the eligibility limits for contributing to a Roth IRA, an eligibility phase out period begins.
For 2011, the MAGI phase out range for contributing to a Roth IRA is:
* At least $169,000 but less than $179,000 for a married couple filing a joint return or a qualified widow(er)
* At least $107,000 but less than $122,000 for a single individual or head of household
* Less than $10,000 for a married individual filing a separate return
Your exact contribution amount can be calculated using the worksheets found in Publication 590 on the IRS Web site at www.irs.gov.
Withdrawals are tax-free if you’re over age 59½ and at least five years have expired since you established a Roth IRA. Otherwise withdrawals of gain may be taxable (unless the withdrawal is “qualified”) and may be subject to a 10% tax penalty.
An individual can contribute up to $5,000 (or 100% of earned income, whichever is less) for tax year 2011. If you are over age 50, you are allowed to make additional catch-up contributions of $1,000 for tax years 2010 and 2011. Your adjusted gross income may limit your contribution amount.
Share Mountain Valley Living with your friends:
~ HARDWARE STORE FOR SALE ~ SITUATED IN A SMALL NORTHERN CALIFORNIA MOUNTAIN TOWN ~
LASSEN TRUE VALUE HARDWARE ~ 318 ASH ST. ~ WESTWOOD, CA 96137 (530) 256-3141
This is a rare business opportunity which is set up to provide instant income in this turn key operation. Inventory control is computerized and simple. We are located in the beautiful mountain town of Westwood, CA surrounded by a community of approximately 1250 homes right in town, and Lake Almanor which is 6 miles away. Lake Almanor boasts several communities of homes, golf courses and is filled with seasonal residents during summer at the lakeside resorts, vacation properties, and campgrounds.
Westwood residents enjoy snowmobiling, hiking, cross country skiing, fishing swimming and kayaking. Nearby Mountain Meadows Reservoir, known to locals as Walker Lake is picturesque and right on the edge of town.
(Click on images to view website)
   
 
 
 
Share Mountain Valley Living with your friends:
HELP WANTED
Advertising Salesperson. If you like the sound of excellent commissions, a schedule that adapts to family and…if you think you could represent your area as a business to business consultant for Mountain Valley Living, call or send resume to Eileen. MVL advertising is an excellent buy in the market. Full training provided. 530-260-2244
mountainvalleyliving@gmail.com
Share Mountain Valley Living with your friends:
Biz Blog ~ March 2011
Say Hello!
The next time you stop by Les Schwab Tires in Susanville, say ”Hello” to new manager Mike Busse. Mike, his wife, and family recently moved from Elk Grove, CA. He brings 16 years experience with the company, starting with a part time position while attending college in Southwestern Washington state. His reason for staying with Les Schwab? “It’s the way the company treats customers and employees. That’s something to be proud of” he said, adding “I enjoy coming to work every day.”
Coming Soon…
Blake Hutala, owner of The Elegant Iris, and The Men’s Den In Susanville, tells us they’ll soon be receiving the first shipments of the latest in bows, arrows, bow accessories, targets, and camo. All the items for the coming season were purchased at the National Archery Buyers Assoc. show held recently in Reno.
Ribs Anyone
Have you stopped by Thunder Joe’s in Susanville for their tasty ribs, or pulled pork? If not, you’re in for a treat! Everything is made fresh on the spot according to own Susan Baxter. By the way, if you’re planning a St. Patrick’s party, remember Thunder Joe’s caters too!
More Than Tin Cans
Bullseye Recycling in Susanville does much more than recycle. They also do roll up bin, and low-boy service, along with heavy tonnage area cleanup. Stop by their location on Highway 395 East to check it out!
Mark Your Calendar
If you love cowboy poetry, mark your calendar for Saturday, April 2nd. Diamond Mountain Casino will host the popular event, complete with music, and a barbeque. Get your tickets early. This promises to be fun!
Looking For Equipment?
If you’re in need of rental equipment from A to Z, give J’s Feather River Rentals in Portola a call. They have everything from power tools to excavators. Delivery can also be arranged. Did I mention, they also own J’s Events with everything for your wedding or event from the glassware to a stage.
Share Mountain Valley Living with your friends:
Biz Blog
NOT SO BUSINESS AS USUAL
It is not the economy for “business as usual.” It is time to consider long and hard which businesses you are going to support. In the age of online shopping, small mom and pop businesses are getting lost in the twitter of it all. We have to know that if we don’t support our local businesses, we may not have the chance to one day. The loss of business in a small tourist-based economy can cause serious damage fast. Thanks for considering a little bit more shopping in our beautiful corner of the Sierra-Cascades.
GOING GREEN THE EASY WAY
“Plumas Bank is so pleased to offer environmentally friendly accounts to the communities we serve,” said Elizabeth Kuipers, Vice President, Marketing Manager, and Investor Relations Officer. The bank recently introduced their “Go Green to Grow Green” online checking accounts that are environmentally friendly and convenient. “We’re happy to take part in helping protect the beautiful area we live in,” she added.
10TH ANNUAL FRIENDS IN ART
Locally-renowned jewelry artisan Edith Schwirian tells us that the 10th Annual Friends In Art Reception held at Artisan Coffee and Art Gallery in Janesville was very well received and she wants everyone to know her jewelry is available at Blue Goose Gallery in Chester.
Chilly, Are You?
With January comes some mighty cold weather. That’s why Billington Ace is stocked well as always in their Carhartt Work Wear. Top of the line clothing for working outdoors is crucial in mountain climates. Billington Ace Hardware in Susanville carries lots of great brands and has boots and lots of other gear for cold weather.
New TV for Football, Anyone?
You won’t have to travel far to pick up a great buy on a new flat screen TV for the big game. That’s because your Hometown Sears Stores have plenty in stock from which to choose. And with Sears, there are sales all the time! Check out the deals in Susanville and Red Bluff’s Sears Hometown Stores.
Snowshoes Made in USA
There may be nothing more dangerous than venturing deep into the woods and having your snowshoe come apart on you. That’s why Chuck at Bodfish Bicycles and Quiet Mountain Sports in Chester stocks quality snowshoes that are made in the USA. Go Bodfish!
Almanor Energy Plus – Emergency Service
This time of year it is especially important to know that Almanor Energy Plus of Lake Almanor offers 24 hour emergency service in Lassen and Plumas counties. The company has served the area for decades. They also offer maintenance programs and plenty of satisfaction guarantees.
Peterson Glass Does Snow Removal Too!
Your trusted friends in Chester at Peterson Glass are now also offering a full snow removal service in the Almanor/Chester area.
INTRODUCING ELLIE
If you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Ellie yet, stop by Ayoob’s in Quincy to get acquainted. Ellie is a two-year-old Yorkshire Terrier. She takes her job of mascot seriously, and jumps up to greet every customer. When she’s not busy with customers, Ellie’s favorite pastime is playing with her pink stuffed bunny, barking at dogs walking by, or taking a nap under the front counter. Ayoob’s Manager Ashley Stevenson informed us Ellie belongs to her sister Haley Stevenson, who also works at the shop.
Share Mountain Valley Living with your friends:
Biggs’ Butchery inside Young’s Market
WESTWOOD , CA
By Eileen Majors
It’s not often you can even find one anymore, but buying from an old-fashioned butcher shop is a whole different experience. I found that out when I first moved to the small town of Westwood. I quickly learned the value and convenience of this small town way of shopping in our neighborhood market, Young’s Market, downtown on Birch Street in Westwood. Mike and Neil Young run the grocery. Don Biggs has Biggs’ Butchery located inside the store.
For 30 years I’ve been shopping this local grocery. Not only does everyone know my name, we’ve all become friends after decades of daily contact. I’ve come to greatly appreciate my market and the butcher shop and all the specialties that come with small town shopping. I can’t tell you how many parties I’ve hosted when Don cooked the meat. I have actually called from work, ordered a tri tip for 5:30, then picked up bagged salad, french bread and butter, fresh grapes and strawberries at 5:30 for a dinner party at 6. (You’ll love Young’s organic choices in the produce department). Add one of the fabulous chocolate cakes the store carries near the produce department, and voila!… a happy birthday sit-down dinner with 20 minutes time to rinse the fruit, heat the bread and spread it all out.
Biggs’ has a roaster large enough to accommodate several chickens, ribs or roasts. For just 50ç per pound more, they will cook your meat for you on the rotisserie. Don uses either a flavorful rub or sauce when he makes up the chicken and ribs to sell in the hot counter. I like to order my ribs with one of his favorites, Micah’s Grubbin’ Sauce smothered all over them. I like my chickens cooked in the same rub he uses for his hot counter too. With years of tasting experience, Don has gathered several of the best spices and sauces available in his butcher shop/deli corner of the store.
And the sandwiches! Biggs’ Butchery slaps together some of the tallest, tastiest sandwiches around. Meats are sliced fresh as ordered and piled high. BIG are Biggs’ sandwiches, as you can see by the picture!
It’s fun to pick up sandwiches and take a ride around the beautiful area that surrounds Westwood. In good weather, there are two roads heading out to Mountain Meadows Reservoir (known to locals as Walker Lake) or a cross-country ski from the Lassen County Visitors’ Center in Westwood will also land you at the lake. Goodrich Creek and Meadow is another beautiful spot nearby as is Clear Creek Park. There is parking, a new playground, a bridge that crosses the creek and trails to Clear Creek Spring. Ask at Young’s or Biggs for directions.
Ready to Cook or Already Cooked Specials
It’s hard to resist the hot counter with scents of roasted chicken and ribs, but if you’d rather cook at home, you will often find ready-to-cook specials like Don’s meatloaf, or these rolled pork roasts (pictured), ready to pop in the oven for roasted pork with tasty stuffing. Stuffed pork chops are another great choice as is the stuffed bell peppers (also pictured), and the chicken fajita mix, all prepared fresh in the shop.
One of the easiest meals to serve a crowd for breakfast is biscuits and gravy and Biggs’ handmade breakfast sausage is out of this world when it comes to flavor. My brother-in-law is a great cook and when he visits Westwood he always orders 30 one-pound packages of Biggs’ sausage to take home. Don packages it and freezes it for him, just another sign of the shop’s excellent custom service. You can usually get some pretty good cooking instructions from the guys too, if you are not sure.
GRAVY For Biscuits and Gravy
1 lb. of sausage serves 4 -5
1/8 – 1/4 cup flour
1 to 1 1/2 cups milk
2 tbsp. butter (optional)
Hot Biscuits – bake after the sausage is browned for good timing. (Bisquik or Jiffy Biscuit mix both make excellent biscuits)
Brown sausage well. (Often Biggs’ sausage is so lean, you have to also add 2 tablespoons of butter or fat to make the gravy!) If you want to try a spicier gravy, add 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes (like for pizza).
Add 1/8 to 1/4 cup of flour, a few tablespoons at a time, mixing well, until absorbing the fat with the flour.
Note: Don’t put too much flour to create clumps which will become lumps in your gravy. If you add a little too much flour, a little butter should save the day.
When flour is absorbed, stir and cook a minute or two more over medium heat. Add milk. Start with 1/2 cup, adding gradually while stirring. Add more milk as mixture heats and thickens, adding milk to desired consistency. Pepper to taste. Add salt if desired. Pour over halved, hot biscuits.
Game and Ranch Processing
Each fall hunters flock to Biggs’ Butchery for deer processing. They not only cut and wrap, they make sausage and snack sticks for their customers. Biggs recently began ranch processing as well and is available to nearby ranches.
Share Mountain Valley Living with your friends:
GOOD BUSINESS RECOGNIZED…
AND RECOMMENDED BY OUR READERS!
Editor: We asked YOU, our readers to tell us about YOUR best experiences in shopping locally and to recommend businesses that offer great products, prices and/or customer service here in our mountain valley region. Email your recommendations to mountainvalleyliving@gmail.com. Thanks to Jess and Thilly Ayers of Westwood for this:
READER RESPONSE:
We think that Lassen True Value Hardware in Westwood is a VERY WORTHY business and deserves recognition. First, in a town where regular gasoline is almost $3.40 per gallon, owner Alex deMartimprey keeps the prices very competitive – even lower prices than hardware stores in the larger towns. For a small store, they amazingly have a good stock of products and if they don’t have it, they will order what you need. Also Alex researches his specialty products such as woodburning stoves, getting the most efficient and best value for the dollar spent. Finally, the store is a great asset to the people of Westwood, Clear Creek, Hamilton Branch and Lake Almanor and we need to support it. If we were to lose Lassen True Value Hardware, it would be a tragic blow for our area.
Jess and Thilly Ayers
Westwood
Share Mountain Valley Living with your friends:
Foreclosure Avoidance Counseling
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies are available to provide you with the information and assistance you need to avoid foreclosure. As part of President Obama's comprehensive Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan (HASP), you may be eligible for a special Making Home Affordable loan modification or refinance, to reduce your monthly payments and help you keep your home.
If you need help understanding the Making Home Affordable programs, you can contact a counseling agency in your area that will provide you with free foreclosure prevention services. If you are eligible for the loan modification or refinance program, the counselor will work with you to compile an intake package for your servicer.
Foreclosure prevention counseling services are provided free of charge by nonprofit housing counseling agencies working in partnership with the Federal Government. These agencies are funded, in part, by HUD and NeighborWorksB. America. There is no need to pay a private company for these services.
Help for Unemployed Homeowners
By July 1, all mortgage servicers participating in the Making Home Affordable Program will offer extra help for homeowners struggling to make their monthly mortgage payments because of unemployment. The Unemployment Program will offer homeowners a forbearance period to temporarily reduce or suspend their monthly mortgage payments while they seek re-employment.
If you are delinquent on your loan payments and need immediate assistance call 1-888-995-HOPE (4673)
Nearby offices include:
URITON SOLUTIONS
P: 866-697-7980
7515 Ramada Place
1074 Ease Avenue Ste A-2
Chico, California 95926
COMMUNITY HOUSING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CHIP) - COMM. HSG & CREDIT COUNSELING CTR
530-891-4124
or 888-423-6333
1001 Willow Street
Chico, California 95928
CONSUMER CREDIT COUNSELING SERVICE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
775-337-6363
or 800-451-4505
3100 Mill Street Ste. 111
Reno, Nevada 89502
NEVADA LEGAL SERVICES, INC.
775-284-3491
650 Tahoe Street
Reno, Nevada 89509
WASHOE COUNTY DEPT OF SENIOR SERVICES - SENIOR LAW PROJECT
775-328-2592
1155 E Ninth St
Reno, Nevada 89512-2827
NEVADA LEGAL SERVICES, INC.
800-323-8666
216 N. Pratt Ave.
Carson City, Nevada 89701
Share Mountain Valley Living with your friends:
Foreclosure Avoidance Counseling
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies are available to provide you with the information and assistance you need to avoid foreclosure. As part of President Obama’s comprehensive Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan (HASP), you may be eligible for a special Making Home Affordable loan modification or refinance, to reduce your monthly payments and help you keep your home.
If you need help understanding the Making Home Affordable programs, you can contact a counseling agency in your area that will provide you with free foreclosure prevention services. If you are eligible for the loan modification or refinance program, the counselor will work with you to compile an intake package for your servicer.
Foreclosure prevention counseling services are provided free of charge by nonprofit housing counseling agencies working in partnership with the Federal Government. These agencies are funded, in part, by HUD and NeighborWorks® America. There is no need to pay a private company for these services.
Help for Unemployed Homeowners
By July 1, all mortgage servicers participating in the Making Home Affordable Program will offer extra help for homeowners struggling to make their monthly mortgage payments because of unemployment. The Unemployment Program will offer homeowners a forbearance period to temporarily reduce or suspend their monthly mortgage payments while they seek re-employment.
If you are delinquent on your loan payments and need immediate assistance call 1-888-995-HOPE (4673)
Nearby offices include:
URITON SOLUTIONS
P: 866-697-7980
7515 Ramada Place
1074 Ease Avenue Ste A-2
Chico, California 95926
COMMUNITY HOUSING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CHIP) – COMM. HSG & CREDIT COUNSELING CTR
530-891-4124
or 888-423-6333
1001 Willow Street
Chico, California 95928
CONSUMER CREDIT COUNSELING SERVICE OF SOUTHERN NEVADA
775-337-6363
or 800-451-4505
3100 Mill Street Ste. 111
Reno, Nevada 89502
NEVADA LEGAL SERVICES, INC.
775-284-3491
650 Tahoe Street
Reno, Nevada 89509
WASHOE COUNTY DEPT OF SENIOR SERVICES – SENIOR LAW PROJECT
775-328-2592
1155 E Ninth St
Reno, Nevada 89512-2827
NEVADA LEGAL SERVICES, INC.
800-323-8666
216 N. Pratt Ave.
Carson City, Nevada 89701
Share Mountain Valley Living with your friends:
New CA bill offers up to $10,000 Tax Credit for First Time Home Buyers!
On March 25th Gov. Schwarzenegger signed Assembly Bill 183, the Homebuyer Tax Credit legislation into law. The bill which provides $200 million for home buyer tax credits, 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 purchases a qualified personal residence on and after May 1, 2010, and on or before Dec. 31, 2010, or who purchases a qualified principal residence on and after Dec. 31, 2010, and before Aug. 1, 2011, pursuant to an enforceable contract executed on or before Dec. 31, 2010, will be able to take the allowed tax credit. The credit is equal to the lesser of 5 percent of the purchase price or $10,000, in equal installments over three consecutive years. Under AB 183, purchasers will be required to live in the home for at least two years or forfeit the credit (i.e., repay it to the state).
The state’s previous home buyer tax credit program was so successful that it ran out of tax credits by the end of June 2009, eight months before it was set to expire and just as housing markets appeared to be turning a corner. Unlike last year’s legislation, AB 183 adds a tax credit for the purchase of an existing home by a first-time home buyer.
The bill is expected to significantly contribute to the effort to stimulate jobs-creation within California’s housing market by helping to encourage first-time home buyers to purchase homes that have been abandoned, foreclosed upon and returned to the lender, or have been sitting on the market for extended periods of time. It is these homes that will require substantial rehabilitation by the new owners, which will in turn generate a tremendous increase in jobs and accessory purchases connected to home improvement activities.
Source: California Association of Realtors
Share Mountain Valley Living with your friends:
Dear Sara:
My mom died and she left a lot of ceramic items that she and my grandmother made over the years. Grandma’s ceramics are really old so I think I need your help. I want to sell some of them but some I cannot part with. Are these valuable? Lisa M. Greenville
 
Women have been making and painting ceramics for a very long time and it is nice that you have some of Grandma’s work since they are “low fire” and not as sturdy as hand-thrown earthenwares. Condition is a huge value element in all ceramic items and, if Grandma’s work is in good condition, that’s a good thing. Although you value these items for your family connection, these types of “poured” or “slipware” ceramics are somewhat mass produced and not very valuable to the big world. A standard rule of thumb for most decorative items is that the more carefully done, the more fine detail, the more valuable. The tall vase with the hand-painted Pueblo motif is more desirable than the turtle. The pieces you photographed would sell in a thrift store in the $3 to $7 range. A garage sale is where these things sell commonly. Enjoy Mom and Granny’s work
Share Mountain Valley Living with your friends:
THANK S FOR CHECKING US OUT at shopnorcal.com !
Mountain Valley Living Magazine, shopnorcal.com caters to folks who love life in Nor Cal. Whether you are a long time visitor to the area or are relocating within the area, WE THANK YOU for choosing shopnorcal.com to select a Realtor®. Every partnering Realtor® is ready to serve you with OUTSTANDING SERVICE!
NOW is a great time to check out the great buys in the North-State at shopnorcal.com! The selection of properties offered is amazing and interest rates are looking good too. So please take a look around and give one of our Realtors® a call today!
LAKE FRONT PROPERTIES • RIVER AND STREAM FRONT REAL ESTATE • PREMIUM GOLF LOCATIONS
FIXER UPPERS • COMMERCIAL PROPERTY • BUSINESSES FOR SALE at shopnorcal.com.
WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND OUR REALTORS: Meet a realtor at www.mountainvalleyliving.com/online/category/real-estate/
FOR SUPERIOR SERVICE, CONTACT A REALTOR® AT shopnorcal.com !!!
Share Mountain Valley Living with your friends:
Biz Blog 1210
TERRAIN DOMINATION
“Whether your passion is high-marking, boondocking, or rippin’ the back country, Polaris has the sled for you,” according to Duff DuPont, of DuPont Power Tool in Quincy. Check out their selection of snowmobiles, and accessories for a gift that will be long remembered.
CUP ‘O CHEER!
Busy days will be brighter with a stop at Thunder Joe’s in Susanville. Susan Baxter has all your favorite coffee drinks, Bar-B-Que, and more. Take five, and rev up your energy!
ACE IS THE PLACE…
Looking for the perfect gift? Ace Hardware in Susanville has loads of small appliances sure to please the cook in your house like Kitchenaid mixers in a variety of colors. For guys, it’s tools of every shape and size. How about a snow thrower to really light up his Christmas? Don’t forget the “little red wagon” for kids. This timeless toy will give years of pleasure.
OPEN SUNDAYS?
Ayoob’s in Quincy is going the extra mile to please shoppers this holiday season. According to Store Manager Ashley Stevenson, the store will be open Sundays 11:00-3:00 through December 19th. They’re open Friday ‘til 7:00 through December 17th.
20 FOOT TREE
Don’t miss the beautiful 20’ Christmas tree inside The Elegant Iris and Men’s Den in Historic Uptown Susanville. Owner Blake Hutala has stocked the store with gifts you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a “don’t miss” place during the holidays for sporting goods and clothing for the guys and plenty for the gals. Want an amazing doll? Vilit the Elegant Iris.
Share Mountain Valley Living with your friends:
Antique appraisals are provided by Sara Conklin, A Certified Antique Appraiser in Plumas County
Dear Sara:
Help! My husband died and all of our stuff has to be appraised. Harold bought a lot of pretty statues just before he died and the appraiser said the estate tax value was about what he paid for them new! I have sent a photo of one of the statues from the appraisal. Can you believe this statue is being taxed at about $11K? What can I do? Should I give some of them to a museum? Thank you. Carol
Dear Carol: You have brought up a very complex issue and I need to give you some background on appraisals for the Internal Revenue Service before I can give you any advice. Grab a cup of coffee girl and sit down. Sara
Appraising the contents of an estate to compute the estate tax owed and valuing a gift to a museum (charitable donation) in order to calculate a tax deduction, is a similar process to what the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires. The value definition to be used for both appraisals is Fair Market Value. Fair Market Value, as defined by the Internal Revenue Service in publication 561, is “the price that property would change hands between a willing buyer and willing seller, neither being under any compulsion to buy or sell, both having reasonable knowledge of the relevant facts, and with the sale being made to the public in the most relevant market taking into consideration the location of the property.”
Valuing fine art, decorative art and household contents is much like having your house appraised. Sales of similar types of items have to be researched. If several antique clocks sell for about $400 and they are just like the one in an appraisal, the appraiser can say the clock being appraised is worth $400. Market research is required to appraise personal property just like your house.
For most antiques, more sales occur in the national auction market than through specialist dealers and antique shows. As this relates to contemporary or newly created art, the relevant or most common market in many cases is not the auction market. The newly created art is usually purchased by people with disposable income, let’s say in their 50s. These “collectors” keep the item for say 20 years when it is then sold, upon their death, in a secondary market – typically at auction. Auctions usually sell things for less than when purchased new. In Harold’s case, the item has to be valued close to the time of purchase. The most common market then becomes sales to the public from the artists’ dealer or the artist themselves since no time has been allowed for the auction market to develop.
Sorry, as your appraisal notes, “Raindancer” by Tom Bennett, whose body of work has not yet come up for sale in the auction market – is indeed valued at close to what you paid for it. Perhaps giving it to a museum is a good move.
Share Mountain Valley Living with your friends:
Our little areas’ impact on the California and Nevada economies at Christmas time may not be record breaking, but that same impact on the local economy if all the dollars were spent here would be amazing. As you ponder over what to buy this season, be sure to pop your head inside those local businesses and see what they have to offer. Often they have the best products for the area we live in and very often the best prices too! We looked around and found a few things our staff really liked that you might not even know about:
• The Pardner, Susanville: Sterling silver hair jewelry & tough wood toys for kids are among it all, not to mention those sheepskin slippers!
• La Casa Bella Fine Furnishings, Quincy: Fine tablecloths, very cool designer fans to spread the heat around, iron bird baths, lit bouquets +!
• Sears, Susanville: Talk about big screen TV’s in stock, this is the place. Tools, exercise equipment appliances and more, in stock today!
• Lassen Gift Company, Chester: Find the coolest, old fashioned toys for kids on your walk down memory lane with a stop at their old fashioned soda fountain of course! Kids craft project kits and more!
• Bodfish Bicycles & Quiet Mountain Sports, Chester: Sweet little name brand bikes with training wheels. Books on hiking and biking in the area, wtitten by Bodfish himself..a great gift for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Billington Ace Hardware, Susanville: The spot to check out cool outdoor holiday decor!.. Kitchenaid Bowl Mixers in an array of fun colors! Houseware & hardware gifts..BIG on tools with the names like DeWalt!
• Sonshine Flower & Gifts, Chester: Find a tiny china tea set or a super soft plush animal. Of course, they can send those flowers for you!
• Grocery Outlet, Susanville: They want you to know they have fresh meat now. Their newly stocked gift aisles are full of discounts too.
• Walker Mansion Inn & Cafe: Find those extra special towels, some great serving pieces and cookbooks, too, among the shop filled with gifts and antiques. A lodge and cafe also inhabit the historic Walker Mansion.
• Picture Perfect Custom Framing & Art: Capture and give memorabelia in a custom frame or shadow box. Check out the tiny jeweled notebooks! Clever and artistic framed prints are personalized for gift giving.
• Treats Dog Company, Chester & Susanville: Keep hands neat and Fido happy with the tennis ball thrower. Doggie bakery has holiday treats!
• Leslie’s Jewelry, Susanville: Stunning jewelry of course, Good selection of engravable gifts, Rich desk accessories, clocks and fineries.
• Lola’s Boutique, Chester: Don’t underestimate the value of a great second hand shop for gifts! It’s a very nice one with cool jewelry too!
Upstairs Day Spa, Chester: Who wouldn’t love a massage or facial gift certificate! Lotions, potions, and interesting notions.
Candy Shoppe, Chester: Visit an old fashioned candy shop over the holidays where great gifts come in all shapes and sizes.Tasty & fun ideas!
Propane Gas Lights, Chester: What outdoorsman wouldn’t love a gas light? Outdoor heaters, indoor propane accessories too! 530.605-5068
Schwirian Jewelry, Susanville: Edith Schwirian still displays her unique jewelry stylings at Picture Perfect, uptown. Repairs & Custom work too.
Quincy Hot Spot, Quincy: Art sits on the wood stove & turns into a fan with no power, as the heat rises. Fireplace accessories . Home accents.
Wiggins Trading Post, Chilcoot: Old, cool store! From western hats to fillet knives, & everything in between, like a trip back in time!
Always Sunny Tanning & Nails, Westwood: Give OPI or China Glaze nail polish, gift certificates, lotions and fun gifts.
A Place To Bead, Westwood: Make a gorgeous gift yourself! Classes, beading parties, buy handmade jewelry, handbags & more cool gifts.
Elegant Iris & Mens Den, Susanville: Guy stuff galore! Best camo & archery gear, western & other prints, fine dolls, handmade kidswear ++.
Homestead Fabrics, Quincy: Put together a kids’ sewing kit or satisfy the serious quilter with a fun gift. Start your own project! Come for ideas.
Epilog Books, Quincy: Local art for sale. Misting fountains, handmade jewelry, books and book lights, big and small gift ideas galore!
Margie’s Book Nook, Susanville: You can’t go wrong with books for kids. Great selection! Gift sets, Wonderful Calendars, Special orders too.
Oregano Mountain Home Store, Portola: Rich lodge furniture, Custom made nostalgic signs, Big Sky Carvers furniture & accessories, jewelry.
Sights & Sounds, Quincy: Teens love it! From posters to skateboards!
Share Mountain Valley Living with your friends:
 It is a new day in the business world. After the economic boom recently experienced in this country, today’s state of affairs could look to many CEO’s like a serious crisis. It has in fact proven devastating for several large corporations and major retailers across the country. Our region is certainly feeling the effects of today’s economic problems, especially with the State of California being among those making drastic changes in wages. If you think it is frightening for corporate retailers, imagine how the small businesses in the Sierras must be feeling. Dare to take a look with me at how devastating the effects could be on the local merchants and the people who live and vacation here and then to flip the coin to take a look at what good news we can all bring to this table.
For many of us in this Nor Cal region of the Sierras, there are only a handful of small businesses in our home town. Imagine if the only grocery store closed in one of these small communities. This could easily mean an extra hour of driving to a nearby town every time a guy needs groceries. Suppose the gas station you count on suddenly realizes the effects of a torn up economy and closes its doors. There are many businesses that our small communities rely on and the time is NOW to show our support for the businesses in our communities.
Now, take a look with me if you will into how much of an effect we could really have in our little nook of the Sierras if we all just began to shop locally more. It is an unfortunate fact that many people in our mountain region have long chosen to do much of their shopping out of the area. Just by recognizing an important need and shifting a good portion of those purchases to the mom and pop businesses they depend on, we could actually strengthen our economy to a level exceeding anything it has seen before, even in this economy. I can see the headlines now, “Northeastern CA Refuses to Take Part in Recession.”
Likewise for businesses, it is a new day as well. Successful companies across America are reaching out for an extra piece of the market and if they are wise, they are paying close attention to the needs of their current customers. The easiest revenue to get is the repeat business you have come to enjoy for years, and are counting on for years to come. In this new day, even old, good customers are most likely taking a second look at their expenses and where to trim them. Take some steps to enhance your business. It is being done all over the mountain and it is encouraging to see local businesses banding together and so many individual businesses working hard to attract more customers and provide even better customer service.
Share Mountain Valley Living with your friends:
By, Sara Conklin
I have included a photo of a walking cane belonging to my grandfather. Inscribed on handle”Robert McCulloch 1845-1895. Thank You, James
 “Robert McCulloch 1845-1895.”
Walking sticks are one of a few items of personal adornment allowed to men. Your stick has a wonderful decorative engraved and cast knob that may or may not be gold. This is the first bit of information to pin down. Most jewelers have the ability to test the karat content or purity of gold. The higher the karat the better. Actually if the content is really high the gold is so soft that it will deform. 1st job, find out what the top is made of and, if gold, the karat rating. 2nd job, since the cane top is engraved with “Robert Mc Cullouch 1845-1895,” is to determine how widely famous or not our Mr. Mc Cullouch was. If he was the Captain of the TITANIC or an ex-president – game over and you won. If not, perhaps he was regionally famous or just your grandfather. Items do better on the market the more famous the person that owned them. This concept is tied in with the term “provenance” which, in a museum and appraisal context, refers to the history of or chain of ownership of an artifact. 3rd job is to look at recent auction sales of similar canes. I will make the assumption that Mr. Mc Cullouch is not famous and it is 14 karat. I mention the auction market since I assume you might want to sell it and that you aren’t an antique dealer. You, as a private citizen not in business as a dealer, have access to the auction market. In March of this year a gold handled cane and an ivory tipped riding crop sold for $200. Since you have only a cane and the handle is smaller than the one sold, maybe your cane is in the $125 range. In December 2008 a famous beer baron’s 14K gold cane with a huge knob sold for $720. This is not comparable to yours. This is not an official appraisal but a report of recent market research. Sara Conklin, ISA CAPP
Lot 497 : Gold Handled Cane & Ivory Tipped Crop, Gold Handled Cane & Ivory Tipped Crop, ebony shafts for both, the cane being 31.5″ LOA, topped by heavy gold handle engraved with three monograms; the riding crop, 27.75″ LOA, is spiraled and topped by carved ivory terminating in a dog’s head. Estimate : $100 – $200 Realized : $200
Share Mountain Valley Living with your friends:
By Joyce Ruschhaupt
Everyone has become more concerned about their credit scores these days, especially when a better score can result in lower credit interest rates and payments saving thousands of dollars from interest. With this in mind, many consumers are paying more attention to their credit and, unfortunately, in the process of trying to make it better, they are harming their credit score.
Take a friend we will call “Rachel.” Rachel was reviewing her credit and decided to close her eight-year-old VISA credit card with a credit line of $18,000. She didn’t use the card but once or twice a month and had two other major bank cards that provided “rewards points.” So to keep her credit record “clean” she decided to cancel the card. The next month she found out that this one decision cost her 87 points on her credit score, dropping it from 752 to 665.
This story happens way too often and is typical for how most people manage their credit by trial and error. Over a lifetime, many people eventually build up some decent credit; however, that same level of credit could have been achieved so much earlier in life with guidance and help.
A consumer credit score is made up of five key components:
Payment History – 35% Types of accounts (credit card, mortgage, etc.), accounts paid as agreed , number of past due accounts, etc.
Amounts Owed – 30% Balances of current loans, debt-to-credit ratio, proportion of installments still owed, etc.
Length of Credit History – 15% Time since accounts opened, last activity, etc.
New Credit – 10% Recent inquiries, new accounts, etc.
Types of Credit Used – 10% Mortgages, credit, retail, etc.
In Rachel’s case, the major bank credit card she canceled was paid on time every month for eight years. She didn’t use credit a lot, and this particular credit card represented the best contribution to the amounts owed and length of credit history category. Although Rachel had two other major bank credit cards that offered rewards points, they were only months old and had only been used intermittently, giving them much less value on her credit score. Next to her mortgage loan, the eight-year-old VISA credit card was her strongest piece of credit. Consequently, the other newer cards also had higher interest rates and yearly fees than her VISA card.
Contrary to popular belief, credit scores do not penalize you for having too much available credit. With this in mind, it’s better to preserve your credit score with 15 years of established credit history and old accounts in good standing than to have fewer and newer open accounts. Major bank credit cards have more impact on your credit than, say, a department store card.
Closing a credit card can greatly affect your credit scores; however, sometimes you may have no choice. Credit cards that are unused or rarely used can have their credit line reduced or may even be closed without your approval by the credit card company. This can affect your credit score just as much as canceling the card yourself.
Submitted by: Joyce Ruschhaupt, Broker Associate – Prudential Lake Almanor
President Elect- Plumas Assoc. of Realtors
Voting Director – California Assoc. of Realtors
Share Mountain Valley Living with your friends:
 
Dear Sara,
I have two framed prints by P.J. Redoute.The first is entitled “Rosa centifolia folicea”.The second is “Rosa Indica vulgaris”.The second print has a trade mark sticker on the back which states, “Made in England, Normill, Serial N0. 1879″. I would appreciate your opinion of value.Can I retire early? Thank you for your expertise.
Nora
Nora Bishop, Realtor
DRE # 01266207
C-21 Cottage Realty
530.257.6994
530.257.7884 (fax)
E-mail: jnbishop@frontiernet.net
Web Site: C21CottageRealty.com
Cell: 530.310.9724
Pierre Joseph Redouté
[Luxembourgeois-born French Painter, 1759-1840]
Lithography is a process where actual paint is put on the surface of a piece of paper. There are too many techniques to discuss here, but it is real paint. This is a more valuable process for prints than modern photomechanical prints where the process is like a mass-produced photograph. Most cheap posters are made this way. The longer it takes and the more artistic skill needed to make a print, the more valuable the art. The way to tell the difference between real lithographs and photos of lithographs is to look carefully at the picture part of the print with a 10-power magnifying glass. If you see a bunch of little dots, you have a photograph of artwork, not the artwork itself. Take the same magnifying glass to a photo in this magazine and you can see the dots clearly. So, Mz. Nora, retirement may be possible if you have an original print from say Chagall, P.J. Redoute, not so much. I checked Ebay, the place where decorative items like this sell frequently. Out of the 18 items on Ebay, none sold yet and they are listed at the “Buy this now” price from $9.99 to $24.99. Some are listed as “vintage” and some note they are from 1990. My guess is that the later ones are photomechanical prints but not noted as such. Since the people listing the prints probably know less than you know now, you can see Ebay’s limitations. Since Mr. Redoute died in 1840, I read the notation of “ serial no. 1879” as just that, an inventory number, not any indication of age. If you want to see some real artwork by Redoute, there are five works reportedly in the collection of the Fine Arts Museums in San Francisco.
Condition of prints is critical. I can’t tell from your photos but any stains, small dark spots called “foxing” and fading are common problems with prints that bring the price down. Typically prints have window mats that separate the print from the glass. Prints were matted – in the goode olde days – with acidic mats. Look at where the mat is cut and, if it is brown it was made from wood pulp paper and is killing your print. The wood fibers in the paper leech acid and it migrates from the window mat into your print thus giving it a brown stain all around the edge of the mat. If the cut edge of a window mat is pure white, it is acid free and is just “loving up” your print. Sorry if this is just way too much information.
For those of you who have had Art 101, yes I know about giclée prints but “we” aren’t ready for a discussion of this process yet. All the best, Sara Conklin, ISA CAPP Antique Appraisals.
Share Mountain Valley Living with your friends:
Investing Lessons from the Vineyards
As an investor, you want to cultivate a solid portfolio. So follow these lessons from a group proficient in cultivation — winemakers.
First, be patient. Winemakers put a lot of time and effort into planting today’s grapes — and they have the discipline to wait until they can reap the rewards.
Next, have faith in your strategy. Wine drinkers’ tastes can change frequently. Yet, winemakers don’t rip out all their vineyards and replant them with today’s “hot” varietal. As an investor, don’t be swayed by today’s hot tips.
Finally, adapt your goals to your situation. Winemakers plant the right grapes for the appropriate soil and climate. And you need to make your investment decisions based on your own “microclimate,” such as your risk tolerance, family situation and time horizon.
By observing how winemakers work, you may learn some things that may eventually help you raise a glass to your own success.
|
Edward Jones
35 N Gay St
Susanville, CA 96130
(530) 257-2777
Share Mountain Valley Living with your friends:
Choose Mutual Funds Carefully to Help Diversify Portfolio -By Carla Parsons/Edward Jones- June 2009
 Choose Mutual Funds Carefully to Help Diversify Portfolio
If you’re somewhat familiar with investing, you probably have heard that owning mutual funds is a good way to help diversify your portfolio. Is this true? And, if so, how should you go about selecting the right mutual funds?
To begin with, let’s quickly review the importance of diversification. By owning a variety of investments— such as stocks, bonds and government securities — you can help reduce the effects of volatility on your portfolio. And while diversification by itself cannot guarantee profits nor protect against a loss, a diversified portfolio can help you reduce the impact of market downturns that may hit one asset class particularly hard.
Because an individual mutual fund invests in many different securities, it automatically brings a certain degree of diversification to your portfolio. And yet, you can’t just purchase any combination of mutual funds and expect good results. Consider this: There are more than 8,000 mutual funds in the financial marketplace, according to the Investment Company Institute, the trade group for the mutual fund industry. About 60 percent of these funds are stock funds, with the rest being “hybrid” or “balanced” funds (which invest in a mix of stocks and bonds), taxable bond funds, municipal bond funds, and money market funds. With such a large number of funds available, and with a finite amount of stocks, bonds and other securities in which these funds can invest, it’s easy to see that there is going to be considerable duplication among many of these mutual funds — and duplication is the opposite of diversification. Consequently, when you invest in mutual funds, you can’t just adopt a philosophy that can be boiled down to “the more, the merrier.”
Furthermore, it isn’t just a matter of one “large-cap growth” fund looking like another. You might find that the large-cap fund (a fund that invests in stocks of large companies) is also quite similar to a “technology” fund.
So, what’s the solution to avoiding “overlapping” funds? There’s no magic formula — you have to do your homework. Before purchasing a new fund, look closely at its holdings, which will be posted on the fund’s prospectus. (Also, while you’re looking at the prospectus, make sure you understand the fund’s investment objective, risk, charges and expenses.) Then compare these holdings to the ones listed on your existing mutual funds — if you see too many redundancies, you may want to take a pass on this particular fund.
Ultimately, your first step in diversifying a mutual fund portfolio is to identify your individual risk tolerance and investment objectives. Are you a conservative, moderate or aggressive investor? Do you need growth, income or a combination of both? Once you’ve answered these questions, you can then begin selecting the right mix of mutual funds to help you achieve your financial goals. Of course, with all the variables involved, both in your personal situation and in the funds themselves, you may want to enlist the help of a professional financial advisor — someone with the experience to help you choose those funds that are right for you.
Many people have successfully incorporated mutual funds into their investment strategy — and with the proper effort and assistance, you can too.
Mutual funds are offered and sold by prospectus. You should consider the investment objective, risks, and charges and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other information. Your Edward Jones financial advisor can provide a prospectus, which should be read carefully before investing.This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
Short /Radio version:
As an investor, you need to diversify your holdings. While diversification, by itself, cannot guarantee profits or protect against a loss, a diversified array of stocks, bonds and other securities can help reduce the effects of volatility on your portfolio.
You can help yourself diversify by owning a mutual fund, which invests in many different securities. And yet, you can’t just purchase any bunch of mutual funds and expect to maximize your diversification. With thousands of mutual funds available, you’ll find considerable duplication— and duplication is the opposite of diversification.
Before buying a new fund, look closely at its holdings, which will appear on the fund’s prospectus. Then compare these holdings to the ones listed on your existing mutual funds. If you see too many redundancies, you may want to look elsewhere. Also, examine the prospectus to learn the fund’s investment objective, risk, charges and expenses.
Carla Parsons
Edward Jones
Member SIPC
Mutual funds are offered and sold by prospectus. You should consider the investment objective, risks, and charges and expenses carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other information. Your Edward Jones financial advisor can provide a prospectus, which should be read carefully before investing.
|
35 N Gay St
Susanville, CA 96130
(530) 257-2777
Share Mountain Valley Living with your friends:
It would be nice if the recession ended today. But you don’t have to wait for things to turn around before taking steps to help your own financial future.
Here are some actions to consider:
First, keep investing in your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan. The tax advantages and range of investment options available in these plans make them ideal savings vehicles for retirement.
Second, think long term. Quality investments need time to grow. So while it can be painful to endure losses, you need to develop the discipline to hold your investments for many years.
Finally, instead of avoiding the financial markets, look for good investment opportunities. They may well be out there.
History tells us that the recession won’t last forever. When it ends, you’ll want your investment portfolio to be positioned to take advantage of new opportunities.
Carla Parsons
Financial Advisor
EDWARD JONES
35 N. Gay St.
Susancille
(530) 257-2777 or
Toll Free (877) 248-2777
Member SIPC
Share Mountain Valley Living with your friends:
Reduce Your Debt–Develop a Get Out of Debt Plan
Put Your Plan Into Action
After assessing how much money you owe, you may learn that you’re carrying too much consumer debt. Don’t let this realization overwhelm and paralyze you. By combining financial planning with debt management techniques you can reduce your debt with the following tactics:
* Create a get-out-of-debt plan. Although every creditor must receive a payment each month, put any extra cash toward the debt with the highest interest rate.
* Cut expenses. Try to identify a few things you could stop buying or buy less often.
* Assess your ability to pay bills as you develop your get-out-of-debt plan and then take the appropriate action. For example, if you bought a car and are having trouble making the payments, it may be better to sell the car and pay off the loan rather than let the creditor repossess the car. Repossession will hurt your credit record.
* Try to increase income. Is it possible to get a second job or get paid overtime and use the money to reduce debt? If you have family responsibilities, first consider what effect your absence could have on the well-being of your family. It’s important to balance your get-out-of-debt plan with the need to spend time with your family.
* When one debt is paid off, keep paying the same amount – just put it toward another remaining debt.
* Consolidate loans to make your financial planning with debt management solutions reachable. Shift higher-interest loans to a single lower-rate loan and stop running up new charges. If you choose to use a credit consolidation service, make sure the company is reputable. Check to see how they are rated with the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org)
* Keep only one or two major credit cards. Cut up the other cards and call the credit card companies to cancel the accounts. Keep the remaining one or two credit cards at home (as long as they won’t be used by anyone else). Consider having the credit limits lowered.
* Make your get-out-of-debt plan more effective by stopping most credit card offers from arriving in your mail: Call 1-888-5OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688, www.optoutprescreen.com).
Share Mountain Valley Living with your friends:
 Photos by Larry Richardson In todays uncertain economic times, many are faced with uncommon problems. As unemployment soars and nest eggs shrivel, panic has risen among some. It is hard to relax when even the best laid plans are dissolving before the eyes of millions of hard working Americans. America, land of the free, home of the brave, known as the land of opportunity, now sending record numbers to unemployment lines, on whom shall we rely? With many Americans currently seeking out new sources of fulfillment, is there a symbol of hope in our midst?
A reminder came along when I was contacted by an old friend Larry Richardson who shared with me these pictures he had captured and the story that preceded it. He too was among the unemployed and in search of the next opportunity for a carpenter such as himself.
Larry is not your average guy and he and his wife Pedie are no strangers to loss and hard times. They are an ongoing part of a huge struggle with a life threatening condition which plagues their small daughter Hannah. After having lost their teenage son Daniel in a tragic accident, and in being faced with the challenges in their family today, they are often enlightened by Mitchell, their oldest child who is developmentally disabled. This amazing family often takes time out to help the people who surround their lives. Pedie’s work helps teens and young families in need while Larry continues to show up with tools in hand to help out at other homes in the community which are going through crisis, and all this done without hesitation, so humbly, one has to wonder just what it is that moves them.
Larry was excited when he dropped by because he wanted to share his photos. He told us he had stopped at Stump Beach on the east shore of Lake Almanor to clear his mind and pray for answers to the crisis before him, needing work. It soon seemed someone already had it figured out, Larry told us, as the following scene unfolded before his eyes:
An eagle flew down hungry, A duck paddled by.
He dove as deep as he could when the eagle swooped by,
Unable to escape, under wings he flew. The survivor, the eagle, had captured his prey, A struggle at first, his strength renewed, while instinct kicked in, unweary, he soared.
I wondered about this message from God, to the faithful servant who’d call on the Lord, who would serve Him in spite of all he’d been through, who would offer his faith for the answers he sought, and give Him the glory when answers were brought.
So I looked into the source of this family’s inspiration, the Bible, where I found this:
Share Mountain Valley Living with your friends:
FEDERAL LAW ALLOWS FREE CREDIT REPORTS
Get a free copy of your credit reports. These reports are prepared by companies called credit bureaus. They summarize your history of paying loans, credit cards and other bills. If you apply for a loan, insurance or a job, or you want to rent an apartment, chances are your credit report will be reviewed.
One reason you should be monitoring your credit reports is to correct errors or omissions that can leave bad marks on your credit history. Inaccuracies in your credit report can needlessly reduce your “credit score” and, in turn, may cost you hundreds of dollars each year due to higher interest rates on a loan or credit card. Another reason to review your credit reports is to protect against identity theft (see: Protect against fraud).
Under federal law, you are entitled to one free credit report every year from each of the nation’s three major credit bureaus. To order your free reports or for more information, go to www.AnnualCreditReport.com or call toll-free 1-877-322-8228.FEDERAL LAW ALLOWS FREE CREDIT REPORTS
Get a free copy of your credit reports. These reports are prepared by companies called credit bureaus. They summarize your history of paying loans, credit cards and other bills. If you apply for a loan, insurance or a job, or you want to rent an apartment, chances are your credit report will be reviewed.
One reason you should be monitoring your credit reports is to correct errors or omissions that can leave bad marks on your credit history. Inaccuracies in your credit report can needlessly reduce your “credit score” and, in turn, may cost you hundreds of dollars each year due to higher interest rates on a loan or credit card. Another reason to review your credit reports is to protect against identity theft (see: Protect against fraud).
Under federal law, you are entitled to one free credit report every year from each of the nation’s three major credit bureaus. To order your free reports or for more information, go to www.AnnualCreditReport.com or call toll-free 1-877-322-8228.
Share Mountain Valley Living with your friends:
Better Business….
By Eileen Majors
Okay, who’s supposed to be reading this column anyway? Is it the consumer who wants the most from where he or she sends their business, or is it the business person who wants desperately to attract more local customers into their establishments? I hope both will take notice.
It is no secret that nationwide business trends are sending consumers to giant ‘box stores’ or warehouses where claims of lower prices are promised, often in exchange for waiting in long lines, carrying your own heavy items and paying membership fees. Hmmm.. Just think about it. Membership in what? Isn’t our real membership preference our membership in the hometown community we live in… where kids’ sports, local events, and knowing your community members personally makes the difference? If so, then it is important to invest in that community.
While it seems most everyone shops out of their area now and then, I hope you will remember a few things I have found to be true:
1. It is likely that local businesses contribute to all the worthwhile causes and fun events in your community.
2. The sales tax you pay in your own county helps your local area too.
3. In the smaller mom and pop establishments, it is unusual to wait in long lines or have no offer of help out to your car with heavy items.
4. Superior customer service, often including gift wrap, is readily available in many local stores.
5. Shopping local saves money in many ways. Because I get to travel Northeastern California so much, I can tell you that the small businesses also have some of the best buys around and often carry better and more unique items as well as better items specific to your area, like snow boots. Gas prices, lodging and meals are also costly companions to shopping out of town.
If you are one of those retail businesses who can’t believe the locals have not noticed all the great things you have to offer, then I hope you’ll get busy! Dust off those shelves. Cleaning and arranging are vital components in the success of moving retail items. Put some of your most attractive offerings right up front, arranged artistically with other items that compliment the display. Try placing that near another display of more items which may even go with the first arrangement. What about the front of your store? Go outside and take another look. Is it inviting and professional looking? Is it obvious that you are open and can you tell from the outside what you offer at all? Many adjustments will be obvious when you take another look, as if from the eyes of a potential new consumer.
What are some of the best things about your store? Make them obvious. Do you offer gift wrap? If so, then make sure potential buyers know that when they walk in the door, and in your advertising. Is it personal service? Excellent customer service is something people do take notice of and are willing to change their buying decisions for.
If we all work together (local consumers making more of an effort to see what’s available locally, and local businesses making sure potential buyers can easily see the value of shopping locally in their establishments), we can help ensure the availability of items we need in the area we live in and help preserve the small town ways of business we are lucky enough to enjoy.
Share Mountain Valley Living with your friends:
When the stock market goes through volatile times, many investors rediscover bonds. They think that since bonds are fixed-income investments, they must be more stable and predictable than stocks.
Are bonds really that solid and stable? Yes and no.
With bonds, you receive regular interest payments based on the promised interest rate. As long as the bond issuer doesn’t default, you will get your principal back upon the bond’s maturity. So you must be sure a bond’s maturity matches your needs.
If you think you will need proceeds from a bond in five years to help pay for a child’s college education, you won’t want to buy a ten year bond. In five years, interest rates could have risen higher than what your ten year bond is paying. So if you want to sell it, you will have to offer it at a discount.
Therefore, pay close attention to a bond’s maturity date. It’s the number in determining your principal’s safety.
Share Mountain Valley Living with your friends:
|
|
